ericandres1992
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Hey i am new to diving and i want to buy a mask.but first i would like to know wich mask( w/out purge or w/purge) is better.???
What mask is better to use..? w/purge or w/out purge.?
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I think it is personal choice. I started with a purge mask and quickly got rid of it for a more simple low volume mask. I dont like purge masks and find it pointless as clearing is a non issue. But if it works for you..why not?
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Purge valves can fail. They can crack, get stiff or be torn. Debris can get stuck in the valve and cause it to leak. Same for purge valves on snorkels. Learning how to properly clear a mask or snorkel is pretty easy and unlike a purge valve, won't fail you with heavy usage.
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nereas
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My view is that purge masks are for snorkeling, not for scuba.
Without a doubt get one without a purge valve. They are absolutely unnecessary. A worthless piece of equipment intended to overcome poor fundamental skills, in this case mask clearing.
crpntr133
lost, even with a compass
I have both and would say to get one without. But if you want one I have a nice Oceanmaster purge mask for sale.
I've used both, and both have their own advantages. You need to determine which ones are most important to you, and buy accordingly.
Exhaling thru the nose to clear a purge mask is a simple task, but purge masks tend to be higher volume. As said, the purge flap can fail eventually. Depending on purge mask model, it may take two hands to hold your nose when equalizing your ears because the nose pinch can be obstructed by the purge housing and you can't get finger/thumb of one hand on the pinch.
Non-purge masks can be of lower volume, reducing the size of the air pocket, bringing the glass closer to your face for a better field of view, and reducing the pressure issues found with higher volume masks. Equalizing ears is a simple one-hand procedure with non-purge masks. If you find that you like frameless masks, you won't find one with a purge valve.
Weigh the advantages of both types, try each type in the water before you buy, find the best price of the one that suits your needs, buy, and start diving.
Exhaling thru the nose to clear a purge mask is a simple task, but purge masks tend to be higher volume. As said, the purge flap can fail eventually. Depending on purge mask model, it may take two hands to hold your nose when equalizing your ears because the nose pinch can be obstructed by the purge housing and you can't get finger/thumb of one hand on the pinch.
Non-purge masks can be of lower volume, reducing the size of the air pocket, bringing the glass closer to your face for a better field of view, and reducing the pressure issues found with higher volume masks. Equalizing ears is a simple one-hand procedure with non-purge masks. If you find that you like frameless masks, you won't find one with a purge valve.
Weigh the advantages of both types, try each type in the water before you buy, find the best price of the one that suits your needs, buy, and start diving.
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