Skin Faceplate
As in any sport, having the right scuba/snorkeling gear is essential. Starting this sport with the wrong scuba or snorkeling equipment can be frustrating. There is nothing worse than snorkeling with a leaking mask or one that causes you irritation. So take your time when choosing your scuba dive mask, so that you may fully enjoy the experience of underwater sight seeing.
The scuba dive/snorkeling mask is your window to the underwater world. This piece of equipment allows you to see clearly underwater by creating an airspace. During immersions at depths greater than 3 meters, this airspace must be equalized to prevent the mask squeezing to your face. For this same reason, your nose must be enclosed in the mask so you can exhale into it and equalize. Masks which cover only the eyes and do not enclose the nose are only good for the surface but are not to be used for descents since you can not equalize with these types of masks.
Features of the scuba dive mask
The mask consists of the lenses also known as a faceplate, a comfortable skirt and a head strap. There are different types of styles and shapes. These range from oval shaped models to lower internal volume masks and both may be made from two different materials; Neoprene or silicone. Neoprene Rubber is usually black in color and silicone is translucent. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Neoprene masks and cheaper than silicone masks. I find that for snorkeling, neoprene masks are more adequate since they do not let light in from the sides. Sometimes when snorkeling at the surface, you will find that the reflection of the light may hinder your visibility. However having said that, silicone masks are more durable and much more comfier to wear. These types of masks are more adapted for scuba diving. If you are thinking about taking it to another level though scuba diving then I would recommend that you go for the silicone mask.
Features to look out when selecting a mask
When deciding on the type of mask to choose, I recommend that the mask you are about to purchase contains the following features:
- Wide field of vision to permit you with greater visibility underwater
- Good seal and comfortable skirting with a close fit against your face
- Tempered Glass lenses - These types of masks provide additional safety for the fact that if they were to break, the glass is less likely to shatter in fine small pieces
- Nose pockets enabling you to equalize during descents
- Low profile mask which enables easier equalizing due to the lesser volume of trapped air
- An adjustable strap which can easily be locked in place. (Note that some cheap masks have straps which are fused to it. Should the strap tear, the mask will be rendered useless)
This article is an excerpt from a series of informative guides appearing on Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com under the equipment section of the site at
http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com/snorkeling-mask.html
.
Copyright (c) 2010 Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com. All rights reserved.
Kris Mifsud- A keen enthusiast, with a life long passion for all types of water sports.
Editor and publisher of http://Scuba-Snorkeling-Adventures.com - a comprehensive Scuba and Snorkeling guide to techniques, equipment and reviews.
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