glue in mask magnifiers

[mrpat]

I've had bad luck with the little stick on magnifiers. Not really large enough viewing area and they come loose at inoportune times. Anyone know where to order the larger sized glue on magnifiers? Pro's & Cons with prescription lenses.
Thanks for your experiences-
Mr. Pat

[RJP]

...and they come loose at inopportune times...

I can't speak to whether they are large enough for you, but if they are coming loose it's "user error" in terms of not putting them in correctly. I installed a pair of the $9 Walgreen variety (exactly the same manufacturer/product as the $50 version from dive shops) some 125 dives ago and have not had them come loose or move at all.

These are the type that you simply moisten and press to the mask lens and then just let them dry. When you say "glue in" are you talking about something that uses an actual glue to adhere to the mask?

[Cave Diver]

I can't speak to whether they are large enough for you, but if they are coming loose it's "user error" in terms of not putting them in correctly. I installed a pair of the $9 Walgreen variety (exactly the same manufacturer/product as the $50 version from dive shops) some 125 dives ago and have not had them come loose or move at all.

These are the type that you simply moisten and press to the mask lens and then just let them dry. When you say "glue in" are you talking about something that uses an actual glue to adhere to the mask?

Talk about timing! I just ran across these lenses at Walgreens the other day and told my "optically challenged" dive buddy about them! He hasn't had a chance to get them yet, but plans to look into it.

Any tips you care to share regarding the installation/use?

[Warmwater Wank]

The Hydro-Optix magnifier instructions mention using an oil-free liquid soap to clean the mask and flexible lens before you squish it down to mount inside your mask. I was surprised how many liquid soaps list some sort of oil in the ingredients but, when I found an oil-free soap, I had no problems sticking the magnifier to my mask for dozens of dives. What I had a problem with was fogging! The mask was always fine but the magnifier fogged no matter what (toothpasted the sucker, used de-fog etc.--no dice). As for "glue-in" I know my instructor used a drop of clear silicone sealant on what looked like the larger round Trident magnifier. Not sure how well this might "clean-up" if you mess up but it did stay stuck in there for him. // ww

[spectrum]

How much do you have invested in diving? Get bonded prescription overlays and be done with it all. Nearly any shop can send out for them or you can do it yourself. Example (http://www.prescriptiondivemasks.com/)

Good correction will not only let you see what you need to see when you need to see it but you will feel more rested at the end of the dive.

The only downside is that if you are a gear freak it does get in the way of having an assortment of masks.

Pete

[diver 85]

I've had bad luck with the little stick on magnifiers. Not really large enough viewing area and they come loose at inoportune times. Anyone know where to order the larger sized glue on magnifiers? Pro's & Cons with prescription lenses.
Thanks for your experiences-
Mr. Pat


Be sure & get your near P.D. correct.........

[carlcz]

I got tired of the stick-ons, and did not want to spend $150 on a mask. Found bi-focal lenses (gauge readers) for about $60.

Try this website:

Wintech Snorkeling (http://www.wintechsnorkeling.com/)

I have used their masks down to 200 fsw with no problems.

[Nemrod]

I have had no problems with the stick on type. I clean the glass surface with toothpaste gently and allow to dry. Then I wipe the glass with isoprpyl alchohol--not rubbing alchohol and then with the warm water with a touch of soap perhaps (Ivory Liquid) I stick it on and it seems to stay. I have to many different masks to have them all cut for prescriptions. Besides, I have never found a mask I like good enough for that. The classic ovals are close, the Mares X Vision is close and that new AL/Technisub Micro Mask looks interesting.

N

[Stu S.]

My local eye doctor knows diving. He advised me to put in one only, low and left. The gauges are over there, on the hose and wrist. I use a stick-in, and it has stayed there.

Using this causes me some concern, as I don't think a stick-in optic is DIR.

[mrpat]

thanks so much -Carlcz


Just a little update for the board. My original hydro optics stayed in place for over 200 dives. They were well worth the money but eventually started moving around on the mask lens. They also were a little small, so I had to twist my head around to read all gauges which was sometimes a bit of a contortion when diving doubles in caves. This time I wanted a larger bifocal lens that would stay put forever.

Thanks for all the responses - this board is fantastic

[diver 85]

My local eye doctor knows diving. He advised me to put in one only, low and left. The gauges are over there, on the hose and wrist. I use a stick-in, and it has stayed there.

Using this causes me some concern, as I don't think a stick-in optic is DIR.

lol.........question is, does he know his eye doctoring......btw, we do the same for some golfers, but we use high left(so they can read the score card monocularly).........

[Stu S.]

Here is one to look for at a dealer:

XS Scuba MA280 Gauge Reader Scuba Mask (http://www.xsscuba.com/mask_gaugereader.html)

My solution was aided by obtaining a "large print" SPG.

[carlcz]

Glad to be of service...

[scuba_frog]

I have had my Walgreen's magnifiers for about 2 years. Only problem is that I need a stronger Rx and cannot find them any more.

[ZzzKing]

I have had my Walgreen's magnifiers for about 2 years. Only problem is that I need a stronger Rx and cannot find them any more.

I think you can get them online. I still see them at Walgreen's from time to time so you might just ask them to order some for you. I think the maximum strength is +2.5.

[scuba_frog]

I think you can get them online. I still see them at Walgreen's from time to time so you might just ask them to order some for you. I think the maximum strength is +2.5.

OMG...you are a life saver. Walgreens.com has them for $9.99 per pair and it's only $5.49 for shipping. I'm getting 2 pair so I have a spare. Thanks a bunch!!!!!!

[ZzzKing]

OMG...you are a life saver. Walgreens.com has them for $9.99 per pair and it's only $5.49 for shipping. I'm getting 2 pair so I have a spare. Thanks a bunch!!!!!!

At some point in the future, when I've really p*ssed someone off with my admittedly odd sense of humor, I may point back to this thread as proof that on at least one occasion I was helpful to someone. :D

[scuba_frog]

Odd sense of humor huh? Either that means it is either very dry or very sarcastic. If sarcasm is the issue, the other person has to be smart enough to realize it is sarcasm and intelligent enough to understand it. You're ok in my book...for whatever that's worth. I still cannot believe I didn't think about going online. And to think, because I could not find these, I almost broke down and paid 3x as much at an online dive shop.

[ZzzKing]

I still cannot believe I didn't think about going online. And to think, because I could not find these, I almost broke down and paid 3x as much at an online dive shop.

So, you're reading this online but didn't think of looking online, huh? :D Sounds like something I'm capable of doing.