Rating: Nice mask for snorkeling!
Reviewer: Alan N.,
After renting masks in Hawaii, I bought this mask for snorkeling in the Carribean, specifically so I didnt have to worry about finding the right optical lenses. (I didnt buy a snorkel or fins) The mask was easy to adjust to fit, but I did have some difficulty on the boat getting one of the snorkels on. First day out there was some leakage, but it was incredibly easy to clear through the one-way vent. Second day out, I shaved more of my mustache off, and there was absolutely no leakage whatsoever. Visibility was excellent, including the correction for my near-sightedness. Mask was completely comfortable. Based on my surface snorkeling use, I highly recommend this mask. Next time out, Ill get a dry snorkel too!
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9 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Mask worked well
Reviewer: John S.,
Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask
Used the mask to snorkel and scuba. Purge worked well and the fit was good.
Was able to loosen the head strap so very comfortable during long wear time.
Would recommend the mask.
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5 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Good Quality
Reviewer: Richard V D., - View all my reviews
We havent used this yet I bought these for my wife because I am a Scuba Diver and just got her into snorkeling with the hopes of getting her to scuba with me. we are waiting for our next trip to use. the construction and view is very good. She was very happy with her gift.
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21 out of 40 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Ocean quest arctic clear mask
Reviewer: Willard Weddell, - View all my reviews
I have not yet used this in the water, however it fits perfectectly. I have a mustache and it is the first mask I ever had that does not leak. The head band is very comfortable and easy to adjust. Field of vision is excellent and the goggles appear sturdy and well made.the rubber fitting is soft and comfortable on the face. I would recommend this product.
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7 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Rating: dive mask
Reviewer: Rev Randall W Ackley, - View all my reviews
This is a replacement for an old mask, which had begun to leak a little. This one is comfortable and does well. I would recommend it to anyone. I use it to swim laps, since I have a spine problem and cant turn my head, so use a snorkel.
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25 out of 46 people found this review helpful.
Rating: very happy!
Reviewer: B. J. I.,
After years of snorkeling with an old pair of glasses, temples removed, tucked in my mask I came across this mask and Rx lenses - Im very nearsighted and previously found it just too expensive to consider Rx lenses at quotes of $300+ when I only snorkel on vacation a couple of weeks per year. I found Scuba.com price for prescription lenses absolutely amazing and immediately ordered.
Received my mask in time frame specified, free shipping and no costs i.e. duty, gst etc. related to shipping into Canada.
Havent been in the ocean yet but did try it out in the pool for fit and vision and its wonderful! Vision is above what I expected - can hardly wait to be on a reef!
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7 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Its a winner!
Reviewer: Phil Napolitano, - View all my reviews
I am a novice when it comes to snorkeling.. When I was a kid we used to snorkel in our pool, the mask I had was a full face mask(dont remember what kind). It came with a purge valve right on the face piece. I can remember thinking how cool it was to be able to clear my mask while I was still under water. As I got older I have tried, with no success, to find a dive mask like that again.
I purchased the Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask w/ purge valve in hopes of rekindleing that little kid in me. While the purge valve has moved from the face piece to under your nose, there is no change in the way it operates, that little kid was back. The clarity is excellent and it fits perfectly to my face, even my kids can wear it with no problems. I HIGHLY Recommend this mask w/ or w/o the purge valve!
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44 out of 73 people found this review helpful.
Rating: getting my feet wet
Reviewer: anamari b.,
Im fairly new to diving- just under a year, and I was having trouble finding a mask that didnt make me feel clautrophobic and that didnt leak. This mask accomplished both goals. Its comfortable and the purge valve gives an added measure of psychological safety- especially if clearing your mask seems like another task in the endless list of things to remember to do/ not do when you are diving.
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67 out of 121 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Perfect Mask
Reviewer: Diane L.,
I ordered 3 different masks and tested all 3. This mask came out the big winner. The fit perfect. Good low profile, clears easily with purge and comfortable. No flog and stays clear. Best mask out of 3.
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90 out of 171 people found this review helpful.
Rating: Nice and comfortable
Reviewer: Terence M., - View all my reviews
This is the best mask I have owned. Very comfortable to put on doesnt pull your hair. Very wide and clear view.
Questions and Answers for Ocean Quest Arctic Clear High Definition Purge Mask:
robert:
how do you change out the lens? I assume there are tabs to pull at the top or nose section. Please advise. Thanks.
Clarke (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Robert, Thank you for your inquiry. The Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD SCUBA Dive Mask has a retaining ring that sits in front of each lens. It is the ring you need to remove to exchange the lenses. A small, thin flat headed screw driver is the only tool you need. We have a video that will help you install your Rx Lenses: http://www.scuba.com/video/35/How-to-Install-Optical-Lenses-In-a-Scuba-Diving-Mask.html If you haven’t purchased your mask and lenses from us yet, we will install the Rx lenses in your mask for you… FREE OF CHARGE! And here’s a little more info about masks for you: http://www.scuba.com/resources/howtoprepareyourmasklikeapro.asp Please give us a call if you have any questions or if you would like to place an order: 1-949-221-9300.
bill:
When I go to order the only two options say Non-purge. The video describes a fully purging mask. Which is it?
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Bill, currently that is the only style we have left in-stock. That is why it is only giving you that option.
Johnny:
MY PRESCRIPTION IS -2.00+1.00x10 AND-2.50+1.00x180 CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT SKU # I WILL NEED TO BUY. THANK YOU
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Unfortunately you didn't give info on which eye was which prescription. The only thing corrected for in an optical dive mask purchased via a retailer would be the Sphere reading on your prescription. Most often that is the first reading on the prescription. That would be your -2 and -2.5 readings.
Mark:
My perscription is as follows:
Right (OD) +1.00 -0.50 x 020
Left (OS) +1.00 -1.00 x170
with both eyes +1.75 for Bi-focal
can you please tell me the cost of this mask with this perscription lenses
Thank You & Have a Great Day
Clarke (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Mark, Thank you for your inquiry! The cost of the mask and Bifocal Lens are: SKU: 029933 - Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask Blue Purge @ $59.95 each SKU: 028140 - Odyssey Bifocal Opt Lens Right +1.0 @ $29.95 each SKU: 028120 - Odyssey Bifocal Opt Lens Left +1.0 @ $29.95 each If you have any questions or wish to place an order, please call us at 1-800-247-2822 or 949-221-9300.
Byron:
Earlier i saw this mask with fins and the dry snorkel, ans socks and beanie for 89.95. But cam back and cant find the same deal. Help?
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Byron, we change our web site daily. We are always adding new items and taking off old discontinued items and change up the packages. But when it comes to the packages it you priced each item out you would come up with the same price. The packages that you see on Scuba.Com are there more for convenience then pricing. If you have any other questions or would like to place an order please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.347.2822.
Jim:
Are the bifocal prescription lenses made of the same "Arctic Clear HD optical quality distortion free" material as the stock lenses? If I purchase the mask and rx lenses and ask Scuba.com to install the new ones, do you also ship the original stock lenses in the event I wanted to change them out again?
Greg (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
The actual Rx lens are not made of HD Glass. We have an instructor who will install the Rx lens and we will ship you the original blank lens.
Michael:
I dont see how to order the rx i need, +6 both sides and how much extra is that?
THANK YOU
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Go to the mask section, click on masks with optical lenses. Below the mask will be the lenses that will work with each mask. Pick the lenses from the drop down for each side to add them to your cart.
no, no pull down or hyperlink that would take me to a lens ion, i even checked on my wifes pc. all that i see are hyper links to waranty info, add a snorkel, pull down for the color mask and the three options, case, bag, dvd. below that s smaller section tat says ocean quest dive mask optical lenses and its black doesnt look like a normal hyperlink but it does take me to packages and categories and lenses are not listed?
I have the same problem as your other visitors. I could not find the lens option to go with this dive mask.
But this is my prescription :
Right eye
Sphere : -4.50
Cyl : -1.00
Axis : 85
Left eye
Sphere : -4.00
Cyl : -1.00
Axis : 120
Can you work out the cost of the mask (Ocean quest artic clear HD scuba dive mask) with this set of lenses. How do i place the order if i needed these accessories also.
1. Yellow Dry Snorkel
2. Yellow purge with mask defog with carabiner
what will be total cost be?
Do i place order on-line? But i am unable to find the site to submit the lens prescription on-line. Please help
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Lau KY, this is what your order would look like going out standard inside the US. Quantity SKU Code Manufacturer Description Unit Price Total Price 029935 Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask Yellow Purge $59.95 $59.95 028022 Odyssey Opt Lens Left -4.5 $25.00 $25.00 028041 Odyssey Opt Lens Right -4.0 $25.00 $25.00 039031 Oceanic Ultra Dry Snorkel Yellow $44.95 $44.95 You saved $10.95 on shipping Special Instructions: SubTotal: $154.90 Redeem Gift Certificate Gift Certificate Number: Name on the certificate: Enter Name if Gift Cert # is less than 5 characters Tax: ??? Shipping and Handling: $0.00 Grand Total: $154.90 If you would like to place this order or have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.347.2822.
ann:
i have 3 ocean master masks.at the bottom that covers the nose is a small round piece, that i assume stops the water from coming in how do i get a replacement 2 of them are missing
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Ann, you would need to order a whole new mask. The purge valve is a non-replacement part. If you have any other questions or would like to place an order please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.347.2822.
Eric:
My Rx is Right -3.75 and left -5.25, which way do I need to round to get the closest lens?
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
You would select -4.0 and -5.5 for your lenses.
Ellen:
Im new to snorkeling and want to purchase a mask and snorkel for an upcoming vacation to the DM. What does "non purge" mean on this mask? Would this mask be good for a newbie? What snorkel would you recommend?
Thanks!
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
A purge in a mask is a one-way check valve, typically located in the nose of the mask, that allows the user to blow water out of the mask without having to use their hands to mess with the mask. While horizontal in the water the user can simply exhale through their nose and the water will exit the mask. Being a one-way valve it closes as soon as the user quits exhaling and will not allow water into the mask again. A non-purge mask would not have this feature.
Deb:
What dry or semi-dry snorkel goes best with the Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask?
I nwish to purchase a Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask, just plain (NON PURGE) also the rims showing on your add are blue, I wish to purchase the Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask with black (not blue) rims.
Can you help
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
How long will it take to get a mask with corrective (optical) lenses from the time I place my order to the time it arrives at my residence?
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Judy, we stock the lens so once you order the mask with the correct lens. As long as we have the lens in-stock we will install the lens for you and ship your order out to you in 24hrs.
Leigh:
I have an incredibly small head (I can only where youth baseball caps). Actual hat size is 6 1/4".
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Leigh, the mask that I would suggest for you then would be the XS Scuba Fusion 2 Window Scuba Dive Mask Jr with Purge web link: http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-45/027922/XS-Scuba-Fusion-2-Window-Scuba-Dive-Mask-Jr-with-Purge.html. If you are not looking for a mask with a purge then they do make this in a non-purge also. If you would like to place an order or have any other questions please feel free to give us a call at 1.800.347.2822.
scott:
I am looking for a snorkeling mask for a wide face. Important to me are clarity and wide field of view. I would like to stay at a $60 price point, and your opinions are welcomed. Scott
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
The Arctic Clear HD, like other similar frames, is designed to fit most all faces reasonably well. It's part of why this particular frame was selected as an Optical Dive Mask, as it's very generic fit assures more people can have a mask that accepts the optics. As any low volume mask, it has better than average peripheral vision and offers very good clarity by using the new optical quality glass lenses.
Maud:
My son has the following prescription right eye -1.75 (0-75) 165 and left eye -1.00 (0.50) 15 can you please let me know if I should just order -2 and -1? Is Ocean quest arctic clear HD mask good for -20 meter dives? Many thanks
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Maud, since the lens are only made in a .5 increments yes you would round up to the -2.0.
Sameh:
My Prescription is -1.25, but I found that the offered optical lenses are -1 or -1.5,could I ask for a special optical lenses (-1.25).
Thanks
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Sameh, optical lens for mask do not come in the .25,.75 diopter. Since you are a negative number you would round up to a -1.5.
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
The optical lenses for scuba masks are only made in increments of .5 so with your prescription you'd round up to the next nearest lens. In this case your lens would be -1.50
Gary:
My prescription -
Sphere Cycl Axis Add
OD : -6.00 -1.75 5 +2.00
OS : -6.25 -1.25 180 +2.00
I have a strong prescrption with astigmatism. Whats your recommendation?
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
How can it be so cheap? Is it an old model or the model 2012? None of us need optical lenses but still thinking of buying it to all of my family, six people. Is there any other mask that you instead want to recomend. Before I found this model, I had thoughts of buying H2O Alpha purge.
Best Regards
Kent Eriksson, Sweden
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
It is a brand new mask. It is simply distributed by a manufacturer with a lower price point than others, so we can pass the savings along to our customers!
John:
Thanks for the fast response. Just to confirm, round up means -1.25 is -1.50
Also, do the prescription lenses come installed or do they come with the standard lens and additional prescription lenses are installed by customer?
Thanks!
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
That is correct, and we will install the lenses in the mask before shipping.
John:
Just want to confirm what prescription lens I should order:
OD: Sphere= -1.50 Cyl= -1.75 Axis=120
OS: Sphere= -1.25 Cyl= -1.25 Axis=085
Thanks,
John
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Use only the 1st number on each eye (sphere), this is the only number you need, if you are in between round up.
james:
I use "cheaters" to read up close at work. This is new to me. What is our opinion to just magnify my left side for reading guages.
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Using just one Bifocal lens is not an uncommon thing to do. I personally prefer them both to be bi-focal for gauge reading.
james:
how far up the lens does the magnificaton go?
Bob (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
The magnification portion of the bi-focal lens is approximately the bottom quarter of the lens.
Lihua:
my rx is -5.5 both sides, would i -5.0 or -5.5 for my lens?
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
-5.5 would be the one to order.
Karen:
I am looking at this mask as well as the Tusa Visio tri-ex mask for snorkeling. Which one would you recommend and why? Thank you.
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
The Ocean Quest is the most popular and fits just about everyone.
Maud:
Which mask would you recommend the Ocean Quest Arctic Clear High definition Purge Mask or the H2O Alpha 2 Purge Mask for deep sea diving? Thanks
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Both are very similar, the H2O has more color choices.
Maud:
Am I correct to state that the Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Purge is sold out? If so when do you receive a new supply? thanks
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
For current stock or availability contact info@scuba.com or 800-347-2822
Maud:
i am in the process of choosing ocean quest arctic clear hd purge but would like to know what the difference is between black purge and black framewith black silicon skirt purge.
many thanks
Bill (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Black frame is a clear skirt and the other is a solid black skirt.
Tiffany:
Are any masks designed specifically for women?
Darrick (Certified Scuba Instructor at Scuba.com)
:
Hello Tiffany, all of the masks made are design for both sex. If you feel that you have a narrow or small face then we do carry masks that have a small-medium size. Like the Atomic Ultra Clear Subframe Mask web link: http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-32/029079/Atomic-Ultra-Clear-Subframe-Mask.html. Which has both a small to medium size and a medium to large size.
Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD Scuba Dive Mask
Over the years I think I’ve experienced just about every possible change and feature dive masks have had to offer. I’ve seen them go from “port holes” with thick, black rubber skirts, to large rectangular glass boxes held together with metal framing and screws. And side windows? I witnessed them almost fail altogether as the extra material used in their construction made the mask very heavy and cumbersome, until some slick sales rep emerged with the idea that the side windows improve your peripheral vision. Then of course I watched everybody line right on up for them in the dive shop that I worked, like sheep for the slaughter, gullible as can be, having to have those side windows. They do serve a very nice purpose, but improved peripheral vision isn’t one of them. The reason for this farce will be the topic for another story on another day.
As masks have progressed, the material the skirt is made from has evolved from rubber to silicone. Silicone is more pliable than rubber and able to form to more faces better than rubber, offering a superior seal. Over the years, the silicone has gotten thinner and softer but surprisingly more durable. There have also been nose purges, designed to make it more easy and convenient to clear the water from your mask. The early purges were such an over all failure that it is amazing they are still around. One company actually offered a mask with a purge that you “installed” yourself! Talk about running with scissors! Today, as I have gotten older and admittedly lazier about the way I dive, I have to admit this is one feature I tend to look for in any mask I purchase.
There have been colored lenses, that many people still find popular today, but when it boils right down to it, really don’t do a whole bunch for you. And before you argue that keep this in mind. Scuba is one of the most “in-bred” industries I’ve ever been part of. If something is amazing and fantastic and works as advertised, every single manufacturer in the industry will find a way to copy it. There are actually successful engineers and product developers in scuba who are more famous for their ability to circumvent patent restrictions than develop new products from scratch. If those colored lenses were all they are cracked up to be, you’d see about 10 different companies offering them instead of just one.
Straps haven’t been immune to all this either. There have been rubber straps, of course, that dry rotted faster than anything else and were always an important staple in every dive bag, save a dive kit, tool box, glove box and spare pocket. They gave way to silicone just as our mask skirts did. There have been fabric straps, neoprene straps and strap wrappers, all designed for comfort and ease. Their main claim to fame is the ability to not get tangled in your hair. There have been “Cue” straps, designed to make it easier to adjust your mask, eliminating the need to take it off your head to tighten or loosen your mask. And on some specialized masks there have been strap systems that were/are entire harnesses, which is especially important if you are in an environment where losing your mask is more than an inconvenience but could be a health hazard as well.
Over the years I’ve been involved with Scuba the only thing that has never changed on our modern dive masks is seemingly the one thing that might possibly make us enjoy the over all experience better. With the exception of those gimmicky colored lenses, we’ve never put any real thought into making our vision underwater more clear. And I’m not referring to prescription lenses. Those are definitely a wonderful improvement but not all that ground breaking. It really was only a matter of time before some optician with a love for diving realized he could grind a lens to fit a dive mask just as easily as he could the frames of your glasses. We have always accepted that the tempered glass in our masks was clear, clean glass and offering us the perfect view into the underwater world. After all, we could see through them, distinguish colors, and over all have very few complaints. It hasn’t been until very recently that we have been shown how much we’ve been missing. The Ocean Quest Arctic Clear HD mask uses a new lens called the Arctic Clear HD lens. The glass used in this process is optical quality and far more pure than standard tempered glass. Typically the glass in your scuba mask has been made with “float glass” and is about the same quality as an average car window. What you think of as clear actually has a slight green tint to it that you can see by placing your mask in front of a white piece of paper. This is caused by the mineral impurities in the glass. Arctic Clear HD lenses use optical quality glass similar to that used in your eyeglasses. It is far more pure offering the best possible clarity and little to no color distortion. This feature works to minimize distortion and actually enhances the available light offering improved vision (like those colored lenses only try to do) and improves visual acuity that is most noticeable in low light conditions!
Ocean Quest doesn’t quit there. The Arctic Clear HD mask uses the highest grade of surgical silicone available and boasts a low volume design that maximizes your peripheral vision when wearing the mask. It is offered in both a non-purge design as well as with a low profile nose purge for ease and convenience of clearing. This definitely isn’t a necessity, but then again neither is power steering on your car, but I’m betting you’d not buy one without it. Designed with easy adjusted swivel buckles and a design that fits just about any face the Arctic Clear HD mask is available in Blue, Black, Yellow or all Clear, and is the perfect mask for just about anybody and any type of diving.