Masks, so many choices and variants in prices, where to start?

Well let's start by looking at how a mask is made so that so we can understand the differences in price and feel of a mask. This film is a bit on the old side but the principle remains the same.  

Different masks have different attributes and one of the one that most affects the price is the materials it is made from, especially the silicone. This video is generic but shows the stages a mask goes through when being made and how there is quite a lot of hand assembly included in the process

Click here for the video to see how a mask is made

A mask is made up of the skirt, the frame, the lens and the strap.

• The skirt.This is the silicone bit that sits directly on your face, encloses your nose and makes the seal preventing water getting in.
• The frame. This provides rigidity and connectors for the lens and strap, and is made in an enormous variety of colours!
• The lens. This is the bit you look through and comes in many shapes and sizes.
• And finally the strap. Pretty obviously it holds the mask in place – although if your fit is correct the mask will sit in place without this

All these various parts have different options for you to choose from!  Buying a mask isn't as simple as you may have thought!

The most important thing is the fit.

You probably know to test the fit by breathing in through your nose and looking down; if your mask stays in place it fits. Correct but not the only thing to do with a proper fit. You need to make sure it is comfortable. Does it press on your brow-bone or nose, if so the fit is WRONG! You need a different shape. Is it too close to your upper lip, or indeed is the skirt too short and feels like it's pushing upwards on the bottom of your nose? Either of these and it will be uncomfortable and leak.

So you've tried on a number of masks and found one that feels good. Now what? Well now you need to decide on shape of the lens. Again different lenses do different things.

What kind of lens. 

Whilst you think you might be choosing a frame you're actually choosing a lens style! This is what will dictate the shape and size of the frame. BUT it's the frame that is the coloured bit. The bigger the lens the more light it will let in and a single lens will let in a lot of light – beaten only by the multi-lens where you get side lenses too. But generally this also means a larger mask which may take more effort to clear if it does leak (and they will all leak if you leave hair in the way when putting your mask on for example).  Ultimately it is personal preference.

Smaller double-lens masks can be easy to clear and if combined with a black or dark colour and black skirt can reduce any glare (if taking photos this can be important). They also look cleaner for longer than white or clear masks.

Wear glasses, arms no longer long enough? Well, you can get prescription lenses made and put in to your mask (can be VERY expensive), you can buy off-the-shelf complete lenses or put stick-ones in the lower half of the lens to help you see that pesky gauge!  Although with both of the first 2 options you will be more limited in the shape of mask you can buy.

Ultimately what you choose is personal to you!

 Choosing what colour. 

Some might say the most important bit! Ultimately you choose what colour you like but think about a few things. 

If diving in a group and everyone is in black hoods and gloves how will anyone (your buddy especially) know who you are? Having a mask that stands out makes it easier. White and clear masks look great in photos. Black mask can help reduce glare and distractions.

But don't forget we lose colours the deeper we go - red being the first to disappear. But at the end it's your mask. Fitting and being comfortable is king, but it always pays to look good!