Welcome to SB strapman! I also encourage you to try everything out you can befor eyou dive it. Listening to advice of experienced people is always valuable, but the final decision is best made when you are in the gear. On a very simple level I have tried on masks that fit good in the shop, but leak like nothing else in the water - you don't know until you try it out. Eugene Skin Divers is a great place to start! Good luck. Post your specific gear questions that you can't get answered by searching on the boad!
