Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 10 best diving masks in 2022 according to KP
- How to choose a snorkeling mask
- Popular questions and answers
There are a wide variety of masks for scuba diving. They are different in purpose, design, material, size, etc.
Suitable for deep diving compact models with a small mask space, and for diving to a depth of 1,5 meters – full face.
For a perfectly clear “picture”, tempered glass masks should be preferred, and for the widest possible view, equipment with additional side lenses. Before buying, it is extremely important to check the mask for tightness and tightness to the face.
Editor’s Choice
TUSA Sport UCR-3125QB
Japanese brand TUSA snorkeling mask with three lenses provides a panoramic viewing angle. Unlike traditional models, it has convex side windows that greatly increase focus.
The frame of the equipment is made of high-strength plastic, and the skirt and strap are made of hypoallergenic silicone. Due to its rounded shape, the mask fits snugly to the face, exactly follows its contour and does not leave dents on the skin.
The strap is precisely adjustable and securely fixed on the head. The mask comes with a snorkel with a special dry valve.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | plastic and silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | with a tube |
| Size | universal |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 10 best diving masks in 2022 according to KP
1. Atomic Aquatics Venom
The Atomic Aquatics Venom Snorkeling Mask is a frameless model with high purity optical glass. The lenses used for its production ensure maximum image clarity and light transmission.
The case design consists of a silicone frame, two seals of different stiffness, a two-layer protective skirt and an adjustable strap. The mask sits comfortably, holds securely on the head and protects the eyes from water ingress.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | classical |
| Size | universal |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. SUBEA x Decathlon Easybreath 500
The Easybreath 500 Full Face Mask allows you to see and breathe underwater at the same time. It is equipped with an innovative air circulation system that prevents fogging. The equipment provides a panoramic view of 180 degrees and complete tightness.
The breathing tube has a float to block water ingress. Due to the elasticity of the strap, the face mask is easy to put on and take off and does not damage the hair. It comes in three sizes to suit most people.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | ABS plastic and silicone |
| lens material | ABS plastic |
| Design | full face |
| Size | three |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Cressi DUKE
A revolution in the world of scuba diving – the DUKE mask from the Italian company Cressi. Its weight and thickness are reduced to a minimum, which increases visibility and wearing comfort.
At the same time, the engineers tried to maintain a balance of rigidity and subtlety of the design, thanks to which the mask fits perfectly on the face, does not leak or fog up. Its lens is made of Plexisol material, which has unique properties – it is very light and ultra-strong.
The tightness of fixing the equipment can be adjusted with the help of rubber bands.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | plastic and silicone |
| lens material | Plexisol |
| Design | full face |
| Size | two |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. SALVAS Phoenix Mask
The Phoenix Mask professional diving mask is well suited for both amateur and experienced divers. Two lenses made of durable tempered glass provide a wide all-round view and protection from solar glare. Reinforced frames with an elastic skirt hold their shape well and provide a snug fit to the face.
The mask has an elastic strap with a buckle that can be perfectly adjusted to fit you. All materials used for the production of equipment are of the highest quality.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | polycarbonate and silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | classical |
| Size | universal |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Hollis M-4
The classic diving mask from the famous Hollis brand is the highest quality and minimalist design. Its wide front glass provides a panoramic viewing angle and a clear image. The design of the model is made using frameless technology: in it the lens is installed directly into the obturator.
The M-4 mask is so compact and reliable that there is no discomfort from wearing it even at considerable depths. The strap is adjustable in length using branded buckles, and if desired, it can be replaced with a neoprene sling.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | classical |
| Size | universal |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. BRADEX
The BRADEX foldable tube full face mask is a lightweight yet fairly durable piece of equipment. It has a viewing angle of up to 180 degrees, a special breathing system and clips for easy donning. All components of the model are made of high quality plastic and silicone.
The tube is equipped with a top valve that prevents water from entering. Plus, it can be folded for transport and storage. The mask is well suited for underwater shooting, as it has an action camera mount.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | plastic and silicone |
| lens material | plastic |
| Design | full face |
| Size | two |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Oceanic Mini Shadow Black
The legendary Mini Shadow Black swim mask has a phenomenally small mask space. Its lenses are made of durable tempered glass, and the obturator is made of soft hypoallergenic silicone.
The equipment provides comfort, reliability and an incredibly wide field of view. Another important plus is compactness. The mask does not take up much space and fits easily in any bag.
It comes with an adjustable strap and headband. The mask comes in a handy plastic storage case.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | classical |
| Size | universal |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Oceanreef AIR QR +
The main features of the Oceanreef ARIA QR+ mask are the panoramic view, the patented air circulation system and the stylish design. She does not have an uncomfortable mouthpiece, which usually gives divers a lot of discomfort.
Also, the model is equipped with a new system for putting on and taking off the mask. It is very comfortable, safe and fast to operate. The gear has a dedicated action camera mount and comes with a mesh bag for quick drying.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | plastic and silicone |
| lens material | polycarbonate |
| Design | full face |
| Size | two |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. SARGAN “Galaxy”
Full face mask “Galaxy” – excellent value for money. In addition to the ability to fully breathe, it provides almost complete horizontal and vertical visibility.
The design is made in such a way that inside it is divided into two parts: the vision zone and the breathing zone. Due to this, the mask practically does not fog up. Two silicone valves are integrated into the tube, which protect the mask from water ingress.
It can be easily detached for easy transport. The wide straps of the mask are securely fixed on the head and are adjustable to any size.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | polycarbonate and silicone |
| lens material | tempered glass |
| Design | full face |
| Size | three |
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Bestway SeaClear
The Bestway natural breathing full face diving mask is made of high quality and durable materials. It consists of two tubes for inhalation and exhalation and the eye mask itself.
Built-in valves protect equipment from water penetration, and tinted lenses reduce sun glare, thereby improving visibility underwater.
Straps with buckles allow you to adjust the mask so that it fits as snugly and comfortably as possible on your face. The body of the model is easily disassembled, so it is convenient to carry it with you.
Main characteristics
| Housing material | plastic and silicone |
| lens material | plastic |
| Design | full face |
| Size | two |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a snorkeling mask
The choice of a mask for scuba diving is primarily determined by the goal that a person sets for himself. Professionals have a lot of requirements for equipment: size, materials, viewing angle, design features, and so on.
For hobbyists, the most important features are usually visibility, ease of use, and price. However, whatever the goal, it is important to pay attention to the materials from which the lenses are made, the frame, the obturator, the equipment strap.
Separate tempered glass lenses provide better underwater visibility, compactness and convenience. As for the body, it should be made of durable plastic and elastic silicone for a perfect fit to the face.
Popular questions and answers
Answers popular reader questions neuroscientist, fifth class diver, divemaster, freediver, underwater actress Oleviya Kiber.
What materials should a scuba mask be made from?
The material of which the obturator consists is also important. Black silicone has the best properties. Transparent silicone obturators turn yellow and collapse. Rubber quickly fail under the influence of salt water. Rare EVA skirts are poisoned by simple sunscreen or even sebum.”
What should I do if my snorkel mask fogs up?
However, the fact that the mask fogs up in itself indicates that it is dirty. Most likely there are residues of grease, marine life or cosmetics on the glass. To clean it, it is recommended to run the flame of the lighter over the glass, preventing it from overheating.
Then you need to clean the mask with toothpaste: apply it, leave for a day and rinse with a degreasing agent (for example, for washing dishes). Such care will increase both durability and hygiene of use. Clean glass before immersion can simply be smeared with saliva.
Which mask is preferable: single lens or double lens?
Double-lens masks provide both of these conditions. For those who have vision problems, there are masks with dipopter glasses. The shape of their glasses is straight, so that the diopter lens can be placed both on the left and on the right. However, this shape limits the design of the mask and makes it unnecessarily massive.”