Scuba Diving Gear

Full Face Scuba Mask

What are the advantages of full faced masks?

Hey guys,
I'm wondering what's the main advantage of full faced scuba masks as compared to a regular mask and reg. They would seem kind of annoying, especially if you get water in it, how would you get it out? I see lots of Coast Guard divers wear them but other than that I haven't met any civillian divers who do. Thanks!
-Neil

Several advantages:

(1) They provide complete cover for the face in (heavily) polluted water--important for e.g. police divers, who may be obliged to dive in unpleasant/unhygienic conditions (e.g. harbour waters, near industrial/sewage outfalls, in sewage farms), in the course of their duties.

(2) They allow comms equipment to be fitted, allowing said police divers (and also military divers) to maintain voice contact with surface cover (/squadmates), and/or record commentary for forensic/evidence purposes.

(3) Because the mask covers the airway, a diver suffering an O2 toxicity convulsion is much less likely to lose his gas supply--important for military divers using O2 rebreathers, and also these days (although to a much lesser extent), recreational technical divers doing deep explorations.

The main reason why full-face masks tend to be restricted to working divers rather than civilians is basically cost. A full-face mask which accommodates gas-switching/comms equipment sells for $500 or more--not including the regulator system--compared to $50 for a standard divemask.

And BTW, you clear a full-face mask in much the same way as you would a normal divemask, by using (exhaled) gas pressure to force the liquid out. Although it should be pointed out, full-face masks tend not to leak as much in the first place (if at all), because (1) they are more securely fastened (usually 3-5 strap attachment points, rather than 2) and (2) the skirts contact parts of the face which don't flex so much.

ZAN HEADGEAR NEOPRENE FULL FACE MASK $9.99 ZAN HEADGEAR NEOPRENE FULL FACE MASK

Full Neoprene Face Mask $12.99 River Road Full Neoprene Face Mask Water-resistant, Neoprene material protects the entire face from wind and debris All weather material provides warmth and is ideal for cold weather activities Adjustable hook and loop closure allows for a more precise fit Perforated mouth panel allows for easy breathing Mask can be worn alone, with goggles, or under a helmet One size fits most 85% Neoprene, 10% nylon, 5% polyester

Full Face White Mask(Pack of 1) $9.49 Plastic face mask with eyes cut out.

Scuba Diving Swimming Swim Face Mask Goggle with Blue Frame $9.49 Description:This Swim Mask is a great durable product for diving and swiming!Broad peripheral view with single len designSoft rubber skirt of the Swimming Mask provides a comfortable, watertight fit and easy-adjust bucklesShatter resistant polycarbonate lens provides the greatest visibility while swimming indoors or in low light situations.Swimming Face Mask with soft nose for easy equalizingHead strap of the Diving Mask is easy to adjustColor: Blue frameDimension of the whole mask: approx. 17.5(W) x 9(H) x 3.5(D)cmWeight: 145g

Zan Full Face Neoprene Mask $8.99 The Zan Full Face Neoprene Mask a great addition to staying warm on cold weather rides. The face mask can be worn alone, with goggles or will fit comfortably underneath your helmet. The Zan Full Face Neoprene Mask is made from stretchable smooth fabric and light insulation that has excellent moisture management. So don�t let the cold weather stop you, get a Zan Full Face Neoprene Mask and continue to do what you love to do the most �RIDE�. Full face mask protects entire face from various weather conditions and debris. Adjustable with Velcro closure. Stretchy neoprene material is warm. Water and wind resistant. Ideal for cold weather activities. Great with goggles, under helmet, or alone. Machine washable. Nylon bound edges for comfort and durability. All styles are reversible to solid black. One size fits most.

White Full Face Mask - Mardi Gras Costume Accessories $6.03 This Full Face Mask is available in white, gold and silver.

Gold Full Face Mask - Mardi Gras Costume Accessories $6.03 This Full Face Mask is available in white, gold and silver.

Silver Full Face Mask - Mardi Gras Costume Accessories $12.05 This Full Face Mask is available in white, gold and silver.

Leather Face Overhead Mask with Hair $22.97 Full overhead latex mask.

Scuba Diving (Paperback) $16.14 SUPERANNO Packed with full-color photographs and illustrations, Scuba Diving offers step-by-step instruction on preparing for and managing a dive safely with information on the latest equipment, gear selection, recommended dive locations, technologies and techniques. Dennis Graver explains the basics of diving, including managing underwater emergencies, avoiding underwater hazards and equalizing pressure in the ears, sinuses and mask. The comprehensive content and world class photography of Scuba Diving make it the finest scuba title on the market! Original.

Tragedy Mask Gold(Pack of 1) $7.49 Plastic Full Face Mask

Comedy Mask Gold(Pack of 1) $7.49 Plastic Full Face Mask

V Force Profiler Airsoft - Paintball Full Face Mask $69.99 V Force Profiler Airsoft - Paintball Full Face Mask

V Force Grill Airsoft - Paintball Full Face Mask $79.99 V Force Grill Airsoft - Paintball Full Face Mask

World Tech Arms Survivor Full Face Airsoft Mask with Goggles And Visor $21.95 World Tech Arms Survivor Full Face Airsoft Mask with Goggles And Visor

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CRESSI FULL-FACE MASK WITH SCUBA REGS &THICK LATEX HOOD