New Mask Recommendations?

[michael-fisch]

Never needed to burn the glass on a mask, but after I try a new mask on my face, the next step is to put it in the dishwasher on a pot cleaning program.
After that, before each dive it gets a wipe with my own spit, and works fine.

As far as the mask goes; I like 2 glasses, minimal volume, and a black silicon skirt (No dummy! not what you're thinking - on the mask!)

Michael

 

[michael-fisch]

Mirrored lenses are only usefull if you're trying to play California Highway Patrol underwater, otherwise it has the disadvantage of keeping your buddy from seeing your stress/comfort level underwater. I have one and don't ever use it.

Michael

 

[taimen]

A well fitting mask won't leak at all. On most dive you shoudn't need to clear mask at all unless something unusual happens. So keep looking if needed.
All masks sold by reputable diveshops are good enough quality wise.

 

[Damselfish]

Fit, low volume, tempered glass. Higher quality softer silicone may cost more and be worth the price.

My buddy wears mirrored sunglasses and I hate them. If he bought a mirrored mask I think it would accidentally fall overboard. Your means of communication are limited underwater, I can’t see giving up another.

Some people swear by black skirts, some swear by clear, neither is the only way.

Try with at least a snorkel in your mouth as it changes the shape of your face.

Newish divers often think purge valves are a good idea but they usually aren’t - I’d avoid unless you find you have a very specific reason to need one. You probably don’t. You can read lots about the pros and cons if you search on that.

Sometimes big box snorkeling sets have acceptable masks, but if they’re in a sealed package a bit hard to try on. (The fins OTOH won’t have enough power for scuba beyond maybe the pool.)

I’ve never needed to burn a mask.

I like my liquidvision but what will fit you, you just have to figure out by trying a bunch on.

 

[scrane]

Low volume. Wide field of view. I have been very happy with my Atomic Frameless, but if I needed a new mask I'd try the similar but much cheaper DGX Ultra View.
DGX Ultra View Frameless Mask

 

[Bubbles McGee]

I’m on my third mask and happy so far. Hollis M1 frameless. Low volume, easy to clear but most importantly, it fits my face and doesn’t leak.

 

[207diver]

Tusa masks have a great skirt that seem to fit a lot of different shaped faces. But as already stated find one that fits and you will never have to think about it again.

 

[IncreaseMyT]

Never needed to burn the glass on a mask, but after I try a new mask on my face, the next step is to put it in the dishwasher on a pot cleaning program.
After that, before each dive it gets a wipe with my own spit, and works fine.

As far as the mask goes; I like 2 glasses, minimal volume, and a black silicon skirt (No dummy! not what you're thinking - on the mask!)

Michael

Ive never once got a mask to stop fogging without burning it.

 

[michael-fisch]

Ive never once got a mask to stop fogging without burning it.

Can't explain why my dishwasher works every time I buy a new mask, but I use a potwashing program at @ 190°F, a top quality detergent tab, and my washing program runs slightly over 120minutes.

Cleaning the inside glasses with a hard toothbrush and Ultrabright toothpaste for 10-15 minutes also worked well, before I learned the dishwasher trick. Filling the mask with coke overnight in my hotelroom worked pretty good too, back when I bought a mirrored mask on vacation.

Michael

 

[broncobowsher]

Fit trumps features.
Recently got an Atomic that has a really conforming skirt.
One thing to try while trying a mask, move your mouth around, smile. If you have a spare mouthpiece, stick it in your mouth when you try the mask on. Your snorkel will also work. It can change the shape of your face and open up the skirt making the mask a leaker.

Field of view is huge on my priority list. When comparing masks stand the exact same distance from the wall, don't move your head, look side to side, up and down. Note the edge of what you can see. Change mask and check if you can see more or less. Out of the wall of masks at a typical dive store, I might start with 2 or 3 that pass the fit test.

After diving with a black skirt, I tried diving a clear skirt. I broke my good mask and was trying to get another good mask. Borrowed one (fit was nice) but the glare was horrible. Yes, more light gets in. But it isn't the light you want.