Diving Mask
Whether you’re new to scuba diving or looking to upgrade your dive mask, finding the best diving mask can be a daunting task. Scuba diving is a popular pastime. People of all ages are equally entranced by the desire of exploration. Shipwrecks & coral reefs, marine life & hidden caves. The beauty of life underwater is undeniable, from the exotic fish to the kelp forests. Deep sea divers especially. Testify to the addictive nature of the tranquility they feel. For the experienced scuba divers out there. They are looking for their next new dive experience. For some of you guys that are not so experienced. Below are some useful points & some answers that you are probably looking for. We have picked six of the best scuba diving masks out there based on our experience and hours of research.
A Quick look at what we are reviewing: Click if you can’t wait.
Single or Dual Lens Dive Masks…Which is Better?
We get asked all the time. Which style of scuba diving mask is better. A single large front lens, or a two lens design. Our answer is…what do you want?
The most important thing is that the mask is comfortable and fits your face correctly. Dual lens masks can sometimes be lower volume which is nice if the glass sits closer to your eyes. But in general the difference is not usually too noticeable between one lens or two. One thing to note is, that if you require prescription glasses. It is much easier to find a prescription dive mask with 2 replaceable lenses. This is due to the fact that each eye can require a different level of lens correction.
Lens size on the other hand can make a big difference. If your scuba diving mask is too small, it can cause a claustrophobic feeling. Due to the silicone skirt and frame obscuring your peripheral vision. Panoramic style masks can certainly help alleviate this problem. In that case you might have a small seam in the corners where the side lenses join. Which can sometimes cause minor distortion. This isn’t too big of a problem for most people, but some divers are not too keen on this effect.
What Material are Masks Made From?
Scuba diving masks are typically made of silicone or rubber. Although rubber may be a cheaper material. It’s important to remember that rubber is not as durable as silicone & can sometimes split. For that reason, nowadays, top rated dive mask are made from silicone.
The silicone makes the skirt much more flexible with the durability needed. It also provides a good seal around your face making leakage minimal. With wearing experience heightened.
It’s also very important to buy a model that comes with lenses made of glass if you are scuba diving. Otherwise, it may not be able to cope with the underwater pressures when descending and could potentially break.
What should I choose: A Transparent or Silicone Skirt?
This decision comes down to personal preference. A clear silicone made skirt will allow for more light. This is usually a popular option for beginners. To prevent the feeling of claustrophobia.
This is because the clear skirt can provide an open feeling and more peripheral vision. Whereas on the other hand. The Opaque dark silicon is a better choice for underwater photographers. As this tends to reduce glare. Many divers like to look at investing in double-feathered silicone.
How does a Dive Mask Work?
Dive masks are quite a simple item when all is considered. It is a silicone or rubber mask with a tempered made glass lens. Or perhaps two lenses, and a cleverly designed ‘skirt’ that seals the covered eyes and nose from the water. As you are breathing in oxygen through your scuba gear. It is essential that the nose pocket is completely sealed within.
A quality dive mask or one that fits and seals for you. Will also be adjustable for tightness and fit. A diving instructor will show you the right way to fit your dive mask so that it does the job it is intended to do. Be aware that silicone is preferable to rubber. As the rubber will deteriorate far more quickly thanks to exposure to saltwater.
Difference Between Low and High Volume Dive Masks?
Mask volume indicates the amount of air space within the mask. They each have their advantages. High volume dive masks offer a feeling of openness and also help to extend peripheral vision.
They do, however, take that little more effort to clear. Low volume diving masks, also known as low-profile dive masks. Sit closer to your face but can be cleared of water a lot quicker. A high Volume mask may be the best scuba mask for a big nose.
Difference Between a Scuba and Snorkel Mask?
What’s the difference between scuba masks and snorkel masks? There are a few requirements in order for a mask to be suitable for scuba diving. Dive masks built for scuba diving should have strong glass. Which will be able to withstand the pressures underwater.
Secondly, scuba diving masks must have an edge skirt seal that encloses the nose. To provide the air space needed for ear equalization upon descent.
With a snorkeling mask. There are many different types of snorkeling masks available on the market. These can range from a full face snorkel mask which also covers your nose. To a mask similar to the diving and snorkeling masks listed above.
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.
How to Test a Mask’s Fit Before Making Your Purchase
Scuba masks come in a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles. Don’t just go for the one that fits your style though—go for the one that fits your face.
All jokes aside, we’ve already mentioned how important it is that your scuba mask fits properly. There aren’t any universal sizing standards between different manufacturers. Besides which, no two faces are exactly alike. No one mask is one-size-fits-all. Even the Oceanic Shadow Frameless Mask in our list, which adapts to the shape of your face over time, comes in different sizes.
Most masks have a skirt that ranges from four and a half to five inches in width between the temples, but their shapes differ considerably. You might need something a little smaller, or a little bigger perhaps. What this all boils down to is the same as we said earlier. Where possible, you should test the mask’s fit before making a purchase. This requires some careful undertaking.
Before we run through the steps you should follow, there is one prevalent myth that needs to be dispelled first. The old method of inhaling does not work. All it does is create an artificial vacuum that won’t be replicated in the water. Even a mask that is hopelessly too big for you will have a near-perfect seal with this method! So, what are the steps to properly fitting a mask?
Making the choice
Because scuba diving is so popular. There are a lot of different types. Being so spoiled for choice can make finding the best diving mask a challenge. You can spend hours reading through hundreds of reviews for a single item to find the best scuba diving mask.
This can be frustrating. We know, because we’ve been there! To make things easier for you, we did the research—so you can spend more time in the water, and less in front of your laptop.
In our experience. If loads of professionals are all giving favorable input on a piece of equipment. Chances are it is a decent piece of equipment. There are always going to be ratings that exaggerate just how good (or bad) something is. But that type of review is a minority, so we were able to filter them out for you in able to find you the top rated scuba masks.
We read thousands of reviews in preparation. That’s why we’re confident that the following our dive mask review cover some of the best dive masks available.
Aqua Lung Atlantis Single Lens Dive Mask
First on our list of best dive masks we will be reviewing is the Aqua dive mask. this scuba diving masks has a high-volume single lens mask which provides an excellent field of view.
Available only in black, with black silicone skirt. The silicone skirt delivers an improved fit and more secure seal against the skin.
This dive mask has a shatterproof, tempered glass lens suitable for diving and snorkeling.
What worked well
Great peripheral vision
Great peripheral vision Well constructed and sturdy
Does not leak/let in water
The volume in this mask makes enjoying marine life more pleasurable
A very reliable product
Great field of view
What didn’t
Feels uncomfortable to wear
Feels uncomfortable to wear Strap is quite short
COPOZZ Scuba Mask
Second on our review is the Copozz. It comes with a fashion Integrated frame scuba diving masks with double lens offers a 180 degree superior view for underwater exploration. Wide and high-grade soft silicone 3d sealing face gasket which molds perfectly to fit any face shape. Diving in style.
The dive mask comes with shatter-resistant tempered glass lenses to withstand deep water pressure. Scratch resist lens instead of polycarbonate enables you a clearer view underwater and hardly
This dive mask seals great with a wide field of view. The silicone is comfortably soft and seals on your face very well, which is the most important thing for preventing leaks. The frame looks cool.
The goggles strap attaches to the skirt instead of the frame as this allows for a variety of face shapes and the mask should seal very well with many of them. With a wider nicely shaped skirt that helps to seal and prevent leaking.
Simply pull the snorkel mask straps to desired fit and the buckle will hold the straps securely in place. Adjust to fit any swimmer. Perfect for snorkeling, diving, swim training, etc.
What worked well
Strap tightness is very easy to adjust
Was super comfortable
Good clear tempered glass
The silicone is comfortably soft and seals the face very well
Allows for a nice wide view
Mask is very well constructed
What didn’t
Does not form a proper seal
Prone to fogging
Liberty Triside SPE
The Liberty Triside dive mask features a wide mono front lens with 2-sided lenses to ensure a panoramic view without interruption. The result is a mask that allows maximum light and feels as open as the ocean itself. All lenses are tempered glass for the best clarity. The skirt is made in hypoallergenic silicone to ensure comfort and a perfect seal. It is a breeze to adjust the length of the strap thanks to the two buttons on the buckle, which can also be used while wearing gloves.
3-window mask made with Tempered Glass, Low Volume Design, Easy to Clear. Ideal for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.
Skirt & Strap made in 100% Silicone combined for Perfect Fit and Seal on Face. The strap Push-Button Swivel Buckles: make Adjustments Easy and Fast.
Easy Access One-Handed Nose Pocket for Ear Equalization. With spray Painted Effect colored frame that makes the mask elegant and beautiful to see.
What worked well
The field of vision is unobstructed
No fogging or leaking
Feels comfortable
Sturdy quality product
Fits the face well
The bands of blue and grey make this mask look very cool
What didn’t
The front top inside of the mask has a hard plastic part that digs into your forehead
SCUBAPRO Solo Scuba Snorkeling Dive Mask
The Scubapro dive mask is a modern low profile, clear and open-view single lens mask.
This dive mask has a dual colored frameless single-lens design for significantly increased field of vision with crystal clear double sealed silicone skirt for superior fit and comfort.
It has a non-slip strap with an easy adjustable buckle. Tempered glass lens with a low volume design.
What worked well
Large field of view
The seal was great
No water leakage
Very easy to clear the mask when removing the fog (rarely needed with this mask) or equalizing.
Great quality, and great fit
Soft silicon molds to your facial landscape.
What didn’t
Nose bridge far too short. Extremely hurts
Does not fit well with facial hair
Scuba Choice Low Volume Black Silicone Mask
Scuba choice delivers this dive mask with tempered glass lenses, that have a Low volume special design for free dive use.
The dive mask has a silicone skirt and adjustable strap. This dive mask is ideal for narrow face people and women.
The silicone skirt size: 4-3/4″ wide.
What worked well
The low volume fit is great
The field of view is good
Seals well with facial hair
As comfortable as more expensive brands
Fits very well
No leaks
What didn’t
Material is poor & breaks
Lenses are plastic & break
Atomic Venom Frameless Mask
The new Venom Frameless dive mask provides divers a high-quality optics, and style. This new mask complements the popular Atomic Aquatics Venom mask and incorporates the signature ‘Wicked’ styling recognizable on SV series snorkels and Bladefin fins. The Venom Frameless expands the current Atomic Aquatics mask line that includes Venom, Frameless 2, and SubFrame models, giving divers more options to fit different face sizes and shapes.
The mask is available in Gray/Black and Red/Black colors. The Venom Frameless mask skirt and face seal is uniquely designed to incorporate two different silicone materials. Exclusive ‘Gummi Bear UltraSoft’ silicone creates an incredibly soft and comfortable face seal. A second, more rigid silicone skirt material keeps the mask firmly positioned in even the most turbulent conditions.
The exclusive Schott Superwite UltraClear single lens allows up to 96% of available light to reach the eyes. The large single window computer-designed lens is optical-quality and distortion-free to maximize upward, downward and side-to-side vision. The Schott Superwite UltraClear lens is crystal clear when compared to the impure green glass used in many competitor’s masks.
What worked well
Fits people with more bigger noses without pressing against the bridge of the nose
Extremely comfortable and soft
The vision and field of view are exceptional
Didn’t leak even around facial hair
It fits so nicely and stays clear
The soft edge provides a very good comfortable seal.
What didn’t
Fogs up a lot despite treatment
Too shallow for some faces
OMGear Diving Mask
OMGear diving mask is with a nose cover, which is perfect for users who do not know how to stop breathing by nose when swimming, snorkeling or diving. Lens of our scuba masks are made of tempered glass, which is safe and different from normal swimming goggles with plastic lenses. This dive mask is with soft food grade liquid silicone strap ＆ skirt, environmentally friendly and healthy, providing an extreme comfortable using experience. The highly easy adjustable mask buckles and flexible face skirt, perfectly engineered to fit virtually any face shape and heads in different sizes. With 3mm quality and softy neoprene mask strap, avoiding hair tangling and providing more comfort. The strap cover will work great to protect your hair from pulling it as you put it on and take it off, providing an extreme comfortable using experience. The OMGear scuba dive mask fits users with heads in different sizes. The key point to avoid the leakage is to tighten the mask and you can feel that the silicone skirt is fully absorbed on your face.
What worked well
Adult size fits really well
Great quality
Love how easy the straps are to adjust
The soft silicone is very comfortable
Very comfortable and clear vision under water.
What didn’t
Tends to fog
Not value for money
Click Here to check it out
Cressi Pano 4 Wide Multi Lens
The Pano 4 dive mask features a four-lens panoramic design for maximum light and great field-of-view with reasonable internal volume for better clearing and a lower profile in the water. The four-lens panoramic design for excellent peripheral vision. A lightweight, durable polycarbonate frame made with a soft silicone skirt fits a wide range of face shapes. Equipped with fast-adjust ratcheting strap buckles and easy-access nose pocket for equalization, this mask is perfect for any scuba diver or snorkeler. It is made of 100 percent high quality silicone for comfort and longevity. This dive mask features easy adjusting buckles for convenience, and an easy-access nose pocket for equalization. All lenses are tempered glass for the best clarity and lenses are joined in a special way to minimize the visible seam. Frameless simply means the silicone skirt bonds directly to the lens for lower weight and reduces drag. Designed from high-grade silicone, the mask seals gently and securely against the face. The frameless mask is ideal for travel as a result of being lightweight and folds easily into a BCD pocket.
What worked well
The view was amazing and the look of the mask is really cool
The adjuster was easy to use
No fog and no leaks! Worked beautifully!
Fit great! Very comfortable.
Water tight with clear view
What didn’t
Leaked terribly
The nose area is way too big
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Cressi Boutique Collection Frameless Dive Mask
Increase your visibility with the Cressi Frameless Snorkeling & Scuba Mask. This high quality dive mask features tempered glass lenses, a durable silicone skirt and push button buckles for quick strap adjustment. The mask’s lightweight silicone seals securely and gently to the face while reduced size and volume makes clearing the water easy. The Frameless Mask from Cressi offers top-notch quality, so you can explore the waters in comfort. The low-profile design, lightweight silicone seals securely and gently to the face, with high grade silicone skirt bonded directly to the lens. The single tempered glass lens, low internal volume for effortless clearing, double feathered edge skirt, quick-adjust strap buckles. The buckles molded directly to the skirt for flexible fit and reduced drag, wide field of vision. Wide split mask strap for improved seal on face. Completely dry top prevents water Entry when Submerged, Unique splash guard reduces the entrance of water during use on the surface. Flexible tube assists in resistance-free swimming, large exhaust and purge Valve, water Collection well at the bottom with elliptic purge valve.
What worked well
The mask is very comfortable
The quick-release function is very handy
The frameless mask provides about the widest range of fit you could get
I have a narrow face and narrow nose bridge and this mask fits very well
What didn’t
Fogs up instantly
It fogs worse then most masks I’ve used
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EXP VISION Diving Mask
The EXP VISION panoramic dive mask have been designed to give you great visibility, fit, durability and comfort. You’ll get a clear look at what’s going on in any dive environment and our eye-catching diving mask colors will let you outshine the brightest fish. 100% tempered glass, with lightweight comfortable wear: The dive mask frame with 100% soft silicone skirt for Perfect Seal on Face enables you to feel fit and not leak when snorkeling. Anti Fog Film: Our dive mask used anti-fog film to avoid fog appearing on the inside lens with an exhalation from the nose, making you see clearly underwater. Tempered-Glass Lenses for Safety: Dive mask lens is made from tempered glass with a good impact resistance., which resists scratching and shattering. Polycarbonate lens for great clarity wide field of view underwater. The double Lens mask should help you see better, not obstruct part of your view. Now you can enjoy all the underwater scenery clearly. It has adjustable head straps and a high-grade soft silicone face skirt fit virtually any face shape. The ribbed design provides extra support and ensures a water-tight seal.
What worked well
Soft rubber was used around the diving mask
It’s super comfortable and the buttons on the sides make it easy to adjust the straps
Very comfortable and doesn’t leak at all
Easily adjustable but doesn’t slack over time
Good visibility
What didn’t
Buckle broke first time
Hurts your face and forehead Very hard plastic
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How to Defog New Mask:
As with all diving equipment, a little care and maintenance for your new dive mask goes a long way towards keeping it in working condition for a long time.
The first time you buy a dive mask, it’s very important that you treat/clean/defog it before scuba diving with it; otherwise it’ll end up fogging up in a major way and you’ll not be able to see anything!
That’s because during the manufacturing process, a film of silicone and mold release agents forms on the surface of a scuba mask and this film is annoyingly resistant to the usual defogging methods of spit, baby shampoo or commercial defogger.
But how does one clean or “defog” a new scuba mask? All you need to do is get a small blob of regular toothpaste and rub it firmly in circular motions all over both sides of the mask lens/lenses in your mask. Be sure to push the toothpaste in extra hard – I find rubbing it in firmly with a thumb is the best way! (Some people prefer to use a dry toothbrush).
Once you’ve firmly coated both sides of the mask lens/lenses in toothpaste, leave the mask for about fifteen to twenty minutes and then wash the toothpaste off using water. Be sure to get all the toothpaste off, you would not want it to irritate your eyes when you wore the mask! Then repeat the entire process three or four more times! Might be good to put on a good scuba diving movie for this one.
Another strategy is to burn your mask. You can do this using a lighter – hold it to the glass lens and move it about. You’ll notice the glass turning black which means that the silicone layer that is stuck to it is burning off. Once the glass is all black you can let it cool and wash it with dish soap or toothpaste. You may also have to repeat this process a few times if the mask still fogs.
If you do opt to burn your mask, take great care not to damage the skirt and also do not apply heat for too long on any one spot of the lens! A steady sweeping motion across the surface of the lens is best!
Treating Your New Scuba Mask to Prevent Fogging
Toothpaste, believe it or not, one of the best ways to remove the silicone residue. Use the simplest toothpaste you can find, preferably one without bleaching agents or confetti strips. Airline toothpaste is probably the best, but you’re not going to book a flight just for the toothpaste. Simply squirt some onto the inner lens and scrub gently with a clean finger or soft cloth. Do this for a few minutes, then leave it overnight. In the morning, use a clean, soft cloth and fresh water to rinse it off.
Flaming your lenses is the absolute best method, but it’s a lot trickier than the toothpaste trick. Blacken the glass of your inner lens by running the tip of a flame over it. Using a lighter or tapered candle is easiest, and probably the best option too. This burns the film of the separation agent away. Once you’ve got the glass completely black, let the mask cool and wipe the soot off with a soft cloth. You’ll have to repeat the process two or three times.
When it becomes difficult to turn the glass black, your work is done. The difficulty comes in making sure you don’t heat the glass up too much. You also need to keep the flame away from the soft silicone skirt, which will melt with very little heat. Needless to say, you don’t want to try this trick with plastic lenses! If you’re nervous about damaging your mask with the flame method, rather play it safe and use toothpaste instead.
Now your new mask is ready for use!
However, you’ll notice that your mask still fogs from time to time, especially on longer dives. Don’t rush back to the candle or your toothpaste tube though. As long as you’ve followed the instructions above, the manufacturing residue will be completely removed.
Any mask will fog from time to time. Why? Simple physics.
The fog is caused by condensation, plain and simple. There’s water vapor in the air, even inside your perfectly sealed mask. When this meets with the cooler glass of the lens, microscopic water droplets are formed.
The surface tension on your mask lenses, the humidity inside your mask, and the water temperature determine the likelihood of fogging. Surfactants (anti-fog or defogging solutions) reduce the surface tension and smooth out the droplets forming on your lens. By creating a uniform layer of moisture, the surfactant ensures the condensation is less visible. So, what are your surfactant options?
Treating Your Used Scuba Mask to Prevent Fogging
Commercial defog products, also known as “mask defog”, are available at almost every diving shop. They do vary in price but generally, stick within the $6-$10 range. Quality and efficiency are the major deciding factors in the cost. Don’t feel bad splurging on one of the best. Defog products typically come in two-ounce bottles, but you’ll be able to use it hundreds of times because you only need small drops every time. A good mask defog can last you two or three dives. If you get the chance to buy a more expensive product, go for it—you’ll save money in the long run.
All you need to do is apply a single drop onto the inner lens of a dry mask. Using dry, clean fingers, rub the defog evenly across the lens. You can rinse it in either fresh or saltwater, but be careful not to rub or touch the inner lens again during or after rinsing. This will remove the surfactant (defog)—as will sunscreen residue on your fingers during application. Best you do this step at home before heading to the ocean.
Baby shampoo is another alternative to commercial defoggers. The ratio needs to be one part baby shampoo to one part water. For this reason, many divers keep a bottle of premixed solution with the rest of their scuba mask. The application is exactly the same as commercial surfactants. The reason you want to use baby shampoo rather than standard is because it’s specifically formulated to be hypoallergenic. It’s also far less irritating to the eyes, which is an important consideration. If your mask leaks, the water will likely carry the defogging agent into your eyes. As an added benefit, baby shampoo also smells a lot better than spit.
Watered down glycerin soaps and dishwashing liquids can also be used, in the same way as baby shampoo. The main deterrent here would be that these chemicals tend to burn your eyes. Even without a leak, you might find yourself tearing up if you’ve used too much. Another issue is that some of these products aren’t biodegradable. If you have to use them, be careful not to dump any non-biodegradable solutions into the water.
Our last tip is something of a diving urban legend. Some say it works, others say it doesn’t. But you may want to test the theory out for yourself next time you have a potato and a knife at hand before you dive. That’s right—rub a cut potato on the inside of your mask lens and briefly rinse! The starch acts as a surfactant. The only problem is if you don’t rinse enough the starch will leave a smudge across your field of vision. And if you rinse too much, you’ve basically wasted a perfectly good potato and will have to contend with a foggy mask when you dive.
It’s important to note that for all five of the above defogging methods, you need to make sure your mask is completely dry first. If not, the surfactant won’t bind to the glass, and you’ll end up with a foggy field of vision.
Scuba Diving Mask Care:
Throughout the time that you are using your scuba mask you’ll also want to give it a little lovin’ in the form of some basic care and cleaning to ensure it remains clear, doesn’t end up fogging and is safe to use.
Caring for your scuba dive mask is easy. After every dive wash your scuba mask with fresh water until it is fully clean. Warm, fresh water that is less than 120°F is best for dissolving salt crystals that are stuck to the mask. Afterwards rinse it thoroughly and dry it off with a towel.
Periodically, you should take the time to do a deep clean on your mask, to cut through build up that may not have been removed in your post dive cleanings. To do this, take watered down dish soap and rub it into both the lens and skirt. Make sure you get into all the sides, the nose area and every little pocket around the mask.
Next, use fresh, warm water to clean the soap of. Rinse the mask three times to ensure all the dish soap is removed. Leave the mask to dry and only stow away when it is completely dried off.
Conclusion on your best dive mask
We hope after reading our review of the best scuba mask. You found it provided you with some useful details. We want to help you to make a decision that will make your next dive experience a great one.
Out of the six scuba mask, we have reviewed them. We found, that the Aqua Lung to be our choice. First it had some great reviews & feedback. We found that it was comfortable and was well constructed. It provided great vision, which after all is the most important point when choosing a mask. Everyone wants to have a great view of what is below the waves. Overall we all agreed this best dive mask was very reliable. With little poor feedback. When compared to others.
Click here to look at it for yourselves.
We would love to hear your thoughts & feedback on masks you have purchased.
