I don't know what benefits those various features give you. However, from what I've heard, the most important thing is that the mask fits your face properly. If it doesn't fit right, nothing else matters; water will get in. Additionally, when I bought my snorkel, I bought one that has a self-sealing thing at the top, so that even if I dive down, no water gets into the snorkel tube. When I surface, there's no need to blow out the water before I can breathe again. I just start breathing. When there are waves on the surface this keeps them out of the snorkel too -- invaluable, in my opinion. Don't know if that helps you...

I assume these descriptions are from an on-line site. Based only on the descriptions, I would spend the $50 for US Divers. I know they make good equipment and the other two just don't provide enough information. They might be identical but you can't tell from what you have provided.

mischievous is absolutely correct about fit. Which ever mask you purchase, press it to your face with one finger. Keep your mouth closed and inhale through your nose, creating a vacuum on the mask. Remove your finger and see if the mask remains on your face it is a good fit.

My equipment is U.S. Divers....no need to say more.

Regards,

F.I.

Thanks for the replies.

Future Islander-
There are a few other less expensive U.S. Divers masks...should I go with one of them, or go for the expensive one?

Thanks.

It depends on you.

Are you going to use it often or is this a one time or occasional situation?

I've been scuba diving since 1975 (and I'm only 29 years old, lol) so I buy the equipment that suits my use the most.

Probably, and I'm not an expert, any U.S. Divers mask is of good quality.

btw $50. is not expensive....my last mask cost $120.

F.I.

This will be my husband’s and my 4th trip to STJ, and I intend it to continue to be an annual trip (or more than once a year if we can swing it) for pretty much the rest of our lives. So I only use my equipment once a year, but we do a lot of snorkeling when we’re in STJ and I don’t want it to be a crappy experience due to bad equipment (my mask leaked a lot last year…I was not happy). I’m willing to spend the extra money if it makes a difference…but I don’t want to waste money if it’s not worth it. I know that the old adage is true, you get what you pay for, but I can’t figure out what it is exactly that makes certain masks more expensive than others. Even the US Divers website doesn’t give very good descriptions on their masks.

I know that a proper fit is extremely important, but that doesn’t help much when I’m ordering on-line. I guess I’ll go with the expensive one (I know $50 still isn’t a lot though) and hope that it’s a good choice.

Thanks.

I ordered mine online and when I received it, it was perfect. I've been very happy with it. Good luck!

I just realized that even the most expensive mask on my list doesn't have a purge valve. I've never had a mask with a purge valve...anybody know if those are good to have? Do they ever leak water in by your nose?

I do not much believe in either purge valves or dry snorkels- just more stuff to break. KISS in equipment. Also, how can you order a mask on line? To me, you have to try one on to see how it fits, how it feels and how your vision is. My recommendation would be to go to a good dive shop. If you dont have one up there, Chris Sawyer Dive Center on St Thomas (in Red Hook) has great stuff and excellent service.

teresarae,

both me and my dive buddy bought Tabata silicone masks at the suggestion of our diving instructor in 1984. i keep mine stored and she travels in same sport divers dry box. while my last scuba dive was in 2001, the mask has made 6 trips to vis inlast 3 years and has never failed me. mine still has original tempered prescription lenses. i'm also using same oceanic snorkle with original replaceable silicone mouthpiece.

two points: first anything you wear needs to fit and second quality products can be fairly inexpensive over the long haul. a wise man once said something to the effect that the joy of a "bargain" product is overwhelmed by the disappointment when the bargain product doesn't do the job!

tabata (tusa), usdiver, oceanic, or similar brands that scuba divers trust their lives to, can be worthy of their price if you plan to use them regularly, BUT ANY BRAND MASK needs to fit to be functional. it might be cheaper on the internet but if she doesn't fit, you'll be disappointed.

papabou

I ordered the US Divers set from either bargainoutfitters.com or sportsmansguide.com. They are the same company and you should always check both sites because sometimes one is cheaper than the other. The cost was $31.00 w/shipping each and I've seen the same ones at other stores and online sites at $50-$75 each. We've been using them for days now and haven't had any problems at all. We'll be in St.John 7-7-06 to 7-17-06 CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!

You might want to check into Body Glove as well. My wife,children and I all have Body Glove snorkel sets. I t comes with mask, snorkel , fins and bag. My wifes and mine were roughly $90.00 and the children s were $45.00. Been using them for 3 years know and had no problems and my youngest is 7 years old and roughs it up pretty good. All have dry snorkels with purge valves in the snorkel and mask. Available at Dicks sporting goods, I'm not sure if they have an online site. GOOD LUCK

Thanks for all the advice...my Body Glove mask was great at first, but started leaking last year, so I'm going to stay away from them this time. I think I'll go with US Divers.

Again, thanks everyone 🙂

I am sure you are excited about your trip. The act of shopping for snorkel equipment makes it seem even closer.

It is possible you will get just what you want on line, maybe at a real saving. HOWEVER, If you want to avoid disappontment, buy your equipment in person. Either go to a local dive shop or wait until you are in the islands. You will be able to get the right fit and advice. Why risk it?

I say you should spend the extra cash couse you get better quality and it will last a bet longer.

Here's my 2 cents. I LOVE my mask with purge valve, dry snorkle and spit fins. I wouldn't have any other equipment. The mask is a TUSA (the first one I bought at a local dive shop and the second one I got at Cruz Bay Water Sports). My dry snorkle and split fins are Scuba Pro purchased from a local dive shop. Personally, I would never order equipment on-line. I need to try things on to insure proper fit.

I wouldn't buy a mask online either. As far as I'm concerned, the really important feature of a mask is that it fits me really well. Price doesn't necessarily have anything to do with how it fits my face. A really high quality mask isn't worth much to me if it doesn't fit well. A mask that lasts a long time but doesn't fit well isn't worth much to me. Every head and face is different. The only way to find out which mask fits best is to try it on. Going by brand or price doesn't assure me of anything.

I'd definitely recommend getting to a dive shop near you or waiting until you're in the VI and going to one there. I'd definitely suggest a dive shop rather than a general sporting goods store because you have a much better chance that the salesperson will know what they're doing and be able to help to fit and select the best fitting mask.

When my wife and I mask shopped, we tried on every mask in the shop and narrowed it down to the best fit. Her mask cost a good bit more than mine, but it's a lousy fit for me. I was willing to spend more than I did for my mask, but I bought the one I did because it was the best fit I found.

I totally agree with going to a professional dive shop and getting fit for a mask. You can not regret investing in good quality mask and snorkel. My mask is by Halcyon $75, and my daughter's is a Sea Dive $55. Since our face shapes are different, we both chose different brands. We both have a Scuba Pro snorkel $50, and could not be happier with the way the gear performed on our recent trip. Neither one of us care for the dry snorkels.

The right gear can make all the different in pleasant snorkel experiences.