Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25170
MASKS The f irst thing to determine when purchasing a mask is whether you want one lens or two. The traditional one-lens model gives you an unobstructed broad view, but the higher volume results in a mask that is harder to clear and more prone to fogging. Also one- lens masks cannot be ground to your optical prescription. A twin-lens model allows you to put your prescription into the windows and many companies offer standard corrective lenses. Today, twin-lens designs are constructed close to your face thus offering improved peripheral vision. For increased peripheral vision, some models also come with side windows. Because faces and noses vary in size and shape, manufacturers offer a wide range of masks. It is vita l that your mask is watertight and fits well-not prone to fogging. When it comes to fit, you must try, try and try again. Stick the mask on your face and inhale gently through your nose. If the mask falls off when you look at the floor, try another one. 1> Oceanic Outlook The Outlook is a twin-lens mask reminiscent of a 1960s swimming goggle. This extremely comfortable, low-volume mask has a high-quality liquid si licone skirt and easy adjustable buckles. The design may say 1960s but the neon colors scream 1980s. Oceanic, 510-562-0500, www.oceanicworldwide.com. $65 2> Scuba pro Focus This comfortable dual-window mask lets you use your corrective prescription and sits close to your face, allowing greater peripheral vision. The mask's nose pocket is easy to reach , facilitating equalization . The mask comes with the option of a clear or graphite skirt, which reduces glare, and is avai lable in a wider size to fit larger heads. Scubapro, 619-402-1023, www.scubapro.com. $60 ALL FACES 3> Oceanic X-Site For little guys with vision problems. This classically-designed mask is excellent for smaller faces. It comes with all of the technology of Ocean ic's Outlook plus an optical correction kit. Oceanic, 510-562-0500, www.oceanicworldwlde.com. $70 SNORKELS Remember the old cartoon heroes escaping detection by breathing through a hollow reed? That was the world's first snorkel. And although the basic technology is still the same-- sucking air through a tube--the snorkel has been much upgraded. Check out the angle of the snorkel to the mouth, which determines turbulence and ease of breathing. Also consider the size of the end pipe and mouthpiece, both of which affect air flow and can cause gagging if too large. Most snorkels today have purge valves (one-way drains that let water out but not in), although there will always be water to clear. Some snorkels also have caps that stop water from flowing in. Underwater, when a diver exhales through the snorkel, that same one-way valve lets out air without letting in water. But beware. Cumbersome apparatuses threaten to get in the way underwater. 4> Action Plus Daytona Flex Purge Snorkel Lightweight and streamlined. This snorkel's large air passage makes for easy breathing and low surface air resistance on the way down to your lungs. It has a one-way purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel for clearing water out and its soft silicone mouthpiece greatly reduces jaw fatigue. Action Plus, 626-965-2667, www.action-plus.com. $20 5> Scubapro Flip Snorkel Whereas previously the only way to get rid of snorkel drag was to leave your snorkel behind, this snorkel features a special hinge that allows you to fold the snorkel and put it in your pocket while diving. The Quick Clip makes it easy to get on and off and it packs well for travel. Scubapro, 619-402-1023, www.scubapro.com. $42 6> Mares Cyberdry This snorkel head has a fluorescent, serpentine-like dry cap to keep water out of the tube. If water does get in, there's a bottom drain valve that will flush it out. The valve has a purge ball system; when the barrel is full of water the ball floats, and when you surface, the water drains out through the bottom valve. Mares, 203-855-0631, www.htmsport.com. $29 FINS There's been substantial change in the shape and style of the latest flippers. CompOSite material and computer-aided designs are the rule. Decide whether you want fu ll-foot fins- ideal for snorkeling--or ones with heel straps, which accommodate dry suit or wet suit booties. Stay away from long narrow designs unless you're a spearhunter or a freediver. 7> Scubapro Twin Jet Fin In 1965, Scuba pro began sell ing the Jet Fin, a chunky vulcanized rubber flipper. Although the Jet Fin got the job done, some divers found them uncomfortable and others lacked the leg strength to use them and ended up with agonizing foot and leg cramps. Now, the Jet Fin is back. Still black and still chunky, the Twin Jet Fin has a one-inch strip cut out of the middle of it, making it a litt le lighter. This fin uses an unconventional hydrofoil shape that produces forward motion with less effort than any traditional blade. This allows water to flow around each of the twin blades, producing sa il -like propulsion through the water. Scubapro, 619ยท402-1023, www.scubapro.com. $189 8> Cressi Space Frog Longtime divers may remember the Italian-made Frog Fin, one of the first contoured flippers and a standard aboard most Mediterranean dive boats. Cressi has now morphed the Frog Fin into the Space Frog, simi lar in size and shape to the previous fin , but the material used in its construction differs. The end result is a f lipper that is rigid yet light, powerfu l yet comfortable. Cressi, 201-784-1005, www.cressi-sub.lt. $124 9> Apollo Bio Fin Pro Energy-effiCient and eco-friendly. This is another split-fin model that minimizes stiff kicking, conserving your energy and air. With these fins, you use an estimated 50 percent less energy and consume about 25 percent less air. The Bio Fin moves the water backward rather than up and down, which lessens the chance you'l l kick up sand on the ocean's bottom and acci- dental ly damage the undersea life. Apollo, 800-231-0909, www.apollosporlsusa.com. $190 search The mountain bikes mountain bike. Mountain Road CycloCl'oss Bath Glove travelers necessity $19.95 Stul www.ifbikes.com 617/666-3609