Mask selection for DIR/GUE

[SeahorseDeb]

I will be taking training this year, and need to replace my mask. I know low volume is advised however do I need one that is a "black only" skirt to meet the equipment requirements? I prefer a clear skirt to let in more ambient light.
Thankyou!

 

[PfcAJ]

Skirt color doesn't matter. Personal preference.

 

[SeahorseDeb]

Skirt color doesn't matter. Personal preference.

Thankyou for clarifying that! I read where the black skirt is preferred...but honestly I've done so much reading in the past 4 weeks I couldn't say where I picked that up from. I just don't want to purchase anything outside of the standard required gear config...

 

[TSandM]

A lot of people like black skirts for diving in low light environments, because they reduce spurious light signals. I like black; my husband likes clear, and clear skirts definitely make for better photographs

 

[tbone1004]

I actually have more issues with clear skirts in bright light diving than I do in low light. When the sun is shining in from behind you the clear skirts can have a wicked glare on the back side of the lens, so you can see your cheeks and the mask skirt but not a whole lot else.
Try the Hog Razorback mask, Piranha has it on crazy sale right now and it is low enough profile where you can see just about anything. For $16 even if it just gets used as your backup mask it's a good investment. Piranha also has super cheap masks from the same manufacturer that makes most of the high end ones so find one that looks good to you and save $40-$60.

Hog Frame-less Mask "All Black"
This is the same mask as their Explorer II which isn't on sale for $16, but the regular price is $23.
Masks
unfortunately the only clear skirt they have has a pink frame.

 

[Matan]

choose one that fits your face the best. sounds like a good idea to me.

clear silicone will turn "yellowish" in time (years btw..), and masks seem to last for an entire diver's "dive life", so I would get a black skirt one now so that 10 years from now its still black

regardless of the last sentance, get a shiny purple with pink stars on it - sounds cool to me

Matan.

 

[Peter Guy]

I dislike diving with a teammate with a black skirt -- makes signaling more difficult. Just one more husband/wife issue in our household.

 

[fisheater]

I even use my black skirted mask for household chores, such as processing fresh horseradish.

But seriously, it's a personal preference.