Black or Clear, which color Mask skirt is better and why?

[art.chick]

Color is not the only difference in mask skirts; there is also flexibility. We have had students with unusual facial features (very multiethnic area) & they have an awful time finding a perfect FIT, so flexibility can compensate nicely. My Seavision (coincidentally black) has helped many who can't get a good seal otherwise (and the frame looks identical to some other models).

 

[Guam_Diver]

Definately (IMO) black skirt is better. Less distractions from the side and all that. I used my wife's clear silicone mask one time to try it out & went right back to my black skirt!

 

[happybuddha]

Hey no body mentioned a black skirt makes it harder to see that lovely fungal growth that builds up if you are a working DM/Inst. You don't turn the customers stomachs as much with a black skirt.

Before I experimented with a black skirt a few years ago I didn't think I would like it, but now I would not go back to a clear skirt for all the reasons listed in the previous posts.

Also I have read, although I never tested this, that since a black skirt lets in less ambient light your pupils dilate more so you can see better in low light situations like overhead environments.

BTW I'm so cool I have a black mask and green fins. The fish don't seem to mind at all!

 

[madmole]

Must be nice to dive where too much sunlight is a problem.

Here in the murk of England most folks go clear skirt as its less claustraphobic. It makes you feel like there is some sun even when the vis is 5 inches. Also you do accasionally see your partners torch or emergency strobe through the skirt

I learnt 25 years ago using black rubber single circular glass masks with nose clips. My first low volume silicon clear mask was a revelation.

I've been diving with Tusa Liberators for the last 10 years. very comfortable, very low volume (important with a rebreather) and bombproof. My original has turned a nicotine brown (but still see through) after contact with my rubnber snorkel over 15 years

Seems to me Black is good in bright conditions and clear in low light.