How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
> How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a > "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by > pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend > to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
> Thanx- Dave
Hey, I also want to know about this, so please post answere's "ingroup"!!! -- swsssss - Yngve Olsen
> How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make > a "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or > just by pushing the rubber seal tight to my face?
This is one of the best ways.... just breathe in normally through your nose, not suck in to permanently seal it to your face. If the mask fits your face very little breathing in will keep it there. A bad fitting mask or one that is not designed for YOUR face will need much more suction to keep it on. Remember that suction will keep any mask on good or bad so effort is the only way to tell.
> Also, how much should one spend to get a quality mask? Please respond > by e-mail d42...@gte.net > Thanx- Dave
It all depends on 4 things: Style, Materials, Fit and You. Single piece faceplate, double, side view, down view, etc... Clear, tinted, prescription..... clear skirt, tinted skirt... plain frame, neon vomit explosion.... goggle type, "Sea Hunt" style... etc... (wow) The list goes on and on.... not to mention brands...
All I can say is how it feels on you is all that is important. Will it make you want to rip it off at 40' or 40"? Does it make your face feel like you had major root canal after a dive? Does it hurt you face in the store just by looking at it? Does it take 2 mirrors and a Phd. just to loosen the straps underwater with gloves? Cost is not a factor. One of my dive buddies swore by the dive mask he bought at Price Club/Costco with a retail cost of like $37.00! (It even came with fins!!) For 8 years I swore by my 2 Tekna masks till I got a Scubapro one (I still use them all, I just decide which to use on site.... Remember the thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize!!! hehehehe) So go out there... try them on and if you like it buy it... Look at the price when the sales person rings it up (take Valium with you just in case... jk!) and enjoy diving... A good mask stays with you like an old sweatshirt, your favorate pair of jeans, those sneakers you can't let go will keep you diving for years to come... --
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* "We are pushing the envelope of technology here! Does anyone have a letter opener?" Gabe Lopez scuba...@annex.com http://www.shartsis.com/glopez/ *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
> How do I determine if a mask fits properly? > Thanx- Dave
Something I read in the freedive mail group made a great deal of sense. That is to take someone with you when you go to the dive shop and just set the mask on your face as you tilt your head back. Your partner should then look around the edges of the mask from slightly below to see if there are any gaps. If none then it will fit well, if you have to inhale at all to close the gaps then keep trying others.
You can find the answer to the fit question at http://www.diverlink.com/gearguide.htm. Insofar as price, you can check some of the sources mentioned there as well. You can then get an idea of what the price range is.
> > How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a > > "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by > > pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend > > to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
> > Thanx- Dave
> Hey, I also want to know about this, so please post answere's > "ingroup"!!! > -- > swsssss > - Yngve Olsen
On 5 May 1997 01:56:05 GMT, "David A. Callahan" <d42...@gte.net> wrote:
>How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a >"seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by >pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend >to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
>Thanx- Dave
In general, what you want to do is to place the mask on your face with you head tilted back and have someone first check for gaps between the mask and your face. Then inhale very gently and see if the mask will seal against your face. Inhaling hard proves nothing since you can seal a dixie cup against your face using that method.
For reference, I've placed quite a bit of information online about learning to dive and choosing equipment. You can find it at http://scubacentral.com in the about diving section.
Best RW
Rick Williams http://scubacentral.com Webmaster i...@scubacentral.com Please remove .nospam from address if replying by e-mail
> > How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a > > "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by > > pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend > > to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
> > Thanx- Dave
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Aaron Abbott wrote, This is an easy one! The correct answer is,(Drum roll please!) ...........What ever YOU think is best for YOU! (SUPRISED?)
Here are some general guidelines that may help you pick exactly what you are looking for.
1. Take the strap off, or flip it in front of the lens, out of the way, and hold the mask to your face VERY LIGHTLY, and then very gently draw a small amount of air in through your nose. Now take your hands away and if the mask stays on your face, you're on the right track! Keep letting micro amounts of air into the mask through your nose until it comes loose. Do this several times until you get the 'feel' for it. The better the mask fits, the less vacuume it takes to hold it on. (You are looking for what fits, not what looks 'cool')
2. Make sure the mask fits your nose, and upper lip areas. A little 'rub' now will be a major pain in the face after a day of diving. People with a prominent (big) nose needs to make sure the nose pocket doesn't rub or this will become a major sore spot in a hurry in the water. Keeping your mask clean will help keep the rubs to a minimum, but the best way is to get a mask that fits in the first place. One way to keep the right tension on the mask,(and your face) is to use a nylon strap instead of the, 'silicone' or 'rubber' strap that comes with most masks. The nylon headbands are more comfortable and keep the right tension on the mask and your face. The only change is the way you put your mask on. You hold the strap ABOVE THE MASK, press the mask to your face, and then slide the strap behind your head. The strap doesen't stretch, so it doesn't strangle your head, yank your hair out, or break at the worst possable time. Most straps are padded, and much easier on your head than that giant rubber band the mask came with. You can get them in colors to match your scuba gear too.
3. Being able to reach your nose is a must! Some large oval masks have 'finger pockets' to pinch the nose, and if you have very large fingers (or nose) it might be a pain to git a grip on your nose, and often times the 'finger pockets' will rub your nose raw. A mustache will sometimes be a problem with mask fitting, no matter what kind you choose.
4. If you need prescription lenses get a single face plate type mask if you can. The large faceplate type gives the lens people more room to work, and is sometimes less expensive. Getting prescription lenses are definitely worth the money! Keeps you from crashing into the bottom and looking like an idiot in general. You wouldn't believe how much you miss without one. No worry about what is getting into your contact lenses.
5. Color coatings are very fashonable right now, but I question how much they really help. This is one of these personal choice things. I ran right out and got one of those 'Color Corrected Lenses' masks.(Sea Vision) Very expensive! Very cool! Not very practical. Almost worthless in murkey water, or at night. I have a mask with 'Photo Grey' lenses. Sun glasses for scuba diving! They are clear almost instantly when I submerge, and block almost 100% of UV on the surface. This is personal choice, you will probably want something different. This is just a guide, use it for what it's worth.
My last tip,- Don't take any advice from anyone that calls you an Idiot(or worse) for not using what they use. IE; The force fin debate that still rages on. These people are so narrow minded and opinionated that they could never be objective about anything. Any time you see someone using four letter words to describe someone else because they don't agree with the opinion being expressed, you know there is a strong expression of a weak mind going on. Pay no attention, and pass over the comments. Write them off as the loosers they are and hold yourself to a higher standard. (I'm off my soap box now!)
In article <33700E58.6...@dmrtc.spam.net> Aaron Abbott,
no.teamr...@dmrtc.spam.net writes: >4. If you need prescription lenses get a single face plate type >mask if you can. The large faceplate type gives the lens people more >room to work, and is sometimes less expensive...
This is true if you are going to have an existing faceplate custom ground, I guess. My wife, however, has a dual lens Tusa mask for which I was able to get off-the-shelf replacement lenses very closely approximating her presciption. They work very well for her, and they are sold individually, in case one's 'script is different for each eye. Custom grinding is more expensive (from what I've heard), and you have to send off and wait. I had my wife's mask converted in a matter of minutes.
Great posting. Thanks for the time and concern you have taken to post this message. I have been diving for 19 years and I agree with everything you say. In fact, I'm going to try the nylon straps my next trip, which is this Saturday 5/24.
>> > How do I determine if a mask fits properly? I heard it needs to make a >> > "seal" when I put it on. Is that by inhaling through my nose, or just by >> > pushing the rubber seal tight to my face? Also, how much should one spend >> > to get a quality mask? Please respond by e-mail d42...@gte.net
>> > Thanx- Dave
>------------------------------------------------------------------------ >Aaron Abbott wrote, > This is an easy one! The correct answer is,(Drum roll please!) > ...........What ever YOU think is best for YOU! (SUPRISED?)
> Here are some general guidelines that may help you pick exactly > what you are looking for.
> 1. Take the strap off, or flip it in front of the lens, out of the >way, and hold the mask to your face VERY LIGHTLY, and then very gently >draw a small amount of air in through your nose. Now take your hands >away and if the mask stays on your face, you're on the right track! > Keep letting micro amounts of air into the mask through your nose >until it comes loose. Do this several times until you get the 'feel' for >it. The better the mask fits, the less vacuume it takes to hold it on. > (You are looking for what fits, not what looks 'cool')
> 2. Make sure the mask fits your nose, and upper lip areas. A >little 'rub' now will be a major pain in the face after a day of diving. > People with a prominent (big) nose needs to make sure the nose >pocket doesn't rub or this will become a major sore spot in a hurry in >the water. Keeping your mask clean will help keep the rubs to a minimum, >but the best way is to get a mask that fits in the first place. > One way to keep the right tension on the mask,(and your face) is to >use a nylon strap instead of the, 'silicone' or 'rubber' strap that >comes with most masks. The nylon headbands are more comfortable and keep >the right tension on the mask and your face. > The only change is the way you put your mask on. You hold the strap >ABOVE THE MASK, press the mask to your face, and then slide the strap >behind your head. The strap doesen't stretch, so it doesn't strangle >your head, yank your hair out, or break at the worst possable time. Most >straps are padded, and much easier on your head than that giant rubber >band the mask came with. You can get them in colors to match your scuba >gear too.
> 3. Being able to reach your nose is a must! Some large oval masks >have 'finger pockets' to pinch the nose, and if you have very large >fingers (or nose) it might be a pain to git a grip on your nose, and >often times the 'finger pockets' will rub your nose raw. > A mustache will sometimes be a problem with mask fitting, no matter >what kind you choose.
> 4. If you need prescription lenses get a single face plate type >mask if you can. The large faceplate type gives the lens people more >room to work, and is sometimes less expensive. Getting prescription >lenses are definitely worth the money! Keeps you from crashing into the >bottom and looking like an idiot in general. You wouldn't believe how >much you miss without one. No worry about what is getting into your >contact lenses.
> 5. Color coatings are very fashonable right now, but I question how >much they really help. This is one of these personal choice things. > I ran right out and got one of those 'Color Corrected Lenses' >masks.(Sea Vision) Very expensive! Very cool! Not very practical. Almost >worthless in murkey water, or at night. > I have a mask with 'Photo Grey' lenses. Sun glasses for scuba >diving! They are clear almost instantly when I submerge, and block >almost 100% of UV on the surface. > This is personal choice, you will probably want something >different. This is just a guide, use it for what it's worth.
> My last tip,- Don't take any advice from anyone that calls you an >Idiot(or worse) for not using what they use. IE; The force fin debate >that still rages on. > These people are so narrow minded and opinionated that they could >never be objective about anything. Any time you see someone using four >letter words to describe someone else because they don't agree with the >opinion being expressed, you know there is a strong expression of a weak >mind going on. Pay no attention, and pass over the comments. Write them >off as the loosers they are and hold yourself to a higher standard. > (I'm off my soap box now!)
In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu>, v...@umail.umd.edu wrote: >> > A mustache will sometimes be a problem with mask fitting, no matter >> >what kind you choose.
>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can >really help. >Vince
Not true. I have a mustache and I found a mask that seals just above it. I am using a TUSA Liberator X (I think, if memory serves me correctly). It's not a great looking mask but it seals!
wade
__________________________________________________________________ Wade Norton(wnor...@teleport.com) ftp.teleport.com/pub/users/wnorton "Unless you're the lead dog, http://www.teleport.com/~wnorton/ the view never changes."
> In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu>, v...@umail.umd.edu wrote: > >> > A mustache will sometimes be a problem with mask fitting, no matter > >> >what kind you choose.
> >I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can > >really help. > >Vince
> Not true. I have a mustache and I found a mask that seals just above it. I am > using a TUSA Liberator X (I think, if memory serves me correctly). It's not a > great looking mask but it seals!
> wade
> __________________________________________________________________ > Wade Norton(wnor...@teleport.com) > ftp.teleport.com/pub/users/wnorton "Unless you're the lead dog, > http://www.teleport.com/~wnorton/ the view never changes."
Vaseline may also break down the silicone in the mask. Then it will really leak. Silicone grease will work but learning to handle the problem or solve it is even better. Mostly, my mask no longer leaks around my moustache and when it does, it is slow and a gentle breath out through the nose clears the mask.
Gordon Gunn <nospam/gg...@texas.net> wrote: >In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu> Prof. Vincent Brannigan, >v...@umail.umd.edu writes: >>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can >>really help. >I tried this once and *hated* it! Yecch! I got a mask that seals above >the top of my (abundant) 'stache, and I don't have a problem. >Gordon in Austin
So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out there) wear?
Thanks,
Jesse Sands spam filter: remove "2" from e-mail address to reply
> >In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu> Prof. Vincent Brannigan, > >v...@umail.umd.edu writes: > >>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can > >>really help.
> >I tried this once and *hated* it! Yecch! I got a mask that seals above > >the top of my (abundant) 'stache, and I don't have a problem.
> >Gordon in Austin
> So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out > there) wear?
> Thanks,
> Jesse Sands > spam filter: remove "2" from e-mail address to reply
I wear a SeaQuest Tetra. Has a purge valve under the right eye in the skirt. An unusual but very effective location. Eliminates the problem of pinching your nose that some purge valve masks have. The downside is I now tend to swim with my head cocked to the right keeping the valve as the low spot. When I need to clear the mask, all I need to do is gently exhale through the nose and voila, no water.
> >In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu> Prof. Vincent Brannigan, > >v...@umail.umd.edu writes: > >>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can > >>really help.
> >I tried this once and *hated* it! Yecch! I got a mask that seals above > >the top of my (abundant) 'stache, and I don't have a problem.
> >Gordon in Austin
> So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out > there) wear?
> Thanks,
> Jesse Sands > spam filter: remove "2" from e-mail address to reply
I have a full beard (with moustache) and I use two masks. The one that works best for me is the Mares ESA. I also try to time beard trims so that it happens right before a dive, that way the 'stach is not as bulky.
-- ---------------------------------- Scott F. Migaldi Lead Systems Engineer 2602 S. 162nd. St. New Berlin, WI. 53151 Pager: Sky Word PIN 1894426 Phone: 1-414-814-2052 Fax: 1-414-814-2047 ----------------------------------
> >In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu> Prof. Vincent Brannigan, > >v...@umail.umd.edu writes: > >>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can > >>really help.
> >I tried this once and *hated* it! Yecch! I got a mask that seals above > >the top of my (abundant) 'stache, and I don't have a problem.
> >Gordon in Austin
> So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out > there) wear?
> Thanks,
> Jesse Sands > spam filter: remove "2" from e-mail address to reply
I only occasionally have a problem with my cheap and reliable US Divers Hawaii side view($35). I have a full beard and moustache. No special cutting no special seals. I think I got lucky (especially considering I bought the mask from a picture in a catalog. I think it is not only the stache, but the shape of the face as well.
Jesse Sands wrote: > So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out > there) wear?
I have a lovely Seaquest Ventura Midi, a low volume mask (no purge valve or anything). Sometimes the hood messes with the seal, or a stray hair, but the mustache is never a problem. -- These are *my* opinions. Chris White chris_wh...@mail.utexas.eduNOSPAM ^^^^^^ ---> Remove "NOSPAM" from my address to e-mail me, okay <---
I have generally never had a problem with any mask that I've had until my most recent mask, a Dacor Vista-Vu. For some reason, it just doesn't seal as well as any other mask that I've had, and as I had prescription lenses put into it, I'm not about to change to a new one. I solved my problem by shaving off the top half-inch of my moustache immediately before a dive, and letting it grow back otherwise. The appearance is hardly even noticeable, but it works like a charm.
When I first started diving, I bought a Mares Esa because it was the only mask in the shop that would stay on my face. It is a very wet mask. Later on I tried a Bivue. It wouldn't stay on very long dry, but is a very dry diving mask. The skirts on the Bivue are very wide, covering my 'stache very well.
Just goes to show, try a few out before you buy.
Safe Diving, John
On a dark & stormy night jsa...@2kayescholer.com (Jesse Sands) wrote:
>>In article <3382B64A.4...@umail.umd.edu> Prof. Vincent Brannigan, >>v...@umail.umd.edu writes: >>>I was told by one diver that a bit of vasiline on the mustache can >>>really help.
>>I tried this once and *hated* it! Yecch! I got a mask that seals above >>the top of my (abundant) 'stache, and I don't have a problem.
>>Gordon in Austin
>So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out >there) wear?
>Thanks,
>Jesse Sands >spam filter: remove "2" from e-mail address to reply
+--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+-------------------+ + At night my mind does not much care + Spider + + If what it thinks is here or there. +-----//oo\\--------+ + It tells me stories it invents + Roane Co. + + And makes up things that don't make sense. + TN + + I don't know why it does this stuff. +Thanks + + The real world seems quite weird enough. +Bill Watterson. + +--------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+---------+
> > So which masks do you and Chuck Hopf (and any others with 'staches out > > there) wear?
> I have a lovely Seaquest Ventura Midi, a low volume mask (no purge valve > or anything). Sometimes the hood messes with the seal, or a stray hair, > but the mustache is never a problem. > -- > These are *my* opinions. > Chris White chris_wh...@mail.utexas.eduNOSPAM > ^^^^^^ > ---> Remove "NOSPAM" from my address to e-mail me, okay <---
I have a moustache. I find that ALL masks that I've tried leak a bit. I use a purge mask so that I can get this water out easily. After a while it becomes habit and not at all a bother.
My previous mask was a U S Divers mask. After using it for a year or so I realized that the design/position of the finger pockts blocked water from flowing into the purge valve. The result wat that fully clearing this mask required tilting my head form side to side to get the water to run into the purge valve. I'd have to do one side and then the other. Funny thing, once I noticed this -- and it took me a year or so to figure it out -- the mask became a real pain!
My present mask is a DACOR, also with purge. In it the finger pockets are set back just enouhg to let water flow into the purge valve while my head is in a normal position. Much nicer. The U S Divers mask is now my backup.
I suggest that anyone with a moustache or other problem that allows a small amount of water to enter their mask should consider a purge valve.
-- Charlie Hammond -- Digital Equipment Corporation -- Nashua NH USA (hamm...@peek.enet.dec.com -- remove "@not" when replying)
All opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect my employer's position.
