If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re a snorkeling fanatic (like me) who’s preparing to shop for a new mask. Well, you’ve come to the right place! There are so many great masks out there, and in this article I’ll show you all of my favorites and tell you exactly what to look for when shopping around.
Table of Contents
Mask Skirt
The skirt is the part of your mask that goes around your face and make sure it fits snugly. There are several things to consider when looking for a good fit:
- The skirt should be comfortable and not pinch your face. If it pinches, this could mean it’s too small or too large for your face shape. It should also feel flexible so you can bend it slightly if necessary. This will help with getting a good seal on to your face (more on that later). You don’t want any part of the skirt to be sharp or abrasive so look for soft edges where possible.
- Check if there are any gaps in between parts of the skirt—this can mean poor construction quality or an improper fit for various reasons such as being too big or small for certain facial features like cheekbones/ears/chin etc… Make sure these parts are flexible enough so they’ll seal well against each other without creating spaces where water could leak through into inside of mask! If there isn’t enough adjustment built into design then try another option instead because this problem probably won’t go away anytime soon
Fit and Comfort
Snorkeling masks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some have prescription lenses and some don’t. Some are less than $20 and some are over $100. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to snorkeling masks. You should also consider your comfort level with the mask before making any purchase decisions because a good fit is essential for comfortable snorkeling!
The first step in choosing the best snorkeling mask for your needs is deciding what type of mask would be best suited to your face shape and ear size/shape (if applicable). If you have trouble finding one that fits right off-the-shelf then we recommend getting fitted at an outdoor store.
Mask Volume
The volume of your face, or how much space the mask takes up on your face, is a fundamental part of choosing a snorkeling mask. The smaller the volume, the better it will fit. To measure this, you can use a measuring tape and place it around your head at certain points to determine how much space you have between them.
To figure out what size mask will work best for you, first check out its measurements before buying one online or in store (if available). Then follow these steps:
- Put on the head strap while wearing goggles with no lenses in them and make sure that there is plenty of room between them so they don’t press against each other when tightened. This may require some trial and error depending on where exactly they rest on your face because everyone has different-sized noggins!
- Once everything feels comfortable around both sets of frames—goggles plus mask—tighten down all straps until they are snug but not uncomfortably tight.
Purge Valve
A purge valve is a must-have feature for snorkeling masks. This simple mechanism allows you to breathe easily and easily expel water from your mask when needed. The purge valve is usually located at the front of the mask, next to the nose piece. All you need to do is exhale with force through your nose and water will drain out of your mask through this tube.
The best part about having a purge valve on your snorkeling mask? You won’t have any more water in your mouth while trying to breathe through it.
Mask Strap and Fastener
A good mask strap should be easy to adjust and stay in place, but it should also be comfortable—no one wants their face to feel like it’s being squeezed by a boa constrictor. If you’re looking for a new snorkeling mask, make sure the strap is adjustable and has an extra-wide range of motion so that it can fit any type of face shape or size.
The material used in manufacturing the strap will also play a large part in how well it works with your specific needs. Look for straps made from materials like silicone or neoprene; these are durable, resistant to wear and tear, and produce minimal drag when you’re swimming around underwater.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Now you know what to look for when buying a snorkeling mask. We hope this post has helped you learn more about the different options that are available so that you can make an informed purchasing decision.
