- Regarding better specification / data: do you mean only the sizes or something else also?
At present I'm just after greater international standardisation of the information given when describing masks, snorkels and fins in catalogues and on retail websites. I'd settle for the basic dimensions in mm:
- Mask: width × height × depth; skirt width × height.
- Snorkel: height and internal diameter and/or internal volume.
- Fins: outer length × outer width × outer height; inner length × inner width.
This said, some additional measurements would be welcome, e.g.:
- Mask: horizontal vision (angle°); vertical vision (angle°); weight (g); hardness (Shore)/
- Snorkel: mouthpiece size (mm); mouthpiece hardness (Shore); snorkel weight (g).
- Fins: blade inclination (angle°); buoyancy (positive/neutral/negative), weight (g); pocket / blade hardness (Shore).
If the above sounds a little "over the top", then take a look at the
Navy comparative evaluation of fins published in 1957, which required many more measurements to be made when comparing swim fins. Shoe sizes don't always equate to precise foot lengths when it comes to fitting fins.
- What in particular are you interested in the materials used: do you want to know the 'list of ingredients', or are you e.g. interested in the materials' eco-friendliness or durability under diving conditions (water, salt, UV, pressure...)?
I'm not looking for the exact "recipe" of the materials used to make masks, fins and snorkels. I respect the argument from manufacturers that the ingredients and their proportions are a commercial secret. However, I share the frustration of the writer of the 1957 fin comparative evaluation report when he rails against the misuse of the word "rubber" to mean any kind of elastomer, synthetic or otherwise. Online I've seen the word "rubber" used to describe urethane, PVC and silicone as well as natural and butyl rubber. As an oldie, I expect "rubber" to be a product of a rubber plantation in, say, Malaysia, rather than a by-product of petroleum. What I am looking for is greater precision when stating what an item of diving gear is made of. If it's made of silicone, PVC, urethane or neoprene, say so and don't use expressions such as "silicone rubber" unless it's a compound of silicone and natural/synthetic rubber. If the rubber is tapped from a tree, say so and call it "natural rubber" and to quote your terms, I like to think that substance is more "eco-friendly" as well.
-What kind of choice would you be intersted in the materials: visuals like color or customization, specific performance (e.g. tolerance for high pressure) or something else?
It's hard to think in the abstract without a particular product in mind. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to masks, snorkels and fins and my personal preference is for a rubber-skirted mask, a rubber-mouthpieced snorkel and all-rubber full foot fins because that's the kind that were available when I started snorkelling in the late 1950s and I see no point in changing; I'm not alone with this preference as all-rubber fins are the only fins made in Japan and they have proved very popular in the Far East. At the same time, I understand that many modern divers adore innovative materials and I respect their choice too. All I want is the option of a traditional material when a new product appears on the market. As for colour, I do like equipment to be available in colours other than black, but I don't like wetsuits with multicoloured panels because the result looks like a Harlequin outfit; yes, I do realise that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but as a traditionalist I don't like busy or overengineered design. I'm a big fan of simplicity.
You mention performance under particular conditions, and this does indeed matter. In older ads I recall reports about successful testing of, say, a diving suit down to a particular depth and this information is really useful. I would also welcome printed advice about using, maintaining and storing equipment to extend service life. I would also welcome evidence that manufacturers take account of current national and international standards for fins, masks and snorkels; I am convinced that many companies ignore such standards instead of complying with them in the interests of their customers!