iMask is a brand of squash goggles with a unique design that wraps all the way around your face rather than having two separate lenses like regular goggles / glasses do.
Reviews
Simon from iMask sent me the product to review for Squash Source. Here’s my review:
Image via imaskusa.com
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Buy (Germany): dlsports.de
Buy (Netherlands): qss-squash.nl
Buy (US): squashgear.com
Official Sites
Replacement parts: qss-squash.nl | squashgear.com
iMask+ Face Shield
In 2020 iMask came out with an elongated version of their product aimed at helping reduce the spread of COVID-19:
I don’t know how much additional protection this would provide against COVID on a squash court, where you are continuously breathing the same air as your opponent, but I could see the benefits of this as an alternative (or in addition to) a mask. From their website, usa.imaskplusfaceshield.com:
We have designed and developed a face shield for front line workers, targeting dentists, doctors, and medical workers. In addition, the i-Mask+ Face Shield is a great alternative to a mask for those that work in an environment where personal connection is important, such as salons, gyms, grocery stores, etc. You can see the person’s face and hear them when they talk. It’s comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
DanB says
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Hi Pierre. I’ve followed your site for a few years now and always appreciate your comments. Now that you’re branching out to designing your own clothing (eagle shirt) have you considered designing a squash-theme COVID face mask to wear to and from the courts (if they ever reopen)? A simple white mask with the black ball (or reversed) would do nicely. The ones that slip over the head and then pull up seem to work best
Pierre says
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Thanks! I have thought about it. I was going to do one that’s black with two yellow dots but I saw Daryl Selby then created that same idea and since then it kind of dropped off my radar. But I just started to get inspired about the idea again after seeing your comment so I’ll see what I come up with
Dan Bancroft says
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I’d seen that but they tie and the pull overs work better.
Pierre says
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One of these neck gaiter things?
https://www.printful.com/custom/face-masks/fabric/all-over-print-neck-gaiter
DanB says
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Yup. Everyone I know prefers those for ease of use and comfort. Most are made of some lightweight stretchy material. I will let my squash group know to keep an eye out for them. We are starved for anything squash!
Tony Morrison says
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Is it time to consider a full length imask in light of the coronovirus epidemic ?
Pierre says
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Here’s the link: https://usa.imaskplusfaceshield.com/
Would the full-length iMask Plus provide better protection from Covid? It would help you not touch your face and that’s good, but you would still be breathing the same air as your opponent. If the other guy had Covid, I think I’d probably still get it from him if we played a match
Richard Millman says
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Hi Pierre
I hadn’t seen this review before – it’s great! I see you have Squashgear as the stockist – which is fine but we are the US distributors at iMaskUSA.com
Also if you have the chance to add to your review that the Imask is the only effective competitive eye protection that protects from the racket as well as the ball! Thanks again!
Mark Andrew Burke says
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Hi Pierre, Thanks for the great review of our product! I’m the European Distributor, i-MASK Europe and it would have been great to be included in the ‘Where to get’ links: imaskeurope.com
Keep up the great work!
Mark Andrew Burke
Burkesquash Academy (Belgium & Luxembourg)
Rai Sinclair says
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I agree with Michael on all points. I wear specs and have had an i-MASK for several years. The look of them is nothing compared to the value of one’s eyes and I would suggest to anyone wearing specs to check these out. I have been absolutely belted with a ball . The ball just flew off the shield, the shield just seemed to absorb the ball. I also got hit hard with a racquet on a follow through and once again I came out of it unscathed and so did the i-MASK. I love the product and would highly recommend them to all players. I have 2 masks.. the old one I use for social games and the newer for competitive matches. Thanks Pierre for you efforts in bringing us news and reviews of new equipment etc.
Michael Bello says
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Nice video review.
I’ve used an iMask for about a decade. I cannot play in standard goggles any more. The vision is great. I suggest placing the lens portion in a tube sock in the carrying bag with the strap and bridge to prevent scratches.
I usually wear a bandana or sweat band, which extends to life of the iMask sweatband.
I’m on my second iMask. The first one reached a point with a few too many nicks and was aged (5 or six years of being bent while on). The new version’s headband is an improvement, the old one was just a sponge like thing (but you got three of them).
One benefit that your video did not mention is that (if) when you get hit with a racquet or an elbow, the iMask takes the blow and flies off. I’ve had a few of these encounters and walked away unbruised.
You learn to push the iMask up when you grab a water bottle.
Also, the space between the plastic bridge and the curved lens is smaller than a squash ball. I know this since I once lost a ball in the lights and it hit that exact point and got stuck between the bridge and the lens. My opponent and I had to stop playing at that point because we could not stop laughing.
Tim says
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I think Milliman is the US rep. His son is one of the pros over at Berwyn and uses these. I’m sure he’d let you give them a test drive if you’re out that way….
Pierre says
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Thanks Tim!
Isak says
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I happened to have a look at some squash doubles clips earlier today and Nick Matthew and Adrian Grant seemed to be using these during the 2014 Commonwealth games, if not the same at least something very similar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRwr0x–Ai4
Pierre says
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Yep those look like iMasks. I’ve never actually seen international doubles before — that’s a great clip.
Amol says
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Thanks. Very useful.
OBrien says
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I love the i-mask. I wear glasses, and I’ve found the i-mask to be far superior to Rx goggles. It also doesn’t fog at all and, even though it looks awkward, is really very comfortable and light to the point where I’m not aware that I’m wearing it. I’m surprised it isn’t more popular, for both glasses and non-glasses wearers.