Whats more, you dont need heaps of complicated, expensive gear just grab your mask, fins, and snorkel and youre good to go! Another mask ideal for larger faces, the Ocean Owl features sizable seals. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us for more information. Black masks will limit this light and make it easier to see, which many prefer. On top of that, the 3D strap itself has been designed to gently hug the back of the head to reduce pressure as well as to prevent annoying slips. As a frameless mask, this option is low-profile and easy to carry. On top of that, some of the more expensive masks use tempered glass with special properties that can reduce distortion and even prevent fogging. The skirt of a mask is the material around the frame or lens that attaches to your face. Non-slip strap with easy adjustable buckle. The wide number of colors helps make the Scubapro Spectra a customizable option, Beginners will enjoy the push-button buckles and comfortable silicone skirt as well, Mirrored lens option gives divers a glare-free diving experience, High price, especially for a beginner-focused mask, Many reviews state that long-term use can become uncomfortable, Without the proper treatment, many also feel the Scubapro fogs up a bit too quickly, The pano 4 features a four-lens panoramic design for maximum light and great field-of-view with. LOW: Low-volume masks have less air inside them than high-volume masks. Crystal clear double sealed silicone skirt for superior fit and comfort. If youre after a mask that can survive being knocked around in a suitcase, on a boat, or en route to your favorite snorkel spot, then youre in luck the Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens has to be one of the most durable snorkel masks out there! The SeaDive Eagleye is a strong, rugged mask that can withstand the elements for an entire days use. There are full face snorkel masks, diving masks, snorkeling goggles, and other things that we have to consider. cressi is an italian brand pioneer in scub, The simplicity of this choice is a great place for beginners to start, A high-quality silicone skirt helps to keep water out and the view clear, along with the single lens window, Easily adjustable straps make the Cressi F1 as simple to adjust as possible, Simplicity comes at a trade-off, meaning that there isnt much to make this mask more impressive than others, Comes only with a mask, meaning beginners will need to make several more purchases to get started, The frameless form makes it more difficult for divers with facial hair to use. Plus, fullface masks are heavier, harder to pack, and typically more expensive than ordinary masks. Featuring double-sealed silicone, this mask is built for comfort. Experts can enjoy this Cressi mask for a casual day out, while beginners can benefit from the ease of use as they learn snorkeling. First and foremost, you need your snorkel mask to fit you properly. It also features not a single lens as the F1 does, but four lenses for a deep field-of-view. The Aqua Lung MicroMask is our top pick for snorkelers that like to dive down and get up close and personal with marine life. Although we like that the buckles fold down completely flat, making this a travel-friendly option (as far as framed masks go), we wish the buckles were a tad easier to operate we probably wouldnt recommend this mask for a total beginner. Overall, its a strong contender for the best snorkel mask, especially for full face snorkel mask lovers. Snorkeling is an awesome sport thats soared in popularity in recent years. Featuring a single tempered glass lens, the Eagleye also features a fog-resistant coating. In this review we look at the best snorkel masks because theres nothing worse than missing that dolphin because you were fiddling with your mask! The buckles on most framed masks now link to the skirt of the mask rather than the frame, so the buckles can be folded pretty much flat against the lens, making framed masks more portable than they used to be. This mask features an extremely compact design (the clue is in the name really! With so many people enjoying these sports, its important to look into snorkel gear. If your mask fits properly, the next step is to ensure that the skirt wont leak. Most competing masks will offer more features. The smaller size also means they create less drag which, combined with either low volume, is why theyre the go-to mask type for freedivers. Though it may seem more complicated, this mask is also a strong option for beginners. Snorkelers spend far more time on the surface of the water than scuba divers, so its a good idea to consider lenses with anti-glare coatings to protect your eyes, especially if youll be snorkeling in the sunshine. In absolutely no way do these affiliate programs influence our recommendations we value and respect our readers, and our reputation which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased reviews. And speaking of years, this mask is also incredibly durable, despite being one of the most affordable masks on the market. Read more, Terms Of Service Privacy Policy Cookies Policy. Struggling to find a mask that fits your broad face or large nose? This mask also doesnt offer many of the same features that other high-end masks will. The flexible material, mixed with a double feathered design, means that the skirt will mold to your face shape to form an almost impenetrable seal, so you can say goodbye to pesky leaks. This means that we may receive a small commission if you make purchases through those links. Check for tears, holes, or uneven areas around the edge of the skirt to make sure it can hold a proper seal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The ScubaMax Abaco Oversize is great for those of us that struggle with a fit. MATERIALS: Shatterproof tempered glass, silicone, SKIRT SEAL: Texture silicone bands (black and clear models available), PROS: Super low volume, great field of view, doubles up as an awesome freediving mask, CONS: Expensive, not ideal for broad faces or large noses. If you cant adjust your mask, it might prove difficult to get the soft silicone to seal and keep out water. tempered glass lens. This is one generous mask when it comes to overall space, so you wont find the edge of the mask pressing on the corners of your eyes, obstructing your views, and causing irritating leaks what a win. If the silicone skirt doesnt seal or the tempered glass is fragile enough to break easily, you wont want the mask for long. MATERIALS: Silicone, Saint-Gobain DIAMANT glass, PROS: High-quality glass provides great optics, wide field of view, easy to clear, portable. This can help you see the pros and cons of each to your personal taste rather than what others are telling you. Alternatively, framed masks are sturdier and can be taken apart for cleaning and maintenance. Thinner skirts are generally more comfortable and will mold to the shape of your face more easily, but theyre more prone to tears than thicker skirts. but, if youre after a robust snorkel mask that you can take with you on your adventures for years to come, you wont be disappointed with the Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens. It features easy adjusting buckles for convenience, and an easy-access nose pocket for equalization. We also love how easy the buckles are to use too in fact, you wont have any trouble using them even if youre wearing gloves, so this is an awesome mask for anyone brave enough to snorkel in cooler water. The mask is available in three different sizes (S, M, and L), so you can make sure you get the perfect fit but remember that these are sturdy masks and larger than regular snorkel masks, which can be a pain if space in your suitcase is tight. Whether you are in desperate need of knowing how to use certain scuba diving gear, are looking to replace a damaged one, or are simply looking to upgrade to the latest option, there is something for you here. So, how do you know which mask is right for you? Rigged and a bit more complex, the Synergy suits divers with experience better than those still learning. Most skirts are made of soft silicone or rubber. This also means that strap is less likely to snap, and the adjustment system is super easy to use too. Despite being the same brand, there are some important differences between this and the Cressi F1. To find the right lens, you may want to try out several different types. If youre really struggling, you could always consider going for a full-faced mask instead. On top of that, unlike regular masks, fullface masks have integrated snorkels, and this one is angled just right to reduce water intake even when youre splashing around. A purge valve also helps to keep everything clear, providing a pleasant diving experience all around. Adjustability also helps with accessibility, especially for larger divers. They also make some people feel more protected, and some people even prefer to view the underwater world through a slight border ultimately, the choice will come down to personal preference (and dont forget, you can always go in the middle with a medium volume mask too). JUMP TO: HOLLIS M1 / CRESSI F1 / WILDHORN OUTFITTERS SEAVIEW / TUSA FREEDOM ELITE HD SNORKEL MASK / AQUA LUNG MICROMASK / SCUBAPRO SYNERGY TWIN TRUFIT / AQUA LUNG TEKNIKA DOUBLE LENS / ATOMIC AQUATICS SUBFRAME / BUYING ADVICE, Best Fullface: Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180, Best for Broad Faces: TUSA Freedom Elite HD Snorkel Mask, Best for Comfort: Scubapro Synergy Twin Trufit, Best for Traveling: Aqua Lung Teknika Double Lens Dive Mask. Without a strong, reliable build, your mask can prove useless within seconds. Ultimately, this comes down to your personal taste, though there are notable differences. As a traditional mask, it offers little extra other than being well made for larger people. the duke & bonete kit is made in chi, The X-cross straps are extremely comfortable even when use lasts for hours, Fogging rarely affects this mask, and the nose pocket is nearly luxurious in comparison to others, As far as full face snorkel mask options go, the price competes heavily with even high-end pieces, At its size, this mask isnt great on portability or a low profile, A bit complicated for beginners, making it tough to use as your first mask, While the water draining valve removes water entering the mask, some reviews state that it works too slowly to feel effective, No fogging natural breathing through mouth or nose, The breathing tube working as a dry top snorkel makes diving down a breeze, Being usable with snorkeling fins can make depths even more achievable, As far as a full face snorkel mask goes, this is great for beginners and experts alike, Some reviews claim that the snorkel doesnt always work on keeping water out, Others feel the fit isnt as secure as advertised, Reviews claim that the snorkel isnt as long as they would like. The design might not be to everyones taste (those bolts are a tad intimidating!) The additional windows are found at the side of the mask, and they extend the wearers peripheral vision as well as letting more light in. Flowtech advanced air intake system- breathe naturally and comfortably through your nose and mouth, Frameless masks are loved by many divers for their low-profile and ability to fold flat for easy car, Cressis frameless design bonds a high-grade silicone skirt directly to a single lens for the ultimat. This is the most important part of getting a good seal, making the skirt a crucial part. A step above the ScubaPro Solo is the synergy. However, they wont eliminate blind spots completely, and the distortion makes some divers feel uneasy. Plus, the lack of a center piece leaves your view wide open without obstruction. Importantly, this adds no cost to our readers, yet helps us to keep doing what we love. The nose pocket especially has a great deal of room, with the design highlighting a wide breathing area around the nose and mouth. A wide field of view helps provide an incredible viewing experience and emphasizes peripheral vision, Larger individuals will enjoy their easier and better-sealed fit with this mask, A wide array of colors helps customize your snorkeling set as well, Many larger individuals may still struggle without the proper size and prefer a full face mask instead, While the fit is better, some customers state the nose pocket poses an issue. Although we wouldnt recommend this mask for anyone with a particularly narrow face (youll probably get some leaks), it has plenty to offer snorkelers with larger features! Typically, people want to avoid masks that are too small. Available in three fits, this mask suits every face from children to grown, large adults. The lenses are held in place by a sturdy steel retainer, so you can rest assured that this is one robust mask overall. Main skirt offers a thin and soft silicone material for the best possible fit, seal and comfort agai, Trufit technology can be identified by its unique ribbing texture. Your use heavily impacts which is the best, so think about your situation before you buy. Disclosure: Ultimate Gear Lists participates in affiliate marketing programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. But with so many snorkel masks on the market these days, finding the one can be a daunting task. Finally, the design of this mask lets you breathe through both your mouth and nose for a truly natural breathing experience. Our third contender is a second Cressi option, available in black, lime, yellow, and orange. Personally, Im a big fan of frameless masks, but it really is a matter of personal preference. If you find yourself asking these kinds of questions, then be sure to check out our buying advice at the bottom of the article. However, you may struggle to create a good seal with your mask, especially on larger or coarser beards. FRAMES: Masks lacking frames are generally more flexible, which gives them leeway to mold to the shape of your face. This low profile also helps it pair well with snorkel fins, as bulk wont become an issue at higher speeds. These programs are designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites. Still, if you wear glasses or contacts, you may want a prescription lens or a corrective lens mask, which may narrow down your options. High profile mask as a result of multiple lenses, The skirt can let water in due to the style of bonding, especially for divers with facial hair, Simple rubber straps offer little support or customizability. GLASS: Your typical snorkel mask will be constructed from tempered glass, which is designed to absorb shock on impact and is relatively shatter proof. All Rights Reserved, Buying Guide: How to Choose a Snorkel Mask, Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Dive Mask, Cressi Pano 4 Wide Multi-Lens View Snorkeling Mask, SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD Mask with Purge, ScubaMax Abaco Oversize Single Lens Dive Mask, HEAD Sea VU Dry Full Face Snorkeling Mask. These can feel cramped, be uncomfortable or even painful, and cut off blood circulation. Cheaper masks may use plastic instead. You might have heard tales of fullfaced masks not providing enough fresh air, but fear not the dual chambers and multiple intake valves of the Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180 ensure awesome airflow and keep CO2 levels within safe limits. Easy to adjust, push-button buckles help even first-timers learn how to use their mask. Different uses and preferences will likely have different bests. With so many amazing options, its tough to know how to pick! Whether youre looking to get into scuba diving, or are already trained, there are plenty of options available to start or advance your diving education. The most common material for lenses is tempered glass. FULLFACE: Fullface masks have heaps of advantages over traditional snorkel masks less of your face gets wet (this might seem odd, but its the reason why some beginners prefer them! But not only does the skirt provide an awesome seal, its also incredibly comfortable, and those of you without stubble will be amazed by how soft it feels. The lens type relates both to the style of the lens of the mask and the material its made with. As the name suggests, these masks cover the whole face. Mask straps are usually made of rubber, but there are fabric or cloth straps as well. Here are four vital things to look for when buying your diving mask, whether you pick a traditional snorkel mask or another form. If youre after a snorkeling mask that does it all, then look no further than the Hollis M1. Intuitive, travel-friendly, durable, and affordable whats not to love?! On the plus side, this makes them super easy to clear (because you dont need to breathe out as much fresh air to expel the air and water inside the mask). We love scuba diving just as much as you, and that is why we look to deliver the most informative and entertaining content we can. All lenses are tempered glass for the best clarity and lenses are joined in a special way to minimize, The pano 4 is designed in italy by cressi and made in taiwan. This size also comes with the benefit of a wide view and a double facial seal. While this mask might not be as portable as a frameless mask, the skirt and buckles can be folded flat to save you some precious suitcase space. When youre looking to make an investment into diving, you need the right gear. To find the best snorkel mask, we weighed a variety of qualities. Others may prefer a lens type that provides your full face mask with a wide view or a built-in snorkel to avoid using a silicone mouthpiece. ), you have unobstructed views, you can breathe through your nose, your snorkel wont fall off, and your make up will even stay put! But this isnt always possible and, these days, many of the best masks are only available online. But the comfort doesnt stop there the strap buckle can rotate up to 180 degrees, allowing for multiple configurations that accommodate various head shapes. So, here are a few things to keep an eye on when youre online shopping: SIZE: It might seem obvious, but the easiest thing to do if your face is particularly broad or narrow is check the dimensions of the mask youre looking at. They also create less drag because they dont extend as far from your face this is why freediving masks are always low volume masks. However, newbies to the sport will love the natural breathing, angled snorkel, panoramic views, and anti-fogging design! Learn what it takes to start scuba diving and getting into the sport. And its easy to why its great exercise, its fun for all ages, and it gives you a unique insight into the underwater world. These sports are especially popular in coastal areas such as California or Florida. Lenses are made from tempered glass for safety and long-term durability. It is made of 100 percent high quality silicone for comfort and longevity. Im keen to share all the info I learn along this journey with you! Oh, and this mask is available in heaps of different colors, which is great if you like to color-coordinate your gear. For the next three masks, we focused on finding masks that fit larger faces. Available at a low price, this is a fantastic option for beginners and casual enthusiasts. The nose area is a tad stiff at first, so be careful on your first few duck dives, but this improves with time, so I wouldnt let it put you off. However, this can let the sun into your eyes, obstructing views. Its a strong contender for the best snorkel mask for anyone still learning what theyre doing. Finally, the edge of the silicone skirt itself is rounded to reduce pressure even more and to prevent those annoying mask marks that ruin all your post-snorkel photos! If you arent diving far, a dry snorkel and a diving mask will likely work just fine. Moving out of our high-end masks, we have our first masks built specifically for those with larger faces. Unsurprisingly, this mask is great for freediving and scuba diving as well as snorkeling, so you wont have to lug around several masks if youre into various watersports. This single-pane mask lacks a frame and is constructed from super supple silicone that offers far more than just incredible comfort. theyre are ideal for travelers th, The duke is entirely designed and developed in italy by cressi. Some lenses work better if youre moving fast, such as while using swim fins. A larger scuba mask or full face masks are good options if your beard is getting in the way. While seemingly complex, this mask is amazing for beginners for its simple use. This is a fantastic option for scuba diving and can fit in with most snorkel sets as well. Mirrored lens option delivers a glare-free view of the underwater world. Another cool feature that we cant get enough of is the removable camera mount that lets you get some awesome footage without even using your hands. But if youre after a truly stress-free snorkeling experience then you dont want any old mask, you want one thats right for you trust us, theres nothing worse than missing that dolphin that swam past you because you were fiddling with your mask! This is uncomfortable but also can easily lead to leaks or difficulty getting a seal. This protruding frame, however, has made them popular among snorkelers who like some separation between themselves and their gear (reducing the feeling of claustrophobia). Our third Cressi option on the list is the brands full face mask option. Next up are three options that are on the higher end. So, to give you a helping hand, weve put together this list of the best snorkel masks around. Quick release swivel buckle allowing easy removal of strap and inclinations in various angles. And, of course, you need to make sure that its a good fit too. Buckle tabs are flexible, enabling the mask to be folded flat for traveling. Fullface masks have taken the marketplace by storm in recent years and, if youre new to snorkeling (or thinking about switching from a regular to fullface mask), then we definitely recommend the Wildhorn Outfitters Seaview 180. Home Gear 12 Best Snorkel Masks For 2022. Mustaches can also prevent a seal from forming. While there are countless options on the market, your snorkel mask is one of the most important things in your snorkeling gear loadout. In fact, this option is popular among hire-end diving gear enthusiasts. If you loved this gear review article, then you'll likely love reading our other snorkeling and diving related content: Im a keen hiker who is passionate about lightweight backpacking. Another thing to bear in the mind is the color clear skirts allow more light in and can boost peripheral vision, but darker skirts reduce glare (so they tend to be popular among photographers). Also, because the mask sits closer to your face, you generally get a wider field of view with low volume masks compared to high volume masks. So, once youve found the perfect position, you probably wont have to touch the straps for a few years! Whatever your preference, youre sure to find an excellent option for your best mask on this list. Some masks, like a full face snorkel mask, will have a large lens that covers the entire face. These will rarely last long as they may break or be outright unusable. Here are two of the most frequently asked questions in the diving community. If you want a prescription masks, but each eye needs a requires a different prescription, then a dual-lens mask is the only way to go. One thing that we have to tackle first is how many snorkeling masks there are. Designed and tested in the usa - the seaview 180 v2 snorkeling mask was created by our team of, Important sizing tips- full face snorkel mask adult sizing is important to get right. Some people also prefer to have a mask that sits further away from their face, so that they feel less claustrophobic, and this distance can also help with unusual face types. Whats more, thanks to the thinness, this seal easily conforms to the shape of almost any face, and its ribbed for added grip so you can say goodbye to leaks! Finally, we love that this mask is available in several sizes (regular, medium, and slim), so you can be sure to get the perfect fit. On top of that, unlike traditional masks, the Atomic Subframe boasts an incredibly durable internal frame (AKA the subframe) that sits below the silicone skirt and provides support while reducing the need for a bulky external frame what a win. A long, thick snorkeling tube helps make sure that youre getting proper airflow. cressi has been an italian brand pione. Arguably the most important factor is the material and durability. Only having two available colors can make options feel low. Our third mask for larger faces, this option focuses heavily on comfort. On top of that, the breathing chamber is separated from the eye area and features clever one-way valves, which means that you wont fog up your mask when you breathe out. To that end, we made sure that the masks on this list have a great field of view. One of the most important is that this mask is not frameless. Plus, the ultra-soft construction makes equalizing in this mask a walk in the park, so its a popular mask among snorkelers who love spending as much time below the water as they do on top of it! PROS: Fits broad faces and large noses, highly (and easily) adjustable, doubles up as a great scuba mask. will accommodate the mask mount for the new galileo hud hands-free dive, The double-seal provides a leak-proof diving experience and pairs well with a dry top snorkel, Rugged enough that a small GoPro mount could pair well with the Synergy, Built for comfort, you can use this for an entire day of diving with the right snorkel tube, High price, making it unfriendly to beginners or casual hobbyists, Can sometimes be difficult to find in stock unless ordering online, Comes with less than most other masks at a similar price point, The single lens provides an unobstructed field of view, This mask features more benefits than many other more simple models in the same price range, A purge valve, fog-resistant coating, and sun-blocking lens are all highly useful features, The Anti-UV and Anti-Glare coating make diving not just clearer but safer. HIGH: High volume masks have more air inside them, so they arent as easy to clear (although this is less important for snorkelers than it is for scuba divers), theyll create more drag when swimming, and your field of view will be slightly reduced compared to a low volume mask because the protruding frame will block some of your view. For our final three, full face snorkel masks are making an appearance. ), which minimizes drag as you dive down into the depths. The mask strap is one of the main features that decides whether your mask is comfortable or not. A dual-lens design helps the mask fit closer to the face and provides clear visuals. Note: painted finish may be damaged if cleaned with abrasive products. PROS: Unique skirt designed for comfort, fits most face types, good field of view despite frame, CONS: Expensive, frame limits portability, not ideal for beginners. Brett loves diving in any location, but favorites include Cozumel, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. Another amazing beginner-friendly option, the Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 has everything a diver needs. Low-profile design is great for packing and travel, Made from high-grade silicon: comfortable yet sturdy, Low internal volume means easy clearing and reduced drag, Lenses are made from tempered glass for safety and long-term durability. Well, we have good news the TUSA Freedom Elite might just be the perfect mask for you! Look into what sort of diving and snorkeling you intend to do to decide what sort of snorkeling mask youll want. THREE OR FOUR: Although not as common as one- and two-window masks, there are some masks out there with three or four windows. The tempered glass lens design is amazing for peripheral vision. But a word of warning to anyone with a particularly broad face or large nose this might not be the mask for you. Some people are simply used to traditional masks and dont like the feel of fullfaced masks. What Is Divers Ear & How Do You Treat It? We sometimes earn affiliate links when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Plus, the buckles hold very well, so once youve found your perfect fit, youll rarely have to faff around with them in the water. However, those of you with large noses beware the low internal volume and fairly small nose area might not accommodate you (sorry!). The first thing to understand is that the best snorkeling mask is the one that suits you. Dual colored frameless single-lens design for significantly increased field of vision. It also comes with a fabric strap to help with comfort, especially if the mask runs a bit tight. Frameless masks sit closer to your face, so youll get a better field of view and the volume is lower, so theyre easier to clear. Its soft and lightweight nature also makes this mask a great option for those who are lucky enough to travel frequently on their snorkeling endeavors. Its not the widest mask around and you might feel some pressure build up at the bridge of the nose if you have a broad nose. PROS: Shock-absorbing frame, nose area is slightly stiff at first, heavy-duty construction, folds flat, CONS: Not the most stylish mask, not as portable as a frameless mask. The nose pocket itself is nice and spacious too, and the single-pane design reduces pressure around the bridge of the nose, making this a super comfortable mask for people with large noses. Having said that, more experienced snorkelers will love how easy it is to equalize using the super squishy nose area, and mask clearing is a breeze too thanks to the low volume. These include higher costs, more features, or otherwise a higher quality mask. Finally, picking a lens type is a personal choice. These masks typically sport a large lens and a built-in snorkel. The movement of the buckles also makes them less likely to snap or tear in transit and, speaking of transit, the small overall design makes this a pretty portable mask, despite the frame.