The diving goggles are of course part of the standard equipment for snorkeling and diving. The glasses (divers prefer to talk about a diving mask) consist of the following components: the frame, the lens or lenses, the strap (with buckles), and the facial part (a soft part of the mask).
The Diving Goggles Frame
The diving goggles frame holds all the components in place. The frame surrounds the glass in the facepiece. Previously, most metal frames were made. These masks were heavy and were subject to corrosion. Today most are made of lightweight synthetic material or plastic. In addition, there are masks without a frame. In it, the facepiece is attached directly to the lenses.
The Lens
Most diving goggles have synthetic/plastic lenses or shatterproof glass (tempered glass). The advantage of plexiglass is that it is lighter glass. However, a disadvantage is that it can scratch much more. On the other hand, the shatterproof glass is firmer. Today this shatterproof crystal is very clear. A characteristic of the lenses is the field of vision (the more you can see, the better). There are masks that have two individual lenses and masks with only one one-piece lens. There are also diving masks with side lenses. This depends on your personal preference.
The Face Piece
The face piece (skirt in English) can be made of different materials such as rubber, PVC, and silicon (crystalline). Rubber is not used much more because it dries quickly, cracks, and lets in low light. PVC is not recommended because it leaks mostly in colder waters. The best material for the facial part is silicone. Although silicone facial parts can be discolored (usually it turns a little yellow), they maintain elasticity and thus maintain comfort. An important part of a good mask is the bridge of the nose. This is usually part of the face piece and contains the same material.
The Belt and Buckles
The strap holds the mask in place. The buckles ensure that the strap can be adjusted and fixed (tighter or looser). Usually, the same material is used for the strap as for the face piece. There are also straps made of neoprene. This type of material is used to prevent hair from getting tangled with the strap. Buckles are usually made of synthetic material or metal or a combination of both. It is advisable to choose a belt that is divided into two behind the head (this prevents the mask from sliding easily).
Purge Valve
Some more expensive diving goggles have a so-called purge valve, usually on the bridge of the nose. The function of this valve is to easily remove the water entered outside the mask. A purge valve is not necessary because there are other techniques to empty the diving goggles.
Try and buy some good diving goggles
Scuba goggles are of course an essential part of diving and snorkeling equipment. Also, read on this page about the structure and material of the glasses. You can find diving goggles in various shapes and sizes and in different price ranges (for a few euros you already buy some good diving goggles). There are not the best diving goggles. It’s personal and buying the right diving goggles will be determined by personal preferences and face shape. However, there are some things that you have to keep in mind when choosing diving goggles.
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Good diving goggles have safety glass (tempered glass), a silicone skirt (soft rubber that is fixed to the head and around the nose), a bridge of the nose (to compensate for the ears), and a band Soft and flexible for the head. You also have to pay attention to the tenacity of the frame and buckles. Also, keep in mind that the glass is not too far from your eyes because that reduces the field of vision. If you wear glasses ask if they can put on glasses or if the glasses are suitable for use with lenses. Above all the diving glasses have to be comfortable, they have to have a good field of vision and do not enter the water.
Try some diving goggles
That is why it is very important to try on the glasses, so it is best to buy them in a dive shop. To try on the glasses you have to put them on without adjusting the band. Make sure there is no hair in the middle of the mask. The bottom of the skirt should be on top of your upper lip (otherwise it will come out). Now breathe through your nose and hold your breath. The glasses must be firm and do not leave your face. If you have to breathe hard to hold the glasses, it is often a bad model. Then turn your head a little and pull the glasses slightly. Push a little on all sides and if the glasses remain in the same place and do not tighten, it will be a good model.
If the glasses feel comfortable, put the band around the head. The band is placed at the top of the occiput and above the ears. There are also bands with two straps. The band is not to press the glasses more against the head (to prevent water from entering) but it is to make sure that it does not get out of the head. Do you still feel nice? Yes? Do they have a good price? Likes? Buy them then!
No matter how good the diving goggles are, water will eventually enter. To get rid of this water, some (more expensive) masks are equipped with a purge valve. It can be useful but during your diving training course, you will learn how to evacuate the water from the mask without a valve.
Tip: If you have red circles or welts on your face where the diving goggles were after, the band was probably too tight. Try a little looser next time. Once again, the band ensures that the glasses stay on the head, it is not to prevent water from entering.