SeaJay(Offline)

Ah, yes... You wouldn't think that something so simple would cause so much controversey, would you?

We're asked all the time about "those neoprene mask straps," and "what we think of them."

Well, the standard silicone strap that came with your mask is probably one of the new design - it's either a "double strap" (one strap can be placed high on the back of your head while the other is placed low) or a wide strap (more than one inch in width). These newer straps are excellent, and are generally problem-free. It sounds silly, but we don't recommend fixing a problem that does not exist.

Some people complain about the standard mask strap pulling their hair. Those people tend to prefer the aftermarket neoprene mask straps. They claim that the neoprene is "softer" on their hair than the standard silicone or rubber strap that came with their mask. We have found that people who say that the strap pulls their hair usually have the problem because the mask strap is entirely too tight. The strap should be snug and should enable the wearer to take the mask off and put it back on effortlessly. If you have a "ring" on your face after diving, you're wearing your mask too tight!

Neoprene mask straps don't stretch very much, at least by comparison to the "stock" straps. This means that getting the mask on and off can be a more painful ordeal, and strap adjustment is much more critical. When wearing a hood, the thick neoprene straps usually do not allow you to wear the hood over the mask strap, a practice that we recommend over wearing the strap on top of the hood (if it's under the hood, then your mask can't be kicked off of your face by a spaz buddy or an errant fish). Lastly, rubber or silicone straps dry much quicker than neoprene straps... Something that you'll really appreciate on the trip home in the car or plane.

We have found that for the most part, the "big push" toward neoprene mask straps in the dive industry today has been from the local dive shop, who usually has their insignia or logo on the strap.

One more tip: Once you've found the right adjustment on your mask strap, we recommend neatly cutting off the excess strap. Not only will this create for a neater appearance, but it will help streamline you in the water, give monofilament fishing line one less place to snag on your body, and discourage theft at the dive site. After all, if your mask won't fit the thief, he's likely to simply go steal someone else's mask.

anders(Offline)

You really wear the strap under_the hood??? How do you relocate the strap if it slides down or up on the back of your head?

Also how is it a problem to wear it over the hood - isn't it just a question of adjustment? Actually, I would say it is imposible to get the strap in place _under_ my drysuit hood...

Best
Anders

SeaJay(Offline)

Yep.

The strap doesn't move - why would it move, especially when covered by a hood?

But if you find yourself in a situation where, somehow, through your hood, your strap moves, then simply roll the hood back and readjust. You need to do this anyway when doing mask drills.

...But if your strap is moving, consider readjusting your strap. If the issue is caused by a neoprene strap (not stretchy, thick and buoyant, "picky" with it's adjustment) then consider going back to what came with your mask when you bought it - silicone.

It's not really a problem - it's that you can't lose your mask if it gets kicked off your face if the strap is under your hood.

It also doesn't require a redjustment of your mask strap when the water gets warm and you don't have to use a hood.

...And when that happens, you can cut off the excess strap and be even cleaner in the water than you already were.

This isn't really an issue of a PROBLEM that needs to be addressed - it's more of an issue that you have to pick one way or the other - and under the hood has it's advantages.

Well, that's definitely true - and one of the many reasons why not to use drysuits with built-in hoods. Vikings aren't exactly DIR, either.

But hey, if something other than what I wrote works for you, then post an article.

EBT(Offline)

As it happens, my hood is connected to my drysuit (wet hood though). I cant think of a single reason that wouldnt be DIR!?


Do you wanna tell them that? I mean granted a longboat isnt a very fast pursuit mechanism, but those horned helmets and beserker techniques would worry me!

sasdasdaf(Offline)

The mask strap goes OVER the hood. If you are getting kicked in the face by your buddy, it's time to find a new one. Dropping a mask is a minor inconvenience if you have a spare mask.

DRE(Offline)

I agree - what if you have a lens failure on your mask, or any other kind of leak where you have to switch to your back up mask. Taking off the mask with the strap inside the hood is nearly impossible without taking off your hood, and good luck with that in 36F water...

rjack(Offline)

There's no way I can roll back a 12mm hood. Therefore, mine goes over the hood.

My neoprene strap+mask has the benefits of being slightly positive. I doubt it would float if you dropped it at depth, but mine floats on the surface.

Overall, I like it.
Richard

EBT(Offline)

I bow to your accumulated experience guys. Some questions though;

1. How often have people had lens leaks on masks (other than brand new ones, or one that have been freshly re-assembled)
2. How is dropping a mask and replacing it with a spare, better than not dropping it in the first place by ensuring the strap is retained under the hood.

/Z

(Not trolling, or anti DIR, just a thinking diver)

sasdasdaf(Offline)

A better question might be: "If you are diving with properly squared away buddies, how often is your mask going to get kicked off?"

In my experience, the answer is never.

Bob Cooper(Offline)

Has never happened to me.
It isn't.

Here's my take on this....

Until very recently, I was a "wear the mask strap under the hood" supporter. Now, I wear it over the top of the hood. Why? because I tried it that way and find it easier and more comfortable after years of wearing it under the hood.

I really don't see what difference it makes. The mask is a fairly important piece of kit. You need to look after it and check it thoroughly before and after every dive.

I have to admit (shock horror) that I don't carry a spare mask on most of my dives.