Why Use a High Volume Mask?

[Divetech99]

What's a good low volume mask brand and model? I have a old scuba pro frameless but I'm curious if there are other good brand/model to consider.

 

[flots am]

So my question is: Why does it seem that low volume masks have had a rather slow acceptance into the scuba market?

High/Low volume seems to only be an issue for manufacturers and marketing companies and a talking point for sales people in the store. I don't think I know anybody who bought a mask based on internal volume; they typically buy for the best fit, fewest leaks and most comfortable.

There are bigger and smaller masks, and it really depends on what you face is shaped like.

The last truly high volume mask I was able to buy new was my old SCUBAPro, which is really starting to show it's age. If it were still available I'd buy it, because it had plenty of room for my honker.

flots.

 

[Bob DBF]

I've yet to find one that fits. I have a hard enough time finding a regular mask that fits well as it is.

Oh, by the way all the new masks are low volume compared to the big oval SOB's that Mike Nelson made famous and we all dove with back then.




Bob

 

[Akimbo]

The definition of a low volume mask is probably a bit different to a freediver and a Scuba diver. There are only a few high volume masks for Scuba that I can think of that are still made.

Aqua Lung US - Atlantis
Aqua Lung US - Pacifica
Aqua Lung - Wraparound
Tusa Imprex 3D Hyperdry Mask

I would probably still be using the first mask for Scuba that I ever used, except it hasn’t been made in about 45 years.

 

[David Wilson]

My answer to the question "Why use a high volume mask?" is "Why not?" I've snorkelled for over fifty years and I'm a traditionalist when it comes to equipment. When it happened, I viewed the manufacturers' changeover from high-volume rubber-skirted masks to low-volume silicone-skirted mask as a choice, not a necessity, and I have myself chosen to stick with the kinds of mask I started with in the late 1950s. I agree with those who say that fitting and sealing masks to accommodate a wide diversity of facial profiles matters most of all.

Traditional high-volume oval masks are still manufactured, notably in France where Beuchat and Sommap still make them. A few years ago, I decided to research the availability of blue-skirted higher-volume masks and was surprised how many I managed to track down. Here are a few examples:

Escualo of Mexico (who call their high-volume traditionals "visores")

Gonper of Mexico

Majorca sub of Greece

Gull of Japan

and Spine of Russia


All the above models are in current production. The problem isn't so much manufacturing such masks, it's their distribution and availability in western countries. I succeeded, though, in getting hold of the two Escualo masks, a Cancun and an Ixtapa, and I love snorkelling with them. Nothing would persuade me to opt for a low-volume silicone-skirted mask; as far as I am concerned, masks remain largely a matter of personal preference.

 

[tech3324]

What's a good low volume mask brand and model? I have a old scuba pro frameless but I'm curious if there are other good brand/model to consider.

I use this one and very pleased with it. Minimus "Mini" Freedive Mask

 

[Roman_66]

I like low volume mask idea very much, tried few, all those masks now passed to wife, son and friends. Issue that in shop you can do only -about- to check and after real check in water, dive shop will not take it back.
So, why I don't use low volume mask:
1. Low volume mask less forgivable for non exactly comparable face and you can't return the mask after use in water.
2. My face seems too hot during a dive. As result in 70 and below water my low volume mask full of fog. I burn it, used toothpaste and special sprays and spat on it, doesn't help.
3. My eyelashes touch glass of most low volume masks, it is not disturb a dive, but annoying and I know that I have long eyelashes, even I am not girl. My friends laugh that I need to learn how to use eyelashes as car wipers, especially of #2

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful comments and insight everyone.

Dano

 

[scubafanatic]

I like low volume mask idea very much, tried few, all those masks now passed to wife, son and friends. Issue that in shop you can do only -about- to check and after real check in water, dive shop will not take it back.
So, why I don't use low volume mask:
1. Low volume mask less forgivable for non exactly comparable face and you can't return the mask after use in water.
2. My face seems too hot during a dive. As result in 70 and below water my low volume mask full of fog. I burn it, used toothpaste and special sprays and spat on it, doesn't help.
3. My eyelashes touch glass of most low volume masks, it is not disturb a dive, but annoying and I know that I have long eyelashes, even I am not girl. My friends laugh that I need to learn how to use eyelashes as car wipers, especially of #2

I especially agree with your point #2, a higher volume mask increases the depth of air space between forehead/skin and the mask glass, making it less vulnerable to fogging if the water is cooler.

 

[Ishkrbibbl]

Better late than never to the party...
Looking @ Low Volume Mask as a fix...
Cannot find a mask that does not leak.
LDS suggests leaking at "smile lines" which are getting more pronounced the older I get.
If I pull on my cheeks while under water the mask no leak BUT can't swim around with my hands on my face the whole time.
Tried masks with larger skirt but that didn't do the trick, looking to try one with less skirt.
Tried LDS and none of their options worked in the water with a reg - did great in the shop.
Tired of FLOODED mask and having to clear every couple of minutes
Desperate - anyone else out there had masks leak at the (bottom seal ) cheeks?
If so did you find a fix?
Make?
Model?