 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeArticlesDiving DestinationsLearning Scuba DivingMarine LifeMiscellaneousDiscussion GroupsGeneralScuba EquipmentScuba LocationsAustralian ScubaUK ScubaDirectoryScuba Clubs |
Scuba Forum / General / March 2007New mask and snorkel
I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to your face and inhale, if the mask sticks to your face it's probably a good fit. Well, it sticks, so while I realize this may not be a mask of high quality, does it fit? Again, only plan on using this in the pool. Thanks Sheldon Yes, that is a good fit (if it let's go when you want it to) >I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and >I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Sheldon > Yes, that is a good fit (if it let's go when you want it to) I thought so. So far it works in the bathtub. I'll try it out at the pool tomorrow. It's really cool being able to have my head underwater and still breathe. $20 for both the mask and snorkel at Amazon. I'll use it to work on my swimming and then look to upgrade when we get into the scuba class. I see a lot of good swimmers using snorkels in the pool, so I assume it's a way to work on your form. I also need the exercise to work on my upper body strength and kick. Thanks again. Sheldon > I see a lot of good swimmers using snorkels in the pool, so I assume it's > a way to work on your form. I also need the exercise to work on my upper > body strength and kick. No, it's a way to reduce the energy required to swim. Turning your head, or lifting it depending on the stroke. takes energy. Lee > $20 for both the mask and snorkel at Amazon. Silicone is acceptable in a mask, but plastic is usually considered just cheap crap only useful for kids... Many of us have been around long enough that we started with black rubber snorkels and masks... Back then, the masks were made a bit more seriously in that they had stainless steel frames... They worked quite well also... The most important thing about a mask is finding one in which the leaks are at a rate that you can put up with... >> $20 for both the mask and snorkel at Amazon. > [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > important thing about a mask is finding one in which the leaks are at > a rate that you can put up with... Thanks for the "realistic" answer. > Thanks for the "realistic" answer. Some people claim that they have masks that don't leak... With a mustache and beard, the best I figure that I can hope for is one with an acceptable rate of leak... Of course, a leaky masks means never having to worry about a foggy lense... <grin> Hell, if I didn't want to deal with a leaky mask, I'd dive a Mk-V... >> Thanks for the "realistic" answer. > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Hell, if I didn't want to deal with a leaky mask, I'd dive a Mk-V... Well, I finally wore it in the pool today. No leaks whatsoever, but you are correct, it did fog quite a bit. Also, since I've never use a snorkel before, it was quite an experience, especially moving over the deep end of the pool from the shallow end. Really cool! I wanted to go down there, and I think I'm going to like having a tank on my back so I can get down there. :-) > No leaks whatsoever, but you are > correct, it did fog quite a bit. There's some anti-fog chemicals that you can use... Some people use dishwashing detergent... Some just use spit... I figure that as long as your mask leaks a bit, it kind of takes care of itself... <grin> > Also, since I've never use a snorkel > before, it was quite an experience, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I think I'm going to like having a tank > on my back so I can get down there. There's nothing stopping you from going down there now... Traditional snorkeling is basically swimming along the surface until you see something interesting and then swimming down to take a look at it... >> No leaks whatsoever, but you are correct, it did fog quite a bit. > > There's some anti-fog chemicals that you can use... Some people use > dishwashing detergent... Some just use spit... I figure that as long as > your mask leaks a bit, it kind of takes care of itself... <grin> I have some stuff that I use for ice hockey that works "for awhile." I guess I have to keep applying it. I could also let some water into the mask, let it swish around a bit, then clear it out. >> Also, since I've never use a snorkel before, it was quite an experience, > > especially moving over the deep end of [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > snorkeling is basically swimming along the surface until you see something > interesting and then swimming down to take a look at it... Problem is, how do I get down there? I have to exhale to go down, and I'm not used to that. Feels a little scary to me. I can inhale and hold my breath, but I can't exhale and hold my breath for very long. > I have some stuff that I use for ice hockey that works "for awhile." I > guess I have to keep applying it. Probably similar stuff... > I could also let some water into the mask, let it swish around a bit, > then clear it out. Or just get a leaky mask... <grin> > Problem is, how do I get down there? I have to exhale to go down, and I'm > not used to that. Feels a little scary to me. I can inhale and hold my > breath, but I can't exhale and hold my breath for very long. Sounds like you're a bit too positively buoyant... Add a couple of pounds of lead and you probably won't have a problem... Otherwise, the way to get down is to basically bend forward at the waist and dive head first... Your feet might come out of the water in the process, but that will just give you a bit of momentum going down... By the time your fins are in the water, you can start swimming straight down... Are you wearing a wetsuit? On Feb 24, 3:30 am, Grumman-581 <grumman...@DIE-SPAMMER-SCUM- gmail.com> wrote: > On Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:24:59 -0700, "Sheldon" > [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > time your fins are in the water, you can start swimming straight > down... Are you wearing a wetsuit? He might want to get the hang of that duck-diving thang without the snorkel first. We keep forgetting that not everyone grew up in the water. I used a mask & snorkel regularly long before I was 10. We had a rock quarry in my home town so we got used to deep water quickly. Because of that early experience the mask part of diving was second nature to me like it was to a lot of you, but it seems to be a real hangup for the uninitiated. I have trouble imagining how unnatural some of these skills must seem to some folks. Has anyone told him yet about how as soon as he gets his card he'll be told to ditch the snorkel whenever possible? 8) JF > Has anyone told him yet about how as soon as he gets his card he'll be > told to ditch the snorkel whenever possible? 8) > > JF That's my plan. If all I was going to do was snorkel I wouldn't be getting certified. Grumman-581 <grumman581@DIE-SPAMMER-SCUM-gmail.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :There's some anti-fog chemicals that you can use... Some people use :dishwashing detergent... Some just use spit... I figure that as long as :your mask leaks a bit, it kind of takes care of itself... <grin> An early scrubbing with toothpaste helps. Dan Bracuk If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure. > An early scrubbing with toothpaste helps. I've never had any luck with toothpaste. I use stuff called Bon Ami, a scouring powder that is supposed to be non-scratching (and so far seems to be.) This is something that surprised me as a newcomer to scuba-- that mask lenses in their virgin state need to be thoroughly cleaned with a gentle abrasive. Apparently they get coated with some kind of gunk in the manufacturing process, and until you remove it they'll drive you crazy with fogging. Given the hefty price tag, you'd think the makers would do this.... >> An early scrubbing with toothpaste helps. > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > with fogging. Given the hefty price tag, you'd think the makers would do > this.... It's a preservative. >>> An early scrubbing with toothpaste helps. >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > It's a preservative. Well, I just tried some toothpaste. The inside of that mask is definitely squeaky clean. If I was sure it was glass I could try some solvents. Feels like glass, and taps like glass, but could be some high-tech plastic. "Sheldon" <sheldon@XXXXXXXXsopris.net> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :Well, I just tried some toothpaste. The inside of that mask is definitely :squeaky clean. If I was sure it was glass I could try some solvents. Feels :like glass, and taps like glass, but could be some high-tech plastic. Is it labelled "Tempered Glass"? Dan Bracuk If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure. > "Sheldon" <sheldon@XXXXXXXXsopris.net> pounded away at his keyboard > resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Dan Bracuk It just says "Tempered," but not Glass. "Sheldon" <sheldon@XXXXXXXXsopris.net> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :It just says "Tempered," but not Glass. Then it might not be glass. Jolly well spotted indeed. Dan Bracuk If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure. > "Sheldon" <sheldon@XXXXXXXXsopris.net> pounded away at his keyboard > resulting in: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Dan Bracuk Tempered plastic? It feels cold to the touch, like glass. > Tempered plastic? It feels cold to the touch, like glass. No reason to "temper" plastic, as far as I know... Tapping a metal object against it should give enough of a difference in sound to let you tell whether it is plastic or glass... Or just take the point of a knife and scrape it along the surface lightly perpendicular to the direction of the blade... Plastic will scratch, but it will just glide across the glass... On Feb 24, 8:27 pm, Grumman-581 <grumman...@DIE-SPAMMER-SCUM- gmail.com> wrote: > On Sat, 24 Feb 2007 20:18:57 -0700, "Sheldon" > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > direction of the blade... Plastic will scratch, but it will just glide > across the glass... Better yet, stomp it. If it shatters, it's likely glass. If it merely cracks, it's probably plastic. Best to know before he dives with it. > Better yet, stomp it. If it shatters, it's likely glass. If it > merely cracks, it's probably plastic. Best to know before he dives > with it. Well, I was going for non-destructive testing... I still say that just tapping on it with a metal object should produce a different enough sound for you to be able to tell... >> Better yet, stomp it. If it shatters, it's likely glass. If it >> merely cracks, it's probably plastic. Best to know before he dives [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > tapping on it with a metal object should produce a different enough > sound for you to be able to tell... Definitely. :-) I just sent an e-mail to the company. I'll add what I find to this post. FWIW, a small knife rubbed against the surface does, in fact, glide across. Obviously, I tried this in a small corner of the mask -- just in case. So, what's the next test? A diamond? lol > Definitely. :-) I just sent an e-mail to the company. I'll add what I find > to this post. FWIW, a small knife rubbed against the surface does, in fact, > glide across. Obviously, I tried this in a small corner of the mask -- just > in case. > > So, what's the next test? A diamond? lol Nawh, a diamond would scratch both plastic and glass... Of course, by careful examination, you could see that when it was scratching the plastic, it was a different type of scratch, but that doesn't do you any good if you scratched (and thus weakened) the glass when you did it on it... Even the best plastics have not gotten to the point of being not being able to be differentiated from glass if you know what you're looking for... A light tap with a metal object (key, coin, etc) is usually good enough to allow you to differentiate between them... Technically though, there's not really any reason why you couldn't dive with a plastic lens of sufficient quality... The only thing is that it will scratch more easily than glass... The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the mask is rarely more than a couple of psi... Anything more would be uncomfortable... There are dive lights made with glass and plastic lenses... The pressure differential between the inside of the light and the outside of the lens is considerably more than would be experienced in your mask... >> Definitely. :-) I just sent an e-mail to the company. I'll add what I >> find to this post. FWIW, a small knife rubbed against the surface does, [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > differential between the inside of the light and the outside of the lens > is considerably more than would be experienced in your mask... If it makes any difference, the lens feels cold to the touch, compared to the side lenses in the mask, or any other parts of the mask. I'm betting it's glass, and if it isn't it's really good plastic. That was a joke.  SignaturePopeye A skilled, armed man lives on a plane of security and contentment different from that of others. The man who cannot cut it, envies, fears and sometimes hates the man who can. -Cooper www.finalprotectivefire.com >> An early scrubbing with toothpaste helps. > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > with fogging. Given the hefty price tag, you'd think the makers would do > this.... How big is your bathtub??? Al Bottoms Up Divers >> Yes, that is a good fit (if it let's go when you want it to) >> [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Sheldon > I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and I > have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to your > face and inhale, if the mask sticks to your face it's probably a good fit. > Well, it sticks, so while I realize this may not be a mask of high quality, > does it fit? Again, only plan on using this in the pool. The problem is that underwater, it's uncomfortable to have a mask glued to your face. When a mask has a wide enough seal, it will stick to practically any face with enough suction. The best fitting mask is one that sticks well to your face without having to inhale > I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and I > have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to your [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Sheldon OK. Here's the thing if it sticks then it is a good fit. When you take it home test it out in the bath tub or the sink and make sure you have a good seal so no water gets in. To relieve the pressure exhale throught the nose. No water should be inside when you come up. >I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and >I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to >your face and inhale, if the mask sticks to your face it's probably a good >fit. Well, it sticks, so while I realize this may not be a mask of high >quality, does it fit? Again, only plan on using this in the pool. What kinda mask is it? > Thanks > > Sheldon >>I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and >>I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > What kinda mask is it? US Divers Avalon >>>I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, >>>and I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > US Divers Avalon USD is a high quality product, and, you've got the information on fit. You did well. On Fri, 23 Feb 2007 04:41:03 -0500, "Douglas W \"Popeye\" Frederick" <Popeye@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: > USD is a high quality product Not necessarily... They do make a line of products that are designed more towards the non-diver type of person... Although you could probably use them for diving, I don't think that they have the durability of their units that are actually targeted towards divers... I'm not saying that this is the case with the one that he chose... I'm just saying that you can't always rely on just a name... > On Fri, 23 Feb 2007 04:41:03 -0500, "Douglas W \"Popeye\" Frederick" > <Popeye@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I'm not saying that this is the case with the one that he chose... I'm > just saying that you can't always rely on just a name... The stuff I got seems to be in the middle of the line. As I said in an earlier post, I didn't want to spend a lot until I had a chance to see and hear more about what's out there. And, even the most expensive mask may not be a good fit for "me." > > On Fri, 23 Feb 2007 04:41:03 -0500, "Douglas W \"Popeye\" Frederick" > > <Pop...@finalprotectivefire.com> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > hear more about what's out there. And, even the most expensive mask may not > be a good fit for "me." I still have the first mask I purchased from the shop where I did the course, a Sherwood Genesis(?) which I believe was actually made by a different company. I bought it because it was the cheapest one on the shelf and was on sale to boot. I've bought three others since. The original turned out to be the one I keep going back to. I only wish the original fins had been as good. They didn't get used after the open water check dives. JF "JOF" <jofrancis@gmail.com> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :I still have the first mask I purchased from the shop where I did the :course, a Sherwood Genesis(?) which I believe was actually made by a [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] :the original fins had been as good. They didn't get used after the :open water check dives. I, on the other hand am still diving with the only fins I've ever had. Bought brand spanking new in 1986. Not the original fin straps though. Dan Bracuk If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure. > I, on the other hand am still diving with the only fins I've ever had. > Bought brand spanking new in 1986. I still have the snorkel that I had from around 1980 and it is still in great shape... Probably because I never use it... They tend to last longer that way... Well, assuming you don't misplace 'em like I've probably done with various other pieces of gear over the years... I wish I still had my old black rubber tri-window (USD, I think) mask... That one probably leaked the least of any mask I've ever owned... >I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and >I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to >your face and inhale, if the mask sticks to your face it's probably a good >fit. Well, it sticks, so while I realize this may not be a mask of high >quality, does it fit? Again, only plan on using this in the pool. Hold it up to your face without pressing on it and inhale very gently. If it stays without being held, it's probably a good fit. Try it with the snorkel in your mouth. As for quality, if it has tempered glass lenses and fits, it's quality enough. Lee >>I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and >>I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Lee By your requirements, so far so good. > I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, and I > have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up to your > face and inhale, if the mask sticks to your face it's probably a good fit. > Well, it sticks, so while I realize this may not be a mask of high quality, > does it fit? Again, only plan on using this in the pool. If it fits in the pool, it will fit anywhere you care to dive. All masks are "pretty clear". I haven't seen one yet that hasn't been. I don't buy a mask by price, but by fit and then looks. The mask that I have been diving with for ages is a US Divers Hawaii 2. Retail about $35. It has been with me from the pool to the Andria Doria and everything inbetween. >> I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, >> and I have one question. I remember reading that if you hold the mask up [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > with for ages is a US Divers Hawaii 2. Retail about $35. It has been with > me from the pool to the Andria Doria and everything inbetween. Well, since this one fits, it looks like staying with the same brand down the line wouldn't be a bad move. "Sheldon" <sheldon@XXXXXXXXsopris.net> pounded away at his keyboard resulting in: :I just got my new mask. It seems pretty nice, with very clear lenses, Clear lenses are definetly a redeeming quality. Dan Bracuk If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure. > Clear lenses are definetly a redeeming quality. Otherwise, it's more difficult to determine how crappy the visibility might be... <grin> |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.