How to buy gear?

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kAz added 2004-08-10

if it was the same mask buy it, i would

if it was'nt then compare the brands most good masks will cost you over $100 the material used is more flexible and will
last longer, a lot longer, and probalbly a lot more comfortable.

i think dive gear is like anything else you buy you pay for quality

example:
i paid about $400 for a boss bc (its a cheap brand)
after 100 dives it fell apart, and i mean fell apart, the seams tore and i ended up patching it up with a pool repair kit, yea i was desperate so now i don't buy cheap brands anymore especially for safety gear


???`??k?z????`?

Simon added 2004-09-28

Maybe too late for the author of the above email but other may be interested...

A mask is often the first piece of equipment a new diver will buy. Masks provide a window into the underwater world. A good, reliable mask is essential to maximise safety and enjoyment. As with most pieces of equipment a good mask may end up costing a bit more but the extra investment pays off in the long run.

By far the most important criteria for choosing a mask is fit. Silicone skirts are preferable to rubber and silitex (often found on cheaper masks). Silicone generally fits the face and seals better than cheaper materials. Placing the mask on the face and looking up toward the sky the mask skirt should make contact with your face all around. A slight inhalation through the nose should hold the mask to your face without putting the strap on.

For diving and snorkelling a low volume mask is preferable. Lower volume means less effort to clear and less drag. Complicated designs (multiple lenses, purge valves, and so on) should be avoided as they have more potential for failure. More lenses equals more potential leaks. Fancy purge valves offer no advantage to a skilled diver and simply introduce unnecessary failure points (high potential to leak, particularly in silty environments). Simple attachments for mask straps are preferable to complicated attachments.

I quite like frameless masks like those produced by Scubapro, Mirage and Oceanic. Frameless masks are low volume and provide excellent field of view. I also prefer black silicone skirts to clear. In my opinion glare from the sides reduces visual range and contrast in most lighting conditions. Divers easily adapt to a small loss of peripheral vision.

After market neoprene straps are a good addition to a mask. These are unlikely to break and offer a comfortable secure fit. Once set to the correct size, neoprene straps never need adjustment.

Care and maintenance: Wash. Preferably first in warm soapy water then rinse in fresh water and dry immediately (store dry). Don?t leave your mask in the sun. Occasionally it may be necessary to take the mask apart to remove unpleasant growths, sand and grit. Be sure the mask is cleaned properly and all seals are free of grit before reassembling (unfortunately the lenses of frameless masks can?t be removed for cleaning).

For more info on gear see my web site...

http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/esm/staff/pages/shartley/projects/gear/

diver Pat added 2005-03-20

Shop Around ask lot of questions as you are doing, it can cost a bit of $$$$ for a person who is impaitant,,,
As i was

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