Mask Reflection in Low Viz Water

[DesertDiver80]

I have a clear silicone mask which I really like. I've dove with it on several occasions with no problem both in relatively low viz and great viz. A few weeks ago, I dove in fairly green lake water with five feet of viz (the worst I've been in thus far), and kept catching reflections through my mask. My buddy's reflection would hit if he was close enough to me and it started to get really annoying trying to focus on my compass while watching for obstacles (like platforms that come out of nowhere in that water!) when I kept seeing those reflections.

Think a black mask would help? Or would I have the same problems? Is it the mask or the murky water and light causing me problems?

 

[tracydr]

Yes, this is why cave divers choose black masks.
I have the Atomic Aquatics mask and love it. The clear glass is amazing.

 

[lowviz]

...//... Is it the mask or the murky water and light causing me problems?

Black skirts will only reduce the unfocussed light from the sides. They will do nothing for reflections. As tracydr notes, this is a good thing in poor viz / low light conditions.

In murky water you just slow everything down and enjoy the experience. Lots of things to be seen up close. If it isn't working for you, then pass on low-viz dives. No problem with that, very few people enjoy that sort of dive. Very claustrophobic experience for most...

 

[DesertDiver80]

Sadly, if I passed on low viz dives, I'd only get to dive on vacation! I don't mind the low viz, I'd just never experienced reflections like that before. It was the first time in that lake, just wasn't sure if buying a second mask would help. Heading home to Phoenix next weekend, I'll hit up my dive shop and see which one I like. I'll look up the Atomic Aquatics, too!

I swear after about thirty minutes of constant reflections I was starting to think I was hallucinating!

 

[spectrum]

It should be easy enough to cup your hands around the mask skirt while you hover to see if black would relive your problem.

As one who gets his share of low visibility (which to me is much less than 5') I can't say I've noticed this.

Sometimes the angle of the sun, season/time of day will change the personality of a site.

Pete

 

[lowviz]

-if you wear glasses, get a low volume black-skirt mask and have corrective lenses cemented in. That combo tends to break up the reflections.

 

[DesertDiver80]

It should be easy enough to cup your hands around the mask skirt while you hover to see if black would relive your problem.

As one who gets his share of low visibility (which to me is much less than 5') I can't say I've noticed this.

It's embarrassing that I didn't think of that myself. I'm heading back out tomorrow, I'll try that!