Mask Help

[lovesmexico615]

Hi,

I'm new (getting certified in 2 weeks) and am thinking that a mask might be the first gear I decide I should own, instead of use what the dive shop has on hand. I have a fairly small face, and am wondering if anyone has opinions on what masks I should be looking at starting off. I don't have a LDS near me(that I know of), and will probably have to buy online. My father used to dive, and told me to get a purge mask, but online I keep reading to stay away. Thoughts on purge masks, and if they are worth it?

Thanks,
Amanda

[sudnit5]

My opinion on the mask would be to go to a shop and try some on. The only way to really know if a mask will fit you is to go to the shop and try them on. You could however look online and order a few that you think might fit well and return the ones that you did not like.

As far as the purge mask, I had one and hated it! It leaked after two dives and I couldn't clear my ears with it. I would recommend not to get one.

[Foo2]

Hey Amanda! I also have a small face and I have found that the purge masks are huge on me. The bottom of the skirts were almost at the bottom of my upper lip. I recomend the Tusa Splendive II It fits me great. Of course, the only way to really find out about a mask is to go to a shop and try them on. Good luck!

[WV Diver]

Search the mask, fin, snorkel forum as I believe this was just discussed in some detail a coulpe days ago.

[subsur]

definitely try before you buy it unless an on-line retailer has a policy that you can try until you get the one that fits. you get the point.
purge valve can make a blister in your nose. if you get a low volume mask that fits, clearing is very easy.

[coralcrazed]

ok as for purge... no way. Itwill leak andyou will have trouble clearing your ears. The diaphram in the unit will also warp if left outside in the sin too long and it will leack every time thereafter. I personally love the zeagle masks as they fit me well. as most have said try before you buy. however you are new and may not know what to look for. when trying on take themask in your hand and move the strap as you will not be usin it to test for fit. place the msk lightly to your face, give it a sliht push and hold your breath... *** DO NOT SUCK IN *** a mask tht holds to your face with the least resistance the longest is the one to go with. again do not suck it in just hol your breath and do not squeez the mask too tightlyto your face. the idea is that a proper fitting mask will litterally cling to your face without effort. It helps to try to regulate your ears and see if the nose can me reached easily. hope that helped.

[somewhereinla]

A good mask is a mask that fits.