slipstream mask

[jimmyv]

I am a beginner, but I have to ask. Why aren't there any freedive masks made that are hydrodynamic? Seems like it would eliminate a measure of drag and resistance if some extra silicone was added to round out the contours around the lenses.

 

[Jon]

The Sphera seems to fit the bill rather nicely.

Jon

 

[jimmyv]

Thanks Jon,
But it seems it could be more streamlined (maybe this would only matter to competitive freedivers).
Suppose they added silicone from the top of each lens to the edge of the skirt. The mask could be made to have no edge, sort of like a fish's eye.

Also (I know this would look silly) why not have a cone shaped hood insert for competitive freediving? Seems like it would help a diver knife through the water better than a blunt surface like my noggin.

Most fish I've seen diving are way more hydrodynamic than we are.

 

[wes]

There are many reasons masks are not streamlined like you say. Mainly because it doesn't make any difference to most snorkelers and scuba divers, and this is who buys 99.99% of masks. Other reasons are that all the mask parts are molded and if the molded parts are thick they cost way more, they use more material and take much much longer to cool in the mold so the tooling production cost is much much higher. Also using foam does not work for this thick part as it will compress so would have to use solid rubber so would be heavy too and wouldn't conform well to your face for different face builds so would need to be more customized. This is not to say it wouldn't be nice to have a very streamlined mask though.

Cheers Wes

 

[trux]

Well, if you are going for a record in dynamic or depth apnea, and think that the streamlines of your mask limits you too much, try it without mask. The round head most of us have, is already not too bad from hydrodynamic point of view. Much better than if you were a cone-head - the construction concept of cone shape of some ancient submarines (i.e. the Nautilus of Capt. Nemo in Jules Verne's books) was overpassed by modern submarines with round heads. Also larger boats are being equipped by round noses that improve their hydrodynamics greatly.

 

[jimmyv]

Thanks! I learn so much from this forum. Appreciate the patience with a newbie too.