The main difference between dark (or black) silicone mask skirts and light (or clear) silicone mask skirts is related to light perception and peripheral vision.
Dark (Black) Silicone Mask Skirts:
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- Black mask skirts are useful in reducing glare and refracted light. If you are diving in an area with lots of light, such as in clear tropical waters, a black skirt can make it easier to see the underwater world by providing a more focused view.
- They create a sort of ‘frame’ for your vision, allowing you to concentrate more on what’s directly in front of you, much like how cinematographers use dark borders to enhance the viewing experience.
- However, they can reduce the sensation of ‘openness’, which could lead to a feeling of claustrophobia in some divers.
- Black silicone mask skirts are often used by freedivers sand spearfishers.
- Black silicone mask skirts are more resistant to discoloration over time.
Light (Clear) Silicone Mask Skirts:
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- Clear skirts can make the mask feel less claustrophobic because they allow more light in, creating a more panoramic or open view, which can be particularly useful in darker waters or confined spaces, like when cave diving or wreck diving.
- They provide better peripheral vision as light can come through the skirt itself, enhancing your overall visibility.
- On the downside, they can increase glare and cause a distracting amount of refracted light.
- May discolor and take on a yellow tint aver some time.
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In addition to these functional differences, some divers may have a preference for one over the other based purely on aesthetic reasons. The color of the skirt doesn’t affect the quality of the silicone or the durability of the mask. Both clear and black silicone masks should provide a good seal and be comfortable to wear. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to individual preference and the specific diving conditions. Handy hint: Never store clear and black silicone next to each other over a long time, the black silicone may discolor the clear silicone.