What to look for when buying your 1st mask before your course or after you have completed a course with SFS.
So you are looking to come and complete either a Spearfishing or freediving course with myself and are looking at purchasing your own mask as to guarantee you have the best experience possible. I highly recommend everyone who books to purchase their own mask even though i have a wide selection of masks available there's no guarantee you will get a 100% fit. Having a mask that doesn't leak and feels comfortable on the face will allow you to relax much easier in the water and this is fundamental to freediving or spearfishing is the ability to relax.
"Mask basics"
A freediving mask is a critical piece of equipment for anyone engaging in freediving or snorkeling activities. The key points for a freediving mask include:
Low Volume Design: Freediving masks typically have a low internal volume, which means there is less air space inside the mask. This design reduces the amount of air that needs to be equalized during descent, making it easier to clear and equalize the mask as you dive deeper.
Tempered Glass Lens: The lenses of freediving masks are made from tempered glass, which is more durable and resistant to shattering than regular glass. This ensures safety and prevents potential accidents underwater.
Hydrodynamic Shape: The mask's shape is designed to be hydrodynamic, reducing drag and making it easier to move through the water with minimal effort.
Silicone Skirt: The part of the mask that seals against the diver's face is typically made of silicone. Silicone is soft, comfortable, and provides a reliable seal to prevent water from entering the mask.
Low Profile: Freediving masks have a sleek and low-profile design to reduce resistance in the water and minimize the risk of the mask being knocked off during dynamic movements.
Nose Pocket: Freediving masks often have a nose pocket that allows the diver to pinch their nose to equalize the pressure in their ears as they descend.
Adjustable Strap: The mask's strap is usually adjustable to ensure a secure and comfortable fit around the diver's head.
Black or Dark Skirt Option: Some freediving masks come with a black or dark-colored skirt, which can help reduce internal reflections and distractions while diving.
Non-Fogging Technology: Many modern freediving masks have special coatings or technologies to prevent fogging, ensuring clear vision throughout the dive.
Remember, choosing the right freediving mask is crucial for your safety, comfort, and overall enjoyment of the sport. It's essential to try on different models to find one that fits well and suits your individual preferences. Always test the mask's seal by placing it against your face and inhaling slightly to see if it stays in place without holding the strap.
"Spearfishing or a freediving mask"?
Most spearfishing Masks are suitable for freediving however some freediving masks are not suitable for Spearfishing and i will explain this below.
Spearfishing Masks will sometimes have a larger volume and increased field of vision compared to a very low volume freediving mask, this is to allow the hunter to be able to look for fish easier without moving the head as much and potentially scaring away fish with moving to much. The downside to this is you need more air from the lungs to equalise the air inside the mask as you descend, you will learn about this on your course.
Here's an example of a spearfishing Mask with a wide field of view, if you're a beginner freediver you may actually prefer to have more field of view and comfort as a super low volume freediving mask can make you feel uncomfortable/ claustrophobic if you're not used to having a reduced Peripheral vision.
Here is a example of a very low volume freediving mask, this type of mask is not recommended for Spearfishing due to it not having suitable field of vision. This mask has a reduced volume inside as to reduce the amount of air required from the divers lung to equalise the pressure on decent. If you have only desire to freedive to depth on a fixed line then a mask with a super low volume may be in your best interest.
Mirror lenses- I would highly discourage anyone from purchasing a mask with mirror lenses, this is because in the UK we don't always have sunshine and very clear water so wearing a pair of sunglasses underwater reduces your ability to see even more and can make your dives seem uncomfortable and "spooky". As we always dive with a buddy for safety we need to able to see are buddy's eyes for freediver on a fixed line this is very important as this is a very good indicator if someone is in distress, the eyes give the buddy information on your current emotional state.
What mask to buy ?
This comes down to each individuals face and needs.
What activity ? Spearfishing or freediving ?
Face structure ( large nose, wide face, small face etc )
Low volume or more field of vision?
I would recommend purchasing 3 to 4 different masks online and trying them all on an seeing what mask fits your face best, the check is a masks fit you gently place the mask on your face without the strap breath in through your nose and the mask should suck onto the face without falling off. If the mask falls off it doesn't have a good Seal.
Moustache!
I'm sorry to tell you this if you have a lot of facial hair you're going to have a struggle finding a mask that seals onto your face! there are 2 options1 you shave 2 you can use Vaseline to try and create and better seal.
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