Mask for diving: how to choose?

Diving is one of the most interesting and cognitive activities. In this case, it is available to a wide range of people of different ages. It is not difficult to discover the underwater world - it is enough to determine the place of such leisure and to acquire the necessary equipment. There are different approaches to choosing a set of equipment, but in each case they include a mask for diving or glasses. From the point of view of safety and reliability, the first option is better, since the glasses cover only the eyes and thereby minimize the area of the view. But a quality and properly selected mask will perform two basic functions - protect from splashing and allow you to see the underwater kingdom with almost no restrictions in visibility.

What does the mask consist of?

Knowledge of the device, materials and additional elements of the mask will not only make the right choice, but also increase its competence in the process of its operation. Most of the masks for diving in the sea consist of the following parts:

• Lens. In other words, glass that provides visibility under water.
• Obturator. Soft part of the body, which falls on the nose and upper lip. In many respects the tightness of the product depends on the obturator.
• Housing. Its basis is the frame in which the lens is fixed.
• Fixing strap. Also called the occipital belt, due to which the attachment to the head is made.

Depending on the model, the materials from which the listed elements are made, as well as their shape, design and characteristics, may differ.

Requirements for the lens

A very important part of any mask, to the reliability of which you must make strict requirements. You can exclude any variations in plastic, since their strength in practice does not justify itself. In high-quality models, this material is almost never found, unlike inexpensive budget analogues, but here it is worth considering whether such a mask is necessary for diving? "How to choose a quality product" is a simple matter. It is enough to pay attention to models with tempered glass, which are marked with the word Tempered. It will be superfluous to immediately check and the quality of glass fastenings. It should fit tightly into the casing of the hull, do not have gaps and unevenness in the fit to the soft material. It is also worthwhile to consider the possibility of replacing the lens. To damage the staff glass, which has been quenched, is unlikely to work, but sometimes it requires the use of non-standard lenses with correction.

Strap and fasteners

First of all, the strap making material is taken into account. As a rule, it is a soft and strong silicone. It is soft, since the rough and hard strap does not contribute either to the reliability of fixing the mask on the head, nor to the comfort in the process of swimming. Also, the mask for diving should have comfortable in use the adjustment mechanisms of this element. A typical example of a functional and simple device is the occipital strap, which can be adjusted directly on the head. After this, with the help of simple manipulations with the latches, the set tension level is fixed. Not bad, if the mechanisms provide for and adjustment of the position of the belt along the vertical axis.

Features of choosing children's models

In general, the requirements for these masks meet the criteria in the case of models for adults, but there are some differences. For example, a version for a child should not be too heavy, otherwise it will cause inconvenience. Also, you should carefully approach the inspection of the soft part of the body, which is equipped with a mask for diving. Children's model should not have a hard, but strong silicone obturator, because the skin of the child's face is very susceptible to the materials adjacent to it. When choosing a mask for children, beginners often confuse them with teenage models. If the dimensions of the product seem to be less than those of the adult counterparts, this does not mean that it is suitable for the child. In any case, before buying, you should try on the mask and evaluate the comfort of its planting.

Other nuances of choice

In addition to the above selection criteria, it is worth taking into account other important factors, among which:

• Fixation for the tube. Most modern models provide for the possibility of picking up a tube. In particular, the Bestway diving mask is equipped with removable silicone or plastic rings to fix this attribute.
• Headband for hair. This nuance will be especially useful for women with long hair. The headband is a case for a strap, which allows you to conveniently use the mask, delicately removing strands.
• The color of the mask. This factor has no special significance and is, rather, aesthetic. But for safety it is better to prefer bright body colors, which will, if necessary, see the diver at a great distance.
• Presence of valves. Advanced models provide for the possibility of discharging water from the mask. This is done under pressure, which is formed by breathing through the nose. Such models are more expensive, but the use of valves during diving will be appreciable. The main thing is to learn how to use them.

Fitting a mask

How much a particular model is suitable for the user can be fully verified only during operation. Nevertheless, fitting in the store will make it possible to find out two factors that can not otherwise be checked-it is the tightness and comfort of planting. If a particular diving mask fits snugly to the face without causing discomfort, it means that it fits in size and shape. Further it is necessary - without the use of the occipital strap - to draw in through the nose air, thus fixing the mask on the face. It should hold on and not fall - this will indicate the tightness of the product. Then it is worth trying out the mechanisms of adjusting the strap and the clamps. In the process of navigation these manipulations should be carried out mechanically and unimpeded.

Mask maintenance rules

Even if a model has been purchased that fully satisfies all requests and requirements, there is a risk that in the process of using it will lose some of its performance. To prevent such phenomena, you should take good care of the product. The main rule is washing with fresh water, which should be done every time after using the mask for diving. The testimonies indicate that getting rid of sea salt provides silicone and glass with optimum condition and prolongs their service life without deformations. Also, the product should be regularly treated with degreasing agents. When the season ends, you need to disassemble the mask and put it in a dry and protected from damage place.

Conclusion

Water sports, no doubt, bring great pleasure to adults and children. Additional equipment enhances impressions and expands opportunities in the process of swimming. In this respect, the mask for diving is an indispensable attribute. It is known that professional divers and scuba divers can not do without it, but for beginners this accessory of swimming often becomes a favorite means for studying the marine world. Further it is worthwhile to try out other attributes of equipment, including fins and a tube. By the way, if you wish, it will be superfluous to get acquainted with the complete set of the mask. Many manufacturers release them in a single set with the same fins, and the tube has become an indispensable addition.