Are mask leaks normal

[scubafanatic]

Scuba masks aren't supposed to leak, mine don't leak a drop, nor do I have to position the mask any particular/special way, I just put it on and go diving! Fitting a mask for someone over the internet is difficult, you need to put yourself in a position to try lots of masks (borrow/rent from dive shops/friends). My Atomic Aquatics frameless (black) mask has worked fine for any diver I've ever loaned it to, so that's as good a recommendation as I have for you at this point. You might shop for a mask with a VERY soft silicone skirt (Mares Liquidskin or Apollo Bio Metal PRO Mask) Among my mask 'collection' I've got one of the Apollo Bio Metal PRO masks ( $ 225 @ Leisure Pro ) The soft silicone is comfortable and is pliable enough to fit those more difficult faces. I'm presently diving the Atomic Aquatics frameless / Apollo Bio Metal--$ 105 / Apollo Bio Metal PRO-- $ 225.

 

[vladimir]

I must have the same face as the mannequin they use for a mold, because all my masks have been leak-free. Of course, they occasionally leak, if the strap is misplaced or twisted, for example, but generally they don't. I find a neoprene slap-strap makes correct donning easier.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Diving simply isn't fun if your mask doesn't fit.

But I thought the Q was about leaking?

I wish someone would use my face as template for a mask skirt mold; I have never found a mask that does not leak.

Of course I have so much fun diving that my smile/laugh lines are most likely going to leak except with a full face mask.

 

[Cixelsyd]

Could be a hood or snorkel issue. Ran into this the first time a few weeks ago diving in OBX. I use an Atomic subframe mask and have never had a leak, but for some reason, the left side kept leaking on this dive, forcing me to clear it every minute or so. Really annoying. I thought it was my hood, since I had never worn one before. I tried to feel and it felt clear and had my buddy look, but they couldn't find any issue that could be causing it either. On the second dive, I managed to fix the issue. Best I could figure is that the hood changed the shape of my face enough that the snorkel pulling on the left side caused a small leak. I left the snorkel off for the second dive and the issue was magically fixed. No leaks for the entire dive.