Masks with a Purge valve

[spectrum]

What works for you works for you.

For my use I have no trouble clearing my non purge mask. I like having a simple nose pocket with nothing embeded in the silicone. As a practical mater adding parts like a valve to something you need to frequently squeeze can't help but elevate the likelihood of a failure. Saving 5-10 dollars dosen't break my heart either.

Pete

 

[m3830431]

I don't have a purge mask and never tried one. They do cost slightly more but out of the total cost it is insignificant. I find myself breathing out my nose on occasion and it still clears the mask of the light condensation that may form on the inside.

They do have their place if you have a problem clearing.

 

[J75]

I have never used a purge mask myself. However, I was diving with my girlfriend who found one of these on a dive and decided to use it on her next dive. She said that it made it more difficult to pinch her nose while she was attempting to equalize, and that the mask was leaking around the valve. She laughed about it after the dive and questioned whether the mask was "lost" or if someone just ditched it.

 

[Bo Danker]

Are these a lot more comfortable at getting water out of your mask rather than lifting your head back and blowing out of your nose.

Thanks

I got a purge mask and I use it (it works great) but following my intructors advice I did test out with the regular one that I now have as a backup just to be accustomed to mask clearing procedures on a non purge valve mask.

 

[chip104]

I like mine. But I've never tried the conventional kind so I can't compare. Have to second kidspot on pinching the nose to clear (but with mine I can actually slightly flip the mask, fit my thumb and forefinger in to pinch my nose and no water will enter) and also second Kevrumbo about the contact (although it only popped out once).

But sometimes I get the feeling my peripheral vision is not a good as the conventional kind. Maybe I'll try a conventional kind this week.

 

[doole]

I added a purge valve to mine by growing a moustache.

 

[Spoon]

Are these a lot more comfortable at getting water out of your mask rather than lifting your head back and blowing out of your nose.

Thanks

ive had friends who swear by them but in dives with strong current they hate em. seems that the water would get in.

 

[CoyKoi]

I've relegated my 3-yr old starter mask to my backup and use a ScubaPro Crystal View with purge. I have small hands, so equalizing is not a significant problem. The ease of clearing small amounts of water from the mask without having to use my hands is a big plus. I'm the designated photographer in our husband/wife buddy team and I ususally don't have a hand free to fuss with mask clearing. Besides, the Crystal View seals nicely and hardly allows water infiltration anyway. For a long time I considered purge valves as a failure point, but finally gave in for convenience sake. I'm sure we would have all heard by know if a well-maintained purge valve mask failed and caused an injury.

 

[Ronald K]

The purge valve is a piece of silicone sealing on a rigid ring someplace. It closes when pressure inside the mask drops. Exactly the same as your mask seals on your face. When your mask fits properly you don't need it. hold your mask at the top and blow. See?
The valve also takes up space in the mask seal. Masks with the lens very close to the face and thus with a better field of view and lower internal volume use this space much more efficiently I would think.

 

[BikerManiac]

I am shopping for a purge mask now and I found 2 interesting ones.
Dacor Tri-View Mask and the Ocean Master V3 mask.

I have been diving with a conventional mask for 3 years and never had any problems. I use my jaws to equalize. In fact, I cannot equalize by pinching my nose...

I dont think a mask failure under water is life threatening.

Am I wrong to assume this?