What kind of mask should I buy?

[Hypersquid1]

Hi everyone,

I have been freediving for about 2 years now. i was using a U.S. Divers mask and snorkel. On a family trip to Montauk, I was in the pool and sadly my mask and snorkel was stolen. I want to buy a new mask but I'm not sure what kind to buy. I was looking at the Riffe masks, the Aqualung ones and some more U.S. Divers ones. i am so confused with all the masks out there. i want a good brand that i can depend on and that will not break. i was looking at a U.S. Divers Avalon purge mask and a Diego dry snorkel. I was also looking at a Aqualung Quartz #3 mask with a Diego dry snorkel. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hypersquid1

 

[John A]

Short answer is the one that fits best. I currently use the Omer Alien, very soft and low profile, I also have a Beuchat Strato that is also very nice but not as soft as teh Omer.

John

 

[GALADION]

May I point at a more european direction.
First of all I have to agree with Jonh conserning the fit of the mask which is a crucial matter that has an immediate impact on your performance. Even the slightest discomfort will result in an unhappy diver.
Having said that, I can honestly say that having used most european masks I found that Cressi Superocchio was FOR ME the best by far. It fits most (but not all) faces, it has very low internal volume, and is very comfortable to wear even for long periods (e.g. spearfishing). There is also the Cressi Minima with even lower volume but this one didn't fit my face so I can not give any advice. Very good masks are also manufactured by Sporasub and Omer.

 

[1 shot 1 kill]

I also use a Cressi Superocchio and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone (assuming it fits comfortably, doesn't leak, etc). Its low volume makes it easy to equalise and the silicon skirt is soft and hard wearing. Saying that, i'd recommend trying a few on and asking the guy in the shop which he thinks is best/sells most of/has fewest returns and then get which ever one you feel most at home in. Good luck!

 

[Cornholio]

Oh yes, Superocchio. I gave mine to a friend and I do miss it. Must buy another...

 

[matrixed82]

I got a supperochio of the DB store a couple of weeks ago. It ended up being half the price than at the scuba stores around here even after shipping. It only leaked a couple of times but that was when I was trying to move my jaw while trying to equalize without doing the vaslava. Its a real comfortable mask.
You might also want to check the cressi sub-matrix, the field of vision seemed a little better but I've only tried it in the store.

 

[monofin_diva]

i like this mask and their front mounted snorkels are cool too..

http://www.finswimming.ca/

they're not expensive & so far mine haven't leaked. i have both the orienteering mask for ocean swimming and the other mask for pool.

also the old classic oval dive masks are still good, but not so streamlined

 

[Alison]

Omer Alien here too. It seems to fit a very wide range of faces, both my husband and I have one, he has a very wide face, mine is much narrower and we both think its the best fitting mask we have had. However Colin says his leaks if he hasnt shaved for a couple of days so if you have that tendancy it may not be the best choice. Soif your buying blind like we were forced too its worth a thought

 

[Jon]

OMER Alien for spearfishing and a Sphera for freediving and underwater hockey.

Jon

 

[Aquagenic]

I am not terribly experienced with masks, but I bought a Cressi Minima, and I have no complaints. Very soft skirt, very little pressure when on, and it seals to my face great. As well as having a minimal volume so that you don't lose any much needed air. Just my 2 cents.

~Picksmith

 

[Fondueset]

i have a cressi matrix - also an omer alien. The alien is a great mask - but it seems to scrunch my nose at depth for some reason. It feels like it starts to pull upward on my face. I have a really large nose however. Of the two the alien is the safer bet for fit for most people - the cressi is a bit tempermental