Scuba diving is a fascinating activity that allows you to explore the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. However, diving can be uncomfortable and dangerous without the proper equipment, especially a good-quality diving mask.
The diving mask is essential for protecting your eyes and providing a clear view of your surroundings. For most divers, having a wide-angle view is crucial for fully appreciating the underwater environment. At the same time, an uncomfortable or poorly fitting mask can ruin your diving experience.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best scuba diving masks for wide-angle views and comfort – so you can dive confidently and enjoy all that the underwater world has to offer.
Table of Contents
Scuba Diving Masks Reviewed in This Post
- Best Budget Mask for Divers of All Levels: Cressi Frameless F1 Mask
You don’t need to break the bank to get good quality gear. The Cressi Frameless F1 Mask is a budget-friendly option with excellent performance and comfort. - Best Scuba Mask For Both Style and Performance: Scubapro Trinidad 3 Mask
Lightweight and low-profile, the Scubapro Trinidad 3 Mask is designed to provide a secure fit. - Best Square Lens Frameless Mask For Demanding Divers: Cressi SF1 Frameless Mask
Most frameless scuba diving masks come with rounded lenses, which isn’t everyone’s first option. For a square lens mask offering all the frameless benefits, the Cressi SF1 is a perfect choice. - Best Frameless Scuba Mask for Recreational Diving: Dive Rite Frameless 150 Diving Mask
Boasting both comfort and a great price point, this frameless mask from Dive Rite is designed to be lightweight and low profile. - Best Scuba Diving Mask With Panoramic Views: XS Foto GoMask Panorama
If you want wide-angle views while diving, then you have to check out the XS Foto GoMask Panorama. This innovative mask features multi-lenses to take in the whole scene. - Best Frameless Scuba Mask For Serious Divers: Atomic Aquatics Frameless-2 Mask
Low volume with an impressive field of view – you definitely get what you pay for with the Atomic Frameless-2 Mask.
Read on for more information and details on each product.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Scuba Diving Mask
The differences between a good and bad mask can be hard to spot for a beginner scuba diver. But having a well-fitting, comfortable mask can make a huge difference to your experience.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the right diving mask:
Fit and Comfort
Make sure the mask fits comfortably around your face and doesn’t leak. Scuba masks come in various sizes, from kids to adults. If buying a mask online, check the dimensions for a good fit. The same goes for the nose pocket. Choose a mask with a bigger pocket if you have a larger nose.
Number of Lens
The number of lenses in a diving mask affects the field of view. A single lens offers excellent clarity, and as the lens isn’t divided, there isn’t anything to block your vision. Double-lens masks are also popular choices – especially for those who need a prescription mask with different prescriptions for each eye.
There’s no right or wrong choice here; it all depends on personal preference.
Total Volume
With low, medium, and high-volume mask options – there’s a mask out there to suit everyone. Many divers find low-volume masks more comfortable and offer a wider angle of view since they sit close to the face. They are also much easier to clear as the air in the mask is limited. High-volume masks do cause more drag and are harder to clear, but they may be more comfortable for those with larger faces.
Your preferred volume will only be evident once you’ve dived with a few different mask types. Try renting masks while diving to get a feel for what works best.
Frame Type
You can get both framed and frameless scuba diving masks. Frameless masks are constructed so the lenses are glued or molded directly onto the silicone skirt. Framed masks, however, have a firm frame holding the lenses in place.
Frameless masks are usually lighter, more comfortable, and tend to fit closer to the face – offering better wide-angle views. Although, some divers do prefer a framed mask as they aren’t as snug. Again, whichever you choose is down to personal preference.
Overall Construction
A scuba diving mask is made up of many components. Different models and brands offer varying levels of quality, so it’s essential to do your research and read reviews.
- Lens: Most lenses are made from tempered glass, but some can offer additional features, such as anti-fog treatments.
- Skirt: Look for a soft and pliable, durable skirt. A good quality silicone skirt will last you a long time and won’t easily tear from everyday use. The color of your chosen mask skirt can also matter. Clear skirts offer more visibility, while darker-colored masks can help to reduce glare.
- Strap: Consider how easily adjustable the strap is and how comfortable it feels when tightened. You’ll want to choose a scuba diving mask with decent-sized buckles to aid quick and easy adjustments.
The Best Scuba Diving Masks for Wide Angle Views and Comfort
There are many brilliant scuba diving masks available on the market. To help you choose the best mask for your needs, we’ve rounded up 6 of the best scuba diving masks on the market.
Cressi Frameless F1 Mask
Summary
Scuba diving masks can get pretty expensive, but this frameless F1 mask from Cressi is a great budget option. It’s super flexible and great for wide-angle views, thanks to the frameless design. The Cressi F1 is simple yet one of the most effective scuba masks we’ve tried. Plus, it comes in various colors, which look great and offer divers the option for both clear and colored skirts.
Review Score: 9.7
Our Opinion: Best budget mask for divers of all levels
Pricing: $36.95
Product Description
The flexible, frameless fit of the Cressi F1 makes this scuba diving mask a brilliant option – without breaking the bank. With its single-tempered glass lens design, this mask offers excellent clarity and wide-angle views. The Cressi F1 can also be folded flat to fit effortlessly into your BCD pocket.
The high-grade silicone skirt is designed to give you a comfortable fit and maximum watertight seal – you’d never guess this mask is almost half the price of other scuba masks on the market.
Key Information
- CE certified single tempered glass lens
- Low volume
- Adjustable micrometric strap buckles
- Double feathered skirt
- Low profile fit
- Nose pocket with easy access
What We Like
- Great price point
- Fits in a BCD pocket
- Easy-to-use buckles for quick adjustments
- Excellent field of view
- Low volume for easy clearing
- Soft and pliable silicone skirt
- Works with single-handed equalization
What We Dislike
- No additional features – such as anti-fog or UV lens
- A rather small nose pocket
Scubapro Trinidad 3 Mask
Summary
Much like Cressi, Scubapro is a longstanding name in the scuba diving world. The Scubapro Trinidad 3 has taken its classic design and updated it with a quick-release buckle – giving you complete control when adjusting the strap length. The ultra-clear tempered glass lens offers excellent clarity and improved peripheral vision. We also love the vibrant color choices available!
Our Opinion: Best scuba mask for both style and performance
Product Description
Experience unparalleled underwater visibility with the Trinidad 3 diving mask. Featuring a lightweight, frameless construction and single-lens design, this mask offers an uninterrupted field of view and easy water clearing. The newly designed buckle system attaches to tabs on the skirt, optimizing the range of motion for the perfect fit. Plus, the one-hand quick-adjust buckle system and easy-to-reach nose pocket make adjustments and equalization a breeze.
Key Information
- Ultra-clear tempered glass
- Silicone double feathered skirt
- Frameless and low volume
- Quick-release buckles attached to the skirt
- Multiple vivid colors are available
- Wide split strap
- Accessible nose pocket
What We Like
- Great visibility underwater
- A good option for beginners – easy to use
- Bright color options offer great style
- Matching comfort straps, BCDs, and fins are available separately
- One-hand release buckles provide easy adjustments
- The wide split strap is comfortable
- The nose pocket provides easy one-handed equalization
What We Dislike
- Pretty basic for the price
Cressi SF1 Frameless Mask
Summary
With an ultra-low internal volume and rigorous, squared design, the Cressi SF1 is ideal for everyone, including demanding divers. This mask is incredibly comfortable thanks to the flexible silicone skirt, and the adjustable mounted buckles make getting the right fit easy. We love having the option of a squared mask for improved visibility – while still reaping the benefits of a frameless design.
Our Opinion: Best square lens frameless mask for demanding divers
Product Description
Lightweight and durable, the Cressi SF1 offers everything you could want from a basic scuba mask. It’s ultra-low internal volume and squared design help to set this mask apart. The buckle with flexible adjustments ensures a secure and comfortable fit for many face shapes. With an excellent field of view and quickly adjustable buckles, this mask offers reduced weight and drag – exactly what any serious diver is looking for.
Key Information
- Frameless with a squared single-tempered glass lens
- Shiny silicone construction
- Double feathered skirt
- Easily adjusted buckles
- Wide split mask strap
- Ultra-low internal volume
- Reduced drag with the skirt bonded directly to the lens
What We Like
- Universal face fit means a comfortable mask for all
- The ultra-low internal volume makes clearing easy
- The squared lens offers an improved field of view
- Adjustable buckles provide a secure fit
- Large nose pocket offers easy ear equalization
- Fits in a BCD pocket
What We Dislike
- No additional features
Dive Rite Frameless 150 Diving Mask
Summary
No one wants a limited field of view when scuba diving, so the Dive Rite Frameless 150 diving mask is a great option. With its low-profile design, this mask provides an increased underwater field of vision by over 25%. Equalizing is made easy with the large nose pocket, and we appreciate the flexible straps that keep the mask in place during every dive.
Review Score: 9.3
Our Opinion: Best frameless mask for recreational diving
Pricing: $59
Product Description
The Dive Rite Frameless 150 is a good choice for divers who want a high-performing mask at a mid-price point. The impressive field of vision is achieved thanks to its low-volume design, and the easily adjustable straps provide a secure fit. There’s also no worry about leakage as the double-seal silicone skirt easily blocks out water effortlessly. The textured panels on either side of the nose pocket can make equalization easier – meaning your fingers won’t slip even when wearing gloves.
Key Information
- Low-profile design with extended field of view
- Double-seal silicone skirt
- Single-tempered glass lens
- Comes with a protective case
- Lightweight
What We Like
- Adjusts to the shape of your face
- Excellent visibility
- Very comfortable to wear
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to equalize when wearing
What We Dislike
- Only one color choice
XS Foto GoMask Panorama
Summary
Most masks have one or two lenses – but there are some special exceptions, like the XS Foto GoMask Panorama. This mask has a unique multi-lens design, offering an incredibly wide field of view. While it might be slightly pricier than other options, we think the enhanced visibility and comfort make it well worth the money.
Review Score: 9.6
Our Opinion: Best scuba diving mask with panoramic views
Pricing: $99.95
Product Description
Not only does the XS Foto GoMask offer excellent visibility, but there’s also a GoPro mount so you can record your dives in stunning 4K resolution. This mask also offers a frameless design and dual tempered glass lenses. The double-feathered edge, medium-volume liquid silicone, and adjustable buckles ensure a snug fit that keeps water away without sacrificing comfort. Plus, you can enjoy maximum underwater vision and light transmission with the additional lenses.
Key Information
- Multi-lens wraparound design with a stainless steel GoPro mount
- Ever clear dual tempered glass lenses
- Double feathered edge liquid silicone skirt
- Quick and easy adjustable buckles
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Medium-volume
- Includes two mask straps
What We Like
- Large field of view
- Really easy to clear
- Easy nose access to equalization
- High-quality construction
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable fit
- Great price tag for what you get
What We Dislike
- No other color options are available
- Camera mount can increase drag
Atomic Aquatics Frameless-2 Mask
Summary
While this may be the priciest mask on our list of best scuba diving masks, the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly applies here. We consider the Atomic Aquatics Frameless-2 Mask a top choice for any diver. Multiple size options allow divers of all shapes and sizes to find their perfect fit. In addition, this mask is incredibly comfortable and has an ultra-wide field of vision, so you can take in the full beauty of underwater life.
Review Score: 9.5
Our Opinion: Best frameless scuba mask for serious divers
Product Description
This frameless mask offers excellent comfort, performance, and features. It has a low-profile design with a wide field of view for maximum underwater visibility. The high-quality silicone rubber skirt has a double-feathered edging that wraps perfectly around your face to create a leak-proof seal. The Atomic Framelss-2 mask also offers an optical quality tempered glass lens that is incredibly clear, making this the perfect solution for divers seeking crystal clear visibility.
Key Information
- Frameless, low-profile design
- The widest field offered by a single-lens mask
- Optical tempered glass
- ‘Squeeze to adjust’ strap buckles
- Silicone rubber skirt
- Clear and black color options
- High light transmission lens
What We Like
- Multiple size options
- Choice of colors depending on desired preferences
- Very comfortable fit
- Excellent clarity
- Great for people with broad faces and facial hair – something that can be hard to find
- Lightweight and streamlined design
What We Dislike
- The price tag is steep compared to other masks on the market
- Finding the right fit can be hard
How to Care for Your Scuba Diving Mask
You don’t want to waste time and money on a replacement mask every few months. Good maintenance will help prevent any issues and keep your mask in great condition for longer.
Here are a few tips on how best to care for your scuba diving mask:
Clean Regularly
After each dive, rinse the mask with fresh warm (not hot) water. Salt can build up over time if your mask is not properly cared for. If you need to use soap, choose a gentle liquid detergent and avoid any harsh chemicals which could damage your mask.
Dry Thoroughly
Any piece of scuba gear can quickly start to stink over time if not left to dry properly. Let your mask air-dry before storing away – this will help to keep it free from mold and mildew.
Store in a Safe Place
Store your mask in its original box or dedicated gear bag if possible. This will help to keep it clean and free from dirt or debris, which could damage the lens or seal over time. Never leave your scuba diving mask in direct sunlight. Doing this can cause the silicone skirt to discolor or dry out.
How to Avoid Mask Fogging
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an anti-fog mask; no matter what type you buy, you should expect some fogging.
You must treat your new scuba diving mask before wearing it. Manufacturers add a silicone layer to protect the lenses during transit and storage, which can cause them to fog up when you dive.
The only time you wouldn’t pre-treat your mask is if the lens has built-in anti-fog, UV coating, or anti-reflective technology. Pre-treating your mask can damage these additional features, so skip the first step as outlined below.
To pre-treat your scuba mask, you can:
Use a Mask Scrub
A few dedicated detergents are made specifically for this job. Follow the instructions carefully, and remember to rinse your mask thoroughly afterward. One such product is the 500 PSI Mask Scrub – it’s quick, easy, and effective.
Use Toothpaste
You can also use non-abrasive toothpaste to pre-treat your mask. Simply apply a small amount to the lens and use your finger to rub it around. Avoid gel or whitening toothpaste, as these can damage your lens. Be sure to rinse your mask and allow it to dry after thoroughly.
Use Fire
Now, this is not something we suggest everyone do. The risks far outweigh the potential pros.
However, many professional divers and instructors use a lighter to remove the silicone layer on their new scuba masks. This method should only be used on masks made of tempered glass and only done by experienced divers. The naked flame could potentially damage the mask if you’re not careful.
Once you have pre-treated your mask, you still need to take care to reduce fogging during your dive. You can do this by using the following:
Mask Defogger
A dedicated mask defogger is designed to reduce fogging. It’s a liquid product that you apply directly to the lens before your dive, and it should help to keep your mask fog-free.
Spit
Saliva is a surprisingly effective anti-fogging tool. Yes, it’s a little gross, but it’s worth a try if you’re in a pinch. Spit into your dry mask and rub it into the lenses with clean fingers. Rise with fresh water to remove any residue before diving.
Baby Shampoo
This is another method for reducing fog build-up on your lens. Mix a few drops of baby shampoo with warm water, or use it neat, and rub it onto your dry lenses. Rinse thoroughly, and you should be good to go.
Final Thoughts on The Best Scuba Masks for Wide Angle Views and Comfort
There are many amazing scuba diving masks on the market, and deciding which is best for you can be difficult. To make the right choice, consider your own needs and preferences, and look for a mask that offers the features and comfort you desire.
With proper research and the information we have provided above, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect scuba diving mask!
