Top tips for buying and prepping a dive mask

How we perceive the underwater world is largely determined by what we see, so your dive mask is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your dive kit. But how do you know which mask to get?

Choosing a Mask for Scuba, Freediving and Snorkelling

First, have a think about what you need the mask for. Yes, it’s for going underwater (unless you are buying it for the sole purpose of eye protection whilst chopping onions), but scuba diving in caves is a very different experience than snorkelling or freediving in a tropical sea. Equally, diving in the murky low vis of your local quarry in winter will present different demands than enjoying the endless visibility of blue tropical waters.

Our offering of different lenses as well as different masks means you can choose a mask specifically for your adventure, from maximising light for underwater photographers to enhancing perception of dimly-lit interiors for wreck divers.

Also, consider the plastic. How much is there, is it all necessary, is any of it recycled, will it come packed in plastic bags with millions of little plastic beads that will live forever? Of course, we would say that – our dive masks are designed and made with minimal impact to the environment, and come with straps made from recycled materials, with zero plastic in the packaging. But even if you don’t buy a fourth element mask, please remember that as divers, we have a responsibility to look after the ocean and our spiritual home, so let’s put our money where our mouth is and say no to plastic.

Finding a Mask that fits

How well a mask fits your face is fundamental to whether you are going to love that mask or throw it to bottom of your dive bag in frustration. It can be the coolest mask in the world but if it doesn’t seal around your face, it will ruin your dive (unless you absolutely love clearing your mask every 30 seconds).

Ideally, you should go to your local dive shop and try on a few masks. However, geography being what it is, that’s not always possible so if you need to buy online, it’s not a disaster. Our own returns policy allows you to return a mask within 60 days of receiving it, so as long as you haven’t dived it (and that includes trying it in the bath), set fire to it or given it to the dog to chew, you can still switch it or get a refund.

So you have your lovely new dive mask in your hand. What now?

Place the mask gently on your face and DO NOT put the mask strap on. Inhale lightly and lean your head forward – if the mask stays on with no obvious leaks, it’s looking hopeful. Do not take a massive deep breath and keep holding it as you’ll turn blue, hyperventilate, keel over and never find out if your mask fits. Which would be a shame.

Now have a look in the mirror. Yes, you’re gorgeous but how does the mask look? If there’s a good seal between your face and the inside ridge of the mask skirt, then happy days, you’ve got a good fit!

Preparing your Dive Mask

Preparing your Dive Mask

All new masks will have a film over the inside of the lenses that is a result of the manufacturing process. You need to remove it before you dive or your entire dive is likely to be foggy and frustrating. There is lots of advice out there in internet-land about exactly how to do this, but essentially you have two main options:

To prep your mask (INCLUDING TREATED LENSES such as the Contrast lens) we would always recommend using Stream2Sea Mask Scrub – but if you can’t get hold of that, try toothpaste. Use cheap non-whitening toothpaste (no gel) and rub a pea-sized amount around the lenses. Settle down, you need to do this for a good 15 minutes or so, but this process should gently remove the film. Please remember to rinse REALLY well before using them on a dive or your eyes will be stinging, although you WILL smell deliciously minty fresh.

If the above doesn’t do the trick, you can burn off the film using a lighter. Simply waft the flame around the lens of the mask and you should see a black sooty residue forming. Take care not to leave the flame in one place for too long especially where the frame or silicone of the skirt meets the mask. You can then wipe the residue off the mask.

Some masks do require a bit more persistence than others so be prepared to try both methods and to repeat the process if the mask still fogs.