When it comes to clearing mask of water@80 Feet ... which mask is best?

[miserkris]

Hi
I have about 30 Ocean dives...Since I have a wider face I bought a mares sunrise mask now.

When it comes to clearing mask from seawater @ 80 Feet ... which mask is best :

1.US divers mask with PURGE VALVE?

OR

2.Mares One vision sunrise?

#1 Seems easier ...I had it but lost it and bought #2 in LDS. Using the #2, While looking up and exhaling via nose... The nose gets water drops inside and that irritates me and I tend to blow it hard and quick...when that happens water and Air exit together !! I just tried it today in a pool and eventually got water off from #2...but was a struggle!

Also is there a Wide mask with Purge valve?

Pls advice ! I'm diving in Belize next week with Amigos del mar.

Thx..Kris

 

[KevinNM]

You don't need a purge valve. You need a properly fitting mask and practice.

 

[Patoux01]

^
What he said. Purge valves are useless at best.

 

[boulderjohn]

With a little practice, clearing the mask without a purge valve will become so easy you barely realize you are doing it.

First, let me ask you something about your technique. You said, "While looking up and exhaling via nose... The nose gets water drops inside and that irritates me ..." That should not be happening. What do you mean when you say "looking up"? Are you on your knees or otherwise vertical in the water before you tip your head back? I ask that because many instructors teach it that way, and it is wrong. The purpose of tipping the head back is to get the face perpendicular to the bottom so that the bottom skirt of the mask is at the lowest possible point. With the mask perpendicular to the bottom, gravity will help the water escape from the bottom. If you don't tip the head back, the inside of the mask will be at the lowest point, and water will stay in the mask.

That assumes, however, that you are in a normal swimming position, with your face pointing somewhat downward. If you are kneeling, the face and mask are already perpendicular--they may, in fact, be past perpendicular. In that case, tipping the head back is not only unnecessary, it is counterproductive. When you practice clearing your mask, make sure you are in a horizontal position, even if it means lying on the floor of the pool. THEN tip the head back to vertical.

Next, begin exhaling through the nose BEFORE you tip your head back. Start exhaling while you are still looking down, and then tip the head back as you exhale. Exhale in a long, steady stream, not a sneeze or snort. It should be forceful without being explosive.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I've used a purge mask for most dives since 1989. I've never had a problem with them and prefer them. Absolutely nothing wrong with them.

 

[DogDiver]

The best mask is the one that fits you the best.

 

[Freewillow]

+1 with Dogdiver. + Learn how to clear a mask with or without a purge.

 

[tursiops]

Masks clear the same at 8 feet as at 80 feet. Find one that fits your face, learn to clear it in a swimming pool, go diving.

 

[BertStevens]

The lower the volume of the mask, the easier it will be to clear. Depth is irrelevant. The most important consideration is fit as others have stated. Finding a mask that fits your face and practice are the 2 things you need as a new diver.

 

[BRT]

Tusa Hyperdry