When water gets inside your mask from a leak or purposely if you want to defog or clear the inside of the lens, you can use the mask-clearing method taught early on in your entry-level diving class. Some divers find that technique challenging or bothersome. If that is the case, the easiest solution could be to get a mask with a purge valve. This is a simple one-way valve installed in the nose pocket that allows you to expel any water simply by exhaling hard through your nose. The valve will open and the trapped water will be forced out through it, oftentimes hands-free.
Below is a short video that explains and demonstrates the way a purge valve works. After that is an introduction to seven quality masks of differing configurations and pricing that employ purge valves. Then there is a table comparing them. Afterward is a short buying guide for the things to look for when selecting a mask.
Please use the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
What are the Best Scuba Masks with a Purge Valve?
- Scubapro Crystal VU-Plus
- Typhoon Panoramic Mask
- XS Scuba Fusion
- Scuba Choice Classic
- Genesis Panview
- SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD
- Aqua Lung Pacifica
This streamlined mask has the quality Scubapro is known for in an easy-to-clear no-hands purge model.
It affords a wide-angle view through a crystal-clear lens and side windows in a medium-volume design.
The raised nose pocket eliminates the possibility of pressure on the nose and the double-feathered clear silicone skirt provides a comfortable waterproof seal as well as allowing maximum light entry.
Easy-adjust swivel buckles and a split strap add to the good fit of this mask with its durable impact-resistant frame.
- Single-lens with side windows for good peripheral views
- Clear silicone double feathered skirt for an excellent seal and comfort
- Ultra-clear glass for optimal clarity
- The nose pocket configured for easy equalizing
- Raised nose pocket for a comfortable fit around the bridge of the nose
- Wide-split strap
- Swivel push-button buckles for fit adjustment and easy on and off
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.8
Check the Price & Customer Feedback
This easy-to-purge medium-volume mask enables wide-angle views through the side panels.
The clear silicone skirt allows maximum light entry and is double-feathered for comfort and a good seal.
Buckles and straps are easy to adjust on this popular mid-priced model.
- Single-lens with side windows for good peripheral views
- Clear silicone double-feathered skirt for excellent seal and comfort
- Easy to adjust buckles and strap
- The nose pocket is configured well for equalizing though may be a little short for some divers
Price: $$
Rating: 4.4
Check the Price & Customer Feedback
This wide frame 3-pane design suits a range of face sizes and provides a very broad field of vision.
The soft double-feathered silicone skirt is comfortable and forms a good water-tight seal.
Oversized buckles are easy to adjust even with gloves on and the wide-split strap holds the mask firmly in position.
The skirt comes in black or clear silicone with a durable frame available in several colors.
- Single-lens with side windows for good peripheral views
- Clear or black silicone double feathered skirt for an excellent seal and comfort
- Frame available in several colors
- Fits medium to large faces
- Wide-split strap and easy-adjust oversized buckles
Price: $$
Rating: 4.4
Check the Price & Customer Feedback
This budget mask with a classic design is lightweight and durable. It provides the wide-angle view of a single-pane but is a high-volume model with no side windows.
The high volume and wide construction make for a comfortable fit on most faces.
User feedback indicates the silicone seal is effective at keeping water out.
- One pane classic wide-angle view
- Suitable for wide faces and divers with facial hair
- Tempered glass
- Soft comfortable silicone skirt and adjustable strap
- Durable
- Low priced
Price: $
Rating: 4.2
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The double-feathered crystal silicone skirt seals well and along with swivel buckles, split straps, and oversized nose pocket fits most faces quite comfortably.
- Low-profile twin front lenses with side windows for good peripheral views
- Crystal silicone wide double feathered skirt in choice of black or clear for an excellent seal and comfort
- Frame available in several colors
- Split strap with swivel buckles for a better fit
Price: $$
Rating: 4.8
Check the Price & Customer Feedback
This single lens medium volume model allows a wide-angle view with an anti-glare coating to protect your eyes from UV rays on the surface without hindering underwater clarity.
Quality materials and design make this a comfortable and durable mask that is easy to adjust, seals out water well and fits a range of face sizes.
A large nose pocket makes for easy gripping when equalizing even with gloves on.
- Single-lens for a wide unobstructed field of view
- Fog-resistant and anti-glare coatings
- Black silicone double feathered skirt for an excellent seal and comfort
- The nose pocket is oversized for easy equalizing
- X-split strap attaches to easy-to-adjust buckles on the frame for increased stability
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.7
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This mask has a classic wide frame configuration similar to the Scuba Choice model above with the high volume and wide-angle views of a single-pane model.
Suitable for large faces and divers with mustaches, the comfortable silicone tends to seal well.
Many long-term divers and snorkelers swear by this model but the pricing is a little high for what you get.
- One pane classic wide-angle view
- Suitable for wide faces
- Tempered glass
- Soft comfortable black silicone single-feathered skirt
- The split strap attaches to the frame with adjustable metal buckles
- Equalization with easy-to-reach nose pockets
Price: $$$
Rating: 4.2
Check the Price & Customer Feedback
Scuba Mask with Purge Valve Comparison Table
Scuba Mask Buying Guide
Fit and Comfort
The most important considerations in selecting a mask are fit and comfort. If it slips, leaks, squeezes, or otherwise feels uncomfortable, it distracts from your focus and potentially places you in a dangerous situation.
Here is a little test. When trying on a new mask put it in position on your face without using the strap. Then inhale through your nose If the mask forms a comfortable suction seal on your face without slipping, then it probably is a good fit. If it doesn’t hold position or slips, then it is probably too big or otherwise incompatible with the shape of your face. If the fit is poor, even with the strap in place you will have issues when you submerge.
Mustaches and facial hair present an obstacle for some divers to creating a good seal Continue your search until you find the best. Otherwise, there are some products designed to be placed between the hairy face and the mask for a better seal that you might check out. You could also go clean-shaven for a stretch for the sake of safety and comfort. It’ll grow back.
For masks with a purge valve, you need to make sure there is enough space between your nose and the valve for it to operate effectively. Make sure your nose or skin is not touching it. If it is, look for another model. If you are ordering online, customer comments can provide some guidance.
Number of Lenses
Basic mask designs usually incorporate one primary pane of tempered glass or two.
Single-paned masks provide an uninterrupted field of vision but for some divers, the mask frame can push against the bridge of the nose. These models often have a design that has a higher volume to avoid this.
The double-paned version has two forward-facing lenses that are available in different shapes with an upside-down teardrop shape often used to permit a larger field of vision downward.
To aid in peripheral vision, some designs include two panes, one on each side of the mask facing outward.
Corrective Lenses
Many two-paned designs allow for the use of corrective lenses. This involves replacing the original flat tempered glass panes with optical corrective lenses available in a variety of grades. Only those specifically designed and tempered for diving masks should be used.
Buckles and Straps
The strap is important for keeping the mask in place. Modern split straps or wider shapes of soft silicone that spread over a larger area on the back of the head are more effective in forming a grip that keeps the mask from sliding around. The best buckles are designed for easy adjustment, rotate on a post or pin, and are attached to the frame or the skirt depending on the design.
Mask Skirts
The skirts of modern masks are made of soft silicone and are designed to create a watertight seal around your face. Design features to enhance the seal include feathering, ribbing, texturing, and others which increase the size of the seal. If your face is difficult to fit, these can be important in creating a good water-tight seal.
Skirts generally come in clear or black. Clear skirts allow more light in, better peripheral vision, and alleviate feelings of claustrophobia in some divers. For other divers, there is too much light and there can be distracting visual distortions. Black skirts inversely let less light in, can clarify vision, reduce glare, and improve distance vision. Spearfishermen, technical divers, and photographers sometimes prefer black models. On the other hand, black skirts can increase anxiety for some divers promoting a feeling of tunnel vision or claustrophobia. Most of these psychological effects are more prevalent in new divers and can be adapted to with experience.
Mask Care and Maintenance
As you learned in basic diver training, your mask should be rinsed thoroughly in fresh water after every dive. After it has dried and for longer-term storage, put it in a sealed container in a relatively cool place not penetrable by vermin, like cockroaches, which seem to enjoy eating the softer parts.
For my other mask and snorkel reviews, please check out these posts:
- Best Scuba Diving Masks – Top 10 Reviewed and Compared
- The Best Snorkeling Masks
- Best Prescription Snorkel Mask
- Best Dry Snorkel Review
- Best Freediving Masks
Feedback and Comments
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