11/13/2022 0 Comments Zen autopurge![]() Why? Because if you continue with SCUBA, you may not always have access to a purge mask. If you’re a new SCUBA diver, then I would advise learning and practicing mask clearance without a purge valve. However, if you’ve never had issues with mask clearance and you’ve been able to solve leak problems, then it might be best to stick with regular masks. If what you read about them sounds appealing, go with your gut and give one a try! Maybe a friend has a purge mask they swear by that you could borrow? If you’ve long struggled with leaky masks, then a purge valve might finally make the difference between an irritating and a comfortable dive. Ultimately, whether a dive mask with a purge valve is something you should consider comes down to personal preference. Is a dive mask with a purge valve right for you? This is the same reason some folks prefer not to use dry or semi-dry snorkels. Valves can jam or fail on occasion, especially if you don’t take the time to clean them carefully after use. That means even if they are very well designed, purge valves add a potential weak area to the dive mask. Purge valves on dive masks, just like on snorkels, also add extra complexity to a simple, tried-and-true design. Not only can this interfere with the nose pinch, but it can also make the mask less comfortable in the nose area. Ear equalization is perhaps a diver’s most essential skill, so any innovation that makes doing so easier is a win.Įven though purge valves on modern masks are designed to be minimal and unobtrusive, they can still add some extra rigidity to the nose pocket. The modern design is arguably much more accessible, especially given that high-grade silicone skirts are also very soft. There would be a small pocket on either side of your nose for your fingers to do a nose pinch. In older style dive masks, your nose sits inside the cylindrical interior of the mask. Modern dive masks have silicone skirts with a fully molded nose pocket. There are two main disadvantages to purge valves on dive masks: 1) They can make the nose pinch more difficult, and 2) they can fail. I feel that if you find a mask that fits you well, you won’t need to clear it much anyways. I’ve done scientific research as a snorkeler and diver, though, and didn’t have any issues with mask clearance. Scientists and researchers taking samples, measurements, or working in underwater construction might also find purge valve masks useful. Photographers and videographers would be the most obvious examples. To me, it seems the purge valve is most useful for divers using any kind of equipment that keeps their hands occupied. With a regular mask, you could risk flushing your contact lens out to sea when you clear it. The purge valve will catch your contact lens when you clear your mask. If you wear contact lenses that you don’t want to lose if one accidentally pops out, then a purge valve could save it. #Zen autopurge how toRelated Post: No-Leak Dive Mask, How To Get a Perfect Seal Perhaps I’ll appreciate the purge valve more on one of those! As for hair, I’d much rather do what I can to keep it away from my mask than deal with leaks, purge valve or no. However, vintage-style masks do look cool and it might be fun to try one at some point. My mask is so easy to clear already I can’t imagine a purge valve adding much benefit. You wear hard contact lenses that you wouldn’t want to lose by clearing the mask should one of them pop outĪs someone who prefers low-volume masks and who doesn’t have facial hair, I can’t really speak to the first two personally.You’re a photographer, researcher, or someone who does any underwater activity that keeps your hands busy.You don’t want to shave your beard or mustache.You prefer a high-volume or vintage style mask.Purge valves may also be useful for you if: A purge valve allows you to clear your mask hands-free in almost any position. To clear a regular mask, you may need to angle your head upwards slightly (although I’ve found this isn’t always necessary). You don’t need to hold the mask skirt at the sides of your face and you don’t need to worry about the angle of your face. Flooding your mask and clearing it are unpleasant sensations even at the best of times, after all!Ī purge valve in the mask removes some of the hassle and awkwardness of mask clearance. However, new divers often hate mask clearance exercises with a passion. Demonstration of proper mask clearing technique ![]()
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