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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How to Choose the Best Freediving Mask
Low Volume
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.
Best Freediving Mask Review
- Oceanways Superview
- Cressi Nano
- Aqua Lung Micro
- Mares Viper
- Omer Zero Cubed
- Scuba Choice Spearfishing
- XS Photo Panorama
- Aqua Lung Sphera X
- Kraken Snorkel Freediving Mask
- Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask
- Suitable for scuba diving and freediving
- Lens: single with a special coating to resist UV rays and glare
- Colors: black skirt, orange or blue-tinted lens to enhance contrast and depth perception
- Other features: extra-soft silicone skirt, a wide field of vision, rigid tear-drop frame
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$
Pros: single-lens frame can be more comfortable across the nose for some, resists glare
Cons: volume not as low as some other models
- Suitable for experienced freedivers & spearfishermen, and divers with smaller faces
- Lens: 2 panes, inverted tear-drop shape for increased downward visibility
- Colors: black frame with skirts of clear, black, blue, lilac, pink, white, and yellow
- Other features: unbreakable easy to adjust buckle system, comfortable silicone skirt
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Pros: ultra-low volume
Cons: fit a little tight on wider faces
- 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: $$$$
Pros: ultra-low volume, compact shape for minimal drag
Cons: none reported
- Suitable for all divers, ergonomic design to suit all faces
- Lens: 2 panes
- Colors: a variety of colors are available
- Other features: ergonomic design, double button system for easy adjustment
- Rating: 4.6
- Price: $$$
Pros: ultra-low volume, compact shape for minimal drag
Cons: nose fit is poor for some with fogging the result, the field of view is comparatively limited
Suitable for all divers, freedivers, and spearfishermen who want a wide field of view
- Lens: 2 panes
- Colors: black, mud, or olive
- Other features: comfortable skirt and strap, ultra-low profile, strap buckles swivel 30 degrees for quick adjustments
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$$
Pros: very wide-angle field of view
Cons: some divers experience discomfort from the close-fitting frame
- Suitable for beginner freedivers and spearfishermen, men and women with narrow faces
- Lens: 2 panes
- Colors: black
- Other features: comfortable soft silicone skirt, low profile
- Rating: 4.3
- Price: $
Pros: budget pricing
Cons: uncomfortable fit for some larger faces, beginner-level only freediving, and spearfishing mask
- Suitable for photographers/videographers who want a big field of view
- Lens: Single with a beveled and bonded 3-window panoramic view
- Colors: black skirt with a black frame or clear skirt with a black, blue, purple, or yellow frame
- Other features: Qwik strap for easy on and off and comfortable fit
- Rating: 4.8
- Price: $$$
Pros: heavy-duty built-in stainless steel camera mount suitable for all models of GoPro cameras, good field of vision
Cons: a little expensive
- Lens: 2 panes, curved Plexisol plastic with a 180-degree field of vision
- Colors: black, black with a sand frame, navy blue, clear with a black frame
- Other features: comfortable fit, scratch-resistant anti-fog lenses, low profile
- Rating: 4.7
- Price: $$
Pros: wide field of vision,
Cons: plastic lenses are more fragile than tempered glass
Kraken Snorkel Freediving Mask
- Suitable for freedivers and scuba divers
- Lens: single
- Colors: all black, black with a red inner frame, or clear with a blue inner frame
- Other features: comfortable water-tight fit, scratch and shatter-resistant anti-fog lenses, easy-adjust buckles
- Rating: 4.4
- Price: $
Pros: low price, durable
Cons: some divers experienced fog build-up
Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask
- Suitable for freedivers, fits most faces well, wide field of vision
- Lens: single
- Colors: 12 different color combinations
- Other features: frameless flexible low-volume design, comfortable skirt, easy-to-adjust push buckle system
- Rating: 4.5
- Price: $$
Pros: low price, quality materials, includes a quality F1 dry-top snorkel
Cons: some divers experienced fog build-up
Best Freediving Masks Comparison Table
| Picture | Freediving Mask | Lenses | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Oceanways Superview | Single | Experienced Scuba and Freedivers | 4.8 | $$ |
  | Cressi Nano | 2 Panes | Experienced Freedivers & Spearfishermen | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Aqua Lung Micro | 2 Panes | All Divers | 5 | $$$$ |
  | Mares Viper | 2 Panes | All Divers | 4.6 | $$$ |
  | Omer Zero Cubed | 2 Panes | All Divers | 4.5 | $$$ |
  | Scuba Choice Spearfishing | 2 Panes | Budget - Beginner Freediver/Spearfisherman | 4.3 | $ |
  | XS Photo Panorama | Single with 3 Window Panoramic View | Videography/Photography | 4.8 | $$$ |
  | Aqua Lung Sphera X | 2 Panes | Experienced Freediver | 4.7 | $$ |
  | Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Freediving Mask | Single | Budget | 4.4 | $ |
  | Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask | Single | All Divers | 4.5 | $$ |
| Picture | Freediving Mask | Lenses | Best For | Rating | Price |
For other reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
- Best Scuba Diving Masks
- The Best Snorkeling Masks
- Best Prescription Snorkel Masks
- Best Dry Snorkel Review
- Best Scuba Mask With a Purge Valve
- Best Spearfishing Mask Review
Feedback and Comments
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