Got a ? about mask.....

[mrmccoy]

What makes a scuba mask a scuba mask VS. a $10 mask from wal-mart? Is it the material...the lenses...the overall construction? I wouldn't trust my eyes in a cheap mask but i'm just wondering what the difference is.

[paperdesk]

Originally Posted by mrmccoy

What makes a scuba mask a scuba mask VS. a $10 mask from wal-mart? Is it the material...the lenses...the overall construction? I wouldn't trust my eyes in a cheap mask but i'm just wondering what the difference is.

For me it's about comfort first. The better masks tend to be more comfortable. Also a mask made of inferior (cheap) materials might leak and wouldn't be as dependable.

I don't know that I've seen a huge difference in the optical quality, but of course with a $10 mask that could be an issue.

[NOLA Diver]

What Part of Louisiana are you from?,
I Live in
Chalmette, if you wana do a few dives in the lake send me a PM and i will help you out if needed,

[cruzan]

Originally Posted by mrmccoy

What makes a scuba mask a scuba mask VS. a $10 mask from wal-mart? Is it the material...the lenses...the overall construction? I wouldn't trust my eyes in a cheap mask but i'm just wondering what the difference is.

Yes to all the above. If you look at some of the cheap mask you'll find plastic lens's and other short cuts in construction.

[Damselfish]

probably cheaper materials and construction. Material that isn't as soft, thinner glass, untempered glass, or even plastic. Often these are in bubble packaged (maybe in sets) so you can't try them on before buying.

Then again, you might find an inexpensive "snorkeling" mask someplace that fits well and is suitable for diving. Just make sure you know what you're looking for. There's actually plenty of scuba masks available that are pretty inexpensive, but you'll find those deals mostly online which is a hard way to get a mask that fits.

[mtnplayva]

I had a US Divers snorkeling mask that I had before I started diving. It fit well, never leaked and was inexpensive. I thought it would be perfect for my beginning dives and it was....I loved that mask until I hit 90 feet and it started leaking. Never could get it to stop leaking after that dive. Not sure if it was a fluke or if the seals just aren't as good in a snorkeling mask but I finally found a diving mask that doesn't leak so I am happy again

[UofTOrange]

I have a US Divers mask that works great and another off brand that is terrible. So it really depends. But you can get an acceptable scuba mask for 30 bucks so there really is no reason to go cheaper

[mrmccoy]

I'm planning on taking my OW class in about 2 weeks. how is scuba toys about returning stuff if it doesn't fit? I would much rather buy from ST then my LDS due to prices!

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by mtnplayva

I had a US Divers snorkeling mask that I had before I started diving. It fit well, never leaked and was inexpensive. I thought it would be perfect for my beginning dives and it was....I loved that mask until I hit 90 feet and it started leaking. Never could get it to stop leaking after that dive. Not sure if it was a fluke or if the seals just aren't as good in a snorkeling mask but I finally found a diving mask that doesn't leak so I am happy again

That's interesting that it started leaking when you did a deeper dive. There is usually no real pressure differential between the mask and ambient pressure. I have a feeling that the seal just took that time to give out.

I still use a Tabata maks that I've had and used for 25 years. Still seals and still works well. My biggest leak problem is my mustache. Always have a little leak, but it's workable. The wife likes the 'stache too much for me to shave it off.

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by mrmccoy

I'm planning on taking my OW class in about 2 weeks. how is scuba toys about returning stuff if it doesn't fit? I would much rather buy from ST then my LDS due to prices!

Usually ST is great about this. I had to return a wetsuit about a year ago and they exchanged it for the correct size with no problems at all. I shipped it back and they shipped me the right size.