Prescription Snorkel Mask

Tracy in WI · Post by **Tracy in WI** » Tue May 29, 2007 5:49 pm

Does anyone have experience with these and where to order them? Juice (hubby) wears glasses only - no contacts and has a hard time seeing when snorkeling. That's why he followed me when I chased that Lemon shark in January....!

I am looking for a good price and I don't need his specific prescription, just close enough. So a stock mask would do.

Thanks!

Tracy

Nancy · Post by **Nancy** » Tue May 29, 2007 5:57 pm

My husband has same problem. We ordered from snorkelmart.com and could not be more pleased!!Very reasonably priced also.

David_A · Post by **David_A** » Tue May 29, 2007 6:11 pm

I've wondered the same thing. I bought a non-prescription mask and I wear glasses. I have my prescription from my last eye exam and my thought was that if I did need to do something else, masks would be available on STT but I don't know that for a fact. I've read several times that objects are magnified 25% underwater and that might preclude my need for a prescription mask.

I've also seen corrective lenses that adhere to the inside of regular masks, are these an acceptable alternative?

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Tue May 29, 2007 6:45 pm

We have had friends order from Snorkel Mart (www.snorkelmart.com) and they were very happy

Pia

Bug · Post by **Bug** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:19 pm

Most eye doctors's that have a lens lab will be able to get them for you. You can then try on the mask and pick the one you want before they put your corrective lens in.

XOXO
Bug

papabou · Post by **papabou** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:40 pm

tracy,

i ordered my prescript mask (a tabata) through a local dive shop in 1985 when co's 1st started offering silicone masks (&snrkels). i was verrry nearsighted, -4.5 and -5. though sight has improved some, mask still works fine after all these years of regular use. i keep in "dry box" that is then used for wallet & regular glasses etc. while snorkeling.

i bet you can find at numerous places on line where you only need to provide a presciption, but would suggest you try a fit at a dive shop before ordering because if hubby needs strong prescip, maybe be fairly expensive same as reg glasses. also make sure glass is tempered for safety.

i paid several hundred for my mask but has worked out to under a dollar per use and she's still going strong!

good luck,

papabou

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:46 pm

DELETED

Coden · Post by **Coden** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:53 pm

My son and I ordered from the below link. I'm -11.0 in one eye and -10.75 in the other and my son is almost right there. We got our prescriptions from our doctor, including the distance between our eyes and I called the number and spoke with someone over the phone. They were extremely helpful and we are so glad we ordered prescription masks. It has opened up a whole new world for us. One being able to lift your head up out of the water and see 20/20. That is something neither of us had either done.

The lenses fit down into a groove in the mask. So you can always replace either if needed.

Good luck!

http://www.rx-safety.com/Scuba-Mask/index.htm

Jerseyboy · Post by **Jerseyboy** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:42 am

Tracy in WI wrote:I am looking for a good price and I don't need his specific prescription, just close enough. So a stock mask would do.

Tracy, we bought a stock, corrective mask at The Sports Authority sporting goods store. It's made by Body Glove and is available in three Diopter strengths: Mild (-0.5 to -2.00) Medium (-2.25 to -4.0) or Strong (-4.25 to -6.0). I'm pretty sure cost was under $70. I looked and there are stores in Wisconsin in Brookfield, Delafield and Greenfield. I've never seen these sold online.

savvy · Post by **savvy** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:46 am

My husband and I bought our prescription masks from a local dive shop. You take in your eyeglass prescription and they pop lenses in each side of your mask in about 30 seconds. (They will be able to show you the masks they have available for prescription modifications.) They had all but one lens in stock, so it took about a week for them to reorder and get it in stock. They did not leak and we believe they were a very wise investment. We certainly enjoyed our snorkel trips a lot more when we were able to see what was down there. I liked buying from the dive shop because we could actually try on the masks and make sure we had a good seal before we made a decision, unlike ordering online. They were not as expensive as I thought they might be. So...my suggestion is "Go to a dive shop!"

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:49 am

My husband has fairly bad vision and we purchased a mask from snorkelmart.com a few years back. For the cost, he is very pleased with the mask.

AquaGirl · Post by **AquaGirl** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:04 pm

My husband took his prescription and ordered a mask through a local dive shop. (Its one that we have been to many times, and they are very helpful.) He also wanted bifocals so he could see his underwater camera buttons. He used the new mask on STJ in May and he loved it. He could see the screen on the camera underwater and work the buttons with no problem. Something to keep in mind for the "less young" underwater photographers.

PappaJim · Post by **PappaJim** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:31 am

Try these folks:

http://rxdivemask.com/

I too, bought a mask at a dive shop and the opticians they recommended had a turn-around time of at least 4 weeks. I found the folks at the above web address and am very satisfied with the results. I think turn around was a week or slightly more.

Bi-focal lenses total cost was $191.00 including shipping. I sent them my mask, which I snorkeled with to test for fit and leakage before getting the lenses.

A model with a purge valve is also very useful.

Jim

Jerseyboy · Post by **Jerseyboy** » Fri Jun 01, 2007 8:41 am

Jerseyboy wrote:Tracy, we bought a stock, corrective mask at The Sports Authority sporting goods store. It's made by Body Glove and is available in three Diopter strengths: Mild (-0.5 to -2.00) Medium (-2.25 to -4.0) or Strong (-4.25 to -6.0). I'm pretty sure cost was under $70. I looked and there are stores in Wisconsin in Brookfield, Delafield and Greenfield. I've never seen these sold online.

Correction, I did find these available online:

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/BDGMO.html?kbid=1064 ($59.99)
http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog.asp?P=6046 ($69.99)

Tracy in WI · Post by **Tracy in WI** » Wed Jun 06, 2007 12:38 pm

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. We used Snorkelmart and already received the prescription mask. We ordered a stock mask. On their order form you can enter in your prescription and they will recommend which stock mask to choose. Very simple and at a decent price.

Juice (hubby) tried it on and said that snorkeling for him will be a whole new experience - imagine actually being able to see that shark or barracuda following you!

We also ordered 2 adult snorkel vests (also reasonably priced) - so we'll be the ones out there around Waterlemon wearing bright yellow!

Thanks - Tracy

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