mask with or without purge

dukester48 · 04-17-2006, 10:13 PM

Im a newbie looking for a good mask...., the purge idea sounds like a really good idea, but it makes me wonder why more masks dont have it. does anyone have experience with these?

scuba jerm · 04-18-2006, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukester48

Im a newbie looking for a good mask...., the purge idea sounds like a really good idea, but it makes me wonder why more masks dont have it. does anyone have experience with these?

Yes, I have experiance with both, I like the purge mask since it is easier to clear the mask of water (it allows of for some water to pass through the valve when you blow out your nose). Having said that, some people don't like the purge valve since sometimes it doesn't completely get rid of the water, so some will just sit there on your upper lip. The non-purge valve type is more traditional, just more difficult to completely clear of water. But the difference is so minimal, it's hard to tell the difference. It all comes down to personal preference. It's likely that you will stick with the type of mask you used while in training.

Another idea is to buy both. It's always a good idea to have two masks to bring on any scuba trip. Hate to see you pay $2,000 for a trip and loose a mask your first day, then have to rent a terrible replacement provided by the dive operator!

You can check out our masks if you like http://www.onestopscuba.com/catalog/...d19b121202ec09. and if you buy from us, be sure to mention this forum to get 10% off.

Oh, and if you'd like to you can always call, if you have questions.

Cheers

Crispix · 06-05-2006, 02:33 AM

I'm recently certified and had the same question when looking for equipment. I think you don't see more purge valve built into masks for two reasons:

1. The mask is arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment -- after all, you're down there to look at things! So a good fit is most important, and I think people would rather pay for form and fit than for puge valves.

2. Clearing a mask without a purge valve is not at all difficult, it just takes some practice. I highly suggest practicing mask clearning during your training over and over until it becomes no big deal. My mask fogged up a couple times during my open water dives, and I had no problem filling it up and purging in just a few seconds.

I think mask clearning is just one of those things that a student diver is always concerned about about at first, but turns out to be a non-issue.

scuba jerm · 06-05-2006, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crispix

I'm recently certified and had the same question when looking for equipment. I think you don't see more purge valve built into masks for two reasons:

1. The mask is arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment -- after all, you're down there to look at things! So a good fit is most important, and I think people would rather pay for form and fit than for puge valves.

2. Clearing a mask without a purge valve is not at all difficult, it just takes some practice. I highly suggest practicing mask clearning during your training over and over until it becomes no big deal. My mask fogged up a couple times during my open water dives, and I had no problem filling it up and purging in just a few seconds.

I think mask clearning is just one of those things that a student diver is always concerned about about at first, but turns out to be a non-issue.

Well said Crispix,

Mastering mask clearing will be a great use to you once you are diving frequently. I've used a few different anti-fog solutions, but none of them work 100% of the time so mask clearing seems to always come in handy.... Master it and you'll never have to worry about a foggy mask.