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Karen C asked in SportsSwimming & Diving · 1 decade ago

XL SNORKEL MASK SKIRT!?

Need advice from XL faced people who have trouble with the skirt not fitting properly (too small) and water always seeps in. While field of vision is important, I would just like to wear a mask that is not slowly filling up. My current mask is U.S. Diver 3 window, $$ and didn't do the job so I don't care about the 'brand' name, just the fit!

Thanks

Update:

The real problem is chubby cheeks. If he keeps a totally expressionless face, the mask test works. However underwater if he moves his face in the slightest, his cheek lines (beside nose) cause the seal to break. We've had a professional diver help make adjustments and his recommendation "Find a brand with a really big skirt". We haven't found any at our local dive shops, which is the reason I'm trolling the web!

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    You just answered your own question. Hit a dive shop and start trying them. Every manufacturer has different fitting masks. One person's large face is not the same as the next person with a large face. The only way you're going to find "your" mask is to try as many on as you can and whittle down your fits.

    A good test to do in the dive shop is this:

    Without putting the head strap on, place the mask against your face and inhale a little through your nose, mouth closed. Stop the inhale, take your hands away from the mask. If it stays put for 30 seconds or more, it's a good fit. Put that mask aside as a possible purchase. If it doesn't stay on, then put that mask in the discard pile.

    Once you have some choices in the "keeper" pile, start narrowing down your choices remaining by fit, visibility and finally style and colour.

    You should have at least one or two masks remaining in the "keeper" pile to choose from.

    Edit: I get small floods too when a buddy does something silly enough to get a laugh or smile. Sorry, but other than to keep on trying them (beg borrow or steal a couple that test well in the shop), you're still back to the old "everyone's face is different" thing.

  • 1 decade ago

    Also, it takes a little time for a new mask to conform to your face. It took me a couple of weeks to have mine fit comfortably. It is a little harder for me because I am asian, and I have a flatter face and high cheek bones.

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