When it comes to freediving, having the right gear is essential.
Maybe you are planning to buy your first mask or you’re looking to find a replacement for your old one. In any case, we’ll give you some tips on how to choose the right freediving mask and snorkel for you.
You’ll learn everything from how to check if the mask is a good fit to what materials to look for. You will also know the importance of visibility and mask volume.
By the end of this post, you should have a good understanding of what to look for when purchasing a freediving mask and snorkel.
How To Check If The Mask Is For You
However, choosing the right mask can be difficult be difficult sometimes.
There is no one-size-fits-all mask, and you should try on a variety of masks to find the one that fits your face best. You can use a digital mask fitting guide, but it is always better to go to the store try putting on the mask. That is the best way find a mask that fits your face properly.
There are some technical considerations in choosing a mask but the most important one is to make sure that the mask does not have any leaks. If there is a leak when you try on the mask then it will definitely leak underwater.
What Materials To Look For Freediving Mask
Freediving masks are a very important part of the diving gear. They protect divers from the environment and help them see clearly underwater. The type of mask you choose is based on a few factors, including the material it is made from and how well it seals against water.
Silicone materials are usually used for freediving masks because they are stiffer and less likely to leak. Silicone Mask also has a silicon-based view which makes it easier to see in low light conditions or if your eyes have saltwater in them.
If you are interested in buying a silicone freediving mask, the two main brands to look for are Scubapro and Mares Viper. Both masks offer good vision and protection from water, but they do have some differences. Scubapro’s silicone material is more resistant to leaks, while Mares Viper’s offers a higher level of visibility due to its silicon-based view.
The other type of freediving mask is made from polymer or plastic. This type of material is less stiff than silicone and can be less durable, but it does quite good also in preventing leak.
A popular brand of polymer freediving masks is Poseidon Mask.
Visibility And Mask Volume
Mask volume is an important factor when choosing a diving mask that is often neglected. It is also recommended to use low-volume masks, as this will allow you to keep more air inside your body. Because when diving, air is being exhaled to the mask.
Check this low-volume mask in Amazon – Scubapro
As for the visibility of the mask, there is a general rule for this. The bigger the lenses of the mask and the closer it is to your face, the more visibility you will have.
The First Thing To Do After You Buy A Mask
After you buy a diving mask, the first thing you need to do is remove the factory film that’s attached to the lenses. This film was put to prevent scratches and stains on the lens. If you don’t remove this film, your visibility while diving will be poor due to mask fogging.
There are two methods that you can use to remove this factory film: rubbing it with toothpaste or burning it with a lighter. Just be careful not to use too much fire because it can damage your mask.
The rubbing method is the easiest way to remove the film, but it can be a bit messy. To do this, you’ll need some toothpaste and your mask’s cleaning cloth. Wet the cloth in the toothpaste and wring out the excess. Then, use a circular motion to scrub away at the film. Be careful not to scratch or damage your lens!
The burning method is quicker than using toothpaste, but it can also be more dangerous if done incorrectly. To use this method, you’ll first need to get a lighter and carefully light all of the corners of your mask’s lenses. This will cause heat to build up inside the mask and eventually burn away the film.
Once you’ve removed all of the film with either method, make sure that you clean your lenses thoroughly with water and a cleaning cloth.
Don’t Forget The Snorkel!
Diving masks are essential while diving, but they are not complete without a snorkel. A snorkel gives you the ability to breathe while underwater and helps to keep your mouth and nose clear of water.
A lot of people think that you need a lot of added features in order to get a good snorkel. However, this is not always the case. The main thing to consider when buying a snorkel is its flexibility.
Check out this best selling snorkel in Amazon
The more flexible the snorkel, the less water resistance it has while you are diving underwater. This means that it will not decrease your mobility and will provide more comfort during your dive trip.
To Sum Things Up
There is a lot to consider when choosing the right freediving mask and snorkel. However, by following the tips in this blog post, you should be able to find the perfect match for you.
You may also want to check out the masks that are being used by famous YouTubers such as YBS Youngbloods for you to have a reference. You may also check this article if you are also looking to buy your new diving fins.
Always remember that more than the gears you are using, the most important thing in freediving or diving and swimming in general is safety.
Keep safe always and enjoy the water!