Hot take: the band mask is overrated in cold water

I did a dive last week in Puget Sound water temp at 47 degrees. Everyone swears by the neoprene band mask but I switched back to a plain silicone one with a good seal and had way less fogging. The band just trapped moisture for me and made it worse. After 3 dives in a row with the band version I was done. Anyone else find the band masks not worth the hype?

2 comments

2 Comments

paulb981mo ago

Read a study recently where they tested different masks in cold water and the band versions actually held more water against the skin, which made fogging worse. Makes sense when you think about it, the band creates a little pocket that traps moisture instead of letting it drain away. I switched to a cheap silicone mask with a good double seal and it worked fine down to 40 degrees in Lake Tahoe. No band, no fancy tech, just a tight fit and some defogger spit.

betty_reed611mo ago

My buddy lost his mask in 45 degree water and just swam blind till someone found it.