Best Dive Mask: A scuba divers guide

How to best choose the right size dive mask?

Correct size and fit of masks is the main consideration here – helping sort through the options is the point of this article. Although scuba masks really only come in two main categories, single or twin lenses, there are many different shapes and sizes out there to accommodate every face shape. Ultimately it’s pretty easy to test whether a scuba mask is the right size for you:  simply put the mask on your face, without putting the strap over your head, and breathe in. If the mask creates a vacuum on your face and stays there by itself, and feels comfortable, you’re good. In case it doesn’t, keep your receipt so you can return it.

Dive mask lens coatings:

As things in the scuba diving world get more fancy and science-y (and product differentiation-y), designers have been developing new lens types and treatments to improve your mask. UV ray blocking masks do what they say on the tin – they block harmful UV rays from getting through the mask. This is a great feature for sunny diving and snorkeling locations where you need to protect your eyes and reduce glare, particularly if you’re likely to be spending time on the surface. 

Frame or frameless dive masks?

This is a simple one really: some masks have solid frames to help maintain the shape of your mask, which is great for durability. Frameless masks still have a frame, but they’re malleable and can be squeezed into the pocket of a BCD really easily. Frameless masks are popular as backup masks for frequent divers for this very reason, and some people find them more comfortable overall, as the whole mask can adjust to the shape of your face. 

Mirrored and true-color masks have the same UV blocking features, but are also tinted with red/orange/yellow which gives your dive a more ‘true to life’ color as they help to correct for water’s natural light filtering (i.e. things get bluer or greener as you go deeper, not just darker). That’s really nice for your dive experience. 

Another common type of lens treatment is the anti-fog or fog-resistant technology. This is a hydrophobic coating that prevents ‘fog’ from forming on the glass of the lens. These are optional extras for a lot of masks, but worth considering if you want to ‘level up’ your dive experience.

 slap strap or no slap strap

Not the bracelets that irritated parents!  Slap straps! In diving – are a neoprene cover that goes over the silicone strap of your mask. Some mask models do come with a neoprene cover (e.g. Oceanic Shadow) but you can retrospectively buy one of these for most masks. For me, they make getting your mask on so much easier, and getting them off so much less painful. You will find this inexpensive piece of kit invaluable as it prevents your hair from getting tangled in the mask straps. There are so so many designs but I would suggest supporting a marine NGO if you can, as many will produce slap straps as merch to raise money for conservation initiatives.

If you have hair, and want to keep it attached to your head, the answer is always yes to slap-bands. Always. But they do slide off your head a little easier during back-roll entries.

low profile dive masks

Low profile masks are great as they decrease mask lens volume for easier equalization and increase visibility. They’re also far better for snorkeling and free-diving if you want a mask that covers these too.

High volume dive masks mean more compression on descent, thus more times you’ll need to equalise your mask.

Low volume dive masks means reduced compression as you descend, lowering the amount of times you’ll need to equalise your mask. A low volume design simply means there’s less air inside the mask, so the design usually features a shallower skirt and the lens therefore sits closer to the face. When it comes to being under pressure on a dive, less air space means less chance of an uncomfortable mask squeeze, so a lower volume mask can be more comfortable. The lens being closer to the face also means you’ll have a wider field of vision, so you might have more chance of spotting sharks sneaking out in the blue in your peripheral vision!

Dive mask windows – single, multi, or double lens

Single-lens window masks have one big window with no frame across the nose, which lets in more light and enhances vision overall. This makes it easier to fit larger noses. It also offers a more open feel. Keep in mind you won’t be able to get replacement prescription lenses for single-lens masks though.

Double lens windows have a separate glass plane for each eye separated by the nose frame. These are more common and have a lower lens volume (which is good). Prescription lenses are designed for use with double lens masks.

Multiple lens windows have additional windows down the sides giving a greater field of view, letting in more light, but adding lens volume. 

Nose Well vs Purge Valve

The third way to distinguish masks is whether they have a purge valve or not. Many mask designs have a simple silicone rubber nose well, which—depending on the lens setting—often allows you to equalize your ear pressure. You can still do so with a purge valve design, of course. The main difference is your exhalation point. Without a purge valve, you’ll have to expel air through your mouth.

A purge valve, on the other hand, is a feature placed at the bottom of the nose well. This allows you to exhale through your nose, without breaking the seal.

Whether you opt for a model with or without the purge valve is largely up to personal preference and level of expertise.