Water World
"where the FUN never sets..."
 135 S. Miami Blvd. Durham NC 27703 919-596-8185

 

Masks for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Water World is proud to stock the largest selection of professional quality masks for snorkeling and scuba diving in North Carolina. Adults and children will find a wide variety of snorkeling equipment to choose from.

We pride ourselves in our trained staff, who are all scuba divers themselves, who will take the time to find a high quality mask that fits you personally. Not every mask fits every person, and just because you can inhale and make the mask stick to your face doesn't neccessarily mean the mask fits you.

Stop by Water World and let us help you find the perfect mask fit for you. We carry professional quality snorkeling and scuba masks that you just can't buy in a discount store. Along with a great selection, we also have many items that will complement your mask. A few examples include spare mask straps, Strap Wrappers/Adjust a straps, mask defog, and optical lenses custom made to your prescription.

We carry masks from many manufacturers:

Aqualung Deep See Genesis
Mares Oceanways Seaquest
Sherwood TUSA

Mask Selection Basics

Whether you are snorkeling or scuba diving, there are a few basic things to remember when selecting and preparing a mask for your next snorkeling or scuba diving adventure. The reason you are shopping for a mask is so you can enjoy the awesome beauty and serenity of the underwater world. If your mask is uncomfortable or leaks constantly, an otherwise wonderful experience can be ruined. Scuba divers should look for the largest field of vision a mask has to offer with the lowest internal volume so that the mask is easier to clear. Snorkelers should look first for fit and comfort, then consider style and color. How do you know what to look for when fitting a mask? Ask one of our highly trained staff, we would be happy to help.

          1. "There is no one best mask." No matter what may be the favorite flavor of the month in a magazine or even the mask that your friend loves, if it doesn't fit you it isn't the best. The only way to select a mask is to try it on and ideally take it to a swimming pool to try it in the water if you have enough time before your trip.

         2. "The most expensive mask isn't necessarily the best mask." This may sound surprising, but think about it for a moment. If a $40.00 mask fits, and a $90.00 model leaks, which is best for you? Having said that, don't let an attempt to save $5.00 ruin you trip. If the mask doesn't fit, how much have you really saved?

        3. "A single lens is not always better than a double lens (or vice versa)." Single or double lens does not always mean the best field of view. To determine what you are comfortable with, you need to try on several different models.

        4. "Don't try on the mask with the straps". The straps are simply a means to securing the mask to your head but do not dictate wheter a mask fits you or not. Masks, like faces, come in all different shapes and designs; you are trying to match the mask shape to you face and the straps don't play any role in that.

I've purchased a mask so now what?

Ideally you should take the mask and try it out in a swimming pool to make sure it fits you. Our staff has given you their professional opinion but alas, they are only human. The true test of whether a mask fits you or not always takes place in the water. At Water World we allow you to try out the mask in a pool and should you find that it leaks or hits your nose in the wrong place or whatever, simply bring it back in excellent condition and exchange it for another one within 30 days of purchasing.

        1. "Do not over tighten the straps." Sometimes a desire to keep the mask from being knocked off results in over tightening the mask straps. Sometimes a person will over tighten the straps in an attempt to make the mask fit better. If you need to pull the strap extremely tight, this is probably not the right mask for you. Having the strap too tight is also a fast way to start breaking straps and mask parts.

        2. "Clean the mask lenses before you use it." Most mask lenses need to be cleaned to remove the silicone preservatives and materials that may be left from the manufacturing process. If this is not done the mask will fog no matter which defog product you use. Just put a little white (non-gel) toothpaste on the lenses and rub it into the lenses with your fingers; then rinse the lenses with fresh water and gently dry the mask with a towel or let it air dry before putting the mask in the mask box or bag. (There a few masks that should not be cleaned with toothpaste, such as masks with color-correcting lenses. These masks ususally come with specific instructions.)

        3. "Always store your mask in a mask box or padded mask bag." This will go a long way toward protecting your investment from scratches and breakage.

Prescription Mask Lenses

Optical Lenses Option #1 - in stock replacement lenses
We stock several two window masks and prescription replacement lenses that we can change while you wait. These lenses are available in -1.50 diopters thru -7.00 diopters in half diopter increments. These lenses cannot correct for any astigmatism. Each lens costs approximately $37.00 plus tax. The masks we stock with these lenses are the Genesis SL, Aqualung Look, and the Seadive SeaAdventure.

Optical Lenses Option #2 - Custom Ground Replacement lenses. We proudly work with Scuba Optics, one of the most respected names in underwater optics. Replacement optical lenses - Optics are custom ground to your prescription which then replace your existing lenses. This is an option for two lens masks. Custom Ground Replacement Prescription lenses under -8.00 diopters is $149.00 plus $12.50 shipping.

Optical Lenses Option #3 - Custom Ground Prescription Replacement lenses with Bifocal Correction. Custom Ground Replacement Prescription lenses under -8.00 dipoters with bifocals is $189.00 plus $12.50 shipping. Please bring a current copy of your eye glass prescription and your mask when ordering lenses. Allow 2½ to 3 weeks processing time for your order. Seven day "Redline Service" is available for an additional $25.00.

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