Best Scuba Masks for Diving and Snorkeling Adventures
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Are you ready to embark on an aquatic adventure? You’re going to need the best scuba mask.
Do you know what features to look for or which brands and models offer the highest quality? It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available to you. That’s where we come in. We have done the research for you, read countless reviews, and tried out various products to find you top-tier gear. And to take a load off of your shoulders, we are also here to tell you that you won’t have to break the bank to find what you need. We will also include some helpful scuba diving tips and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
One of the most important items for diving is the scuba mask. Not only does it keep water out of your nose but it also allows your eyes to focus better while underwater. Wearing the best scuba mask can make the difference between a frustrating dive and a fun and enjoyable experience.
When purchasing a scuba mask, you need to consider its comfort and fit. Poorly-fitting scuba masks are more than just uncomfortable, they are also prone to leaking. Generally speaking, high-quality models are made from soft silicone and tempered glass for leak prevention and durability. While choosing the right fit isn’t complicated, there are some important pieces of information you need to know. Read along and find out which styles best suit you and your budget.
10 Best Scuba Mask Reviews
Here is a list of the best scuba mask picks that are currently available on the market with great quality and prices.
1. Cressi Big Eyes Evolution Review
IDEAL FOR: Recreational and professional diving, as well as free diving.
Cressi opts in this model for the transparent silicone that provides greater luminosity, and that has a special treatment to minimize yellowing with the passage of time.
We like low fogging aspect because they do not contain silicon chloride. As well as the angle of inclination of 15º of the crystals and its prolongation above the cheekbones (Big Eyes system) that increases the field of vision inferior more than 30% concerning conventional masks.
Also highlight the buckles, completely pivoting in all directions and attached to the frame by a flexible elastomer. In this way, the tension of the strip acts directly on the frame, ensuring the stability of the mask and bringing the glass closer to the eyes. The extremely reduced structure of the frame also helps to minimize internal volume, which will allow you to compensate more easily.
This model also has the possibility of mounting graduated glasses, but only to correct myopia.
2. Scubapro Synergy Twin Trufit Review
IDEAL FOR: Recreational diving and professional diving.
Like its Spectra premium, this model stands out for its comfort and perfect adaptability to the vast majority of faces. But with the addition of having the second generation of Trufit technology, manufactured in a mixture of two thicknesses of silicone (unlike the Spectra model, where there was only one type).
In this way, the silicone near the frame is somewhat thicker and firmer, which provides greater support and rigidity to the mask. The silicone in contact with the face is thinner, delivering great comfort. Thus, the sealing is optimized, but also the comfort that characterizes the Scubapro masks that feature Trufit technology.
You can acquire the mask with crystals with a mirror finish, which will allow you a vision without reflections on sunny days.
The skirt can be either transparent or black silicone, according to your preferences (what do you prefer: more light or more off-road?)
3. Mares X-Vision LiquidSkin Review
IDEAL FOR: Recreational diving and lung fishing.
The traditional Mares model has been improved with Liquidskin® technology that mixes two silicones for optimal fit and tightness. Also, it has small ribs between frame and skirt around the nose that absorb and distribute the pressure of the frame in this area, thus increasing comfort and reducing those unsightly and annoying red marks that we all know.
On the other hand, Mares has perfected the shape of the mask, with a consequent 20% increase in peripheral vision compared to the previous version.
Another factor that you will appreciate if you wear glasses to see is that Mares offers the possibility of changing the series crystals for graduates, both for myopia and hyperopia.
4. Scubapro Spectra Trufit Review
IDEAL FOR: Recreational diving and professional diving.
This brand and model is another great contender for the best scuba mask. It stands out especially for the comfort and good sealing provided by the Trufit technology of the skirt, soft to the touch and very thin. To increase stability, the inner part of the skirt has small ribs, characteristics of all Scubapro models with Trufit. Thanks to this technology, these glasses seal perfectly on most faces.
Another advantage is that the buckles are attached to the skirt, instead of the frame, which is very convenient to store, especially if you travel with them by plane, since they are almost flat and can fit anywhere.
The skirt can be either transparent or black silicone, according to your preferences (what do you prefer: more light or more off-road?)
5. Octomask GoPro Hero5 and Session Dive Review
IDEAL FOR: If you are a lover of recording your dives with GoPro since it allows you to take the camera and have your hands free at the same time.
The skirt is constructed of ultra-soft silicone to ensure good comfort and tightness even when you wear the GoPro mounted.
It also has a tempered glass screen of good quality (with CE certificate).
The upper area of the mask is reinforced to withstand blows and falls with the GoPro mounted, thus preventing breakage of the hooks for the camera the first shift.
6. Cressi F1 Scuba Diving Snorkeling Frameless Mask Review
IDEAL FOR: Diving trips.
These monocrystal glasses are an excellent choice if you are looking for a good frameless mask. Having no frame, you can put them in any hole in the suitcase, and you will not even know you’re wearing them.
Thanks to the fact that the silicone facial is assembled directly on the glass, a maximum approach between eye and glass is achieved, which will allow you to maximize visibility, especially on the sides. Also, the discomfort usually caused by the masks with the saddle on the forehead and bridge of the nose disappear.
The buckles are fully tilting and can be easily adjusted with one hand.
It also highlights the variety of colors in which you can choose the silicone of your glasses: 10 options a la carte!
The disadvantage of this mask is that you can not mount graduated glasses. This problem is common with all frameless glasses, so if you wear spectacles and want a graduated diving mask, I suggest a model with two lenses.
7. Cressi Matrix Premium Scuba Snorkel Dive Review
IDEAL FOR: Begin diving and snorkeling.
Model something simpler than its Big Eyes counterpart, but it offers very good results with a very affordable price.
Also available in black silicone, making them much more “all-terrain.”
The disadvantage for those who wear glasses to see is that this model does not have graduated glasses.
If you want to enjoy snorkeling to the fullest, it is important that both the glasses and the tube are made of good materials and adapt well to the shape of your face.
Then, I leave you a list of models that are currently considered the best in the market for snorkeling because of its high quality/price ratio.
8. OMorc 180 Degree Panoramic Wider View Diving Mask
IDEALS FOR: Snorkel
An Excellent choice if you are Looking for traditional snorkel goggles since they have a silicone skirt and tempered glass panes.
In this way, you ensure a good seal to avoid water entry and excellent visibility under water.
It also highlights the comfort of the mouthpiece of the tube, which is also made of silicone.
9. EZFull Snorkel Mask Full Face
IDEAL FOR: Snorkeling.
Emphasizes the optimization of the glass, much flatter than in other models full face, to avoid the “fish eye” effect and possible dizziness by taking a while with the glasses on.
Another attribute of full face snorkel masks is that you can breathe both through your mouth and through your nose. To avoid fogging, EZFull has a double air flow system, and the crystals have a special anti-fogging treatment.
In order to submerge, EZFull, in addition to having the ball system in the tube, has a camera where water accumulates and a drainage system in the chin that empties automatically when you take your head out of the water.
Also, this mask is ready to mount a GoPro or other underwater cameras.
10. Hicool Full Face Snorkel Mask
IDEALS FOR: Surface snorkeling.
This full face mask will allow you to enjoy snorkeling in every way; you can even talk underwater and share everything you see with your companions. With its 180º panoramic vision, you will not miss a single detail of what happens around you.
Keep in mind at the time of purchase to ensure you take the one with the flat front screen (like the one in the photo) and not concave, to avoid the effect “myopic glasses” that can slightly distort the vision underwater and dizzy when You have been wearing them for a while.
Emphasizes its comfort and sealing by the type of silicone with which they are manufactured, although sometimes they get a little foggy (easy to solve using a droplet of detergent before using them or the more traditional method: the spit).
How to Choose the Best Scuba Diving Mask
Nobody likes to spend half an immersion emptying the mask (or trying to do it), so it is essential to select one that suits your face well, which will prevent the entry of water and other inconveniences such as fogging up the minute after starting the immersion or problems to compensate.
To help you find the best scuba mask, here is a guide with the key points that you must take into account to find the ideal mask.
Size and shape of the mask: does it fit your face?
When choosing, it is essential to ensure that the glasses adapt to your face perfectly and, therefore, that they will be comfortable and will not get water during the dive. For that you should take into account the following points:
1. Check the tightness
Put the mask on your face without putting on the tape. Inhale through the nose and do not exhale. Look down and move your head. If the mask fits you well, it will stay in place, without falling off, as it will make the suction cup perfectly.
2. Size of the skirt
All mask skirts are composed of silicone. With this said, thickness and pliability vary between models. The skirt is made to conform to the shape of your face and create a comfortable, effective seal. If water is coming in, either the mask does not fit you properly or there is a break in the seal. We want to really emphasize the importance of the skirt. After all, you do not want edges so tight that it cuts into your skin.
The top of the skirt should not come into contact with the line where your hair is born on the forehead, as this could cause water leakage. Then make sure the silicone skirt will not bend, and it will fit well on the forehead and the cheekbones. It is also important to check the bottom of the skirt not you left too close to the lips. Remember that you are going to put the regulator in your mouth, which could cause discomfort and water ingress if the bottom of the skirt is too close to your mouth.
Another aspect of the skirt that is often overlooked is its color. Why is this important? Think about it. Black or opaque mask skirts can cause many divers to feel claustrophobic. Clear skirts often effectively reduce this feeling. Just make sure to keep in mind that clear skirts can affect your mask’s quality of vision. If extraneous light enters through the clear skirt, it could make it harder for you to focus through your lens or cause confusing reflections. If you plan on diving in shallow or green water, clear skirts could be a bonus because they enhance visibility in these conditions.
3. Clamping strip
Next, put on the silicone strip and check that it does not cause discomfort in the ears.
4. Nose shape
Once you have the strip placed, it inspires again through the nose. With the mask stuck to your face again, check that it does not cause discomfort on the bridge or the base of the nose. Keep in mind that when diving, the water pressure will make the glasses stick more to your face and can become very uncomfortable if you press too much at some point in the nose.
5. Fit the face
As there is less space between the mask and your face, less air will be inside the glasses, and it will be easier for you to compensate. However, the mask should not touch your forehead or squeeze excessively in your nose to avoid discomfort and discomfort underwater and a marked red line around the mask and on the bridge of your nose when you leave the water (if so, or you wear the strip too tight or the glasses are small).
6. The angle of the crystals
Another aspect to keep in mind is that the masks with a slight inclination in the crystals allow, on the one hand, to purge them more easily and, on the other, increase your field of vision when looking down, since you will see less the frame of the mask.
7. Field of vision
Last but not least, with the glasses on, look around you, checking the vision they give you on both sides, up and down.
If you meet the listed requirements, you have a good field of vision and feel comfortable … congratulations! You have found your diving mask J
Types of Scuba Diving Masks
There are many models that could be the best scuba mas for recreational diving. They are classified into different groups according to their characteristics.
Based on your preferences, choosing the type will also help you choose the right model for you.
Number of crystals
Unique glass masks: they provide a greater field of vision than those with two crystals. Also, by not having a glass joint, eliminates the possibility of discomfort in the bridge of the nose. Important to be a mask with little space between the glass and the face, to facilitate compensation.
Masks with two crystals: they are the majority, so that is where you have more models to choose from. They present less space between the face and the mask, obtaining a sharper vision and an easier emptying and compensation. Also, they allow changing the crystals for graduates with the diopters of each eye, which is much more comfortable than diving with contact lenses.
Extended field of view
There are as much of one as two crystals. Its tear shape increases the field of vision, although this means that there will also be more volume of air inside the glasses.
Frameless mask
In this case, the skirt is attached directly to the screen. They are very comfortable glasses, since they weigh and occupy very little and, being less rigid; they can be put practically anywhere. The main drawback is that they cannot be disassembled so you can not replace any part if it breaks or put graduated glasses.
Data mask
These masks carry the dive computer built into an LCD screen at the bottom of the glasses. In this way, you can control the main parameters (depth, deco, time, etc.) just by slightly lowering the look.
The main drawback is the price, which can easily be multiplied by ten compared to a conventional mask of good quality.
Graduated diving goggles
The mask for graduated diving will allow you to enjoy your dives without being aware of contact lenses or having to strain your eyes if you wear glasses in your daily life. The best option, in this case, is to acquire a mask of two crystals and exchange them for a customized graduate.
Manufacturing material of crystals
First, check that the glasses in the glasses are tempered glass. This material makes it more difficult to be scratched, in addition to fogging less and allowing a sharper vision than plastic crystals. Some plastic-screen goggles may be excellent for snorkeling on the beach, but they are not suitable for diving.
Key Pints to Choose the Best Scuba Mask
In summary, I advise you to keep in mind the following points when choosing the best scuba mask:
1. Make sure that the display of the glasses is of tempered glass and silicone skirt.
2. Check that the mask fits your face well by evaluating these characteristics:
Sealing test:
- Size of the skirt and position of the fastening strip
- Nose shape
- Fit the face leaving little dead space but not squeezing the forehead or bridge of the nose
- Crystal angle
- Field of view
- Choose the type of mask (one or two crystals, frameless, etc.) according to your preferences.
Scuba Mask Tips
How to prevent fogging of diving goggles
To avoid fogging the mask during the first dive, it is important to remove the silicone traces that are usually left on the crystals after they are manufactured. Use a little detergent, spreading it well all over the glass. Leave it on for 2-3 minutes and rinse it with water. Alternatively, you can use toothpaste, or even burn the inside of the glass with a lighter for a few seconds (careful not to burn the silicone skirt!).
Before each dive, remember to use the classic trick of “cleaning” them with saliva (with the dry glasses) and rinse them with water. Another option is to use a little detergent dissolved in water. You can also use some of the anti-fog sprays that sell, but honestly, in my opinion, it is not necessary to spend the money since they get results similar to those of the “homemade” methods discussed.
Adjust the mask to dive
Adjust the strip so that the mask is fastened to the head without dancing. But it is not necessary that you squeeze it in excess since the windy effect, and the pressure under the water will squeeze it against your face.
When placing the strip, it has to be in the upper half of the head, but without putting it too high, since you would run the risk of it coming out. In the same way, if you put it too low, the strip will lose its optimal function of subjection.
I recommend that you buy a neoprene over-strip to avoid getting your hair tangled in the strip and the uncomfortable pulls to put on and take off the mask. It is a cheap accessory and, for me, very useful, especially for girls and boys.
Scuba mask maintenance
Once you have finished the dive, rinse your glasses with fresh water to remove traces of salt and sand. If you have the possibility, wash them with a neutral shower gel and then rinse them with water.
Let them dry in a ventilated place (avoid direct exposure to the sun) until they are well dried, to avoid the appearance of fungi in the silicone.
Also, if you are going to have the glasses stored for a long period, put some talcum powder on them to prevent premature degradation of the silicone.
How to Clear Your Scuba Mask
You might be wondering why you need to learn how to clear your scuba mask. For those learning how to scuba dive, this is one of the most intimidating skills to pick up. We understand it can be stressful to put yourself out of your comfort zone. But if you want to dive and adventure underwater, this is one of those skills you need to have in your toolbelt. Don’t worry. It is not as nearly as intimidating as it seems.
If one day, you’re underwater and your mask doesn’t fit or if it gets all fogged up underwater, you will need to clear it. If you have a little bit of water in your mask, don’t panic and bolt back up to the surface. Mastering clearing your mask helps you be more confident underwater, relax, enjoy your dive, and save air. It’s an all-around winning situation.
Why Do We Fear Clearing Our Scuba Mask?
We can’t tell you how many divers we have talked to who were once afraid to clear their scuba mask too. When water comes into our masks (particularly in the nose compartment), we feel like we can’t breathe and fear creeps in. Recognize that you are not silly for feeling this way. It takes a lot of courage and resetting your thoughts to overcome this fear. Know that it is a natural fear and you can learn to do it. We promise. And we are here to tell you how to do it the right way.
Follow These Instructions to Clear Your Scuba Mask
- Start at the beginning. Go back to the shallow end of the pool where your feet can touch the bottom and you can stand. If it helps, ask for someone to assist you in the process. Don’t worry about using all of your diving gear right away. Spend time with your mask and snorkel.
- Keep your feet planted on the pool ground (you can leave the mask if you want), put your snorkel in your mouth, and your head in the water. If you are wearing contacts, close your eyes. Inhale with your mouth and exhale through your nose. You will realize that there is no water coming into your nose. Try this several times or until you feel comfortable doing this. You can do this standing up with your face in the water or swimming around on the surface with you and your snorkel.
- Once you are comfortable with the steps mentioned above, you can approach the mask clear. Stay in the shallow area with your feet on the ground and hold the pool wall if it helps you. Fill your mask with water slowly and clear it by exhaling through your nose. Keep slowly letting water in until the whole mask is filled and cleared.
- If you felt comfortable with this, you can move to the next step. Put on all of your scuba gear and try it in both the shallow end and the deeper end of the pool with your scuba diving instructor.
Top Tips from Scuba Diving Experts on How to Clear Your Scuba Mask
It helps to have all of the expert advice that you can get. With these scuba diving tips, you will be well on your way to overcoming your fears, passing your PADI test, and getting out in the open water.
One of the best tips that we learned about clearing your mask was a simple one. When you have some water in your mask, look down before you start clearing it. This will prevent water from coming into your nose. Press up against the top of the mask, look down, slowly exhale through your nose, and start to look up. Keep on exhaling and looking up until you either see the surface or your head is all the way up. Your mask should be empty. If it is not, try this technique again but begin by looking down at first.
Other Helpful Tips on How to Clear Your Scuba Mask
We have listed some of the other top tips here for clearing your scuba mask. Read on to pick up some information that might help you.
- You don’t have to open your eyes. If you want to, you can pinch your nose. Think about your favorite song and distract yourself by shifting part of your focus to something else.
- Practice in a swimming pool and focus on your breathing. When you breathe out through the regulator, bubbles may go up to your nose. Breathing through your nose may be easier. The key here is to practice mindfulness. Focus on each step and take it slowly. Keeping your mind on only one small task at a time makes the process much more manageable. This might sound silly but you can also practice in the shower. Fill the mask up with water and concentrate on breathing through your mouth.
- There are several ways that you can let the water out of your mask (clear it). Avoid pulling on the bottom of the mask, as this often causes water to enter into your nose. You want to avoid this. Instead, pinch the mask with one hand and allow the water to seep in easily. If you do this, it will not force water up to your nose. As we mentioned earlier, you can practice this skill in the shallow end of the pool where you can easily stand if you begin to get panicked.
- Before you attempt the skill, practice visualization. Go through the steps slowly and relax. If you can do the skill in your head, you can also do it in the water. Be mindful that the regulator is in your mouth. Don’t forget that the regulator will provide you with air if you need it.
Final Review of The Best Scuba Masks
We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the best scuba mask. As you can see, there are plenty of brands and models to choose from without breaking the bank. Scuba diving is a fun activity; these styles work well for beginning divers and advanced explorers alike. Do you have any favorite scuba masks that were not included on our list? Feel free to let us know in the comment section below. Be sure to check out our other product reviews as well.
