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.
For more reviews of related gear and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
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<<
When we were children and put on our first mask, and stuck our face in the water of our bath, swimming pool, or lake to blow a few bubbles and see what a mask could do, we discovered what a miraculous and fascinating difference it can make. It keeps the water out of our noses and eyes enabling focus and more clear vision than we had previously imagined. So the masks of our childhood were the introduction to that whole new world.
As we have grown and developed, we have watched the evolution of the full range of underwater equipment, but the simple diving mask is still of supreme importance in our bag of equipment to explore and understand the underwater world.
Today we have an array of highly functional and multi-featured masks that Mike Nelson (Lloyd Bridges) in Sea Hunt with his round-lensed high-profile model could only dream about.
To help you decide which model to choose, ten of the best have been selected as an introduction. First, there is a buying guide, followed by reviews with key features, photos, videos, and a comparison table.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts
For other popular reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
How to choose the best scuba mask for you? A Buying Guide
Fit and Comfort
To be happy wearing a mask we are most concerned with fit and comfort. If your mask leaks, slips, squeezes or generally feels uncomfortable, it spoils the experience and is potentially dangerous.
Your mask needs to fit on your face sealed without using the strap. If you breathe through your nose and inhale, the mask will form a suction seal and fit comfortably on your face without slipping. If the seal doesn’t hold or slips, then the mask is too big or otherwise not shaped in a compatible way with your face structure. You may think the strap will take care of that, but you would be wrong. Even with the strap in place for a mask that fits poorly, you will have issues once you submerge.
Some people with beards and mustaches have a problem getting a good seal. It is suggested to try a number of masks to find the most suitable. There are some products that are made to place between the mask and hairy face to assist in this process that you can check out. You may just need to consider shaving during the period you plan to dive. Hey, it will grow back.
Purge Valve
When you have leaks you can use the method you learned in training to press the top of the mask and breath out through your nose while looking upward. Otherwise, you can get a mask with a purge valve. This allows clearing the mask just by breathing out without the head tilt. There don’t seem to be many masks with this feature available these days and the valve itself is just one more gadget that has the possibility of malfunctioning, but there are divers that find it useful.
Materials
Most commonly used masks are made of silicone or rubber, which is cheaper. Silicone is softer and more flexible, providing a superior seal, but is also a long-lasting material. One personal note, cockroaches will eat rubber and silicone. For longer-term storage make sure your mask is stored in a roach-impenetrable container. They will start in on the skirt and can quickly consume enough to ruin your seal.
The lens of your mask must use tempered glass to withstand the increasing pressure as you descend. Except for the cheapest of children’s masks, most serious masks you see in the marketplace will have tempered glass or in some cases new-age plastic to avoid dangerous breakage.
Number of Lenses
Dive masks most often come with one single pane of tempered glass or two. The double-paned variety can come in reverse or upside-down teardrop shape which provides a better field of vision downward.
The single-paned version doesn’t interrupt the field of vision in the center of the field, but on some faces may press against the bridge of the nose uncomfortably.
More unusually you can find single or double-paned masks that have side panels for each pane facing outward from the face permitting better peripheral vision.
Corrective Lenses
Some two-paned models have corrective lenses available which allow you to pop out the originals and replace them with various grades of correction. You should only use those manufactured for diving masks to ensure fit and tempered strength.
Fogging
A repeatedly fogging mask that needs to be flooded and defogged during the dive can be distracting and dive spoiling.
The standard prescription taught to us in diving class is to spread a little saliva around on the inside of the lens(es) and then lightly rinse. This has always worked for me for the duration of the dive. There are also liquids and sprays manufactured for this purpose to be spread on the interior lens surface. Some divers use a few drops of liquid soap or toothpaste in the same way.
Buckles and Straps
Adjustment of the mask strap for the appropriate fit is important for comfort and effectiveness. The best systems have the adjustment buckle attached to the skirt rather than the frame, which keeps the skirt sealed during adjustment. Of course, this is all that can be designed on a frameless mask, but many modern masks with frames also have buckles on the skirt. The older style masks almost always have an attachment to the frame.
Color
A variety of colors and color combinations are available so that you can match the frame, skirt, and strap or have them in complimenting arrangements.
A black mask will reduce glare. This may be a consideration for some photographers and spearfishermen.
Cheap versus Expensive
Usually, the basic difference between low-priced and expensive masks is the quality of the materials. The more expensive, generally, the better the quality of glass and silicone. The better quality glass is stronger, and higher quality silicone is more durable and provides a more flexible, secure fit.
Another factor is engineering and design. The more expensive, better models fit better, are more ergonomic and streamlined, and are generally easier to use.
Mask Care
All trained divers know that gear needs to be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water after every dive. After rinsing, let it dry off in an open space out of the sun as it can damage the materials. When dry put it in your bag and give it a rest. Also, as I mentioned above, for longer-term storage it is best to place your mask in a closed container that is impenetrable by vermin, such as cockroaches, which seem to have a particular appetite for rubber and silicone.
This model is very similar to the Cressi Big Eyes model just above but has been modified to fit the features of a smaller or woman’s face more comfortably.
Features:
hypoallergenic, crystal silicone skirt for a comfortable fit
wide split strap
narrow headband
easy adjusting buckles
wide-angle twin window design with enhanced downward visibility
I hope you found this post on scuba 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<<
Snorkeling is a great way to get you out of the house and commute with the fascinating underwater world. And it doesn’t require a lot of equipment. The most important first piece to look for is a suitable mask to give you the clearest and most comfortable portal into that world.
Below are brief reviews of a selection of some of the best masks to use for snorkeling that have a range of features, and all of them are reasonably priced. After the reviews is a comparison chart and some information and a video on how to select the best one for you.
Suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving
Lens: a single pane of tempered glass
Colors: 8 vivid colors available with matching frame and skirt
Other features: low-volume frameless design, soft, comfortable, good sealing double-feathered edge silicone skirt, one-hand quick-release buckles attached to the skirt, split strap, convenient nose pocket for ease in equalization
Suitable for scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving, fits a range of face shapes
Lens: a single pane of tempered glass
Colors: 12 color options with clear and black skirts available
Other features: large thin frame with low-volume wide-angle design, soft, comfortable, good sealing, rounded silicone skirt, 180-degree rotational buckle system, 3-D mask strap for a comfortable fit around your head
Price: $$
Pros: lightweight, fits a range of face shapes, 3-year warranty
Cons: frame can press on the nose bridge for some divers
What are the most important considerations in selecting a mask for snorkeling or scuba diving? You should be concerned with fit and comfort, a watertight seal, quality and durability of the materials, the number of lenses, corrective lenses, buckles and straps, color, fogging, pricing, and mask care. For guidelines regarding these matters and other information to help you in your selection of a mask please check out the buying guide in this post:
I hope you found this post on the best snorkeling 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<<
In 2014 Tribord came out with the first of full-face snorkel masks to hit the general marketplace. Without a means of equalizing built into the design, these masks were quickly embraced for snorkeling at or near the surface due to ease of breathing through mouth and nose, comfortable fit, and the wide angle of view afforded.
Since that time a flood of models has become available, many of questionable quality. Today there are many well-crafted, safe full-face snorkel masks to choose from.
Here the purpose is to introduce some of the best available to help in your selection process. Top models are reviewed starting with a comparison table, followed by key features, photos, videos, and a buying guide.
Please use the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For other popular reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
A full-face snorkel mask covers your entire face and has a snorkel built into the top or side for breathing. The top section of the mask is set up for viewing and the bottom section is for breathing. No mouthpiece is needed for the snorkel so your mouth is free from the fatigue of grasping it, and speaking is possible. Most snorkels used have a self-closing valve that prevents water from getting in when submerged which would interfere with breathing. A strap and flexible skirt provide a leak-proof seal in the best models along with a wide-angle view. Most of these masks do not have an option in the design for you to pinch your nose to equalize so that the best use is limited to the surface and shallow enough for you to equalize without needing to get at your nose.
Full Face Versus Traditional Snorkeling Masks
Full Face Coverage – A full face mask encloses the entire face rather than just the eyes and nose of a traditional mask. This allows for a more comfortable natural way of breathing through both your mouth and nose simultaneously just like you normally do as you go about your business on land.
Anti-Fogging Design – The design of full-face snorkel masks divides it into two separate chambers, the top one for viewing and the bottom one for breathing. This doesn’t allow exhaled CO2 to reach the top section such that fogging generally is only a major threat to the bottom section where it cannot influence vision.
Wide Angle View – Full-face snorkel masks generally have a broad wrap-around design that affords a wider field of vision than is possible on most traditional masks. By the way, the best full-face masks use a flat panel on the front which eliminates any bending or distortion in perception that can occur on curved lenses.
Seal – As it is with a traditional mask, leakage is possible using a full face mask. Make sure you have a good fit and use the advice of the manufacturer to select the best size if you don’t have a chance to try it on. Generally, though, the best full-face models have a flexible silicone skirt that creates a seal all around the face. With the full-face foundation, this seal is more difficult to break than that on a standard mask. An effective strapping system aids in the process, which most manufacturers place an emphasis on.
What to Look For
Lens – You want durability and polycarbonate is the material of choice. Cheaper plastics are not as sturdy and more prone to scratching.
Skirt – A comfortable conforming seal is important to avoid leaks. High-grade silicone is the material to look for.
Straps – Elasticated fabric and silicone are superior to rubber or other substances.
Dry Top Snorkel
When you submerge, if water moves through the snorkel into the mask, it is inconvenient at best. Most snorkels used with a full face mask include a ball valve that will close as soon as the top of the snorkel descends below the surface. Most dry-top snorkels will also have a wave guard that prevents any splashes or waves from entering the snorkel when the top is still above the surface.
Corrective Lenses
If you need optical correction it is quite possible to use contact lenses when you snorkel. Many find this comfortable and easy. Otherwise, some masks have an optical lens system in which specially designed lenses can be attached to the interior.
Camera Mounts
Photography is popular for snorkelers as it is everywhere. If you want to shoot some video, seek a mask that has a mount suitable for your camera. Many masks include one as part of the package or an option that can accommodate a GoPro or similar camera.
Air Circulation Systems
There has been some concern that full-face snorkel masks can have CO2 build-up that will impair effective breathing after an extended period of time. Many models including several reviewed here have gas circuitry that expels the CO2 separately from the intake of fresh air such that this CO2 build-up is not possible or minimized. The Wildhorn, SEAC, and Deep Blue masks reviewed above all have special designs with this in mind.
For other popular reviews of masks and snorkels, please check out these posts:
I hope you have found this review of the best full-face scuba snorkeling masks to be useful. If you have any questions or comments or your own personal review, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
When snorkeling or diving into the underwater world you need to see where you are and what is going on to be safe and enjoy the wonders of the marine life and seascape. If your eyesight isn’t great you miss a lot. Wearing eyeglasses isn’t normally feasible and with contact lenses, there is the risk of dislodgement or loss that is problematic.
Fortunately, there are snorkeling masks available now with prescription lenses that can correct nearsightedness or farsightedness with a range of lenses off the shelf that make a world of difference in the experience quite conveniently, and at a modest price. The quality is good enough to consider for use in scuba diving, as well.
Below is a selection of the best models with descriptions of the main features. Afterward is a comparison table, information to help you make the best choice, and a video with discussion and graphic details
Special Note
Many of the models reviewed below appear to be out of stock or delisted at Amazon. I suspect this is related to the market slow-down during the Covid pandemic. You can try the links and perhaps find that one or more have become available. As of today, the Promate Scope Optical Corrective Scuba Dive Snorkeling Mask is newly in stock.
I will check periodically and update you as the situation changes. Thanks for your patience.
This high-quality package is loaded with features.
With a low-profile design, it uses comfortable and good sealing silicone with easy-adjust buckles attached to the skirt and a purge valve in the nose pocket for easy clearing.
Corrective lenses are available in a wide range for near and farsighted individuals with 11 color combinations including clear and black silicone skirts and straps.
The flexible snorkel has a silicone mouthpiece, a dry top valve to keep water from entering, and a one-way valve in the base for easy clearing.
Lightweight low-profile dual-lens design with a purge valve in the nose pocket
Promate Cobra dry snorkel included
Tempered glass
Silicone split strap and skirt for comfort and a good seal
Easy-adjust buckles attached to the skirt
Wide range of corrective lenses – nearsighted: -1.0 to -10.0, far-sighted: +1.0 to +4.5 (increments of .5)
11 color combinations including clear and black silicone skirts and straps
This easy-to-adjust mask with quality design and material comes with a range of near and farsighted corrective lenses and is suitable for adult and kids’ faces.
Hypoallergenic silicone straps and a feathered-edge skirt are comfortable on sensitive skin and attach to push-button swiveling buckles for easy adjustment.
Lightweight low-profile dual-lens design
Tempered glass, polycarbonate frame
Hypoallergenic silicone split-strap and feathered-edge skirt for sensitive skin, comfort, and a good seal
Swiveling push-button buckles for easy adjustment
Wide range of corrective lenses – nearsighted: -1.0 to -8.0, far-sighted: +1.0 to +4.0 (increments of .5)
9 color combinations including clear and black silicone skirts and straps
Like the other models, the FishEyes mask uses quality tempered glass and silicone for an excellent seal and comfortable fit on a range of face shapes.
What separates it from the rest is the lens shape that allows for excellent peripheral and downward vision with a good range of nearsighted and farsighted corrective lenses and 11 color combinations available.
Lightweight low-profile dual-lens design with excellent downward and peripheral views
Tempered glass
Silicone split-strap and double-edge skirt for comfort, and a good seal
Swiveling buckles for easy adjustment
Wide range of corrective lenses – nearsighted: -1.0 to -8.5, far-sighted: +1.0 to +4.0 (increments of .5)
11 color combinations including clear and black silicone skirts and straps
This attractive snorkeling mask has quality features and is suitable for the whole family.
A good range of nearsighted and farsighted lenses, tempered glass, comfortable silicone strap and skirt, and easy-adjusting buckles with 8 color combinations give you multiple options to consider.
Customer satisfaction ratings are high although the pricing is a little more expensive than the other models here.
Lightweight low-profile dual-lens design
Tempered glass
Silicone split strap and skirt for comfort, and a good seal
Stainless steel roller pin swivel buckle for easy adjustment and durability
Wide range of corrective lenses – nearsighted: -1.0 to -10.0, far-sighted: +1.0 to +4.0 (increments of .5)
8 color combinations with clear silicone skirts and straps
Designed to fit men, women, and children above age 10
Priced a little higher, but great customer reviews
Scuba Choice Blue Dive Mask Farsighted Prescription
Range of Farsighted
$
Scuba Choice Blue Dive Mask Nearsighted Prescription
Range of Nearsighted
$
Promate Pro Prescription Purge Mask Dry Snorkel Scuba Diving Combo Set
Range of Nearsighted & Farsighted
$
IST Prescription Scuba Diving Snorkeling Mask
Range of Nearsighted & Farsighted
$
Promate FishEyes Snorkeling Scuba Dive Mask Correction Lenses Available
Range of Nearsighted & Farsighted
$
Deep Blue Gear - Maui Snorkeling Mask with Optical Corrective Lenses
Range of Nearsighted & Farsighted
$$
Mask
Prescriptions Available
Price
Prescription Snorkeling Mask Buying Guide
The key feature of concern for a prescription snorkel mask is the lenses. They are commonly available with refraction suitable for nearsightedness and farsightedness in increments of .5. In some cases, milder cases of astigmatism can be handled with these same lenses. Some manufacturers also offer bifocals that provide magnification in the lower section of the lens primarily for the reading of gauges, with an unrefracted section above for distance vision. The best, like all recommended here, have durable tempered glass.
You should know the prescription of the lenses you need, but it doesn’t have to be a perfect match to the mask lens to be effective. It is possible to have two lenses with different prescriptions. When ordering you can make your selection based on the diopter strength in the menu or provide your prescription information to the online seller, in the case of any questions you have or if you want lenses of two different prescriptions. The contact information or method to do this is provided on the order page.
Aside from the lenses, comfort, fit, and a good watertight seal are important features to consider. For these guidelines and other information to help you in your selection of a mask please check out the buying guide in this post:
I hope you found this post on the best prescription snorkeling mask 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<<