Clear Mask Skirt Glare

[PrISM]

I'm getting set to pick up my first mask and I was wondering about glare with the clear skirts. Is it really that big of a problem to consider getting a black skirt? Also, does the clear skirt provide any additional field of vision?

 

[RJP]

I'm getting set to pick up my first mask and I was wondering about glare with the clear skirts. Is it really that big of a problem to consider getting a black skirt? Also, does the clear skirt provide any additional field of vision?

Clear skirt doesn't provide any extra field of vision. It does allow for some perception of motion/light off to the sides but you really can't "see" anything. I find it distracting. Most photographers prefer black skirt masks to eliminate glare and distraction.

Get a good, low-volume mask in black and you'll be fine. Personally I use and recommend the Atomic Frameless. Widest field of vision of any standard mask.

You can read my mini-review of this mask here:

Atomic Aquatics Frameless Mask at www.DiveSeekers.com

 

[jbubbles]

you will have better vision and a nicer looking mask over time with black skirts...

 

[fisheater]

Classic black skirt is the way to go. It'll never go out of style and not change colors into some sort of urine-yellow, as the clear ones will.

 

[David Wilson]

In addition to the ugly yellowing, I've also read that clear mask skirts are guaranteed to provide everybody in the immediate vicinity with a spectacular view of nasal mucus collecting in the wearer's nose pocket.

Just for the record, mask skirts don't only come in clear and black nowadays. At least a dozen traditional oval dive masks still in production around the world have blue skirts, for example the Mexican-made Escualo Cancun:

Visores

 

[dkktsunami]

Black, low volume, and simple. You will find that not only are these better they tend to be less expensive. Dive Rite makes a good mask.

 

[WVDiver]

If you have a problem with glare then black is the way to go. Many people who have claustrophobia problems say that the clear skirt helps them feel a little better than black skirts. Personally I hate the glare so I wear black.

 

[shoturtle]

Black skirt is nice if you plan to take uw photo. I helps with framing the shot.

 

[fisheater]

Plus, in low light situations black skirts ensure that all of the light entering the mask is available for seeing, no extraneous brightness from the sides to cause your pupils to contract.
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[Chugwhump]

Black if at all possible.

So many good reasons, all you need to know is that almost everyone pretty much ends up with a black skirt mask if you remain a diver.

Chug