Silicone Type - Black vs. Clear

[adv_diver1]

Is there any difference in the quality or longevity of clear silicone vs. black silicone on a mask? Which is better or are they the same?

[WaScubaDude]

There is a thread going on his topic. I am black skirt for a baseball cap effect guy.

[DiverBry]

I've had both... I found that I liked the black better for two reasons:

1) The black silicone doesn't show age or stains as much as the clear can. If you accidently store your mask before drying it, you can develop mold stains.
2) It blocks out the peripheral light, so it is easier to focus on what is ahead of you. Some photographers like them for this reason, I understand.

The longevity is about the same, from what I've experienced, but I tend to throw away yellowed and stained silicone masks sooner for cosmetic reasons.

[adv_diver1]

Thanks. I really was hoping I would not get any bad info about longevity. I did not know if the dye in the silicone caused it to "crust" up a little earlier. I have always had clear, but am going with a black silicone with black or carbon fiber frame.

[CaptainRon]

I've always been partial to the clear, but that is probably because most of my diving is in poorer visibility in local lakes and rivers. In high vis, sunny locations, the black skirting would probably shade your eyes a little more. Just try a couple of masks on and see how they feel. I don't think the durability is different between the two so it is just a matter of personal preference.

[texdiveguy]

I prefer black skirted mask for several reasons.

[tarheeldiver]

Black just looks cooler!!

[WV Diver]

Should not see a difference in longevity but the black skirt/mask will cut down on glare and help you see more clearly with less eye strain. Some say it will enhance your color vision, not so sure about that.

[cummings66]

I own both, I use the clear one most all of the time. The black one cuts down the light coming in from the edges where the clear one lets it in. I dive in muddy murky waters and to be honest the black mask makes it seem darker than it is.

[PsychDiver]

My first masks were black - because in those days silicone wasn't used. Once silicone became popular the clear did also. But now black is back. I have both and have found that some black silicone fits my face better than most clear silicone masks. However, I recently got a cheap mask ($12 on sale) for backup that was clear and is the most comfortable mask I have. My black silicone was $175. Go Figure.