Choosing the best scuba mask can sometimes be a difficult task as there are so many masks to choose from. A dive mask is usually the initial scuba accessory for any diver to invest in.
Chances are, if you don’t get it right, you could end up with fogs or leaks, mask squeeze issues or having to rely on a local dive shop to have one that works just for you, which isn’t ideal.
If you don’t have time to read the full post, here are our 3 most popular picks:
- High Quality
- Amazing Performance
- Reputable Brand
- Great Field of View
- Low Volume Mask
- Frameless Design
- Easy-Adjust Buckles
- Single Lens Design
- Affordable
- Exceptional Field of View
- Improved Downward Visibility
- Inverted Teardrop Lens
Sometimes, finding the perfect fit can be tough. But don’t worry, that’s why we’re here. We also like to keep things simple, so any time something better comes along we will update this list! Along with some added information, a beginner’s guide to buying.
Remember, finding what you need is much more important than buying what others use or the product with the lowest price tag. Whether you are a first dive beginner or a pro diver looking to upgrade your dive gear, to help you out with the process, we have put together a list of our top 10 favorites in order to help you find the best model for you.
Top 10 Best Scuba Mask Reviews
1. ScubaPro Spectra Dive Mask
High Quality & Amazing Performance
Our Review Score
The Scubapro Spectra Dive Mask is a high-end model offering amazing performance. Serious divers know that ScubaPro is a leading brand in the dive industry and this mask doesn’t disappoint with its great field of view from the two tempered glass lenses.
I personally opted for the mirrored orange glass lens as this has an awesome unique look and helps avoid surface glare. Its durability is unquestionable and just a great buy for any serious diver.
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2. Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask
A huge field of view & Very comfortable
Our Review Score
The Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask is a low volume diving mask, which sits close to the face, making it much easier to clear of water if needed. It offers a huge lens which provides a large field which is great for high-quality scuba diving and snorkeling.
The buckles can rotate 180 degrees and are extremely sturdy. The Tusa M1001 is extremely comfortable and has a really cool design, making it one of the best on our list for the money.
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3. ScubaPro Solo Scuba Diving Mask
Great lifetime investment & Amazing fitting
Our Review Score
The ScubaPro Solo Scuba Diving Mask is another great single lens model brought to you by the leading brand, ScubaPro. It comes with an amazing fitting silicone skirt that seals comfortably for those even with facial hair and should last you a lifetime unless you lose it!
Its durability and sturdy build are of the highest of quality and therefore it does come in at a premium price level. We recommend this one for those wanting to invest in their dive gear as this is really one of the best dive masks there are.
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4. Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Diving Mask
Great peripheral Vision & Affordable
Our Review Score
The Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Dive Mask is a three lens model made from tempered glass and boasts an awesome panoramic style for great peripheral vision.
The split strap helps to keep an even seal around the face to prevent any leaks. Recommended for its anti-fogging and it’s easy to use buckle system which flexes with facial movement, a great buy for anyone on a budget.
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5. Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask
Exceptional Field of View & High Quality
Our Review Score
The Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask comes with raked lenses which provide an excellent field-of-view. Very well-designed with inverted teardrop lenses to improve downward visibility.
This downward visibility is perfect for easy descents and reef dives where the action is happening below you. This is a great intermediate model, great for all kinds of diving, and snorkeling.
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6. Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Dive Mask
High Quality & Frameless design
Our Review Score
The Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Dive Mask is another example of getting what you pay for. The sleek design edges more towards the pro side of diving gear due to its heavier price tag. The frameless design means that this low volume mask comes with a great field of view.
It has a large button style strap making adjustments easier to achieve, while the small skirt provides comfort and sits closer to your face. It’s perfect for those looking to really invest in their dive gear.
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7. Oceanic Mako Dive Mask
Affordable & Low volume design
Our Review Score
The Oceanic Mako Dive Mask has a low volume design which boasts a wide field of view for a non-panoramic mask and making it easier to clear when needed. Built with a strong tempered glass lens and has a soft silicone skirt for ultimate comfort.
It comes with a neoprene strap cover, which adds a nice touch, and also a hard shell protective case for easy travel and storage uses. Overall this is an excellent intermediate model at a great price.
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8. Octomask GoPro Dive Mask
Built-in Camera Mount & Good build quality
Our Review Score
The Octomask GoPro Dive Mask is pretty awesome. Let’s face it, between checking dive computers or holding dive lights, you’ve already got your hands full.
Having the option to be hands-free during your dive while capturing some first perspective footage can make a really cool dive video. Its build quality and visibility are surprisingly good too. A great dive mask for the underwater video creators!
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9. Cressi Panoramic Scuba Mask
Wide View & Affordable
Our Review Score
The Cressi Panoramic Scuba Mask is a great wide view mask. Having that peripheral vision is really what makes this model part of the top 10 list. The extra lens on each side makes so much difference, it’s a real eye-opener!
Made from a super strong polycarbonate frame and comes with a nice price point, making it really affordable. Perfect for getting more view out of your dives and for the right price.
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10. Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask
Affordable & Good Performance
Our Review Score
The Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask is great for people with wide faces that can sometimes find it hard to find one that fits them perfectly. The Mares I3 comes with an X shaped strap which is great for creating an even seal alongside the soft silicone skirt.
It has a quick adjust buckle on the strap making it super easy to adjust mid-dive. This is a great balanced mask between both price and performance.
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How to choose the Best Scuba Dive Mask
Should I buy a Single of Dual Lens?
So which is better, a single or dual lens scuba diving mask? Many divers tend to ask the same question, is a diving mask with one large lens better than one designed with two lenses? And the answer is, it’s entirely a personal preference. The most important thing is that it is comfortable and it fits your face correctly.
Many dual lens models can be a lower volume design, which is nice if the glass is closer to your eyes but generally speaking, there isn’t too much difference between one lenses or two.
One thing to think of though is if you require prescription glasses, it is much easier to find a prescription model with two replaceable lenses. This is because each eye can require a different level of lens correction. If you are looking for the best prescription dive masks, check them out here.
Does Lens Size Matter?
Here, size does matter. The size of your scuba diving mask lens can make a huge difference when diving. For example, if it’s too small, it can cause you to feel claustrophobic as the silicone skirt and peripheral vision is likely to be obscured by the frame.
Panoramic dive masks can help alleviate this problem, however, sometimes you can notice the small seam in the corners where the side lenses join, causing some distortion. This isn’t a big problem, but some divers don’t like this effect.
What Material Should My Mask Be Made From?
Scuba diving masks are typically made of silicone or rubber. Although rubber may be a cheaper material, it’s important to remember that rubber is not as durable as silicone. For that reason, nowadays, most quality goggles are made from silicone.
The silicone makes the skirt much more flexible with the durability needed. It also provides a good seal around your face making leakage minimal and comfort heightened.
It’s also very important to buy a model with tempered glass lends if you are scuba diving. Otherwise, it may not be able to cope with the underwater pressures when descending and could potentially break.
A Beginners Guide to Buying
First things first, it’s important to become familiar with the components of a dive mask and then you should take these questions into consideration. Some answers may seem obvious and others are through personal preference.
What’s the Difference Between a Scuba and Snorkel Mask?
There are a few requirements in order for a mask to be suitable for scuba diving. One built for scuba diving should have strong tempered glass which will be able to withstand the pressures when scuba diving.
Secondly, one built for diving must have a skirt that encloses the nose in order to provide the airspace to be able to equalize upon descent.
Should I Buy or Rent On Site?
Since it needs to fit your face specifically, we recommend that divers buy their own but most dive centers will have them available for you to rent, which is also a good option should you accidentally forget to bring your own or don’t have any space to travel with one.
What’s more Important, Fit and Comfort or Color?
For us, there is a clear winner of this comparison, and it will always be fit and comfort. It’s important when buying a new diving mask that the skirt wraps around your eye area without leaving any gaps.
We recommend you find one that fits best first and then pick the color you want. Nowadays there are so many different styles and designs we can be confident you will find something you love.
How to Fit a Dive Mask
It’s important to make sure that it fits you properly. In most dive shop and dive centers, a dive representative will be able to help you with techniques for finding the perfect fit in, but here is a common method we use;
- Hold the mask gently against your face
- Breathe in softly through your nose
- While breathing in through your nose, let go with your hands
- Check comfort on upper lip, nose, and temples
Should I Buy One with a Transparent or Silicone Skirt?
Ultimately, this decision is a personal preference. A clear silicone skirt will allow for more light and is usually a popular option for beginner divers.
This is because the clear skirt can provide an open feeling and more peripheral vision. Whereas on the other hand, the Opaque dark silicon is a better choice for underwater photographers as this tends to reduce glare.
What About a Silicone or a Neoprene Strap?
Many divers seem to find that a neoprene mask strap is much more comfortable. If however, you do not have problems with your strap slipping or have no hair a silicone strap is the better option.
What is the Difference Between High and Low Volume Dive Masks?
Mask volume refers to the amount of airspace within the mask. They each have their advantages. High volume models offer a feeling of openness and also help to extend peripheral vision.
They do, however, take that little more effort to clear. Low volume, also known as low-profile dive masks, sit closer to your face but can be cleared of water a lot quicker.
5 Things You Should Know When You Buy
- Over-tightening your dive mask will cause water leakage.
- When you first buy, be sure to scrub the interior lens with toothpaste or a non-abrasive cleaner, this is a great way to prevent unwanted fogging.
- Try to keep it out of direct sunlight, this will make sure your silicone or rubber lasts for as long as possible.
- Bugs like to eat silicone, don’t let them! Keep it safe in the plastic box that is normally supplied with your purchase.
- After each use, remember to rinse your mask thoroughly with fresh water.
Now that you have read through our different tips and advice we feel you are ready to buy a dive mask that suits your needs.
Leave a comment below on any other tips or recommendations you have for us!
2 comments
Awesome scuba mask reviews. I have had the Spectra mask for a while now and can’t fault it one bit!
I have been looking for a dive mask for some time now, this list of best scuba mask reviews has helped me reach a decision. I get my Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask next week!