Favorite Mask

[ReelDuel]

If you could have any mask, snorkel and fins which one would you pick?? I am trying to decide on which to get for the wife and I for our OW certification trip to Belize. She is leaning towards the Hydro optics 5X, for mr I dont have a clue but saw one Scubapro Crystal VU Single Lens Mask with Purge. What do ya think??

 

[RJP]

What do ya think??

I think you couldn't have selected two better masks to stay away from.

Hydroptix for a beginner? Pass on that, until you find out if it solves a problem your wife really has. I'll bet it doesn't.

Mask with a purge "built into the skirt"? Pass on that as well. No need for a purge on a scuba mask, unless you want a potential failure/leak point.

Look for something that is low volume, with a comfortable skirt, that fits you well. That last part being the most important. Do not buy anything without trying it on.

 

[rrjc5488]

I've been ranting and raving about the Mares liquidskin. Its the most comfortable mask I've ever worn, always creates a seal (which means I got lucky with my face shape and this particular mask), and never leaves lines.

As for snorkels, meh... IMO they're all the same. Just get a basic one.

I dive with the mares volo power fins and love them. I've also tried split-fins and like them, too, but I dont think I want a pair to dive regularly because I feel they're too easy to kick. Odd.

Like RJP said, go to a good LDS and try stuff on. Fit is whats most important and you can only do that by trying it on.

 

[RJP]

Look for something that is low volume, with a comfortable skirt, that fits you well. That last part being the most important. Do not buy anything without trying it on.

Note that low volume typically means a few things:

- easier to clear, since it holds less water and requires less air to displace that water

- greater field of view since the lens is closer to your eyes, so less of the frame is in your field of vision.

PS - I can wholeheartedly recommend the Atomic Frameless, which meets all those criteria for me. Note it comes in two sizes, so if you try one on and it doesn't fit ask to try the other size.

 

[wjknobles]

i second RJP .. the Atomic Frameless is solid ... personally I dive the Atomic Sub-Frame, but that is just because it fits my face better

 

[Aspendiver]

I like frameless, too, but I just got a Cressi Big Eyes than I'm anxious to try.

 

[AJB]

I use an Aqua Lung Mythos, and I can't rave about it enough. It is easy to clear and very comfortable. As for snorkels, I don't like them, so I recommend a basic cheap model. I use the old-style Scubapro Seawings, but I am hoping for the OMS Slipstreams for Christmas! You will read posts often that recommend trying before buying, and I agree wholeheartedly. If your LDS will allow you to try various products in the pool, go for it before you buy.

 

[jaybombs25]

tusa powerview m-24 fairly big mask in terms of field of vision. VERY VERY VERY comfortable low volume. IMHO stay away from purge masks. Almost useless, after OW you should have mastered mask clearing.

 

[under water]

Oceanic Shadow.. get 2 of them.

 

[driftwood]

If you could have any mask, snorkel and fins which one would you pick?? I am trying to decide on which to get for the wife and I for our OW certification trip to Belize. She is leaning towards the Hydro optics 5X, for mr I dont have a clue but saw one Scubapro Crystal VU Single Lens Mask with Purge. What do ya think??

The mask for you is the one whose skirt fits your face the best. Unless you have a real need for a purge valve, don't get one.

The manager of my LDS said that the Hydro Optics mask was the best in the world for the 3% of people that could wear it. My eyes are bad enough to wear it, but the skirt is a bad fit for my face. Otherwise, the mask performs as advertised. Excellent range of vision and I swear that I can see further with the Hydro Opitics mask.

I wear the Scubapro Crystal Vu and have not found a mask that fits me better.

You need to think about the basics. First, the mask is your most important piece of gear, if you can't see underwater there's not much point to the sport. Second, if your mask leaks excessively, you will not enjoy the dive. Those are the two basic rules for masks. There is no one on this board who can tell you which mask is right for you or your wife because it is all about the way the skirt fits your face. The first thing that I would do in your case is to visit a dive shop (or several) and learn for yourself how to fit a mask to an individual person. It's simple and if the shop doesn't want to take the time, try another dive shop. Buy the mask that fits you face the best regardless of the color, the shape of the lens, one lens, two or twenty lens'!

I would strongly advise you to get your basic snorkel package BEFORE you head for Belize. Masks, boots, and fins are some of the things that you HAVE to try on before you buy them. Shopping online for these is a mistake (unless you are a real slug and try them on locally then buy them online).

Enjoy Belize and good luck with your OW!