Purge valve masks

[Duncan]

Just another opinion...

My first mask was an Ocean Master, and the purge worked great, no leaks. But I had another problem. The hard plastic piece that held the purge valve in place would rub on the bottom of my nose. I even tried to file the purge to reduce the problem to no avail.

On a weekend where I would make several dives, my nose would get very raw and irritated. It got very uncomfortable, and I eventually "purged" the mask and got a Zeagle Ebon and have been very happy since.

You should check for clearance when considering a purge mask.

Keep diving!

 

[NINman]

Never had any problems with my purge mask leaking. I think you should look for a mask that fits you well. if its a purge, fine. If its a non-purge, great. As long as it fits good.

 

[scuba6559]

Chuckrt,
Well, their price list said: "Student is responsible for mask, fins, snorkel and booties. Our exacting standards apply."

Since none of my 3 masks had purge valves, it seemed as though my gear didn't comply. I was told that masks needed to be a purge valve model to be used in the course, and no one recommended any other brands. In fact, I saw no other brands of any other masks in the store.

Anways, it worked out well - I found the purge to be useful and I liked if after all. I was initially 'insulted' by a shop telling me specifically what products I could or couldn't use - but I got over it.

Seems many LDS are pretty concerned over Internet gear sales, not only for the price competetiveness, but because of warranty issues and 'bootleg' sales of products by mail order vendors who are NOT authorized to sell such products.

Yes, I know you know who the LDS is, and honestly, they are a first rate organization. Their service is great; ANY gear that we don't like or are unhappy with, they will take back, find another model or replace with a new one. They do things very professionally, and are a classy shop. Their instructors have been very knowledgeable and helpful. I have found them to be an excellent agency.

With top notch gear and sales and service, I decided to give them my future business. Really like Scubapro gear, regs and products. I know most DIR-ers use Scubapro products. I am a Halycon user as well.

Anways, may DIR live on!

 

[Dryglove]

I dive with a scubapro frameless mask.It is a very low volume mask and fits my face very well.I have no problems clearing this mask and feel i have no need for a purge mask.If someone has a leaky mask or has problems clearing a mask then i guess i purge mask would be the way to go.

 

[davidofaustin]

I have and Ocean Master w/ purge, and love it. It started because of leaks around the mustache, but after needing both hands free while a student repeatedly finned my face - causing flooding, but at least it stayed on.

It will probably fail on the next dive, but I have yet had a purge mess up so bad I couldnt finish the dive comfortably.

(And Ocean Master gave me a new mask when I wore the last one out - ie cracked the frame and got a small leak)

nuther words ,,, its mine!
I'm not giving it up!ut:

Dave

 

[viper]

I own a Sea Vision w/purge and have never had a poblem with it. I don't agree with a dive shop requiring you to use a specific piece of equipment. The goal is to be safe and be comfortable.

 

[Welshman]

I find it amazing that your school should specify make and type of mask. There is only one criterion for a mask and that is that it fits. As for a purge mask I agree with the person who said that you only need a purge mask if you haven't learnt to clear your mask properly. My wife asked her instructor on her OW course and he said they were a waste of time: you were just adding one more bit of equipment - the valve - that could go wrong.

 

[tacmed]

I dive with a purge mask as it was the one sold to me when I took my first class it is 10 years old and has never failed. I have tried other masks and they did not seal right. I am looking at new masks now and purge or no will depend on fit.

 

[devjr]

The mfgs are probably using silicone valves now, and they should last. I don't use a purge, my everyday mask is a SP Frameless. Most folks use the nose pocket to equalize if they need help but I sometimes press on the mask body to generate posititive pressure, and this method can't be done with a purge.

 

[ScubyDoo]

I have both. A Mares Opera non-purge mask and a Seavision Ultra purge mask. I have never had any problems clearing my mask the regular way, I just like having options. Ive never had any problems whatsoever with my purge mask.