Table of Contents
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Suba diving requires a lot of training and is a lot of responsibility. No one can jump into the water and expect everything to go without a hitch every time. With proper training or a guide along with great equipment, a person can easily explore and enjoy all that the sea has to offer. While the first step is getting training and certification, the next is acquiring fantastic gear, including the scuba mask.
All pieces of diving equipment are gravely important, and the scuba mask is no different as it provides an essential function to the user. The mask allows the diver to see clearly without hindrance. Without sight, the entire point of the dive may be pointless. In some cases, the mask even provides much needed oxygen to the diver, though this isn’t true for every mask, as they come in a variety of different styles depending on preference and type of dive.
This list contains the ten best scuba masks out there, considering everything from safety to price. While not all of these are perfect, finding the best mask for you may just come down to trying them on to see what works. This list intentionally provides a variety to choose from just for that reason. For your research and marketing purposes, here are the top ten scuba masks and some frequently asked questions about them.
Comparison Table
[amazon box=”B07JMTFBC5, B07B3ZS4PL, B00361V0RW, B004K5QUBE, B00TC5IBZU, B00QZDM9M8, B00J76S2C6, B002GX6PGW, B00V2J78LC, B00VFEKAIM” template=”table”]
Product FAQ
Image Source: Pixabay.com
1. What Is a Scuba Mask?
A scuba mask is an item of diving equipment that goes over your eyes and nose. Other names include diving mask, half mask, snorkeling mask, dive mask, and free-diving mask.
2. What Does a Scuba Mask Do?
A scuba mask’s primary purpose is to allow the user to see clearly underwater. When the eye meets water, light refracts and does not come in direct contact with the retina. When enough space is provided to give the eyes air, the user can see almost normally.
3. How Does a Scuba Mask Work?
The scuba mask fits over the user’s eyes and nose because it has to adjust pressure as the user descends. The diver breathes out through the nose to allow for air flow inside the mask, preventing barotrauma.
The shape of the mask can also affect sight, as the shape of the air space is different from above water. Depending on the mask, the diver can use corrective lenses. Regardless, most scuba masks have relatively the same shape or volume because of this issue.
4. Where Can You Buy Them?
Scuba masks can be bought nearly anywhere, but quality ones can be found at outdoor sporting goods stores or on online marketplaces, like Amazon. All of the products on this list come with a link to where you can purchase them on Amazon quickly and easily.
5. How Do You Find the Best Mask?
The secret to finding the best mask for you is to already know what you’re doing. Taking a few training courses on how to dive properly will get you ready to find all of the equipment you need. Second, like anything that has to be worn, you’ll want to try these on first. Not all masks are as adjustable as others, so finding a good fit starts with looking around carefully.
How We Reviewed
Image Source: Pixabay.com
As always, safety is a top priority on lists like this. All of the masks on here are excellent for knowledgeable divers to try out for themselves with all safety precautions being met. While some of the items on this list have had bad histories, they all work for the majority of people and products. If you’re skeptical about anything, always stick with a company you trust. These masks are still the cream of the crop, so to speak, so you’ve started your research in the right place.
Overall Price Range of This Product
Prices range from $60 to $130, with one outlier going to the $170 mark. There are cheaper alternatives out there, usually within the $20 range, but the masks on this list are for experienced divers looking for products that’ll last.
What We Reviewed
- Mares X-VU LiquidSkin Spearfishing Mask
- Cressi Eyes Evolution Crystal Mask
- Hollis M1 Frameless Scuba Diving Freediving/Spearfishing Dive Mask
- Cressi Adult Small Inner Volume Mask for Scuba
- Oceanic Cyanea Ultra Scuba Mask
- Scubapro Synergy 2 Twin Lens Scuba Mask
- TUSA M-1001 Freedom HD Scuba Diving Mask
- Scubapro Solo Scuba Snorkeling Dive Mask
- Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask
- Dive Rite UltraClear Frameless Mask
Mares X-VU LiquidSkin Spearfishing Mask
[amazon box=”B07JMTFBC5″]
Features
This mask is comfortable, durable, and lightweight. The X-VU LiquidSkin has buckles on the skirt for an adjustable fit that doesn’t leave marks on the skin. There is also soft material over the forehead and nose for better comfort. Great for use in cold water, this mask has a wide field of vision thanks to the large eye pieces.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- May not fit tightly, depending on face shape
- The visibility could be better
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B07JMTFBC5″ value=”button”]
Warranty
Two-year warranty unless otherwise specified.
Hollis M1 Frameless Scuba Diving Freediving/Spearfishing Dive Mask
[amazon box=”B00361V0RW”]
Features
The visibility on the M1 is fantastic. The glass of the eyepiece has a lower iron content than most glass, making the lens distortion free and able to handle any color in any light. With no frames on the lens, you also get a great field of vision.
Pros
- Visibility is amazing.
Cons
- The glass has been known to fog and can’t be saved with cleaning techniques
- Comfort could be better
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00361V0RW” value=”button”]
Warranty
One year from date of purchase.
Cressi Adult Small Inner Volume Mask for Scuba
[amazon box=”B004K5QUBE”]
Features
This mask, also known as the High Seal because of the silicone, has a lot of similarities to the Crystal Mask, another work by Cressi. The difference here is that the mask is exceedingly more comfortable in comparison. The headband is invisible when worn and leaves no marks on the skin. The lenses are also smaller and placed closer to the eyes, making visibility better.
Pros
- Exceedingly comfortable
- Adjustable fit
- Great visibility
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all facial types
- The lenses are smaller but doesn’t impact visibility
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B004K5QUBE” value=”button”]
Warranty
Two-year warranty
Oceanic Cyanea Ultra Scuba Mask
[amazon box=”B00TC5IBZU”]
Features
While the Cyanea frame is minimalistic, the lens is oversized to an almost comical level. However, the large lens is made of an optical glass and liquid silicone, allowing for a very clear view with a large field of vision. There are also buckles for adjustments on the soft, ridged skirt.
Pros
- Great visibility
- Adjustable fit
Cons
- Could be more comfortable
- The design may not be for everyone
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00TC5IBZU” value=”button”]
Warranty
One year from date of purchase.
Scubapro Synergy 2 Twin Lens Scuba Mask
[amazon box=”B00QZDM9M8″]
Features
The Synergy 2 Twin Scuba Mask excels at comfort. The secret to this mask’s comfort is the two skirt design. The first or inner skirt is made of a soft silicon but is also thin to create a firm fit. The outer skirt is made of tougher silicone to create a better watertight seal as well as adjustable fit. The buckles themselves even have a quick release if needed.
Pros
- Great comfort
- Adjustable fit with quick release buckles
Cons
- Visibility needs some work
- Doesn’t fit every face size
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00QZDM9M8″ value=”button”]
Warranty
One-year warranty unless otherwise specified.
TUSA M-1001 Freedom HD Scuba Diving Mask
[amazon box=”B00J76S2C6″]
Features
The M-1001 has an incredibly wide field of vision but shines on the adjustable fit. It has one-eighty degree rotating buckles to create a perfect fit for any face size. While the frame is large, there is minimal internal volume to allow for great vision. The skirt is round-edge and has five-position strap adjusters for small fixes to the fit.
Pros
- Excellent adjustable fit with rotating buckles and small strap adjusters.
- Great field of view.
Cons
- There have been reports of the product leaking and fogging.
- Could be more comfortable
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00J76S2C6″ value=”button”]
Warranty
One-year warranty unless otherwise specified.
Scubapro Solo Scuba Snorkeling Dive Mask
[amazon box=”B002GX6PGW”]
Features
The SOLO Mask offers a wide, panoramic view with a slick design. The comfortable silicon skirt creates a watertight seal and has a buckle to adjust the fit however you like on the non-slip strap. The modern design gives it a low profile while incorporating the large lens, creating a great field of view.
Pros
- Great visibility
Cons
- Not able to fit every face.
- Needs to be more comfortable for the price
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B002GX6PGW” value=”button”]
Warranty
One-year warranty unless otherwise specified.
Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask
[amazon box=”B00V2J78LC”]
Features
The Aquatics Venom mask is all about going minimal to give you the best experience underwater. The lens provides a wide, panoramic view with no distortion while the skirt is bonded to the glass. This mask also uses two skirts for comfort and function. While there is no frame in this mask, there is a reinforced internal frame beneath the silicone skirt for structure and durability.
Pros
- Ultra-wide field of vision
- Durable
Cons
- Uncomfortable
- Reported problems of fogging and leaking
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00V2J78LC” value=”button”]
Warranty
Lifetime warranty against frame breakage.
Dive Rite UltraClear Frameless Mask
[amazon box=”B00VFEKAIM”]
Features
The UltraClear Mask was made with visibility and comfort in mind. The mask even makes it easy to clear water or pinch the nose. It also utilizes two skirts for perfect fit and comfort. The UltraClear has size adjustments to fit most faces and accommodates large noses, high brows, and facial hair. The glass for the lens is iron-free, creating great visibility.
Pros
- Great visibility
- Easy to clear water
Cons
- Reports have stated that this product leaks and fogs up
- Doesn’t fit every face
- Needs work on comfort
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00VFEKAIM” value=”button”]
Warranty
One-year warranty unless otherwise specified.
The Verdict
Image Source: Pixabay.com
Again, it can’t be reiterated enough that a great scuba mask comes from finding out what’s right for you. Comfort and visibility all comes down to how they fit your particular face, and all of these masks are made differently. Most of them come with adjustable attachments, but they can’t all be molded to every facial structure out there. Thankfully, once you become experienced enough with diving and learning what suits your needs, you’ll have to try gear on less and less.
If you aren’t overly worried about the fit, though, one of the best masks on this list is the Cressi Adult Small Inner Volume Mask. The company itself, Cressi, offers a wide range of scuba products and different types of masks to fit completely different sizes. This particular product is comfortable, has great visibility, and comes with an adjustable fit. Not to mention the price, set at about $70, is cheaper than some products while also getting a good and dependable scuba mask for your money.
So if you’re thinking about taking up scuba diving or just trying to find new equipment, remember to always keep safety in mind when shopping around for new gear. As said, all of the recommendations in this list have safe reviews from experienced divers, so you’re in the right place to find quality products. Have fun on your next scuba adventure! Hopefully you have a clear view of everything you’re waiting to see.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay.com
