Best Scuba Diving Masks

A comfortable mask with proper fit is an essential piece of your scuba diving kit. In the 2020 Scuba Diving magazine Gear Buyers Guide you will find a wide range of scuba diving masks to fit your diving style.   

 

APEKS VX1  

Frameless construction gives this single-lens mask a lightweight, low-volume profile for a leak-free fit, easy clearing and dive-all-day comfort. The ultra-soft surgical-grade premium silicone skirt is designed to minimize pressure on the face, and stainless-steel rollers in the quick-release buckles allow smooth adjustment even with heavy gloves.
apeksdiving.com | $169
 

AQUA LUNG PLAZMA  

The wide single lens of this frameless mask is incorporated into a skirt of surgical-grade premium silicone for an enhanced fit and incredible comfort. Stability zones are incorporated into the skirt at strategic points to relieve the pressure of the mask on the face. The mask’s strap uses a one-touch release buckle for easy adjustment and security.
aqualung.com | $129, $139 (black with amber lens)   

AQUA LUNG SPHERA X

Thanks to its specially designed curved lenses, this lightweight low-volume mask provides a 180-degree, distortion-free field of view. The Sphera X touts a silicone skirt design that uses new materials and shape geometry to improve fit, comfort and feel. The mask strap has been redesigned to provide a more secure fit.
aqualung.com | $75  
 

ATOMIC AQUATICS SUBFRAME  

The name reflects this mask’s clever construction, with an internal frame molded inside the skirt and an X-shaped stainless-steel nose piece creating a lightweight, robust design. Its one-button buckles attach to the skirt with flexible tabs that secure the strap. And the UltraClear lens offers superb viewing.
atomicaquatics.com | $129.95 
 

ATOMIC AQUATICS SUBFRAME ASIAN FIT  

Designers used human-factors engineering, based on research, scanning and modeling, to develop new mask-seal geometry to better fit different face shapes and sizes. This version uses the same SubFrame lenses, frame, straps and buckle, but with a skirt shaped for higher cheekbones, smaller and higher noses, and a narrower nose bridge.
atomicaquatics.com | $129.95  

 

CRESSI SF1 

 

This frameless mask features a low-volume design that makes for easy clearing. The high-grade silicone skirt bonds directly to the lens and provides an effective seal with a comfortable fit that doesn’t put annoying pressure on the forehead or nose. The wide, large lens is made of tempered glass and provides good visibility in all directions, especially on the sides.
cressi.com | $74.95 
 

DIVE RITE ES170  

The big, teardrop-shaped lenses of the ES170 offer wide-open visibility and a good downward view of gauges, but maintain a low internal volume that makes for easy clearing and equalizing. The two-button buckles are mounted to the skirt with flexible silicone tabs for comfort, and the rugged frame with frosted red insert provides durability and style.  
diverite.com | $59  
 

GULL ABEAM  

This basic scuba mask provides divers a crystal-clear view into the underwater world thanks to its single-lens design. The skirt is fringed with a curled lip that makes an effective seal less likely to leave an impression on your skin, and is optimized to maintain a comfortable fit and feel. Mask buckles are integrated into the skirt and are easy to adjust.  
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $90  
 

GULL COCO  

Female divers looking for a comfortable, stylish mask will appreciate this single-lens offering from Gull. The silicone skirt is designed to reduce leaks, and the curled lip of the skirt ensures gentle but firm contact with the face that’s less likely to leave impressions on your skin. The low-volume mask is easy to clear and features a nice field of view.
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $110  
            

GULL LANZE  

The frame of this dual-lens mask is held in place by a secure interlocking system: The frame is pressed down around the center of the bridge and then screwed in place. This holds the glass firmly in place and secures it against any movement. The skirt of the mask is optimized to maintain an effective, comfortable seal all the way around the face.  
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $120   

GULL MANTIS 5

The strap buckles on the Mantis 5 are attached directly to the skirt and can be operated easily, even while wearing thick gloves. The skirt features a curled edge for increased comfort, and its design improves water expulsion during clearing and minimizes water pooling at the bottom of the mask. The dual-lens frame is compatible with optical lenses. 
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $115  

GULL MANTIS LV

The UV420-coated lenses of Gull’s flagship scuba mask increase contrast underwater and protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful high-energy rays. Skirt-mounted buckles are easy to adjust, and the rubber skirt is designed for increased comfort. The low-volume design, inclined angle and shape of the lenses extend the mask’s vertical field of view.
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $190  

 

GULL VADER

With a body designed entirely with curves, the Vader is a beautiful, functional single-lens mask. A low-volume design provides a wide-open field of view and makes for easy clearing. Soft dampeners and rounded edges on the rubber skirt relieve pressure on the cheekbones and improve comfort. This mask can be outfitted with optical lenses.  
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $190  

GULL VADER FANETTE  

The women’s version of the Vader mask features a skirt design that extends beyond the cheekbones for a more effective seal. The lip of the skirt has a curled edge to enhance comfort and reduce leakage. UV and super-clear lens options are available. Its low-volume design and forward inclination of 9.5 degrees produce a very wide field of view.
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $190
 

GULL VENTIA  

The design of this super-low-volume mask makes it easy to clear and sets the lenses close to the eyes for an expansive field of view. The soft skirt has rounded edges for a comfortable and effective seal that is less likely to leave impressions on the skin. The mask’s pinch buckles are easy to use with a single hand and are integrated into the skirt.
gull.kinugawa-net.com | $190
 

IST SPORTS ATUM  

The freediving-oriented Atum has a frameless design with an ultra-low internal volume for a close fit that makes equalizing almost effortless—and offers a shockingly wide field of view. A stiffened section molded into the skirt between the lenses allows the mask to bend as the strap’s tightened, conforming to the face for an effective seal.
istdivingsystem.com |$65
 

MARES EDGE  

The new Edge mask from Mares maintains stability with a rigid external frame made from two materials: a tough molded plastic for strength and a softer rubbery texture for improved grip. There’s a supple silicone skirt to ensure seal integrity and comfort. And the frame-integrated buckles provide durability to ensure your investment pays off in the long run.  
mares.com |$70  

MARES PURE WIRE  

The new Pure Wire mask empowers divers to customize their kit—and change their look easily—with the option to swap the colored frame. For comfort, there’s a soft silicone skirt that maintains a positive seal for a variety of face shapes and sizes. And the interchangeable frame extends over the skirt in key positions for improved adjustment and clearing.
mares.com | $80
 

OCEANIC DISCOVERY

Stylish, lightweight and loaded with features, this new dual-lens mask offers a comfortable fit and great value. The low-volume design features a silicone skirt attached to a frame whose field of view is unobstructed up, down or to the sides. The strap buckles have rotating quick-release connectors for a precise fit and convenience.  
oceanicworldwide.com | $69.95  

OCEANIC DUO  

The Duo is designed for new divers who are just beginning their underwater adventures and are looking for an attractively priced mask that doesn't sacrifice performance. The full-frame design is solid and rugged without excessive weight, and features a silicone skirt with a comfortable, dry seal. The lenses offer a broad field of view. 
oceanicworldwide.com | $49.95  

 

SEAC ITALICA

The Italica blends sleek Italian styling with smart performance features. The skirt is made from high- quality silicone, with textured sections placed strategically on the face for a more positive grip when clearing or adjusting the mask. The rigid frame is mated to four-way swiveling buckles with chrome- plated metal screws for durability and comfort.  
seacsub.com | $62, $69 (tinted lenses)  

SEAC M70  

Built for low-volume performance, the M70 has twin lenses designed with an inverted-teardrop shape to maximize field of vision and secured by an over- molded skirt wrapped around a rigid internal frame for stability. Push-button buckles ease adjustment, and the skirt-mounted hinges move in four directions to ensure the strap stays in position.
seacsub.com | $65  

SCUBAPRO D-MASK  

The D-Mask features a computer mount that clips on and securely locks in place in seconds for use with Scubapro’s Galileo HUD computer. The frame and lenses are shaped maximize field of view and to provide optimal visibility of the HUD computer screen. The strap, with integrated snorkel mount, is secure and comfortable.
scubapro.com | $185
 

SHERWOOD SCOPE SLIM  

Like the original Scope mask, the Scope Slim borrows design cues from the snow slopes: a goggle-like frameless mask with a comfortable elastic strap and unhindered field of view. But the Scope Slim comes in a slightly smaller shape for divers with a narrower face. The strap won’t tangle even long hair, and has a loop for quick snorkel mounting.
sherwoodscuba.com | $115
 

 

TUSA M1003 FREEDOM ELITE

The Freedom Elite features a specially molded skirt with a round cross section on the outer edge where it seals on the skin, creating a low-pressure soft fit for a comfortable, dry seal. The strap has an anatomically curved split section that sits easily on the back of the head for secure comfort. The wide tempered-glass lens provides a superior field of view.
tusa.com |$80   

 

TUSA M211 FREEDOM ONE  

The Freedom One introduced Tusa’s design philosophy that enhances the fit and performance of the skirt by allowing it to sit smoothly and comfort- ably on the face. The 3D strap contours to the head shape, and the low-profile buckle is streamlined and easy to adjust. The teardrop-shaped lenses offer a wide view and are treated to block harmful UV rays.
tusa.com | $89    

TUSA M2001S PARAGON  

The Tri-Mix frame of the Paragon sandwiches an internal metal crossbeam between polycarbonate and a polyurethane exterior for a tough but light- weight design. The angle strap adjustor has five adjustment points for precise placement, and the soft skirt has alternately dimpled and reinforced areas to soften and stiffen for the best fit.
tusa.com | $200
 

TUSA M1007S PARAGON S  

The new Paragon S brings the comfort, performance and advanced features of the Paragon mask to a single-lens design. Incorporating the strong, lightweight triple-layer frame and special fit technology that adds strength to the skirt for durability, the Paragon S has a wide UV 420 lens that blocks harmful rays and provides an unobstructed view.
tusa.com | $200
  

OTS SPECTRUM FULL-FACE MASK  

This full-face mask can be used with a variety of regulators, allowing most divers to hook it up to their existing reg. The double seal provides a dry, com- fortable fit, and the soft nose pocket makes for easy equalization. You can upgrade the mask with several accessories, including an ambient breathing valve, OTS’s underwater communication system, and accessory brackets for lights and cameras.  
oceantechnologysystems.com | $409
  

 

Text and photos originally appeared in the March 2020 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.