Fins - Masks - Bags

We are often asked for sizing advice on Fins. Unfortunately we don't have much to add beyond what is mentioned on the website in our product descriptions. The only general statement we can make is that the most common exchange we see is for the next size larger.

There is no size standardization between brands of fins (or even between different models from the same brand) and so you cannot assume that a size in one brand of fin is the same dimensions as the size in another brand; even when the designs look very similar. Taking some actual measurements of your boot while on your foot and comparing to our foot pocket dimension charts will help determine the size selection for your desired fit.

If you are not certain about your fin size then our recommendation is not to order until you can make that determination. While Dive Gear Express will accept fins for return if you order the incorrect size, you will be responsible for return shipping costs. Return shipping costs on fins can be expensive because fins have a high 'dimensional weight'. Your complete satisfaction is our goal, so please consider carefully before purchase.

Most good quality masks, which includes all models we sell, will fit most faces. See this chart... Average Head Sizes If we define the 50th percentile as "standard" then any of our masks will fit.

Our DGX Gears Ren and Compact models tends to also fit faces narrower than standard while the Rio and Ultra models tend to also fit faces wider than standard. However, in most cases it is just guess and other factors such as the size of the nose can affect the fit as well. Regardless, if any of our masks does not fit to your satisfaction, you may return it, see our Return & Refund Policy.

All of the masks and fins we sell are returnable if they don't fit. Just send it back to us; the order number is your return authorization. For details and return procedure please read Returns & Refunds.

​Perhaps, because most new dive masks have mold release agents in the flexible skirt that are volatile and during storage will migrate to the surface of the lens to cause fogging. This is often the case when the mask has been sealed in an air-tight box or plastic bag. These deposits can be safely removed with an extra application of a powerful non-abrasive surfactant like liquid dish soap, baby shampoo, SeaQuick or SeaDrops defog.

The mask may persistently fog at first, requiring repeated cleaning, but with the passage of time the mold release agents will dissipate naturally and the issue will resolve itself. To hasten the dissipation of the mold release agents from the mask silicone, store the mask so that it is exposed to air between dive trips and use a sealed box only for transport in the dive bag. Do NOT let the mask get hot during transport, i.e. keep your bag and mask box out of the sun.

Don't use toothpaste or any other other abrasive on modern dive masks, especially those masks that have optical quality ultra-clear glass lenses, vision correction lenses or 'optical coatings' on the lenses. You will either damage the lenses, or needlessly waste toothpaste since many modern toothpaste formulations are not at all abrasive.

"Near sighted" correction allows clear distance vision for general diving activities. We offer a predetermined selection of single vision lenses that are installed in our "Vision Correction Masks". This will require your vision prescription to select the lenses needed for this mask.

"Far sighted" correction allows clear near vision for reading numbers and text from dive computers and SPG's. We offer a predetermined selection of bifocal lenses that are installed in our "Gauge Reader Masks". The upper portion of the lens is flat with no correction and lowering your eyes to the bifocal segment provides magnification for reading. Most people who need Gauge Readers already use reading glasses and know how much magnification they prefer.

More information explaining ordering is in our Tek-Tip at Vision Correcting Masks.

All our vision correction masks use lenses that have been manufactured in a predetermined range of diopters for either "near sighted" correction (minus values) or "far sighted" correction (plus values, aka "gauge readers"), but not both in the same lens. Our predetermined range of vision correction lenses are a great value, but unfortunately are not suitable for every diver needing vision correction and especially not those with significant astigmatism.

If our lenses do not work for you, then custom made prescription vision correction lenses are an alternative solution. Because that can be expensive, we suggest first test diving an ordinary new mask to be certain it is a good fit for your face. Send your selected mask along with your vision prescription directly to an optical company that specializes in custom making and installing dive mask lenses. Two such long established US companies are: Prescription Dive Masks in California and SeaVision USA in Florida.

No. All the standard vision correcting masks offered by Dive Gear Express have the correction ground into the lenses themselves. The correction is not aftermarket 'stick on', each of the lenses are ground just like you would expect on a pair of eyeglasses. Please note that the bifocal gauge reader versions are a two layer lens bonded at the factory during manufacture.

You might also have heard these marketed as "blue blocker" lenses. The theory behind masks with a "contrast" lens coating is the yellow tint blocks the blue color (be aware that this not adjusting the color, it is reducing the amount of total light) which because of how the retina in the human eye functions allows better perception of edges and movement via the remaining light. For divers, the application was primarily for spearfishing, i.e. hunting. Most experts, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, do not recommend the feature as they likely "do not really work" for their advertised purpose.