Buying mask over the Internet

[namabiru]

I know you should try on masks before you purchase them, but the problem I'm faced with is I don't have a shop around where I could go try something on. So I rely a lot on measurements, etc. when buying dive gear in general.

So that brings us to masks. Does anyone have any good tips or things they've found which work well when selecting a new mask online? I do have a smaller face, so I don't want to get something which will look gigantic and/or not fit properly.

Oddly enough, a snorkeling mask I had when I first started out has lasted me 33 dives, but I can tell it's starting to become time to change up. The mask still works, but would like to get into something different.

[ReefHound]

Some people have faces easy to fit and some have faces hard to fit. Just about anything seals on me so I buy masks online without a thought. YMMV.

There really are no measurements so the only tips might be to buy something similar (mfgr, style, etc) to something that has worked for you in the past. Or borrow masks from your dive buddies and buy the one that fits best.

Make sure you buy from someone with a good return policy.

[BSea]

I think there is a shop that will allow you to return a mask if it doesn't fit with no questions asked. Hmmmm.....their name is right on the tip of my tongue something to do with "Toys". Might have "Scuba" in the name too.

I bought a Mares X-Vision mask, and they said if it didn't fit, just to send it back. It's my favorite mask. I didn't have to send it back.

[thesmoothdome]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

Make sure you buy from someone with a good return policy.

That's the best piece of advice there is.

Just as a general rule, because I have a narrow face, I prefer low volume masks. They tend to fit better on me than big 3 or 4 panel masks do.

[thor]

Wherever you buy. Make sure they have a liberal return policy. Some places will even let you dive with the mask and give you store credit if you don't like it, but those dive shops are few and far between, if not almost non-existent. Talk to ST and see what they can do for you

[JugglingMonkeys]

is this ST's policy on everything?
Easy return if it doesn't fit?

[BSea]

Originally Posted by JugglingMonkeys

is this ST's policy on everything?
Easy return if it doesn't fit?

I don't want to speak for ST, but when I bought my mask it was what I was told.

[ScubaToys Larry]

My daddy always taught me.. "Make a customer, not a sale."

I never want anyone to keep any product they are not happy with. We will always make sure you are happy with your purchases. No problem. No worries.

[nferra2]

Well, first you open your scanner and take a scan of your face. Next you email it to Larry. Larry will then recreate your face in 3-D in the shop and find the mask that fits you best.

[thor]

Larry is Darkman?