The mask you choose for scuba diving or simple snorkeling may not be suitable for freediving. An ideal freediving mask needs to be very low volume so that you won’t have to spend precious air eliminating a mask squeeze. In addition, if you are involved in photography, videography, or spearfishing, your field of vision will play a major role. You will want to see as much as possible in order to effectively capture your target. Of course, the usual comfort, water seal, ease of use, and quality of materials are a factor as they are for any mask.
With so many models on the market, the task of selecting the appropriate one may seem a little daunting. Below the major considerations are outlined to guide you through the process. Afterward is a review of a range of 10 of the best freediving masks for your consideration.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
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The amount of air that the mask can hold between it and your face is the volume. The smaller the better as you need to equalize the space by adding precious air as you descend. A low-volume mask also will have a low profile allowing you to have a wider field of vision useful for photography and spearfishing.
Materials
Today the best and most commonly used material for the skirt of the mask is silicone. It is soft conforming well to the shape of the face for comfort and water-tightness. Durability is another key factor. On older masks and on some cheaper ones rubber is used. It won’t last as long and doesn’t have the same fit characteristics. Tempered glass withstands the pressure well and is generally much more durable than the plastic you can find on cheap snorkeling masks. There are a few exceptions of quality freediving masks that use plastic lenses, the Aqua Sphere Sphera being one.
Fit
If you put the mask in position on your face without using the strap and inhale through your nose, it should hold itself in place if it fits well. If it won’t hold in place it is too big. Leakage and fogging can happen with such a mask. On the other hand, if it is too small for your face it can place undue pressure on your nose or otherwise feel uncomfortable and quickly become intolerable.
Color of the Skirt
Black is the recommended color for the skirt. Brightly colored versions can cause glare which influences your vision. That would be a problem, particularly for photography or spearfishing where clear vision is essential. Also as a hunter, bright colors are more noticeable and can alert prey to your presence.
Lenses
Dark or colored lenses can also impinge on vision and communication between dive buddies. If you can’t see each other’s eyes, you have lost a point of connection. On the other hand, polarized lenses and those with filters for UV rays can decrease the irritation of the bright sun or glare on the water when at the surface and may be worthwhile for you. Some spearfishermen recently have started to use tinted or mirrored lenses which can tend to brighten up the scene. The mirrored lenses hide the hunter’s eyes, though, which interferes with communication with a buddy but also can help the hunter get a jump on his prey. For divers who would like corrected vision, some mask companies can install prescription lenses or a bottom lens for far-sighted individuals enabling them to see their gauges. When you dive deeper into the water, colors start to disappear from vision, as you know. Some masks have lenses that can compensate for this to a degree and also increase brightness.
Panes
Some masks have a single pane and others have two. A single-paned model is roomier and leaves more space for the nose which divers may prefer. The double-paned models are lower in volume and profile which requires less air to equalize or clear and provides a wider range of vision. It boils down to personal preference.
Straps and Fastening
The strap holds the mask gently in place for the length of your dive. It needs to be comfortable and easy to adjust if necessary. Good masks will have a well-designed system of adjustable buckles.
Suitable for experienced freedivers & spearfishermen, fits small faces with enough nose room for larger faces
Lens: 2 panes, inverted tear-drop shape for increased downward visibility
Colors: black frame with a black skirt or a clear skirt in combination with frames of a variety of colors
Other features: high-grade comfortable silicone skirt, compact frame, easy to clear, cardanic joint buckles rotate up and down and in and out for pinch-free fit
Rating: 5
Price: $$$$
Pros: ultra-low volume, compact shape for minimal drag
I hope you found this post on freediving masks interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
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