Goggles - Single Lens vs. Dual Lens

[n733lk]

Just curious if there are any recommendations for one style of Goggle over another? My LDS has a nice Single Lens with Side Windows; why aren't there more of these? Out of the 25 or so styles they carry, only 1 has the large single lens with nice big side windows.

Can anybody shed some light on this?

Thanks.

 

[DevonDiver]

Most divers refer to them as masks. The differentiation between a mask and a google is that a mask has an enclosed nose pocket (suitable for scuba for equalization purposes) wheras googles (i.e. 'swimming googles') do not have a nose pocket.

I don't know of any real advantages of a single window over dual window masks.

Most divers tend to pic their mask on the following criteria:

1. Fit (mask is comfortable and does not leak).

2. Field of vision (mask allows better vertical and/or horizontal viewing). Many divers prefer a mask that offers a better 'downwards' field of vision (i.e. the Cressi Big Eyes or Matrix), as this allows the torso to be seen (good for viewing spg, adjusting kit etc).

3. Volume. Masks with smaller airspace/volume are prefered. These are easier to clear of water.

I personally don't like side windows. They don't offer much 'functional' increase in situational awareness... and as a photographer, I find that the ambient light entering from the sides is a distration. (the same reason why some divers also dislike transparent mask skirts - and more often opt for a black silicon skirt).

To answer your question directly: they probably don't have more selection of these types of masks because they are not as popular with divers...and therefore, the lack of demand dictates that they are not worth carrying in stock.

 

[rye_a]

I base my mask selection on the following three criteria:

1. Fit
2. Fit
3. Fit

 

[AbyssalPlains]

The reason most dive masks don't have side windows is simple: They provide a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. From my experience, it is almost exclusively new divers who choose the side window masks, because they lessen the feeling often described as "claustrophobic."

Contrary to what you may think or what the LDS is telling you, the side windows DO NOT enhance your field of view. Unless you're a chameleon, of course. In that case, they're swell.


Once you have started diving more, you will find the side windows have no advantages, only disadvantages, such as:

They don't really help against that "claustrophobia feeling," (if it's even there). It is entirely natural and will go away after a few dives. But the only thing that'll make it go away is diving and getting used to being underwater, not side windows;

They increase the mask's volume, making it harder to clear;

The windows add another potential leak point to the mask;

They scatter sun light, making it difficult to read gauges or a camera display. You will never see a photographer using a side window mask. Photographers who know what they're doing use black skirt masks for that reason.

And lastly, - and that is only my very personal opinion - they make you look like a noob.

 

[n733lk]

Mask - Mask - Mask! Did I say Goggles? Damn! 

Thanks for the "frank" feedback everyone.

 

[Ste Wart]

Mask - Mask - Mask! Did I say Goggles? Damn! 

Thanks for the "frank" feedback everyone.

Damn. And I was just going to give you props for saying 'goggles'

 

[n733lk]

Wart,

Do you know Morag Ward?

 

[Ste Wart]

Doesn't ring a bell, should I?

 

[WetBoy101]

I base my mask selection on the following three criteria:

1. Fit
2. Fit
3. Fit

I like it.
I like it.
I like it...


What part of CO are you in?

 

[Garrobo]

Kind of hard to get correct vision from a single mask when you need prescription lenses and you have an astigmatism in the left eye and not in the right.