Cant go wrong with scubapro but to be honest its best to go into a dive store and just try out each mask for comfort. Tusa and cressi masks are also good

id recommend a black skirted mask because it minimises sunlight in your peripheral vision...

you can buy anti fogging gel for your mask but best way to get around it is to use toothpaste on the inside the first time you use it.

every subsequent dive/snorkel just spit into your mask and rinse it with water.

You just have to buy what fits! Doesn't matter what people recommend that works for them.

Features? Hmmm on a snorkel, buy as few features as you can, ie; bent tube and no valves. For a mask, just buy an appropriate volume for your intended use, and maybe reflective if you're spearing.

I like the cressi big eyes evo and then seonel snorkel, check the sponsors and other diveshops and see what works for you.

No such thing as a best mask that fits all faces. Go to a shop and try a few, check for seal and comfort. The mask should be able to stick to your face with out having to breath in to hold it in place. More $ does not always mean a better mask.

For a new mask, polish the inside of the lens with toothpaste even if it looks really clear and clean. There are commercial mask defoggers like sea drops or you cn also use a no more tears baby shampoo that has been diluted, but plain ole spit works well.

For Masks i like using  my Genesis that has 'side' window panels. Helps me to see alot more of my peripheral vison when keeping and eye on students doing Scuba courses :)

Some people dont like them though, but as everyone has said go and try some on and see what works for you. As long at its is full silicon and a decent brand you should be fine. Dont buy cheap silitex crap it goes stiff after a few years.

I get my some of my basic stuff(Mask, Booties, Knifes, etc) from the Dive store on Scarbrough Beach Rd in Mt Hawthorn. Cheaper when compared to alot of the other Perth Dive Stores

 Yep, you gotta find one that suits you, not what suits oters.

2 handy tips though, i find a black (silicon) mask generally better for vision, plus it doesn't deteriorate and go a shitty colour when it gets a few years old. Also some newer masks are rubber and glass only (no plastic moulding around the glass), and I've found these are more comfortable and less prone to getting damaged (whilst gettin trodden on, cos you left it under your wetty on the deck....)

It is hard to recommend a specific mask as everybody has a different face, however there are a few brands that tend to cater for most shapes. Cressi offer a good range of masks. There are a few decisions you need to make before purchasing a mask. The depths you are going to dive or scuba will narrow down whether you need a low volume mask, designed for deep diving, or just a standard mask. Silicone colour is another variable to decide. Black silicone like the other comments say blocks out light from above, and also lasts longer than the clear silicone. The cressi Lince mask seems to fit most people better than a majority of other masks. The other brand worth checking is Omer. They specialize in freediving and spearfishing, so you are assured a comfortable mask that stands the test of time.

Snorkels also comes down to personal preference. I would be definitely getting a silicone snorkel as it is a lot more comfortable, and durable than silitex or plastic. Keep an eye out for diameters of the actual snorkel as well, they have released a high volume snorkel that allows more oxygen to be passed in and out, increasing your breathe time. If you have any other queries, please dont hesitate to contact the store. We have a great range of masks and snorkels, as well as all your other freediving and spearfishing requirements.

Cheers,

Zac@dunsboroughOutdoorSportz

All really good advice.  Thanks all for your time!  I will definatly be going along to try the fit.  Sounds like the concensus for my needs is good fitting, black silicon, simplistic design.  Just a couple of questions.

- Are there many downsides to a larger diameter snorkel?

- How does the volume inside the mask impact?

Thanks again.

Sam