Not all scuba masks are the same, and not all masks fit every face or the needs of every diver. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the various options available. That’s why I’m providing you with this list of the different types of scuba masks available on the market so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
Table of Contents
Parts of a Diving Mask
In order to understand the different types of scuba masks available on the market, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the various components that make up a scuba mask. This will make it easier to comprehend the following sections.
- Frame: It’s the component that connects all the parts of the mask. It surrounds the lenses and is like the frame of a pair of glasses. Nowadays, most frames are made of lightweight synthetic material or plastic, and some masks may not even have a frame.
- Lenses: They are made of tempered glass to prevent breakage and scratches.
- Nose Bridge: In masks with two lenses, this separates both lenses and keeps the front part of the mask rigid, similar to the bridge in traditional glasses.
- Skirt: This is the part responsible for creating a perfect seal between the mask and your face, preventing water from entering. It can be colored or transparent, although the transparent type may yellow over time.
- Nose Pocket: Made of silicone like the skirt, it provides enough space for your nose within the mask. Ensure that your nose fits comfortably without rubbing against the mask to prevent potential chafing. It’s essential for easy equalization during diving.
- Strap: This is the silicone strap that secures the mask to your head by encircling it.
- Clip: This piece is used to attach the strap to the mask and allows you to adjust its length, ensuring that the mask fits comfortably and securely.
Types of Scuba Masks
Two-Lens or Dual-Window Mask
This is the classic scuba mask with two lenses separated by a bridge and fitted within the ma
sk frame. The major advantage of this mask is that if you have vision problems and need prescription lenses to see things clearly, this type of scuba mask can be easily customized. That’s why Juan and I have them. Juan’s mask is the Mares X-Vision Liquid Skin, and mine is the Tusa M-212, and I’m very happy with them, especially with the convenient clip system for easy mask adjustment.
It’s the most widespread model on the market, so you’ll have a wide variety of models to choose from and a higher chance of finding one that fits your face perfectly. Additionally, the space between the lens and your eyes is relatively small, making equalization very comfortable and straightforward.
Masks with Expanded Field of Vision
These are two-lens masks with a modified lens shape, elongating it at the lower sides, creating a tear-like shape. The idea is to broaden the field of vision, enhancing the enjoyment of dives. Due to their shape, these masks have a larger air volume inside compared to a regular two-lens mask.
Single-Lens or One-Window Masks
In recent years, several models of masks with a single lens or one window have emerged. Instead of having two lenses connected by a bridge, they feature only one lens, eliminating the bridge. The mask’s edge is much smaller and directly joins the silicone, making them lighter for travel with your diving gear.
One of the main advantages is that the field of vision is slightly larger, as the mask’s bridge is eliminated. This has made it one of the most popular types of scuba masks, especially in the world of underwater photography, as they are visually more appealing when photographing divers.
These types of scuba masks are more challenging to customize, so if you typically wear prescription glasses, they might not be the best scuba mask for you.
Frameless Scuba Mask
Among single-lens masks, there are frameless masks. They are not entirely without a frame, as there needs to be some way to connect the lenses to the rest of the mask. However, the frame is minimal, significantly increasing the field of vision. The frame is made directly from the silicone skirt, reducing the air volume inside the mask by minimizing the distance between the lens and your face. This is why they are popular among technical divers. Additionally, due to their reduced weight, they are ideal for traveling.
Apnea or Freediving Masks
Although it may seem that the same masks are used for both diving and apnea, it’s essential to understand that the requirements for each specialization are different. Therefore, it’s not surprising that there are masks designed specifically for freediving enthusiasts.
This type of scuba mask has a very narrow profile with a short skirt, which means the distance between the lenses and the face is minimal. With less air volume inside the mask, it’s easier to equalize, making it highly useful for freediving. However, this doesn’t mean they are exclusively for freediving and cannot be used for conventional diving; in fact, they can be used for all types of dives.
Diving mask with GoPro mount or integrated visor
There is a type of diving mask that has a built-in support to attach the GoPro. It is not a very common type of mask, but there are options on the market from Cressi or Seac .
It is not a model that I like very much, but because I personally prefer to carry the GoPro in my hand so I can only record what interests me and focus on it better. But if you like to record the entire dive as you see it, it is an ideal model to avoid having to buy and carry other types of adapters.
Diving masks with polarized or mirrored lenses
There are also diving masks on the market with tinted or polarized lenses, also called mirrored lenses. They are useful to correct the loss of colors that occurs as we descend underwater, so that it is seen with more defined colors. They are also useful to avoid solar radiation when you are on the surface. However, keep in mind that being polarized they can cause some reflections underwater that can attract the attention of fish.
Retro diving masks
If you like retro style and are nostalgic for that mythical mask with which the great Jacques Cousteau posed for the camera before diving into the ocean, don’t worry. Because the French diving brand Beuchat has created a model inspired by that iconic diving mask .
Masks with window or side view
The lens of this type of mask is enlarged on the side of the mask, making a kind of corners on the sides, so that it widens the angle of vision while you use it. It is as if it had a pair of side windows that will allow you to see what is on the sides, without having to turn your head.
Diving masks with ear protector
This type of diving masks incorporate a hearing protection system as if they were headphones or earmuffs. They look a little strange, but the main idea is to prevent water from entering the ears in order to avoid possible infections or compensation problems. And don’t worry because if you get water or need to compensate your ears, it has a tube that connects the front of the mask to the ears, so you can compensate and expel the water from the mask without problems.
It is not a very widespread type of diving mask, but there are models like the IST ProEar , which can be purchased for a fairly reasonable price. So if you usually have problems with your ears, this type of mask may be your salvation so you never miss a dive again.
