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It seems as if this topic has been done a lot, but I can't seem to find a good fit. I'm currently using a Deep See mask that has a bit of temple leakage, but it's frustrating. My OWC begins tomorrow morning and I dunno how this is gonna work out with this clearing every 4 minutes.
Anyhow, let's get some suggestions going for those with large faces and no moustaches. Which masks have worked for you? Does silicone help?
I have tried several masks before ending up with a Mares X vision. Did you buy the mask from the shop you are taking your OW class through? Maybe they can help fit you with another mask. I don't like putting anything on my mask except for anti fogging drops.
Do not hold the mask against your face and sniff in to determine fit. Look at the ceiling. Rest the mask on your face, let gravity alone hold it in place. Your buddy should look to see if there are any gaps between your face and the mask. If there are, try the next mask. When you find one that looks good, sniff in (without touching it with your hands) and bring your face forward.
Thats a good tip Walter, I'd not heard that technique before and with my wife complaining of her mask leaking, I think this may get some practical use before to long!
also dont over tighten the mask. i have seen a lot of people that tighten the straps to tight thinking it would help and all that does is make it leak more.
Mayo, in my experience, having sold them for over a year in a dive shop, most new mask leaks are because you have a narrow face and a wide mask silicon cradle can't seal at the temples, or you have a very wide face and the mask is not wide enough to clear your eyes, or, you have "happy" lines (facial wrinkles) and or a mustache and it leaks from your cheek area.
Solution: if you have a narrow face, try a junior mask. If wide, get an extra wide mask (the technisub Ventura is good). The happy line effect, I find, has been made worse by too/very flexible silicon cradles and I wish they still used rubber. The Cressi "Big Eyes" mask and similar "improvements" on visibility often leak from this.
A few people have nose/brow configurations too big for the nose pocket to sit properly and therefore they leak all around or they must be strapped tight and hurt, not a good idea or comfortable.
As to fitting: What you should do is, over a bench or cushion or soft chair (so if the mask drops you don't break the glass), looking straight ahead, place the mask on your face without the straps on, and lightly push down on the frame, attempting to make a vacuum seal. You will know if there is a seal becuase the mask will "stick" to your face for a second without holding it. As was said, do not breathe in to assist. If you get at least a second of suction before the mask releases then light tension from the straps should keep it leak free.
I've been snorkeling and diving for 35 years and my only regret is losing my 22 year old Dacor rubber mask, which was still good and leak free when I dropped it assisting a diver with free-flow.
So last tip: get a strap with a foam/cushion backing that floats!!!
While trying on the mask if you find one that feels good stick a snorkle or mouth piece and check again. Jaw seperation due to the mouth piece can cause smile lines that create a leak.
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... it takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
Albert Einstein
Hallmac is absolutely correct. Make sure you buy a snorkel with a flexible tube at the bottom (looks like a vacuum cleaner) so that you don't stress the seals.
Another leak occurs due to lousy purge valves at the nose. I had one like that in Greece in my teens. As the rubber hardened with use in the sun, the purge valve became leakier and leakier. Don't recommend those...
Don't worry Mayo, you will be fine. You can rent a mask until you find the best one. Remember, spit or Sea Drops on the glass, to make it clear before the dive, so you can see your Instructor!
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