I did not expect I would be able to finish a 47 Min video - but you sir, have shared the fundamentals and personal insight you could only get from an industry expert. This is a great video! Thank you for helping me gain a perspective on a complex topic I will benefit from for a very long time to come. Thanks again.
Wow, Fabian, Thanks for the kind words. Learning the RUclips way, so we will try to keep them shorter if we can. Maybe shorter videos but put them in a series. Then you can choose the most relevant topic for you. Doing these for 7 years but still learning. When we changed to Leviathan scuba we had to start all over with viewers. So I appreciate you tuning in. Freddy
@@coralkeyscuba Just chiming in and saying this is providing excellent info for years to come. Excellently presented in a world full of people just pushing products.
Went snorkeling and scuba diving last week in Tenerife. Now I spent 45 min watching a video about how to choose the proper mask and I was completely focused and interested on every bit of it. You're incredible man, such an amount of valuable information here!
Lol..I came back from Tenerife last week, went diving, and got hooked on the idea of doing my open water course. Now can't stop watching videos about fins, dive computers etc etc. 😅
I bought a TUSA (made in Japan and at the time the top of the range from TUSA/Tabata) 28 years ago and only now has it failed, only because the inner silicone just lost it's flexibility. A super excellent mask and I doubt my new Cressi Sub will go that distance. You are so right, it is a colossal mistake to scab money on a mask and is the key for enjoyable diving in any conditions IMHO. Diving since 85. LOL 22:53, there's nothing funnier than seeing those red faces from people who have their straps cranked up as it they were getting ready to jump into that washing machine of a rocky headland in a gale force winds and high seas. Good point.
Great video. Like others, a 48 min video? Then I realized, I'll spend longer than that in a dive shop talking with a salesperson who doesn't know half of what I just learned. My last mask leaked so bad, found out later that the person in the shop didn't even dive. She was only filling in for the absent owner. I needed to learn more because now I can be my own salesperson. Thanks for covering all the important facts and info.
Our most recent videos are shorter or if we just can't fit the quality in then we break them up into series. Sometimes a 5 minute video just doesn't cut it. Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Thank you so very much for this video. I have struggled for 3 years w/ a leaking mask. Yesterday I went to a dive shop and purchased my 1st Not off the Shelf mask. Unfortunately, I did not watch your video beforehand, however, I got lucky and the mask I chose does fit all of the parameters you talked about. Next week we will be diving w/ my new mask. Also, thank you so much for telling us about the risks of using a lighter to remove the inside film. The sales clerk at Paragon Dive Shop in Tucson recommended using a lighter to take the film off of my silicone mask! UGH! I think I'll send her this video. I will use the mask cleaner and T shirt method you described! Beware folks and do take the time to watch this video 1st because even the sales clerks at professional dive shops may not be well trained or give good advice.
Hey Cindy, congratulations on having a mask that fits. It is such a luxury. You will enjoy the dives so much more. Remember to keep the strap relatively loose and you are golden. Take care and thanks for watching. Freddy
Freddy, I am new to scuba and this no nonsense video was most helpful! Thank you for this! I am looking forward to your other videos. Stay safe and healthy.
Hi Freddie, as newbie i found this a totally awesome fully comprehensive guide to buying a mask. It was informative and detailed and well worth the watch. So many other guides were rushed and missed a lot of the detail you covered which was so important. What this meant was, instead of me buying a full face cheap mask on line (which i now now was going to be dangerous) i will go to my dive equipment shop to have a mask properly fitted as per your advice. So a million thanks for the information. Anyone starting out to snorkel (like me) or i guess scuba dive this is an ABSOLUTE MUST WACH you won't need to troll through loads of different other vids as all the information you need is right here 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you for the kind words Peter. We do try to be as complete as makes sense. Hard to keep them in a short video sometimes but we try. More to come soon. Freddy
Wow! This instructor has been around the block a few times. I got certified in 1970 but still learned a lot of new information. Thank you for the great presentation. Now I am 71 and just snorkel.
You are truly a divers diver. Certified when the course was borderline torture but you came out of it a serious diver. Thanks for joining in. More to come soon. Freddy
I thought I would pop in and hit the timestamps and checkout my prime day cart of sbirkelling gear... ended up learning ALOT and watching the WHOLE VIDEO and catching myself thinking some of the same things as the people in your examples. Thats how you know this dude absolutely knows his stuff. SUBBED!
What a fantastic video. I absolutely LOVE having an instructor who is able to teach a subject so well. Your explanations, examples and detail make all the difference. Great job! Thank you for all this valuable information.
I grew up using my dad's old rubber mask... It was starting to split at the edges, but served me well for 3-4 years of pool swimming at the YMCA almost every day. The fins on the other hand where hard as a rock. The fin still worked but I had them strapped with a piece of cloth because the strap they came with shattered the first time I touched it. As I learned more, I was surprised the mask still was usable nearly 30 years after my dad got it. Replaced it with another rubber skirted 3 window mask that only lasted me a couple years before I outgrew it. I have no idea where it vanished to, but in my youth I thought it was so cool compared to the 1950s-1960s metal framed rubber oval. I remember that HUD mask... I did not have one... could not afford anything like that.
Fun Memories. I still have a few of the masks I used in my youth. I avoid even handling them today because they crumble. One of them is on the Leviathan set to the left. Thanks for the comments. Take care. Freddy
Not a water person but a great 48:23. I will apply your useful and practical thought process when shopping for my next car. My previous purchases were based on “how I feel” and later regretting the purchase. Thank you, sir.❤
Awesome video, thanks! Thanks to your tips, I realized, that my mask that I used for 9 years and 90 dives, doesn't fit me at all 😅 I didn't get a proper explanation in the dive shop
Sir you have way too little views. Watched your dive computer and this video and you’re a treat to listen to. Keep it up. 👍🏼 Greetings from Amsterdam. 🙌🏼
You are too kind. Thank you for the encouragement. We are preparing another bunch coming soon. Plus On Location videos showing the beautiful underwater world in some of the finest dive locations in the world. Thanks for watching and we will keep em coming. Freddy
Amazing information. Thank you for the guideline. This is the best one out there. I am also wary about top 10 lists for this very reason and am glad you mentioned it.
Learned alot while making lunch :D. Recently found out their is a scuba club in my arizona desert town lol. The lessons are more affordable than I thought cant wait.
Not a diver, only dived once in Malta and diving later this year in the Maldives but I was actually just doing a bit on research to buy a facemask for snorkeling. So this should've been just a skim watch for me but I actually watched the whole thing because...... A. It was informative B. It was interesting C. It was funny, laughed out loud twice. This guy seems to know his stuff and backs up what he says, and if I bump into any ex Navy diving buddies I will be able to join in the conversation (provided they only talk about masks).
Great comments Roger. I think you should learn to dive because: A. It is Passion in Motion B. 2/3 of Gods beauty he put under the water. C. Checks off all the boxes. Thrilling, Exciting, Adventure, Fun, Fulfilling. Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Good information for those who don't think it's not that important. I myself am a full face mask diver and I'm also certified in there use. I own 3 two are Ocean Reef space extender one of them is the new Neptune III and I also own a Kirby Morgan MOD-1 all with coms getting certified is very important to do, my backup mask is the TUSA HD which fits me very well. Thank you and Dive Safe. 👌🏼
ya, great vid, very informative, been watching bout every program of dive talk, now it seems as though a lot is left out to the beginner like me. Thank you, Freddy, Leviathan Scuba.
Wow I really wish that I lived closer to your showroom! I have to buy online so in imagining that I'll most likely purchase 5 different masks then return 4. I would much rather see them in person and get help fitting them though! My main goal is to be able to stay in the water for at least 2 hours and not be thinking about the mask. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I feel much more confident choosing a mask now
There are a few by Tusa that fit most faces and are great masks. Zensee and zensee pro. Tusa Ceos for smaller faces. Freedom Elite for medium and Freedom HD for larger. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba I was able to meet your daughter and she walked me through a lot of equipment options. Unfortunately, when it came time to price it out she was stuck on a call and I had to leave. I will definitely come by again after I get my first trip under by belt next week.
Yeah, I've heard that before. I do try and keep them short now but sometimes I just can't get the info out that needs to be said. Thank you for your kind words. Freddy
Thank you so much! Just watched your 1st one yesterday as I have recently moved to Florida and am interested in snorkeling. This helped me a great deal. Thank you again ❤🏖😊
Don't stop at snorkeling my dear. Get comfy then try scuba diving. Easier believe it or not. (The actual action of diving) And you get to hang out where the fish are. Better to see them from the side than from the top.
Quick note on full face snorkel masks. They are really great with one exception. If you like to dive down when snorkeling the amount of air they hold makes it hard to descend. Excellent on the surface because that they also hold your head up a bit but they make diving down much more difficult.
Tough to get it perfect without trying on but I can recommend a few that fit most people. Then once received go through the steps and see if it fits for sure. If not then you will have to return and try again. Also if you can send a photo of your upper torso and head, we can get you really close. You may send to Freddy@ckscuba.com. Those masks are, TUSA Ceos, freedom elite, Zensee for smaller to medium head sizes. Larger head sizes Tusa Freedom HD. Narrow faces XS sea diver, Atomic framless in the medium size, Tusa Ceos, Cressi Ice, Oceanic shadow or ice. Hope that helps. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba Thanks Freddy. Managed to visit a dive shop today. Owner was really helpful. Tried a bunch of masks and narrowed down to 2. One was a Scubapro Solo. Probably go back Wednesday with decision. Thanks for your advice 👍🏼🏴
The one that fits you the best. Sounds like a smart-ass answer but it is true. Masks are designed for full vision including side to side. So if it works for height and width, it should still work for you. The fit is the most important feature of any mask. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Thanks for watching. Clean any mask with a glass lens the same. We have a video on how to clean your mask that is quite detailed. Check it out. Have fun with it. Freddy
This really helped but i dont have any local store in my town to try on mask, i just need it so when i go to vacation to the beach so i can snorkle what could be a mask that could fit almost everybody
In 1978 I bought new ,a pair of aqualung rocket fins, by us divers,alomg with tanks & everything else for recreational diving. FWD 44 years: I recently pulled them out of storage to use them in our pool and I discoverd as soon as I began using them they immediately developed a rip along the top of the arch. and extending through the aqualung logo stamped on the arch .. The tear is about 2 inches in length. Is there any way to glue or even "weld" the tear back together to use as just exercise in our pool? I suspect even if there were repairable , new tears would likely occur around the old weld and other higher stressed areas of the fins. If so then I will probably get some walmart fins for the pool cause I dont intend on going into clear rivers(Yuba River & Americn rivers or the ocean bays again unless Southern california has an earthquake and we slip into the ocean as many joke.
Honestly I would throw them away. You can try a product called aquaseal but really even if it holds they will break in another place. Just too old. Thanks for watching. Freddy
What sunscreen can be worn with silicone and scuba gear? Or are you better to wear now facial/body lotions when scuba diving? Fantastic learnings thank you.
Avoid anything with petroleum in it. It eats or degrades silicone. Remember any lubricant or lotion can get on your lens. Might need cleaning more often. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Fantastic video! May I ask your opinion in a style for scuba that might suit someone that only has sight in 1 eye. I do understand all of the points made in the video about personal choice, but I would like a generalized opinion if possible. I have been considering a FFM for a greater field of view, but you have me thinking that it might not be necessary.
I don't believe a full mask will give you anything you won't get in vision with a regular mask. Two things for you to consider. Low volume masks put the lens closer to your eye, therefore the closer it is the more vision you have. Next you might try a mono lens. Literally a single lens verses dual lenses. As I use both eyes I am not sure if you compensate by looking at a greater angle than those with vision in both eyes. My thought here is that if you look at a sharper angle than most other people the center part of a mask with two lenses might block your vision. A mono lens might offer you a greater degree of angle to view. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. More to come very soon. Freddy
Great Video. watched it over 2 days but way more information than I ever thought there could ever be on masks. I have to buy a new Mask as my oldish mask has a tendence to push the nose of the mask and my nose up into my head, and it hurt to hell when Im at 40Mtr. Prefer Black as I can focus on what I'm doing. Had a clear mask once and hated it also as the light hurts my eyes. PS I'm light sensitive in the eyes and the Darker Color helps. Going to do a Full face mask Cource soon Hopeing that will help But will always keep a mask in my dive equipment as a backup IF I can find one that wont kill/decorate my face...
Yeah, I know its kind of long. But so much info to put out if we wanted to do it right. Easy to find a mask that won't push you nose. See if you can find a Tusa, Freedom HD. Fits a lot of faces and a great mask. By you comments it sounds like you are not equalizing your mask at depth. There should be no difference in the way the mask fits at 1 ft vs 40 meters. If you exhale into your mask a bit to pressurize it then it should fit exactly the same. Hope that helps Karl. Take care. Freddy
Thank you for the great clip! It helps me so much in deciding my mask now. Can you share your shop address with me? When I come to the States, I will pop by your shop in NC and hopefully able to meet you in person!
Awesome video! Are mirror lenses unsafe since your buddy can't see your eyes which can be important for communicating distress or symptoms of suffocating etc? Also I have been told, and read, that toothpaste is how to clean film from a new mask. Is that bad advice? Thanks so much for the video!
Great comment Skye. My personal answer is that I believe they are safe. While it is a great observation that the eyes would convey stress, I am pretty sure if you were in true distress I would know by body or if you could communicate to me via hand & body gestures. Although for you it might be important for your dive buddy to use a clear mask. We have a video on how to properly clean a mask. The short answer for your question is that although toothpaste does work, it leaves residue between the skirt and glass that is extremely difficult to remove. I would use the word impossible. The glass does not touch the silicone where the residue is and eventually it could leak there. Some manufacturers do not warranty leaks between the glass and skirt if an improper product was used. Toothpaste is one of those products. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Hey there, I just got back from a trip and missed this question. I noticed someone from the shop answered which was good but not the best information. No abrasives is the right answer. However dish soap is not my preference as it gets in the ocean if you do it on site. There are non abrasive mask cleaners available. One we use in our shop is by SeaVision. Hope that helps. Freddy
@@coralkeyscuba Thanks Freddy. Its for the initial clean to get the coating from factory off. I will be preparing them at home. I bought the seabuff but it says on the package that it cannot be used on coated glass. thanks for all the videos!
This was an amazing video! Thank you! With you guidance I just realized my mask, which I just wore on holiday in Greece was ill fitting. This video was just what I was looking for! Question about prescription lenses: Will my options be limited because my prescription has a cylinder (for astigmatism) in it? They are in different axis as well. I assume that at the very least custom ground lenses will be required. Another way of asking the question is: are there any limits to what prescription you can fit into a dive mask?
The basic answer is no problem on the prescription. The more detailed answer is, Some masks require adding lenses, others require replacing lenses. This can depend on the severity of the prescription as you may have guessed. I haven't seen a limit yet of the strength of the prescription. My advice is find your proper fitting mask first. Then whomever does your prescription can make a difference. Why? Because it depends on which company or companies they use. We decide where we send it depending upon the situation, strength, type of mask etc. Some companies only use 1 supplier, or the manufacturer of the mask. (We do not use the manufacturer for custom prescriptions because they pre make lenses in generic prescriptions. So some of them are close but not perfect.) For a ground lens, be prepared for a current 2024 price to be $150 - $240 US dollars. If they are replacing your masks lenses I recommend keeping the original non prescription lenses because you never know... You may change prescriptions or have Lasic surgery to correct your vision. Happens all the time. Often later after retiring your style mask, the manufacturer cannot get you original replacement lenses. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba oh my, this answer exceeded my expectation! Thank you so much for taking the time, giving me such a detailed and nuanced answer! I appreciate it! When I found out about Tusa masks and their interchangale prescription lenses, I got excited, then I saw they didn't correct for astigmatism, so I went to my optometrist, to see if I can compansate for the astigmatism by increasing the power of the sphere; apparently, this is a possibilty. I tried it and It didn't look good (particularly because the cylinders are off-axis) and he told me that custom would cost around 650 USD, but they use Carl Zeiss lenses, I believe, and the price includes the mask (not sure how that works..). Regardless, I will take all I learned in this video and put it to good use! Yes, it certainly did help, including your take on spitting to defog (which I learned on a guided dive in the red sea by the instructor). I'll refrain from spitting from now on. Take care kind sir!
yup... going to leave you a purge valve comment... yes... I learned about them from national geographic as a kid... seems some pros used them... they where useful in their time because the masks often had stiffer skirts. was easier using a purge valve than trying to reseat the mask after clearing it. these days it is not the case. purge valve has no value. back then I used my purge valve kept my mask tighter, breathed in through the mouth, and out through the nose and never had a problem with mask flooding... these days I would not bother with a purge valve... they just are not needed.
Thanks for the comments Matt. With a mustache, I kind of have a built in purge. If I maintain positive pressure in my mask it pushes water through the mustache. When the mask is new purge valves work great but they technically are a hole in the mask. Eventually the little diaphragm wears out long before the mask would. Have a great day Matt. Hope to see you underwater some time. Freddy
Thanks, apparently they need to eat a lot. The numbers grew so fast with our first channel and now they go soooo sloooow. Thanks for watching. Take care. Freddy
When i was 14 i tried a scuba exploratory experience that enede up getting cut at about 15 minutes. The mask they gave me wasnt fit or maybe flexible enough for me to equalize. Just couldnt get enough grip on my nose to close it off, so i really didnt get to dive at all. Was a huge disappointment since my dad was really looking forward to diving with me.
Great, informative videos. My wife and I are taking a cruise in November and have several snorkel opportunities. I have my old scuba mask that I have not used in 20 years. I think it is still good and will be tested in the pool tomorrow. If it passes the test, I will need a snorkel. What do you recommend?
There are a few actually. The Tusa Zensee, Ceos, Freedom Elite. The Zensee needs to be fitted with the strap on your head. Great technology but you can't just hold the mask up to your face to measure. Lightly tighten the strap to see if it fits you. Thanks for watching. Freddy
I did not expect I would be able to finish a 47 Min video - but you sir, have shared the fundamentals and personal insight you could only get from an industry expert. This is a great video! Thank you for helping me gain a perspective on a complex topic I will benefit from for a very long time to come. Thanks again.
Wow, Fabian, Thanks for the kind words. Learning the RUclips way, so we will try to keep them shorter if we can. Maybe shorter videos but put them in a series. Then you can choose the most relevant topic for you. Doing these for 7 years but still learning. When we changed to Leviathan scuba we had to start all over with viewers. So I appreciate you tuning in. Freddy
My friend just recommended this video to me and my first thought is "48 minutes!!??? I don't know if I want to watch that long."
I'm only 6 minutes in and I can't wait to get all the info from the rest of the video. Great so far!
@@coralkeyscuba Just chiming in and saying this is providing excellent info for years to come. Excellently presented in a world full of people just pushing products.
Went snorkeling and scuba diving last week in Tenerife. Now I spent 45 min watching a video about how to choose the proper mask and I was completely focused and interested on every bit of it. You're incredible man, such an amount of valuable information here!
Lol..I came back from Tenerife last week, went diving, and got hooked on the idea of doing my open water course. Now can't stop watching videos about fins, dive computers etc etc. 😅
@@bundylam sorry to tell u I am still hooked on it and I will be back to the Canary Islands in a month to do the open water course haha
@@bundylamI'm hooked as well 😂😂😂
I bought a TUSA (made in Japan and at the time the top of the range from TUSA/Tabata) 28 years ago and only now has it failed, only because the inner silicone just lost it's flexibility. A super excellent mask and I doubt my new Cressi Sub will go that distance. You are so right, it is a colossal mistake to scab money on a mask and is the key for enjoyable diving in any conditions IMHO. Diving since 85. LOL 22:53, there's nothing funnier than seeing those red faces from people who have their straps cranked up as it they were getting ready to jump into that washing machine of a rocky headland in a gale force winds and high seas. Good point.
Been diving since 1970. This was the best most thorough talk on a most important piece of gear I've ever heard. Thank you
Very kind of you to say. Thank you. More to come soon. Freddy
I've watched quite a few videos on choosing masks, but this was by far the most comprehensive one. Excellent stuff!
Thanks for the kind comments. More to come soon. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba I have dipuki goggles can you rate them
Came to make the same comment
Great video. Like others, a 48 min video? Then I realized, I'll spend longer than that in a dive shop talking with a salesperson who doesn't know half of what I just learned. My last mask leaked so bad, found out later that the person in the shop didn't even dive. She was only filling in for the absent owner. I needed to learn more because now I can be my own salesperson. Thanks for covering all the important facts and info.
Our most recent videos are shorter or if we just can't fit the quality in then we break them up into series. Sometimes a 5 minute video just doesn't cut it. Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Dang. That's a heck of an intro to mask cleaning. Good job sir!
Thanks Ryan. A lot more where that came from. Take care. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Only half way through this video, unbelievable information. Top Class 🔥
Thank you so very much for this video. I have struggled for 3 years w/ a leaking mask. Yesterday I went to a dive shop and purchased my 1st Not off the Shelf mask. Unfortunately, I did not watch your video beforehand, however, I got lucky and the mask I chose does fit all of the parameters you talked about. Next week we will be diving w/ my new mask. Also, thank you so much for telling us about the risks of using a lighter to remove the inside film. The sales clerk at Paragon Dive Shop in Tucson recommended using a lighter to take the film off of my silicone mask! UGH! I think I'll send her this video. I will use the mask cleaner and T shirt method you described! Beware folks and do take the time to watch this video 1st because even the sales clerks at professional dive shops may not be well trained or give good advice.
Hey Cindy, congratulations on having a mask that fits. It is such a luxury. You will enjoy the dives so much more. Remember to keep the strap relatively loose and you are golden. Take care and thanks for watching. Freddy
The most informative video I've found on selecting a mask. We're ready to get our masks now. Thanks.
Freddy, I am new to scuba and this no nonsense video was most helpful! Thank you for this! I am looking forward to your other videos. Stay safe and healthy.
Thanks. Welcome to the greatest hobby in the world. Enjoy. More to come soon. Freddy
Hi Freddie, as newbie i found this a totally awesome fully comprehensive guide to buying a mask. It was informative and detailed and well worth the watch. So many other guides were rushed and missed a lot of the detail you covered which was so important. What this meant was, instead of me buying a full face cheap mask on line (which i now now was going to be dangerous) i will go to my dive equipment shop to have a mask properly fitted as per your advice. So a million thanks for the information. Anyone starting out to snorkel (like me) or i guess scuba dive this is an ABSOLUTE MUST WACH you won't need to troll through loads of different other vids as all the information you need is right here 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you Kevin. We always struggle to keep them as short as possible and still get all the info out there. Appreciate your kind words. Freddy
Thanks for your help. You saved me a couple of bucks because I was going to get my online.
I’m getting back into diving after 35 years. This video was a great help! Thank you
At last a complete and comprehensive explanation of purchasing the correct mask. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind words Peter. We do try to be as complete as makes sense. Hard to keep them in a short video sometimes but we try. More to come soon. Freddy
Wow! This instructor has been around the block a few times. I got certified in 1970 but still learned a lot of new information. Thank you for the great presentation. Now I am 71 and just snorkel.
You are truly a divers diver. Certified when the course was borderline torture but you came out of it a serious diver. Thanks for joining in. More to come soon. Freddy
I thought I would pop in and hit the timestamps and checkout my prime day cart of sbirkelling gear... ended up learning ALOT and watching the WHOLE VIDEO and catching myself thinking some of the same things as the people in your examples. Thats how you know this dude absolutely knows his stuff. SUBBED!
What a fantastic video. I absolutely LOVE having an instructor who is able to teach a subject so well. Your explanations, examples and detail make all the difference. Great job! Thank you for all this valuable information.
I grew up using my dad's old rubber mask... It was starting to split at the edges, but served me well for 3-4 years of pool swimming at the YMCA almost every day. The fins on the other hand where hard as a rock. The fin still worked but I had them strapped with a piece of cloth because the strap they came with shattered the first time I touched it. As I learned more, I was surprised the mask still was usable nearly 30 years after my dad got it. Replaced it with another rubber skirted 3 window mask that only lasted me a couple years before I outgrew it. I have no idea where it vanished to, but in my youth I thought it was so cool compared to the 1950s-1960s metal framed rubber oval.
I remember that HUD mask... I did not have one... could not afford anything like that.
Fun Memories. I still have a few of the masks I used in my youth. I avoid even handling them today because they crumble. One of them is on the Leviathan set to the left. Thanks for the comments. Take care. Freddy
awesome video, the masks up behind him are super cool
Most brands and at least 28 different skirts so we can get a great fit. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Not a water person but a great 48:23. I will apply your useful and practical thought process when shopping for my next car. My previous purchases were based on “how I feel” and later regretting the purchase. Thank you, sir.❤
Vielen Dank für Ihre ausführliche Analyse zu diesem Thema!
I agree completely, I think. Have Fun.
I sure wish you where in Houston TX because I would visit your store and buy a mask. Very informative
I am amazed that I watched 48 mins about masks. How informative and well well presented/entertaining. Thanks
Glad you enjoyed it! I try to keep them short but sometimes I just can't get it in. Thanks for your patience. and Thanks for watching. Freddy
Awesome video, thanks! Thanks to your tips, I realized, that my mask that I used for 9 years and 90 dives, doesn't fit me at all 😅
I didn't get a proper explanation in the dive shop
That is a lot of putting up with something that isn't right. You must be very patient. Hope you find a good one soon. Freddy
Arguably the best video on the topic out there. Many thanks for sharing.
You are very welcome. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
you had me at "Cozumel"... thanks for all the info. Greetings from Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Love Cozumel. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
wow! thank you for the lengthy and informative information! i love how you explain and i really find it helpful! :) Thank you!
Key word lengthy. Just couldn't fit it all in with a 15 minute video. You are kind. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Incredibly detailed and extradorinaiy helpful! As a newbie, I really appreciate you sharing your honest experience.
I have been struggling with my mask leaking almost every dive. Your gravity trick should fix me up. Thank you!!!
You are most welcome. Hope it helps. Lifes too short to put up with a leaking mask. Take care. Freddy
Sir you have way too little views. Watched your dive computer and this video and you’re a treat to listen to. Keep it up. 👍🏼 Greetings from Amsterdam. 🙌🏼
You are too kind. Thank you for the encouragement. We are preparing another bunch coming soon. Plus On Location videos showing the beautiful underwater world in some of the finest dive locations in the world. Thanks for watching and we will keep em coming. Freddy
@@coralkeyscuba 👍🏼
Amazing information. Thank you for the guideline. This is the best one out there. I am also wary about top 10 lists for this very reason and am glad you mentioned it.
I tried snorkeling several times and was so frustrated, I watched your explanation of how to get a well fitting mask ! THANK YOU!!!!😊
I hope it helps you have a better time in the water, More to come soon. Freddy
Learned alot while making lunch :D. Recently found out their is a scuba club in my arizona desert town lol. The lessons are more affordable than I thought cant wait.
Go for it Nathan. It is absolutely the best. Excited for you. Take it slow and learn well, it is amazing. Take care, Freddy
I had no idea I needed to know so much about the topic, but that was actually really interesting! Well done sir.
Finally. A comprehensive, no bs guide on what to look for when choosing a mask. Also, not brand orientated (like some others).
Thanks.
Thank you
Not a diver, only dived once in Malta and diving later this year in the Maldives but I was actually just doing a bit on research to buy a facemask for snorkeling. So this should've been just a skim watch for me but I actually watched the whole thing because......
A. It was informative
B. It was interesting
C. It was funny, laughed out loud twice.
This guy seems to know his stuff and backs up what he says, and if I bump into any ex Navy diving buddies I will be able to join in the conversation (provided they only talk about masks).
Great comments Roger. I think you should learn to dive because:
A. It is Passion in Motion
B. 2/3 of Gods beauty he put under the water.
C. Checks off all the boxes. Thrilling, Exciting, Adventure, Fun, Fulfilling.
Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Thanx so much, as a learner, I found your video fab, I’m off now to buy a mask, see how I go, greetings from Sunny Australia
Good luck. I hope you get a good one. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy
The best No.1 video in the industry 🤿 millions of thanks would not be enough 👍
You are the best No. 1 kindest person. Thanks for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
This dude is awesome. I feel like he’s actually here for ME 😊
I am here for you my friend. It is why we do this. Diving is passion in motion. Thanks for sharing. More to come soon. Freddy
Good information for those who don't think it's not that important. I myself am a full face mask diver and I'm also certified in there use. I own 3 two are Ocean Reef space extender one of them is the new Neptune III and I also own a Kirby Morgan MOD-1 all with coms getting certified is very important to do, my backup mask is the TUSA HD which fits me very well. Thank you and Dive Safe. 👌🏼
Thanks Rocky. Great for more advanced divers like yourself. Thanks for watching and subscribing. Take care, Freddy
@Coral Key Scuba & Travel .Keep up the great work you do Freddy. Dive Safe 👌🏼
ya, great vid, very informative, been watching bout every program of dive talk, now it seems as though a lot is left out to the beginner like me. Thank you, Freddy, Leviathan Scuba.
Hope it helps. More to come soon. Freddy
Wow I really wish that I lived closer to your showroom! I have to buy online so in imagining that I'll most likely purchase 5 different masks then return 4. I would much rather see them in person and get help fitting them though!
My main goal is to be able to stay in the water for at least 2 hours and not be thinking about the mask.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I feel much more confident choosing a mask now
There are a few by Tusa that fit most faces and are great masks. Zensee and zensee pro. Tusa Ceos for smaller faces. Freedom Elite for medium and Freedom HD for larger. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
@@coralkeyscuba thank you! Yes I've got a small head so that's helpful info
Came across this and loved how you were so diligent in your discussion. I am coming by your shop after work today!
I hope we got a chance to meet. If not come back and we can share some coffee or ... Thanks for watching. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba I was able to meet your daughter and she walked me through a lot of equipment options. Unfortunately, when it came time to price it out she was stuck on a call and I had to leave. I will definitely come by again after I get my first trip under by belt next week.
@@themanthemyth1 Sorry I missed you. Usually always here on Saturday and Sundays. Take care.
What a great and informative video....wife is off to buy her mask tomorrow and the advice will really help! thanks
Hope she was helped properly. Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Very well thought out and well explained content. Thank you so much
Great video and very informative. I didn't think I would watch the entire 45 minutes but I finished and wanted more. (Subscribed) Thank you.
Yeah, I've heard that before. I do try and keep them short now but sometimes I just can't get the info out that needs to be said. Thank you for your kind words. Freddy
Thanks for the advice.
A true professional in front of you
You are very kind. Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Thank you so much! Just watched your 1st one yesterday as I have recently moved to Florida and am interested in snorkeling. This helped me a great deal. Thank you again ❤🏖😊
Don't stop at snorkeling my dear. Get comfy then try scuba diving. Easier believe it or not. (The actual action of diving) And you get to hang out where the fish are. Better to see them from the side than from the top.
Quick note on full face snorkel masks. They are really great with one exception. If you like to dive down when snorkeling the amount of air they hold makes it hard to descend. Excellent on the surface because that they also hold your head up a bit but they make diving down much more difficult.
The presentation was very professional.
Thank you Eric. Hope it helps. It why we do it. More videos coming soon. Freddy
Great and through explanation.
Thanks Harold. More to come soon. Freddy.
Great information in this video.
Since I don't have a dive shop anywhere near me, how do I possibly get a good fit buying mail order?
Tough to get it perfect without trying on but I can recommend a few that fit most people. Then once received go through the steps and see if it fits for sure. If not then you will have to return and try again. Also if you can send a photo of your upper torso and head, we can get you really close. You may send to Freddy@ckscuba.com. Those masks are, TUSA Ceos, freedom elite, Zensee for smaller to medium head sizes. Larger head sizes Tusa Freedom HD. Narrow faces XS sea diver, Atomic framless in the medium size, Tusa Ceos, Cressi Ice, Oceanic shadow or ice. Hope that helps. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba Thanks Freddy. Managed to visit a dive shop today. Owner was really helpful. Tried a bunch of masks and narrowed down to 2. One was a Scubapro Solo.
Probably go back Wednesday with decision.
Thanks for your advice 👍🏼🏴
So good day I have a central vision problem but I have a good very plural eye vision what will be the best diving mask for me thank you so much
The one that fits you the best. Sounds like a smart-ass answer but it is true. Masks are designed for full vision including side to side. So if it works for height and width, it should still work for you. The fit is the most important feature of any mask. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Freddie, this is great content and guidelines when buying new masks. But how about the spectrum mask how to clean it after buying it.
Thanks for watching. Clean any mask with a glass lens the same. We have a video on how to clean your mask that is quite detailed. Check it out. Have fun with it. Freddy
Excellent excellent excellent video! Subscribed!
Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Outstanding information!! Well done!!!!! Thank you!
Great information. Thank you so much
Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Soooo much valuable information in his vid. I learned a ton. Thank you so much!
Awesome video! Thanks for the informative video
Kind words. Thank you. Freddy
This really helped but i dont have any local store in my town to try on mask, i just need it so when i go to vacation to the beach so i can snorkle what could be a mask that could fit almost everybody
This video is the very best! Great information and pleasant to watch!!!
Awesome content! I don't remember the last time an hour video caught my attention like this! thank you so much!
Fantastic information!!!
Thank you so much. Enjoy, Freddy
Thanks for this video. It had a lot of great advice that I found really useful!
You go Silverwood! make it a great day. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Great video. Thanks for creating it. As a new person to freediving, this was great info.
Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Best video on choosing a mask that I have seen. Congrats.,
I can't finish the video I'm just looking to find a good brand to buy thanks for the infos anyway
Brand doesn't matter really. It is the fit that matters most. As long as it is a quality mask. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Thank you so much!! a very helpful video
Thats why we do it. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Thanks learned alot today 🏆
super solid explanation, looking forward for the next scuba diving equipment tips
In 1978 I bought new ,a pair of aqualung rocket fins, by us divers,alomg with tanks & everything else for recreational diving.
FWD 44 years:
I recently pulled them out of storage to use them in our pool and I discoverd as soon as I began using them they immediately developed a rip along the top of the arch. and extending through the aqualung logo stamped on the arch .. The tear is about 2 inches in length. Is there any way to glue or even "weld" the tear back together to use as just exercise in our pool?
I suspect even if there were repairable , new tears would likely occur around the old weld and other higher stressed areas of the fins.
If so then I will probably get some walmart fins for the pool cause I dont intend on going into clear rivers(Yuba River & Americn rivers or the ocean bays again unless Southern california has an earthquake and we slip into the ocean as many joke.
Honestly I would throw them away. You can try a product called aquaseal but really even if it holds they will break in another place. Just too old. Thanks for watching. Freddy
This may be
The most intuitive
Ty
Love it...🙂
What sunscreen can be worn with silicone and scuba gear? Or are you better to wear now facial/body lotions when scuba diving? Fantastic learnings thank you.
Avoid anything with petroleum in it. It eats or degrades silicone. Remember any lubricant or lotion can get on your lens. Might need cleaning more often. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Fantastic video! May I ask your opinion in a style for scuba that might suit someone that only has sight in 1 eye. I do understand all of the points made in the video about personal choice, but I would like a generalized opinion if possible. I have been considering a FFM for a greater field of view, but you have me thinking that it might not be necessary.
I don't believe a full mask will give you anything you won't get in vision with a regular mask. Two things for you to consider. Low volume masks put the lens closer to your eye, therefore the closer it is the more vision you have. Next you might try a mono lens. Literally a single lens verses dual lenses. As I use both eyes I am not sure if you compensate by looking at a greater angle than those with vision in both eyes. My thought here is that if you look at a sharper angle than most other people the center part of a mask with two lenses might block your vision. A mono lens might offer you a greater degree of angle to view. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching. More to come very soon. Freddy
Thank you sir I appreciate the tip about the mustache will try it next year.
I have a specific video coming out about diving with a mustache in about 5 or 6 weeks. Just filmed it yesterday. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Super helpful video. Thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Freddy
Great Video. watched it over 2 days but way more information than I ever thought there could ever be on masks. I have to buy a new Mask as my oldish mask has a tendence to push the nose of the mask and my nose up into my head, and it hurt to hell when Im at 40Mtr. Prefer Black as I can focus on what I'm doing. Had a clear mask once and hated it also as the light hurts my eyes. PS I'm light sensitive in the eyes and the Darker Color helps. Going to do a Full face mask Cource soon Hopeing that will help But will always keep a mask in my dive equipment as a backup IF I can find one that wont kill/decorate my face...
Yeah, I know its kind of long. But so much info to put out if we wanted to do it right. Easy to find a mask that won't push you nose. See if you can find a Tusa, Freedom HD. Fits a lot of faces and a great mask. By you comments it sounds like you are not equalizing your mask at depth. There should be no difference in the way the mask fits at 1 ft vs 40 meters. If you exhale into your mask a bit to pressurize it then it should fit exactly the same. Hope that helps Karl. Take care. Freddy
I love this guy, no bs about him
He loves you too. Haha. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
Thank you ! Verry nice video !
Thank you for the great clip! It helps me so much in deciding my mask now. Can you share your shop address with me? When I come to the States, I will pop by your shop in NC and hopefully able to meet you in person!
Great video, so much professional info.
As a newbie I can say you have covered everything 😊.
That is the goal. Congrats on joining the adventure. More to come soon. Freddy
thank you so much for all these information
You are so welcome!
So much information. Fantastic vid! Thanks
I have a low volume snorkeling mask. Can I use it for spearfishing?
Absolutely. You will equalize any mask you use by blowing lightly out your nose to avoid mask squeeze.
Awesome video! Are mirror lenses unsafe since your buddy can't see your eyes which can be important for communicating distress or symptoms of suffocating etc?
Also I have been told, and read, that toothpaste is how to clean film from a new mask. Is that bad advice?
Thanks so much for the video!
Great comment Skye. My personal answer is that I believe they are safe. While it is a great observation that the eyes would convey stress, I am pretty sure if you were in true distress I would know by body or if you could communicate to me via hand & body gestures. Although for you it might be important for your dive buddy to use a clear mask.
We have a video on how to properly clean a mask. The short answer for your question is that although toothpaste does work, it leaves residue between the skirt and glass that is extremely difficult to remove. I would use the word impossible. The glass does not touch the silicone where the residue is and eventually it could leak there. Some manufacturers do not warranty leaks between the glass and skirt if an improper product was used. Toothpaste is one of those products. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Awesome contrnt, thank you for dharing your knowledge 🔥🤙
My pleasure! Thanks for watching. Freddy
You did not say how to clean a UV lens from the factory. Can you suggest a product? I have a Tuss Paragon
For masks with the UV lenses, we just use something soft like dish soap. Don't use any of the abrasive cleaners.
@@coralkeyscuba thanks for the feedback mate
Hey there, I just got back from a trip and missed this question. I noticed someone from the shop answered which was good but not the best information. No abrasives is the right answer. However dish soap is not my preference as it gets in the ocean if you do it on site. There are non abrasive mask cleaners available. One we use in our shop is by SeaVision. Hope that helps. Freddy
@@coralkeyscuba Thanks Freddy. Its for the initial clean to get the coating from factory off. I will be preparing them at home. I bought the seabuff but it says on the package that it cannot be used on coated glass. thanks for all the videos!
@@coralkeyscuba
Johnson’s baby shampo. It’s a great anti fog as well !!
This was an amazing video!
Thank you! With you guidance I just realized my mask, which I just wore on holiday in Greece was ill fitting.
This video was just what I was looking for!
Question about prescription lenses: Will my options be limited because my prescription has a cylinder (for astigmatism) in it? They are in different axis as well.
I assume that at the very least custom ground lenses will be required.
Another way of asking the question is: are there any limits to what prescription you can fit into a dive mask?
The basic answer is no problem on the prescription. The more detailed answer is, Some masks require adding lenses, others require replacing lenses. This can depend on the severity of the prescription as you may have guessed. I haven't seen a limit yet of the strength of the prescription. My advice is find your proper fitting mask first. Then whomever does your prescription can make a difference. Why? Because it depends on which company or companies they use. We decide where we send it depending upon the situation, strength, type of mask etc. Some companies only use 1 supplier, or the manufacturer of the mask. (We do not use the manufacturer for custom prescriptions because they pre make lenses in generic prescriptions. So some of them are close but not perfect.) For a ground lens, be prepared for a current 2024 price to be $150 - $240 US dollars. If they are replacing your masks lenses I recommend keeping the original non prescription lenses because you never know... You may change prescriptions or have Lasic surgery to correct your vision. Happens all the time. Often later after retiring your style mask, the manufacturer cannot get you original replacement lenses. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching. More to come soon. Freddy
@@LeviathanScuba oh my, this answer exceeded my expectation!
Thank you so much for taking the time, giving me such a detailed and nuanced answer!
I appreciate it!
When I found out about Tusa masks and their interchangale prescription lenses, I got excited, then I saw they didn't correct for astigmatism, so I went to my optometrist, to see if I can compansate for the astigmatism by increasing the power of the sphere; apparently, this is a possibilty. I tried it and It didn't look good (particularly because the cylinders are off-axis) and he told me that custom would cost around 650 USD, but they use Carl Zeiss lenses, I believe, and the price includes the mask (not sure how that works..).
Regardless, I will take all I learned in this video and put it to good use!
Yes, it certainly did help, including your take on spitting to defog (which I learned on a guided dive in the red sea by the instructor). I'll refrain from spitting from now on.
Take care kind sir!
yup... going to leave you a purge valve comment... yes... I learned about them from national geographic as a kid... seems some pros used them... they where useful in their time because the masks often had stiffer skirts. was easier using a purge valve than trying to reseat the mask after clearing it. these days it is not the case. purge valve has no value. back then I used my purge valve kept my mask tighter, breathed in through the mouth, and out through the nose and never had a problem with mask flooding... these days I would not bother with a purge valve... they just are not needed.
Thanks for the comments Matt. With a mustache, I kind of have a built in purge. If I maintain positive pressure in my mask it pushes water through the mustache. When the mask is new purge valves work great but they technically are a hole in the mask. Eventually the little diaphragm wears out long before the mask would. Have a great day Matt. Hope to see you underwater some time. Freddy
Nice clip.
I tapped the thumbs 👍 button to feed the algorithm monsters.
Thanks, apparently they need to eat a lot. The numbers grew so fast with our first channel and now they go soooo sloooow. Thanks for watching. Take care. Freddy
When i was 14 i tried a scuba exploratory experience that enede up getting cut at about 15 minutes. The mask they gave me wasnt fit or maybe flexible enough for me to equalize. Just couldnt get enough grip on my nose to close it off, so i really didnt get to dive at all. Was a huge disappointment since my dad was really looking forward to diving with me.
Hope you are diving now. Great sport to age with. No impact on your joints, and not very strenuous. Thanks for watching. Freddy
Great breakdown thanks
Great, informative videos. My wife and I are taking a cruise in November and have several snorkel opportunities. I have my old scuba mask that I have not used in 20 years. I think it is still good and will be tested in the pool tomorrow. If it passes the test, I will need a snorkel. What do you recommend?
Most people these days use an "Ultra Dry" snorkel. This is not a brand but part of the technology on the top of the snorkel that keeps the water out.
Freddy, you mentioned that you offer a mask that fits most faces. What brand and model is it?
There are a few actually. The Tusa Zensee, Ceos, Freedom Elite. The Zensee needs to be fitted with the strap on your head. Great technology but you can't just hold the mask up to your face to measure. Lightly tighten the strap to see if it fits you. Thanks for watching. Freddy
You mentioned Pearl Polish to clean off the coating it comes with. What is that and where can I get it??