I'm sorry if this feels insulting but after 30 years it's time to learn how to clear a mask.
You REALLY don't need a purge valve. What you need is an hour in the pool with an instructor. I know this is going to bite hard but I'm only saying what everyone else here is thinking.
R..
There are several phrases one hears over and over.
1. I don't mean to insult you but... and then it is followed by something insulting
2. I'm sorry if this feels insulting...and the follow it up with an insult.
That doesn't get you off the hook.
I have been diving probably since before you were born and I sure don't need some closed minded, low information individual, tell me what I need and how to dive. I have dived for years with no purge valve. When I started diving we didn't have purge valves.
There are many of us that
like a purge valve on our masks. It frees up a hand. Nice when one is doing video or photography work or if both hands are being used to hold something like a magnetometer or a tool of some sort. Many of us don't have a smooth baby's face that never leaks. Some of us have mustaches that leak constantly. We don't want to trim or goop up with Vaseline. Some of us have rugged faces that let a little water in. Some of us just like the convenience of clearing with a purge valve.
It is much easier. I don't really "need" a purge valve anymore than a set of splits or a dive computer instead of a table or wireless instead of analog or AI. I just like it. I like the convenience. My old analog watch worked just fine; but, I like a digital one. My old rubber Rocket Fins worked just fine; but, I like my Apollo Bios better. My old Aqua Lung Jacques Cousteau BC worked fine; but, I like my Zeagle Stiletto better. I like my old weight belt; but, I like my weight integrated better.
As far as "you are only saying what everyone else is thinking". Have you asked everyone else? No, of course not. Another low information assumption. That being said if "no purge" works for you. That's great; but, have an open mind.
Here is something to think about. I can clear my mask the old fashion way; or, I can just use my purge valve. You
don't have that option. If both your hands are busy and you needed to clear, well, you would be SOL wouldn't you?
I can't tell you how many times I have heard, weight integrated no that's dangerous and only for sissies. Or, splits C'mon paddles are the only way to go. Everyone thinks you're nuts for using splits. Or, dive computer, never! Tables are the only safe way to go. You are going to kill yourself with a computer. I still hear that stuff even today.
As far as drilling a hole in my expensive DataMask, yeah that scares me; but, fortunately, I can afford it if I screw it up. I am willing to take the heat when someone asks why I have a hole in the bottom of my mask with Aqua Seal in it and I have to tell them what an idiot I was. More than likely though I will hear "wow, you have a Datamask with a purge valve, cool". Can I try it?
As for an hour in the pool with an instructor. I would gladly accept that. I am not too old to learn new tricks.
