Scuba Diving Masks: Which type of mask is the best one for you? (Watch the end!)

[@TwelvePaws]

The "Best" mask in my opinion is the Beuchat Maxlux S. I say this from someone who has a number of masks, including an Atomic Venom. What sets for me the Bechat mask out above all is its fit and feel. When I have an OW student, that havign a leaky mask which is knocking their confidence, I lend them one of my Beuchat masks, it always fits and seals perfectly and it cures that issue. Originally the dive centre I worked for didn't sell them, so it's not like I was promoting gear. It is the most comfortable mask I've owned, it's also only $40, so because it comes in lots of pretty colours - I have a number of colours to suit my mood, it's also become teh rage/fashion for lots of us male Tec instructors to wear the shocking pink mask, for a giggle, and to prove you don't need to be dressed as a Ninja to dive Tec I'm not connected with Beuchat in anyway, it's just I've been using them for 3 years, travelled all over the world with them, and they've stood up to hard use in bright and hot conditions without degradation - and at $40 they're a bargain

[@DeeferDiving]

One of the instructors on the shop here also swears buy the Maxlux S (in yellow) and finds its a better and more comfortable fit than even the Atomic Frameless. So I completely understand where you are with that recommendation. They're too narrow for my (fat) face, so I love the XS Scuba Merge 3 or the SeaDive range too - which all fit me, and are cheap too. Thanks for the feedback though

[@joesr31]

$40?! Those cost at least $80, where did you get those from for $40?

[@emmie4546]

I have high cheekbones and the seals constantly broken because it is what is the best mask you suggest for a person like me ?

[@DeeferDiving]

Without more to go on, its hard to say. The main thing that denotes whether a mask will fit or not is driven by face shape. You'll also typically find that for angular faces and ones with high cheek bones or prominent laughter lines, then a "frameless" mask with a soft skirt is a good idea. The way I recommend trying on a mask - obviously go to a dive shop - but get the strap out of the way and put the mask onto your face. Gently suck in with your nose, WHILST HAVING A SNORKEL IN YOUR MOUTH, and see if the mask sticks to your face. The snorkel is important, as your face shape will change when you have a snorkel or regulator in your mouth. So you'll get a better gauge as to whether it seals or not.

[@Geopolitics-Now]

Is Gary wearing a Garmin Descent Mk1? If so, could you guys make a video about it?

[@DeeferDiving]

I am wearing a Descent Mk 1. We've got a video in the pipeline to talk about computers in general (why we have the ones we have), but I think we can do something specific for the Mk1. I've been diving it for about 2 years, and prefer in IRL to the Teric. But thanks for the feedback David. Make sure you subscribe and you'll see when we upload the Descent video

[@beverleylopez1648]

What advise to you have for a full face mask??

[@DeeferDiving]

For diving, full face masks require specialist training as they are much higher volume than normal masks and have special procedures for clearing etc. For snorkeling - we don't recommend them at all. Whilst they appear to give the benefit of keeping your face dry when its in the water, they also have a much higher volume and require patience if they fill with water too...

[@joanus2010]

I have a wide face. should I try the monarch XD mask?

[@DeeferDiving]

The monarch is a narrower fit. I too have a wide face, and it worked well. I switched to the Eagle eye which fits much better

[@a.s.5280]

Very good video, thank you very much. Maybe you can give me a non-binding tip with your experience (there is no dive shop near me with enough choice =): I've never found a mask that fits me, water always runs in on my temples. I have a large head, rather bony, but with indentations at the temples. Water always comes in here. A narrow mask for women & children is then too small in terms of height. So which mask could fit a large monkey skull with the slightly irregular head shape especially at the temples? The mask should have enough contact pressure and at the same time be flexible enough. Tall enough,l but rather narrow at the eyes. Thanks in advance; =)

[@DeeferDiving]

Oh the joys of odd shaped heads huh! I've found over the years that there is no substitute for trying them on in the water, and its why we have all the masks we sell on rental stock too - so people can use one for a couple of dives. That said, I've been really impressed of late with the SeaDive masks from XS Scuba, and I am using one of those as my daily mask (orange lenses in the video). The Monarch shape which I am using is good for big heads, but does have a narrower fitting. It may work with you indentations. Their EagleEye shape is also very popular (with a number of brands), but has a wider fitting. Check them out at www.xsscuba.com.

[@a.s.5280]

@@DeeferDiving Hi Gary, thx alot for the fast & detailed response! Ill try the Monarch from XS Scuba. As i also have a beard like you, i hope it seals well ;=).