No matter how impressive a diving or scuba mask is in terms of the ultra-soft skirt, the broad field of view, and other qualities, if you just plan to walk into any store and buy a mask that looks good, then you may be in for trouble. For one, if the mask doesn’t properly fit your face, then you’ll have a lot of problems on hand. The best way to purchase a diving mask is to do some research on some top masks and then look for these at the store. When you do find these masks, fit them to see if they perfectly seal off your face from the water. Also take note that the skirt doesn’t rub or press at the nose pocket.
Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask
This mask has a massive single lens that sits close to the face to provide a huge field of view. The buckles rotate 180 degrees and are extremely sturdy. Aside from its sturdy design it is also very comfortable with a cool looking design and a nice large nose pocket. A good dive mask for the money that works well for both scuba diving and snorkeling.
ScubaPro Spectra Dive Mask
This brand has made a mark as one of the top brands used by pros and beginners alike. Though a high end mask, in terms of performance, its 2 tempered glass lenses offer great field of view and large sized strap adjustment swivels ensure you don’t fumble while adjusting underwater. For avoiding surface glare a model offers tinted orange mirrored lenses. You get what you pay for with this durable mask that has been unquestioned by serious divers for a long time.
Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Dive Mask
Now this mask is affordable but still is excellent as a top mask selection. It has a panoramic style that makes you see all the surroundings with a 3 lens design from tempered glass for great peripheral vision. The split strap design helps to keep an even seal around the skirt to keep out leaks. The buckle system flexes with facial movement. This mask has been rated to be the least foggy mask even with its value price.
Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask
This mask not only gives great peripheral vision but is also good for people with wider faces who have a hard time finding a mask that fits perfectly. The mask strap is X-shaped, which means an even seal alongside the super soft silicone skirt. The strap buckles also adjust easily even while underwater and is a great mask also for snorkeling.
Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask
The mask’s extra large lenses provide great visibility, is extremely comfortable, and its low volume of design makes it great for scuba, snorkeling, or even free diving. The inverted tear drop shaped lenses even gives a good expanded view downwards.
Top-Rated Diving Masks Compared
Tusa M1001 Freedom HD Scuba Mask | ScubaPro Spectra Dive Mask | Phantom Aquatics Panoramic Dive Mask | Mares I3 Sunrise Panoramic Scuba Mask | Cressi Big Eyes Scuba Mask | |
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Customer Rating | See Reviews |
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Price | |||||
Comfort | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Field of View | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Durability | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
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Things to Consider When Buying a Diving Mask
And to add more advice when going out in search of a really good diving mask, here are other things to consider before buying:
- Ease and security of adjustments for buckles, swivels and quick releases.
- Comfort of the strap, skirt, frame, nose pocket, and all contact points.
- Dryness overall, and effectiveness of seals, and purge valves.
- Field of vertical and horizontal view.
- Ease of clearing and equalizing the mask.