Mask Basics
There a many styles of masks. The scout pictured above is a dual-lens mask and is particularly good for small faces. Generally dual-lens masks are lower volume than single-lens masks of relative equal size. Panoramic masks such as the Crystal View will be the largest volume but will also give the widest field of vision. A panoramic view mask with dual lenses will be slightly smaller volume. The size of the glass is not the only indicator of volume. Generally the more glass you have the more you can see. With the panoramic you will not being looking out the side window but you will see movement and be able to turn to the movement. A mask with a great deal of glass surface such as the Wide Vu can be relatively small volume because the glass is close to the face and not extended by side panels.
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Mask Styles - single lens, dual lens, panoramic
There a many styles of masks. The scout pictured above is a dual-lens mask and is particularly good for small faces. Generally dual-lens masks are lower volume than single-lens masks of relative equal size. Panoramic masks such as the Crystal View will be the largest volume but will also give the widest field of vision. A panoramic view mask with dual lenses will be slightly smaller volume. The size of the glass is not the only indicator of volume. Generally the more glass you have the more you can see. With the panoramic you will not being looking out the side window but you will see movement and be able to turn to the movement. A mask with a great deal of glass surface such as the Wide Vu can be relatively small volume because the glass is close to the face and not extended by side panels.
Full Face Mask
For the experienced diver who dives in very cold water or the public safety diver who needs to communicate underwater there are full face masks. These come in several different styles. The pictured mask can be used for cold water diving and has ports for adding communication gear. The access to the nose on these masks can be difficult particularly with heavy seven mm wet gloves or thick dry gloves.
Try on Your Mask Before You Buy
When deciding how to choose a scuba mask you should consider fit, skirt - clear or black, volume of air behind the mask, field of vision, and of course color. At Sea Lions Dive Center we strongly suggest you try on masks at a quality dive center because fit is by far the most important criteria for choosing a mask. A poorly fitting mask will flood and ruin your diving experience.
