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Create A Solid Foundation. A diver’s mask, fins and snorkel manage the fundamental aspects of sight, propulsion and surface breathing. This selection of the newest models available is equipped to handle any liquid application you can dream up.
What You Need to Know: Masks, Fins and Snorkels
Masks come from the manufacturer with a mold-release compound coating the lenses, which will cause them to continually fog if not removed. Nongel toothpaste works well, as does a mild abrasive cleaner — including those made specifically for dive masks.
Snorkels are an essential piece of safety equipment, especially while you’re waiting on the surface for boat pickup. A snorkel is especially important for long surface swims to the dive site, because using it is a way to preserve precious air.
Folding snorkels that can be stored in a BC pocket and easily deployed are a great way to maintain safety without the clutter.
Paddle fins work best with a traditional, longer scissors kick, while split fins are designed for a more rapid, shallower flutter kick. Depth-compensating, self-adjusting spring straps are a nice upgrade from traditional fin straps.
The Great Mask Debate
Black vs. Clear Skirts: Clear skirts allow more light to enter the mask, making everything brighter, including an underwater model’s face. Black skirts offer a more traditional look that many divers (especially men) consider cool.
One, Two or Four Lenses? Four lenses will marginally increase peripheral vision, but the trade-off is an increase in volume, which makes equalizing and clearing slightly more difficult. Beyond that, differences are negligible.
