HELP with Mask

[The Mighty Thor]

I bought the Atomic Subframe and just used it for the first time. Liked the mask but it leaks a little. During the dive I can hear a constant stream of bubles coming out of the mask. I've had this happen before, and out of all the masks I've used, this one leaks the least. They tell me I have a narrow face. Any suggestions for a better fitting mask. (I prefer that it comes in black silicone. )

 

[vablackwater]

the oceanic shadow mini may work for a narrow face. if you have a local dive shop, anyone there may be able to help you try a few on and see how it fits for you. i think oceanic has a 30 day no question asked return policy if you find it does not fit well (if you go through an authorized dealer).

 

[REII]

What is the shape of your face? Large or small etc...

Go to a shop that has a large selection like World Water Sports and try on lots of different masks. I have a large round race and I have a hard time finding a good fit too.

TOM

 

[The Mighty Thor]

I have tried on many masks. The problem is that they fit in the store, but once I am in the ocean at depth with a reg in my mouth, the mask fits differently. I've even tried some in the pool, onlt to later have them not fit in the ocean. At this point I need to try them while diving.

 

[REII]

You could bring your reg into the shop so that you could have it in your mouth when you try on the masks.

Ask your LDS or the divemasters on the dive boats you go on if they have masks they rent that you could try. Tell them what you are trying to do and the trouble you are having. They may be able to suggest a mask they have that you could try without having to buy or rent something.

I have a round wide face. The masks that I have had good luck with are Mares and Tusa. The Mares I have was discontinued. I think it is close to the Mares Opera or X Vision. The Tusa I have is the Visionator, which is a pretty big mask.

Good luck!

TOM

 

[ThatsSomeBadHatHarry]

try the x-vision or the x-vision mid. the former comes in black, i bought it a few days ago. not sure about the mid. i also have a narrow face. nice big skirt

 

[The Kraken]

Steely,

REII hit the nail on the head. Most people will walk into a dive shop, pick up a mask, place it on the face, inhale through the nose slightly and see if it fits . . . if it does fine.

But the diver tends to forget that with the regulator mouthpiece in place, the face takes on a different shape.

the K

 

[DiveMaven]

You guys sure said it!! I tried on my mask at the LDS, it fit great and was very comfortable. On my first dive, I noticed that it rubbed the bottom of my nose a little, which was no big deal....until the 3rd dive of the day when it started to bug me a lot. Bottom line is that my mask fits like a dream until my lips are wrapped around a regulator, then it gets pushed up just enough to touch my nose.

Although I'm keeping it because overall I like the mask, I have since bought myself an Oceanic Mini-Shadow, which didn't have the same problem when I stuck my lips out in the shop while trying it on, but we'll see once I dive it.

 

[Scuba Monster]

I probably have a narrower face too. However, I have the Oceanic Mini-Shadow ... it leaks too. I am on my third mask. One of my friends had the same problem. On our last dive trip together, she switched her brand new $100+ mask for a rental mask. The guy checking in the equipment didn't care either. She hasn't had any problems since.

I haven't tried my friend's solution ... but I am getting desperate! You miss so much on a dive, when you've got to fiddle with a leaky mask.

 

[The Mighty Thor]

I usually try masks on with a regulator or snorkel in my mouth, and I still run into the problem of fitting in the store, but not fitting when diving. I've even tried them in a pool, without air.

And the constant "bubbling" noise that comes from the upper left side of my mask when I'm diving is enough to drive anyone nuts. I will probably try the x-vision or matrix next, and hope for the best.