How To Choose A Dive Mask (Proper Fit)

My favorite Scuba Mask 🤿 amzn.to/3KJaXn5 (Hollis M1)
Best Defog for Your Dive Mask 👉 amzn.to/3oXLzSs (Stream2Sea Defog and Mask Cleaner)
Mask Slap Straps (Etsy) 🐙 tidd.ly/3pfgycG
Prep your Mask Properly ▶️ • Do THIS to Prevent Mas...
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If you're a beginner scuba diver or looking for a new dive mask, choosing the right mask can make a huge difference in your diving experience. In this video, I'll show you how to pick a mask that fits properly and what to look for when considering your options to make sure it's comfortable, doesn't leak, and has what you need in a dive mask.
I'll cover the importance of proper mask fit, diving mask features and materials, as well as personal considerations to help you find the best mask for your needs such as prescription lenses. Learn about silicone vs rubber skirts, single vs double lens masks, and low-volume masks for easier equalization and mask clearing. Plus, get tips on mask options for those with prescription eyewear (prescription scuba masks), UV protection, tinted lenses, and anti-fog coatings.
Whether you're just starting your scuba diving journey or want to upgrade your gear, this video has valuable tips and advice to ensure you choose the perfect dive or snorkel mask.
This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.
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⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 Picking a Dive Mask
00:37 Most Important Factor
01:51 How to Check Fit of Dive Mask?
04:43 Price, Material, Color
06:04 Single Lens vs Double Lens Masks
06:55 Personal Considerations (Prescription Eyewear, Contacts, UV Coating, & More)
09:02 Issues Anti-Fog Coating (Mask Fogging)
10:04 Frame vs Frameless Masks
10:41 Slap Straps
11:51 Mask Reviews
12:22 Prep Your Mask - Stop Mask Fog
At Circle H Scuba, we share education and experiences you'll love to plan your next adventure. As a PADI Professional Scuba Instructor, I want to make you a better-informed scuba diver!
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Scuba Gear I Use (My Current Kit / Equipment):
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- Steel Backplate & Wing (BPW): amzn.to/3isVR9C (Hollis ST Elite)
- Travel Backplate & Wing (BPW): amzn.to/3Ve4689 (Hollis ST Elite Travel)
- Mask: amzn.to/3XOCGqY (Hollis M1 Frameless Mask)
- Fins: amzn.to/3OMHYiR (Apeks RK3)
- Computer: amzn.to/3EQICr4 (Shearwater Perdix)
- Drysuit: amzn.to/3UqPQrf (Hollis DX-300X)
- Wetsuit: amzn.to/3VmEA0A (Henderson Mens 5mm Greenrprene Wetsuit)
- DIN Regulator: amzn.to/3Vl48ev (Apeks XTX50 Primary & Octo)
- Yoke Regulator: amzn.to/3XMeci5 (Sherwood Oasis Pro)
- Camera: amzn.to/3EQOcJV (GoPro Hero 9, though I recommend the latest)
- Video Lights: amzn.to/3B0t6HP (Light and Motion SOLA Video 2500)
- Tray: amzn.to/3GWZter (GoPro Tray with Loc-Line Adjustable Arms)
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⚡️FREE SCUBA PACKING LIST: Get my free Ultimate SCUBA Travel Packing List here: CircleHScuba.com/Packing-List
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, press inquiries, brand or media inquiries, or to collaborate with Circle H Scuba, feel free to reach out to Thomas (@CircleHScuba) via our website or Social Media:
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- / circlehscuba
- / circlehscuba
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#scubadiving #circlehscuba #thomashughes
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Disclaimer: Circle H Scuba and Thomas Hughes believe you can not teach someone how to dive, nor certify them for diving, through the internet. Ensure you seek proper training through an instructor who is active and certified through a recognized agency and always dive within the limits of your certification.
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In accordance with COPPA laws, please note that content on the channel CircleHScuba is not specifically made for, or targeted at, children.

[@CircleHScuba]

My favorite Scuba Mask 🤿 amzn.to/3KJaXn5 (Hollis M1) Best Defog for Your Dive Mask 👉 amzn.to/3oXLzSs (Stream2Sea Defog and Mask Cleaner) Mask Slap Straps (Etsy) 🐙 tidd.ly/3pfgycG Prep your Mask Properly ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LOnGeNr5eBp8k

[@CyayC8]

Great high quality video's. Very informative. Thanks a lot

[@CircleHScuba]

Glad you found it useful!! Thanks for the compliment!

[@robmiller5818]

Wish I had had this video awhile back. Love my Hollis m1 also. Another tip for us gents with the facial fur, if your beard goes up under the skirt, your going to have leaks. I....borrowed...my wife's eye liner, pressed my m1 to my face and lightly traced the bottom of the skirt on my cheeks. The rabid angry red forest animal that lives on my lower face now no longer goes above those marks, and no more leaky mask.

[@CircleHScuba]

Honestly having a marking like that is a really good idea, haha. I may make a dedicated video about that idea! But that would require me to borrow mascara...

[@robmiller5818]

@CircleHScuba the trick is to do it, and if she don't catch you then your golden (I sharpened her eye liner pencil is how I got caught) mascara may be a bit messy

[@CircleHScuba]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 hilarious

[@markrixson7791]

A game changer for me was to shave the upper half of my mustache (of my goatee / beard) ~ perfect seal now.

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah the mustache can get in the way for sure haha. Luckily I don’t have too many issues with mine! A tiny trickle of water sometimes but it works out for me

[@LaviDzine]

@@CircleHScuba I read somewhere that some sort of Silicone Gel is available to smear over facial hair where it contacts a Mask Skirt to improve the seal.. have you ever used any?

[@CircleHScuba]

@LaviDzine I’ve never needed to with my mustache and beard, but I know people personally that do and say it works for very well for them

[@gunsofca]

Very informative . He goes into more details than most videos I have seen.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@doronitzkovich6008]

A very helpful video, thank you for your effort :)

[@CircleHScuba]

Happy to hear it helped! Thanks for the comment, hope to see you in another video!

[@dailymomliving]

I didn’t know a lot of this information. Thank you so much for creating this video. I have a 7 year old who loves wearing these and I didn’t know the red meant it wasn’t a good fit. 😆

[@CircleHScuba]

Oh gosh! Yes! The red could mean it’s too tight and/or causing pressure points! A lot of people over tighten them so it may just need to be loosened a bit, 😊

[@dailymomliving]

@@CircleHScuba 🫣 I use to think.. it’s keeping water out so it’s ok 😆 oh my gosh. So bad. Thank you!

[@CircleHScuba]

Yeah so the seal will help hold it on and the strap isn’t to really “force” it on haha.

[@moshikobibi583]

Nice informative video :). From my experience, all the mask come with hydrophobic coating that you want to remove with fire lighter, because it’s creating little drops (fog). After making your hydrophilic, before you use, put some water mixed with small amount of baby soap. I promise you that it will always will work. Try and update here your results.

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks! You’re completely right about the fog. I have a whole video on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LOnGeNr5eBp8k Check it out and let me know what you think? It’s my most popular video right now. Thanks for leaving a comment! I hope to see you in other videos!

[@souswes]

Nice addition to the video arsenal 💪🏻. I found a very nice scubapro synergy twin mask with tint on a dive. Retail is like $200…totally useless for me because of fit. The Trinidad 3 fits perfectly. I found the M1 right after my budget said “you have enough scuba stuff” I’m a fan of the baby shampoo defog solution as well 😅

[@CircleHScuba]

Time to Facebook marketplace some things and pick up the M1? 😅 I haven’t tried on a Trinidad 3 yet, but hey if it fits that’s the most important thing! The baby shampoo is such a great hack and my preferred method if I don’t have regular defog. Next week’s video goes into mask prep more in detail though 🤓 As always I appreciate you stopping in to say hi!

[@josephdracula7487]

👍😎🇵🇭🤿! Great information on choosing a new dive mask! I am using the Atomic Venom. It has a very nice super gummy seal around the edges! May not work for everyone but it’s a idea!

[@CircleHScuba]

Ah yes I’ve tried on the venom! That gummy seal is really comfortable, but I found I couldn’t get a good seal on my face. But like I say in the video, everyone will have a different face type! Haha. Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment Joseph!

[@KateJonker]

Great video packed with useful information! I also like that you recommend divers pop into their local dive shop to try (and hopefully buy!). I love the look of your Hollis mask :D

[@CircleHScuba]

Thanks Kate!!! The Hollis M1 is by far the best mask I’ve ever worn comfort wise, low volume, etc. I have an Apeks VX1 on order for my girlfriend, but now they just announced the VX2 so I may try that too 🤣🤣 Local dive shops are a key in the industry and I always recommend supporting them when possible 🤙

[@KateJonker]

@@CircleHScuba I have been using the Aqualung Micro Mask for the past plus-minus 15 years and they no longer make it 😭 So I hope it lasts a while still! I have quite a small face, so it works well for me. We sell Apeks, so I will need to look into the VX2 (thanks for your advice).

[@CircleHScuba]

The micro mask was awesome!! Aqualung / Apeks just announced the VX2 within the last week I believe. It’s dual pane now, not single lens. Some other cool improvements too. Sadly only in one color right now 😔

[@KateJonker]

@@CircleHScuba I love the idea of a dual pane. Especially for underwater photography. I will check the VX2 out. As long as it has black skirt I will be happy, as a clear skirt is not great for underwater photography...

[@KateJonker]

I just had a look. It is too big and angular for me. LOL

[@Terial2]

great vid, i've got about 300 dives and no matter what i've done or masks i've purchased, I always have a pain point under my nose. Like the cartilage that separates your nostrils right above your upper lip. I've never found a solution to this and I wish I could.

[@CircleHScuba]

It could just be face shape, but I would definitely try more masks. Maybe also see if you can place the mask a little lower on your face and see if it’ll stay when sealed versus riding up to your septum (that cartilage)

[@davidwatson2229]

what is your opinion or pros. cons of the googles with the ear pieces to help keep water out of your ears n help with equalization

[@CircleHScuba]

I haven’t seen a mask with those built in but I have seen ear plugs made specifically for divers (not swimmers, divers) that have a tiny hole that let you equalize, but help protect water from entering the ear. Those are usually more so to help prevent ear infections and water trapped in your ears, not necessarily to help you equalize. Now if you get water trapped, you’ll have trouble equalizing of course, but the plugs help prevent water getting trapped versus directly helping you equalize if that makes sense?

[@cetintorpil8168]

Hi, does anybody have any experience if we can remove the silicon from the inside of the mask glasses by using a car window polish paste like the "SOFT99 Glaco Glass Compound Roll On 10308" instead of tooth paste? Would you advice it or better not to use it?

[@CircleHScuba]

I know I mentioned on your other comment, but that’s a chemical that I wouldn’t put near my eyes to be honest

[@observingrogue7652]

I'll check out my nearest Dive shop, when I can, to test fit some masks if they'll allow it. I already know about prescription inserts for goggles for motorcycles. SportRX, the insert company I know about from bikes, even sell prescription split lens goggles. But I'll see if that, or a single lens like yours with an insert would be best for me. Now to your antifog video. I ride all seasons, and I hate when that happens. The best for motorcycle helmets are Pinlock visors. But now I want to see your antifog solutions for goggles.

[@observingrogue7652]

Oh, the defog is in your description.

[@CircleHScuba]

Local dive shop will definitely let you try them on! I have a video all about defog too if you haven’t seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5LOnGeNr5eBp8ksi=9OCvr7GPU5YF_JNN

[@observingrogue7652]

@@CircleHScuba I've seen & bookmarked your defog video, your mask video, needed gear video, and your video on cleaning gear.

[@CircleHScuba]

@@observingrogue7652 wow, you've become a superfan! haha. Thank you for enjoying the videos, and I'm so glad they're helpful!

[@observingrogue7652]

@@CircleHScuba I'm a curious mind that enjoys learning, and I've learned to know as much as I can about whatever I care about, or get deeply involved with.

[@gorbachef94]

do you find that having a beard makes it difficult to seal the mask? iv been struggling to find a mask that seals really well

[@CircleHScuba]

Great question. With my beard I personally haven’t had issues with the masks I’ve dove with. I do know some guys that use a wax on their mustache that’s made for divers to help lock in the seal better. That may be a good option if you have a bigger/thicker mustache than mine!

[@gorbachef94]

@@CircleHScuba awesome thanks!

[@CircleHScuba]

@gorbachef94 anytime!

[@philipmcniel4908]

@@gorbachef94 While I've never SCUBA dived, I dive in a local river that gets down to about 20-30 feet in depth, and I've found that since my mustache tends to grow more "out" than "down," it helps to use a hair trimmer to get rid of a thin line of hair just below the nose (basically lowering the top of the mustache an almost-imperceptible amount), because it doesn't take much to get an airtight seal.