Best Scuba Masks for 2024

August 29th, 2024

Best Scuba Masks

A mask is the divers window divers wear masks because of the differences between air and water. The human eye can't focus on water, which is significantly denser than air, and therefore transmits light differently. Masks restore the airspace before a diver's eyes, allowing normal vision. Mosques have a faceplate or lens, a rubber skirt, and a strap. Masks are made from different types of material, come in various styles, and may have several different features.

Materials

neoprene rubber sometimes used in less expensive masks, is usually black: the same color as the carbon that is a major component of this material. Coloring agents may be added to create different colors. Until the mid-1980s, most masks were made from neoprene. Today most masks are made from silicone. Silicone is usually clear or translucent - Although, as with neoprene rubber, coloring agents can be used. Interestingly The most common coloring agent used in silicone masks is black, to make it resemble the traditional neoprene mask.

Styles

mask styles range from simple Oval-shaped models to more exotic models with low internal volumes and wider fields of vision. The first masks will be little more than round pieces of glass mounted inside circular rubber skirts. Recreational divers in the late 1930s and 1940s often made their masks from window glass and cut-up pieces of inner tubes. One of the first innovations during the late 1950s and early 1960s changed the mask design from round to Oval this provided a slightly wider field of vision and a better fit. Oval masks remain popular today amongst casual snorkelers Due to the low cost and the ability to fit a wide variety of faces. The next major step in mosque evolution took place in the 1960s this was the introduction of a wrap-around and low-profile mask. Wrap-around masks feature two additional panes of glass along the side of the mask to improve peripheral vision. Early wrap-around masks had a high internal volume, which meant that divers had to exhale more to keep the mask equalized during descent or to clear it when flooded. Low-profile masks have a notched faceplate and a nose pocket that allow the diver's nose to protrude past the lens plain. This design puts the lanes closer to the face and lowers mask volume. Low-profile masks are easier to equalize and easier to clear.

Features

In addition to a choice of materials and styles, there are other mask features that divers may find desirable.

Tempered glass resists scratches and to a degree breakage. If broken, tempered glass generally crumbles into several small pieces that are less dangerous than larger sharper pieces. Mosques equipped with tempered glass may have the notation tempered glass stenciled on the lens or the packaging.

Double skirt - most better-quality masks have a second, inner skirt that provides a double seal, and a more comfortable fit. This second skirt usually extends around the entire edge, with the exception of the very bottom. This open portion allows water to drain more easily during mosque clearing.

Strap adjustment - divers may need to adjust the mask strap to find the best fit, and later to readjust when switching back and forth between wearing and not wearing a hood. This is much simpler when masks have buckle systems that allow divers to adjust the strap quickly and eliminate frustration.

Let’s talk about how to fit a mask.

Remove the strap or place it in front of the lens out of the way..
Place the mask lightly against the face while looking up. The skirt should rest evenly along all its edges.
Inhale slightly through the nose, the mask should now remain firmly in place, despite the gentle tugging or head shaking.

Here are our best scuba masks for 2024.

Best comfort

Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquidskin Dive Mask

119.95

125.95

This mask feels exactly what the name says: “liquidskin”! The patented technology does take this mask to the next level. It's extremely comfortable, leaving no marks on your skin after a dive. The Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquidskin fits more face types. The double-feathered edge skirt provides an improved seal and prevents water leakage. The skirt adjusts to facial movements ensuring a secure fit.

As we know, equalizing your ears is essential for comfort and a safe experience but let’s not forget about equalizing our masks. The low-volume Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquidskin mask makes it easy to equalize and clear the mask.

We dive to see, and when your sight is compromised diving has less value. The Mares X-Vision Ultra liquid skin Dive Mask is durable, comfortable, and can be tailored for optical lenses.

A definite go-to mask for divers seeking comfort and great fit.

Best traveler’s mask

Oceanic Shadow Single Window Scuba Mask

89.95

The standout feature here is that this mask has no frame. Yup is a frameless mask. It’s a medium-volume mask which makes it versatile. You can scuba with this mask, snorkel, and even take it to great depths. It’s a great backup mask too, it easily folds away and fits into most BCD pockets. The Oceanic Shadow is very comfortable and has swiveling, easy adjustable mask strap buckles that allow for a custom fit. The skirt is also double edged which makes the seal secure, preventing water from entering and interfering with your diving adventures. The Oceanic shadow mask is also great for divers who are allergic to some silicone rubber. The hypoallergenic liquid-silicone skirt will not just stop sensitive skin from irritation but ensure maximum comfort during your dives.

The Oceanic Shadow is available in black silicone and clear silicone and has a comfortable neoprene mask strap. It is also available in a variety of colors.

Best Duo Scuba and Freediving mask

Cressi Calibro Scuba Mask

84.95

This is an excellent choice if you are into Scuba and Freediving. Very versatile and compact. It’s a low-volume mask and comes in a variety of colors. The lens is wide and made from tempered glass. There are 2 features that I really like about this mask. The first is that the skirt is matt. Yes, it’s not shiny which does not scare off the marine life when you get closer due to light reflecting. Then the second feature is the improvised and sealed nose pocket which helps reduce fogging. By using traditional anti-fogging techniques and the improvised nose pocket you can be sure to reduce fogging completely. The Cressi Calibro is hydrodynamic and great for freediving and spearfishing. It's small which makes it a great backup mask.

The Unbreakable mask

Tusa Freedom HD Scuba Mask

99.00

The Tusa Freedom HD mask is one of the largest masks available on the market. Its high volume may be a little harder to clear due to the volume of water inside the mask. I won’t recommend this mask for students or divers who have issues with mask clearing as some people would need to purge the mask twice to completely clear it. It has a phenomenal view. Let’s be honest, your mask is your window to the breathtaking underwater world and The Tusa Freedom HD mask gives you a crystal-clear view. The single lens is huge and unrestricted. Stainless steel has been used in the construction of the mask therefore promises to be strong, durable, and will last a lifetime. It has a rotation buckle system that allows easy adjustments that fit most heads. The skirt has also been thought through. It’s a double skirt that ensures a good seal and around the temples and cheek areas the outer skirt has some perforation to it. This allows for a softer seal in these more vulnerable areas. The Tusa Freedom HD masks come in 11 color varieties. If you are looking for a durable strong mask with a wide field of vision, this mask is made for you.

The mask that fits everyone.

Fourth Element Seeker Scuba Mask

175.50

The Fourth Element Seeker is a relatively new mask. The mask shouts quality, you just know when you hold something in your hands that is premium. The design is very attractive, it looks good. The silicone is soft and comfortable with ample space around the nose to easily allow gloved hands access around the nose pocket while equalizing. The mask is a universal fit which means it will fit most faces. It’s a single-frame mask and a lower volume which helps with clearing and equalizing the mask. You can choose the lens color – pure clear for maximum light transmission or a contrast lens to improve the contrast of light and dark- especially useful in colder, green water. The mask comes packed with ocean conservation in mind. No plastic wrapping is used. Well done Fourth Element.

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I say it depends on your mask. There is nothing more annoying than a leaking mask or a fogging mask not to mention an uncomfortable mask. It’s essential to make the right decision when choosing a mask. If you are still unsure about a mask, please reach out to us at scuba@bluewaterphotostore.com where our expert team will assist you with your mask selection.