Dive Mask With Purge Valve

by Xiomara

Hello,

I'm going to buy my first scuba diving mask (finally) and I was wondering which one is better, a dive mask with a purge valve or one without?

Which one is more confortable when clearing the water out (for example, if your mask gets foggy and you have to add water to defog it)?

Which do you recommend?

Thankyou so much! :)


Hi Xiomara,

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, I don't know if I will be of any help since I have never used a dive mask with a purge valve.

I am still using my original mask that I bought over 15 years ago and it is a pretty basic mask.

I get a fair amount of water in my mask and clear it using the old fashioned method of lifting and blowing.

I did a quick check on the internet and haven't really found anything very negative about the newer purge masks.

It seems like it would especially benefit someone that is a photographer since a purge valve would let the divers hands remain free if he had to clear his mask.

No matter which one you decide to buy - a mask with a purge valve or one without - just make sure it fits well. That's the most important factor when it comes to buying a dive mask (IMHO).

Perhaps someone reading this can comment on any experience they have with a purge dive mask. We would love to hear your comments.

Thanks for your question and sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Dianne

Comments for Dive Mask With Purge Valve

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starstarstarstarstar 		Purge Valve or no purge valve
by: Michael Austin

good morning everyone,
I've been diving since approx 1978. I have always used a purge valve mask since I was introduced to one. It was a US Divers brand with a single large window. I will never, never use a mask without a purge. There is simply no comparison when it comes to clearing a mask.
Also, while the large window may not be as stylish as the twin window masks, the bar or gap between windows greatly reduces your vision and may even cause you to think that you may have seen something that simply wasn't there, especially if you might be nervous diving in an unfamiliar area. Remember, you are diving for leisure, not to impress anyone else.
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starstarstarstarstar 		like mask with purge valve
by: Dave

I have dove over 150 dives with masks with purge valves. I have never had a problem. I do carry second mask with purge valve in BCD pocket in case the mask I am wearing the valve fails or my mask is knocked off my head.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Purge or not
by: Mike

I hope this helps, I am a new diver with approx 50 dives. After about 30 dives I gave my mask with a purge valve to my wife and purchased one without. I miss my mask terribly and I am now in the market for another with a purge valve.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Why not?
by: Anonymous

I am a divemaster who has used an Oceanmaster dive mask with a purge valve for three years and over 100 dives. It works great and has never failed. There are also some neat tricks that I use that make it a no brainer for me!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purge mask
by: Dalton

I took a discover scuba in St Thomas and that is all they had. I had no problem clearing my mask and when I returned home and took the certification course that is what I purchased. I absolutely love it. The hands free is great and I do not have a problem with it fogging up. I would recommend the purge because it is just so easy. Hope this helps and safe diving.

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