Snorkeling Mask suitable for Scuba OW?

[GoHokiesGo]

Hey guys, first post here, love the forum so far. I tried to search but couldn't find any terms that matched, but I'm sure this has been asked in the past.

I'm beginning my OW course next week through my college. I did the discover scuba class about a month ago and had a ton of fun, so signed up for the full OW course. I briefly spoke with the instructor when they came in for discover scuba and talked about the personal gear we need for the OW course.

I have a US Divers mask (St. Tropez mask) that I've used for snorkeling in the past, but the instructor said snorkeling masks might not always be suitable for scuba applications. What specifically determines if the mask is good enough for scuba?? It has tempered glass and is nice and comfortable when wearing it. I took it snorkeling in Puerto Rico a month ago, and to the keys in the past, and it's been great. Is there anything in particular that I should look for to see if it's suitable for Scuba?

Also, another small question. Is there anywhere that sells open heel split fins for under $50 or so? I read that they are a little easier on the legs since it offers less water resistance and thought they may be fun to try. Otherwise I was thinking of just getting these from Scubatoys:
Tusa Liberator Fins, Fins, Tusa, Tusa Liberator Fins
- Tusa Liberator fins.

I'm mainly trying to keep everything on a budget since I'm still in college and paying tuition. Hopefully my current mask will work for scuba as well. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

if it's tempered glass and it doesn't leak, you will be fine.


you will have lots of trouble finding open heel splits for that kind of money. i'd suggest the use route. you might get lucky.

 

[spectrum]

I agree if it fits and has tempered glass lenses you are good to go. Some lower end lasks have very skinny easily broken straps but you can always upgrade the strap if this is the case.

Pete

 

[Aspendiver]

Ditto. If it's tempered glass and doesn't leak, it's fine. If you read the Scubalab reviews on masks, they claim there is no obvious quality difference between inexpensive and expensive masks. What I've personally found is that it's a good idea to have two masks- some days, one mask fits my face better than others- I have no idea why. I've had a mask go an entire dive without clearing and then leak like a sieve the next day.... I bet I'm not alone in this. Or am I? ;-) My favorite mask, a frameless US Divers cost me $10 on ebay.

Split fins aren't inherently better- they're just different, and often take a different kick stroke than paddle fins to work correctly. A good paddle fin is better than a bad split fin. I use a big, open heel paddle fin (Tusa Imprex) in colder waters and a full foot split fin (Tusa x-pert zoom) with a 2mm neoprene sock in tropical waters. The Paddle fins generate more power for me, the splits are more efficient and maneuverable. I'd say the way they fit you is the most important thing...

 

[mike_s]

I have a US Divers mask (St. Tropez mask) that I've used for snorkeling in the past, but the instructor said snorkeling masks might not always be suitable for scuba applications. What specifically determines if the mask is good enough for scuba?? It has tempered glass and is nice and comfortable when wearing it. I took it snorkeling in Puerto Rico a month ago, and to the keys in the past, and it's been great. Is there anything in particular that I should look for to see if it's suitable for Scuba?

Sounds like you need to find an instructor who is not so clueless....

either that or one that's not trying to make a profit off selling you new gear that you might not need.


The biggest difference you'll find between a cheaper snorkle mask and a 'scuba mask' is how it's made. snorkle masks sold at Walmart, etc are a little more flemsy and might not hold up as good long term. Think of them cheaper as being an "opening price point" product. They figured out how to make it cheaper so that it would appeal to a different market that wouldn't pay $65 for a vacation snorkle mask.

As the others said, as long as it's tempered glass, which even the cheap ones are now, and fits good, you'll be fine.

 

[GoHokiesGo]

Sweet, that sounds good. They don't leak, and I like them, so I guess that's what matters. The strap is still is pretty good shape too, the mask feels solid, so it should hold up just fine. I just wanted to make sure as well.

I think the instructors concern was to be sure I didn't have the cheesy $5 plastic pool mask or something. She had asked if I could bring them in for her to glance at them first before just making a blanket statement that they'd be fine, but I haven't had time between my classes.

The instructors are actually professors in other subjects at our school, and they run the club and teach the classes. I think the school actually helps fund the club, so it gives them a scuba room for equipment and lets students rent equipment for a good deal.

We dont have a LDS nearby, so I am ordering everything online. I decided to just go with the Tusa Liberator fins and some boots from Scubatoys. I think they will fit the bill, and I can upgrade later if I get serious.

Now I just have to wait for it to come in, I can't wait to start the class!

 

[Texas_Aggie06]

i hope every thing goes well for you in your class. i went to Texas A&M University, and VaTech had some of the classiest fans I've ever met when we played ya'll. Our histories are quite similar with regards to the military past. I will always root for the Hokies (as long as you aren't playing us of course).

 

[GoHokiesGo]

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the class. I picked up my books and packets for the class today.

I've always been an A&M fan too, probably due to both schools having the Corps and all. That game a few years ago where you guys played us in the hurricane was crazy, heh, loved the punts going up and being swept almost backwards...

 

[totallyreel]

I've spent plenty on so-called good/great masks from my local dive shops but my favorite mask is one from Wal Mart that only cost about $10 - deepest dive with it was 125' and no problems.

 

[Web Monkey]

Sounds like you need to find an instructor who is not so clueless....

either that or one that's not trying to make a profit off selling you new gear that you might not need.

I'd cut the instructor some slack. He didn't say the mask wasn't any good, he hadn't seen it yet and said it might be OK or might not.

It's entirely possible to have a snorkeling mask that isn't suitable for SCUBA. Some have lenses that aren't tempered glass (or aren't even glass at all).

Terry