Neoprene Mask Straps?

[Hemlon]

That's all I use. The rubber straps that come standard on masks are brutal on hair!

 

[Mr. Sunday]

I have been using a neo mask strap for a long time now and like it very much. I use it with a dry hood or without. It keeps the strap from twisting or pulling my hair. I think it also make is very easy to take on and off.

 

[JcoldwaterIL]

I have one and i don't like it. It's the Innovative brand one. The velcro strap rubs on my ears because the padded part slides downt he back of my head. On top of that after 2 dives with it the liner on the inside is all pilled and nasty looking. On top of all that, it doesn't float. Half the reason i got it was in case i drop my mask. I'm going to try out one that slides on over the silicone strap to see if it works better.

 

[gafftape42]

JcoldwaterIL I think you will like the slide on strap much better, I have them on 2 of my masks. I believe the ones I have are from Trident. I dive them at work which is a chlorinated pool and they look fine even after 100+ hours. Plus in the pool with no snorkel the strap is enough to float the mask. It may not stay up in waves or surf as it barely floats the mask. Never tried and don't intend to for fear of losing the mask.

 

[BuoyantC]

I agree with the floating benefit. A buddy on a boat dive dropped his mask before entering. I was in the water and although it did not float, it slowed the decent enough I could catch it. Most masks do seem to sort of float with the strap.

I recently stopped using the neoprene strap, mostly because mine wore out, and I no longer have enough hair for that to be an issue!

Dennis

 

[CompuDude]

I shave my head bald (ok nature has helped a little), and I prefer the neoprene straps. My wife, with long hair, also does. She nearly screamed the first time she put on a regular silicon mask strap. I immediately handed her mine with the neo strap and she loved it.

 

[DiveMaven]

I have hair, my husband doesn't, and we much prefer the neoprene straps.

 

[DaleHall]

Another YES vote from a shaved head with neoprene straps. I have them on both of my masks.. And, for 7 bucks, what do you have to lose? Except for hair that gets stuck in the silicone strap.

 

[goodeatsfan]

My wife and I just switche to neoprene backed, nylon Mask straps. No more hair getting plucked from the scalp.

 

[CompuDude]

Another bonus: If you replace the mask strap entirely, and don't just add the neoprene cover, you have greatly increased the strength of your mask strap. Silicon straps of all sorts have been known to fail at the darndest times... (think surf entries and exits or giant stride entries!) The webbing material, on the other hand, is MUCH stronger and less likely to fail or tear from a small, unnoticed nick.