quikcolin
Contributor
How tight should your mask fit (on land)?... Just tight enough to hold suction, as I'm sure the mask will continue to tighten as you dive at depth correct? 
How tight?
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lord, the mask should NOT tighten at depth. That is why we use masks instead of goggles. You need to be able to equalize the space around your eyes, otherwise that would be terribly dangerous and bad and painful... I leave mine fairly loose, you don't want to leave red rings around your face.
so I guess just enough to hold suction, but your mask should also fit your face to where it doesn't need the strap. Play around with it, you'll find something that works, but too tight is really bad, and part of the "equalize early and often" thing is not only your ears, but your mask space too
so I guess just enough to hold suction, but your mask should also fit your face to where it doesn't need the strap. Play around with it, you'll find something that works, but too tight is really bad, and part of the "equalize early and often" thing is not only your ears, but your mask space too
The purpose of the strap is to keep the mask from falling off. Any tighter than that is too tight.
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I like to let my mask compress a little as I descend for a good seal. But, if you clear it once at depth, you have equalized that space anyway. I have seen people come up with bloodshot eyes and red rings on their face and never realize they did it to themselves - that is too far.
I keep mine a little snugger than just enough to stay on to get it to seal well. But, my mask only fits sorta OK. I've tried on every mask at every dive shop I've ever been in and still haven't found one I really like. I wish someone had a service where they mold your face and make you a custom mask skirt. Not really sure why that isn't around.
I keep mine a little snugger than just enough to stay on to get it to seal well. But, my mask only fits sorta OK. I've tried on every mask at every dive shop I've ever been in and still haven't found one I really like. I wish someone had a service where they mold your face and make you a custom mask skirt. Not really sure why that isn't around.
DevonDiver
N/A
If it leaves a mark on your face, it is too tight.
Underwater, the pressure will hold it against your face. However, if you will be snorkelling on the surface, then you need the strap to be firm enough to maintain the seal.
Note the word firm... not tight.
Underwater, the pressure will hold it against your face. However, if you will be snorkelling on the surface, then you need the strap to be firm enough to maintain the seal.
Note the word firm... not tight.
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quikcolin
Contributor
Great advice guys, thanks very much!
I've been fiddling with my mask and found that if too tight it was prettying against my forehead and causing pain... In-between my eyebrows. But just tightening to a secure "suction fit" it fits perfectly.
Thanks again everyone!
Colin
I've been fiddling with my mask and found that if too tight it was prettying against my forehead and causing pain... In-between my eyebrows. But just tightening to a secure "suction fit" it fits perfectly.
Thanks again everyone!
Colin
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the other thing is if it's too tight it won't seal properly because the outer skirt will be pushed out.
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quikcolin
Contributor
Good point and something I never thought of!
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quikcolin
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... live and learn right!?!? 
I just finished shoveling about 12" of snow off the drive way before taking that picture lol... give a guy a break Similar threads
