Help a BIG faced diver find a mask.

[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

Hi Guys

I'm of the VERY LARGE faced variety. I also have a trimmed beard. These are making it very hard to find a mask that doesn't leak. Obviously I could shave my beard but that still leaves me with a large face and what my sister called 'PlayDough' cheeks.
It's so frustrating having to clear every three minutes. I would sell my child for a mask that didn't leak.

Any fellow fat-faced divers that have found a mask that fits?

Matt

 

[Mr. X]

Suggest that you: (a) shave the beard off, (b) sell the child anyway, (c) visit a good dive shop & try some masks out - it can profoundly change your preferences, (d) avoid ultra-low volume masks (e.g. Cressi Lince) and instead (e) consider either normal volume masks such as the Cressi Matrix or, if that is still too small for you, consider some of the higher volume SCUBA masks, such as the Cressi Big Eyes (or Typhoon equivalent) - I consider these large masks.

To me, the Cressi Lince/Matrix/Big Eyes models seem like similar designs which vary mainly - and significantly - in size & volume.

Most of the standard/popular spearing masks vary from year-to-year but are essentially similar in both design & size (e.g. Cressi Superocchio, Mares Samurai, Omer Alien/etc., Seacsub Combat-X,...) - ideally you would choose one of these proven designs but your post suggests that might not be practical. I would consider them to be at the lower end of the Medium size.

Freedivers often go for the lowest volume masks* but for spearos depths are typically less and field of view and comfort - over several hours of constant use - are greater considerations. Most spearing masks (& all of those mentioned above) are bi-lens designs, that's probably because it suits freediving/spearing by allowing the lens to be close to the eyes, which increases the field of view and lowers the internal volume of air, which will compress at depth. [*Although some like to consider the possibility of using the air in the mask! ]

Fellow beardies might be able to help with advice on that problem (perhaps masks with larger soft silicone skirts?).

 

[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

Thanks for your advice Mr X.
I'm rather attached to the beard....
I do go into almost every Dive shop I come across and find that most stock masks for the average Joe. I think also, in the past I've been guilty of pressing a mask to my face or constantly inhaling to convince myself a mask fits - I own several that don't.
Shall definitely keep an eye out for the models you suggest.

Cheers

 

[Pinniped72]

Just shave a few mm under your nose, keep your cheeks clean and you will be much better off, decent silicone doesn't need much skin to make a good seal Not a spearfishing mask but the Hollis M1 single lens could work for you, I have one that has fitted many face shapes, from the large to the borderline anorexic!! I think it works so well because of a good design and really soft and seemingly good quality silicone. I sport a short beard and moustache and there is no issue with a very small amount of shaved skin as outlined above. Anyway, good luck.

 

[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

Just shave a few mm under your nose, keep your cheeks clean and you will be much better off, decent silicone doesn't need much skin to make a good seal Not a spearfishing mask but the Hollis M1 single lens could work for you.

Thanks Pinniped. Had a look at these online and they get rave reviews especially from divers with facial hair. I'll trim as you suggested too. Here's looking forward to hassle free diving!

 

[Tubsmgrubs]

I had the same problem and my dad who used to do commercial diving suggested Vaseline on the moustache to help seal. Not sure how well it works but worth a try if it means not messing with the beard!

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[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

Everything is worth a try! Thanks Tubs.

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

Vaseline works with a mustache up to a point...I suffered the same issue for years, and resigned myself to a leaky mask if I wanted low volume...but if depth isn't a major factor (i,e. you want to have fun, stay shallower, not trying to break records), then go find a mask that fits in the shop and they will let you return/exchange. Then go find a pool and try it out...and if you are going to be using it with SCUBA, try it with a regulator in your mouth...this absolutely changes the shape of the face and how that mask fits.

 

[John B Griffith Jr]

[photo=medium]12738[/photo]

 

[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

Thanks for all your tips.. I've decided to try a Sporasub mystic - it's a cheap option to begin with! If that fails then the Hollis or a Liquid Skin option along the lines of Big Eyes.
Having something in your mouth is an interesting consideration. Scuba & Spear-fishing. I'm going to try diving with the snorkel out.

So, whilst the child remains unsold, I'm confident with your advice to be soon enjoying leak free diving.

Cheers !

 

[Matt Sutorītorēsā]

So I tried the Sporasub.. too small. So my next choice is the cressi matrix. This seems to pass the dry test with a trimmed tash. Feel confident that with perhaps the help of some Vaseline the next dive will be leak free.
Thanks for all the advice guys. Happy hunting!

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