The greatest freediving masks can have a number of issues in widespread, and this text will break down all of them!
If you’re on the hunt for one of the best freediving masks to take in your underwater adventures, hold studying to seek out out why you want a freediving masks, what to search for, and the ten greatest freediving masks accessible at this time.
Best Freediving Mask: Comparison
Scuba Diving Masks vs Freediving Masks
While intuitively it’s possible you’ll assume {that a} scuba diving masks and a freediving masks are the identical (they certain look related), there are literally some key variations that set freediving masks aside and makes them a extra sensible choice for the game.
The fundamental characteristic that units freediving masks aside is that they’re designed to have an additional low inner quantity. While this may increasingly appear to be mumbo jumbo, that is truly big in terms of staying protected and comfy underwater.
Low quantity masks (also called micro masks or low profile) sit nearer to your face and are sometimes 100ml or much less.
While descending throughout a freedive, you’ll need to equalize the strain in your masks. Since you’re diving on a single breath, it’s vital to make use of as little of your valuable air as potential to do that. With low quantity masks, you’ll want considerably much less air to equalize the strain than you’d with a scuba masks, which is why it’s beneficial to purchase a masks particularly made for freediving.
At this level you is perhaps considering “well, what happens if I do use a scuba diving mask for freediving?” Well, you run the danger of masks squeeze, which occurs when you may’t equalize in the best manner. Mask squeeze creates a vacuum in your face and might pop the blood vessels in your eyes… No thanks! This is the primary motive why we advocate investing in a freediving masks, even should you’re on the fence about it.
Another big perk of freediving masks over scuba diving masks is that many are designed to cut back drag within the water. When you’re scuba diving with an oxygen tank and a ton of substances, masks drag will likely be near unnoticeable. However, if you’re freediving, this is usually a big issue contributing to your efficiency.
In most instances, freediving masks will likely be extra streamlined than scuba diving masks, with a superb visual field.
10 Best Freediving Masks
To assist you to discover one of the best freediving masks to your adventures, right here’s a whole spherical up of the ten prime choices available on the market at this time.
Best Overall: AquaLung MicroMask
Features: Ultra low inner quantity | Compact form | Cardanic Joint Buckles | High grade silicon | Lenses in ocular orbit for big discipline of view
When it involves one of the best freediving masks, the AquaLung MicroMask is a really robust contender. Well revered by freedivers and spearfishers alike, this low quantity masks will hold you comfy within the water on even the longest days.
Thanks to the extremely low inner quantity, you’ll haven’t any downside equalizing whereas underwater, and the tremendous tender silicon will keep comfortable in your face with out getting too tight, and can hold from leaking.
If you’re frightened about masks drag, the MicroMask combats this with a compact form, and the twin teardrop formed lenses that sit near your face enable for an unparalleled discipline of view.
An enormous draw to this masks is it suits all kinds of face shapes with out sacrificing on consolation or seal. Both bigger males and smaller girls report a cosy match, no matter drastically completely different face sizes, which is a big plus within the masks world.
It’s additionally totally adjustable with rotating jointed masks buckles and has a push button launch system so you may make fast fixes with ease underwater. Plus, the vary of colours makes it enjoyable to customise this masks to match the remainder of your gear or private desire.
Mares X-Vision LiquidSkin
Features: Patented liquid pores and skin expertise | Star masks lens & skirt form | 2 varieties of silicon (agency & tender) | Ergonomic buckles | Tempered glass
If you’re frightened about masks fatigue, you shouldn’t have any downside staying comfy in the Mares Liquid Skin masks. This freediving masks makes use of patented expertise to make sure a clean match towards your face.
It truly makes use of two various kinds of silicon to create a match that’s 45% softer than the opposite masks available on the market. One sort of silicon is used to construct the extra inflexible construction of the masks, whereas the second sort is designed to be softer for pores and skin contact.
Beyond simply creating a cushty match, this silicon design and ergonomic buckles makes the masks extremely adjustable to swimsuit anybody and everybody in search of one of the best freediving masks.
This masks has a particularly low inner quantity and can sit fairly near your face, making it easy and painless to equalize with a tiny little bit of air. The visual field is sort of first rate, and is unobstructed because of the specifically designed skirt form.
Best for a Narrow Fit: Cressi Nano
Features: Extremely low inner quantity | Dual body expertise | Inclined & inverted tear-drop lenses | Anchored buckles for stability
This nano masks lives as much as its title because it’s a compact mannequin that may sit fairly near your face. It’s designed with freediving in thoughts and has one of many lowest inner volumes available on the market, so that you gained’t need to battle to equalize or clear it.
Another motive why that is among the many greatest freediving masks is the visual field. Not solely are the lenses tremendous near your face, however the exaggerated teardrop form will increase downward visibility whereas sustaining a strong seal.
If you’ve a smaller face and battle to discover a comfortable match, that is the masks for you because it’s barely extra slim than different diving masks. That being stated, it’s additionally extremely adjustable with the anchored buckles, so it could actually simply accommodate completely different dimension faces.
All in all, Cressi is a extremely respected model in terms of snorkel and dive gear, and make merchandise that gained’t allow you to down. If you want much more convincing, this freediving masks is available in a number of colours, as nicely.
Best Horizontal Field of View: Aqualung Sphera X
Features: 180° panoramic imaginative and prescient | Plexisol lenses w/ UV safety | Advanced match expertise | Innovative strap form
All hail the Aqualung Sphera X, the most recent installment within the Aqualung Sphera household. This is the latest version of this masks and has many welcome enhancements from the final mannequin. Butt first, the fundamentals.
This choose checks all of the containers in terms of one of the best freediving masks. It has a low quantity design with a 180° discipline of view because of the curved lenses. The solely draw back is the lenses are designed for horizontal viewing, and go away a bit of to be desired in terms of downward visibility.
But it’s additionally been refined to the purpose the place it’s practically an ideal masks. Compared to the usual Aqualung Sphera (fairly than the X), this upgraded masks is less complicated to placed on because of the bigger adjustable strap, and seals higher too, as a result of thinner and extra pliable silicon.
It’s appropriate for a variety of faces, regardless of the dimensions, and is sort of fairly priced, even for freedivers on a price range.
Best for Various Face Sizes: Mares X-Free Mask
Features: Extremely low inner quantity | Lightweight matte end | Hydrodynamic design to cut back drag | Ergonomic masks strap | Embossed grip on nostril
Another prime quality freediving masks from Mares, this choose leaves nothing to be desired. It’s tremendous low quantity (80ml) and might be equalized with a bit of pinch, so that you gained’t have to fret about masks squeeze whereas underwater.
This light-weight freediving masks is streamlined with tempered glass to cut back drag within the water. It additionally includes a matte end to maintain from scaring away any marine life it’s possible you’ll come throughout.
You’ll discover this masks will match a large face simply in addition to it can a skinny face and the skirt makes use of new silicon expertise to maintain it from leaking or fogging. It’s even appropriate for males with moustaches, should you aren’t eager on a shave earlier than your dive!
And what’s extra, the aggressive pricing makes this masks accessible, even should you’re not essentially the most skilled freediver. Great for novices and superior divers alike, the Mares X-Free is unquestionably top-of-the-line freediving masks on the market.
Best for Easy Equalization: Salvimar Noah
Features: Multiple coloration choices | Hypoallergenic silicon | Tempered glass lenses | Micrometrically adjustable strap
This little masks packs an enormous punch and continuously seems on lists of one of the best freediving masks for good motive. Whether you’re simply studying to freedive or are already an professional, this masks will serve you nicely at this time and for a few years to come back.
As quickly as you get your arms on this masks, you’ll perceive why it’s so nicely cherished. The hypoallergenic silicon is tender and buttery, assured to take a seat comfortably in your face.
While the sturdy tempered glass lens is tear formed and break up in two, it’s truly a single lens with a bridge within the center that may sit comfortably simply above your nostril whereas within the water.
There’s shut consideration to element with this masks building. Take the nostril piece for instance, which is extra textured than the remainder of the silicon. This is so you will get a superb grip whereas equalizing this already low quantity masks (94ml).
This is outwardly one of the vital comfy masks floating round as of late and that’s solely accentuated by the extremely adjustable buckles and glorious discipline of view.
Best Field of View: Scubapro Spectra Low Volume 2 Window Mask
Features: Multiple coloration choices | Dual lens design with tempered glass | Push-button buckles | EZ Equalize nostril pocket | Mirrored lens choices
Holy moly will you have a look at the lenses on this factor! A freediving masks with an unbelievable discipline of view, these teardrop formed, tempered glass lenses and low profile design will make sure you don’t miss something in your dive.
You’ll haven’t any downside equalizing this low quantity masks, that’s designed to suit an enormous number of divers. With push button buckles that regulate with ease, this masks will snugly hug your face and guarantee it doesn’t leak or fog up.
And should you’ve tried a number of masks and leaks are an actual concern, you may relaxation assured that this masks is designed to face up to water, because of the double-sealed silicon skirt. It’s been reported that the skirt isn’t essentially the most comfy, however does the trick. The nostril pocket can also be a bit bigger than on different masks, which is one thing to remember.
It is available in quite a lot of coloration selections and in addition has a mirrored lens choice should you’re involved about glare underwater.
Best for Beginners: Kraken Aquatics Freediving Mask
Features: Double lens design with tempered glass | Flexible silicon for comfy match | Easily adjustable button | Storage case included
A stand out newbie choice, this Kraken Aquatics freediving masks is a strong choose should you’re simply studying the game and wish a top quality masks with out shelling out tons of money.
It covers all the bases in terms of a superb freediving masks with a really low inner quantity and extensive discipline of view with the double lens design. Forget plastic lenses, with this masks you get tempered glass, which can resist shattering or scratching in your adventures. Plus, it gained’t go yellow after tons of use!
You shouldn’t have many issues in terms of this masks leaking, although previous reviewers state that you probably have some facial hair, it is probably not a really tight seal. But it’s simple to regulate the masks to your consolation with the anchored buckle and as long as you deal with the lenses correctly, you shouldn’t have any points with it fogging up.
Many lists of greatest freediving masks will listing the Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Dive Mask, which is a superb all-rounder, nonetheless, we really feel this selection is rather more suited to freediving because of its design.
Best for True Colors & Shallow Dives: SeaDive Oceanways Superview-HD
Features: High definition single lens w/ TrueColoration | Extra extensive discipline of view | Soft silicon skirt | Teardrop formed body
If you’re freediving to expertise the magic of the underwater world, this masks is a primary contender.
With a single, TrueColoration lens, this masks is designed to point out you the colours crimson and yellow that are misplaced the additional you dive. This additionally significantly helps with depth notion, permitting you to see clearly outlined objects when you discover, and offsets glare, too. And because it’s a single lens, you gained’t have a tough bridge urgent into your nostril.
Though it’s categorized as a low quantity masks, it’s not as low quantity as another choices on this listing. That being stated, it’s extra geared in the direction of newbie freedivers who aren’t going too deep or scuba divers who gained’t have to equalize with as little air as potential.
It’s nonetheless value consideration because of the additional extensive visual field and tremendous tender silicon skirt for an ideal match each time.
Past reviewers state that this masks doesn’t leak, even with a bigger face form, and girls can rejoice as your hair gained’t get caught or pulled within the clean strap. Sounds like a winner in our books!
Best Budget Mask: Scuba Choice Low Volume Mask
Features: Dual tempered glass lenses | Narrow match | Highly adjustable strap | Best for novices
And lastly, if you wish to merely attempt your hand at freediving with out committing to costly gear, this extremely price range freediving masks will do in a pinch.
It’s categorized as low quantity and positively works for freediving, however could not sit as near your face as different low quantity fashions. That being stated, it’s definitely the least costly masks of its variety available on the market and can carry out fantastically within the shallows.
Divers who’ve used costly masks declare that the Scuba Choice mannequin outshines all of them. Perhaps not within the low quantity division, however positively when it comes to consolation and match with a silicon skirt and extremely adjustable strap.
There are twin tempered glass lenses that present a reasonably first rate discipline of view. But the one annoying factor is that the tempered glass label sits on the prime of the lens and might get in the best way should you’re making an attempt to realize the right match.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Freediving Gear for All Levels [2023 Edition]
How to Choose the Best Freediving Mask
When it comes to picking one of the best freediving masks, there are some things to look out for:
Low Volume
The first and most vital high quality in any freediving masks is low inner quantity. I’ve lined why that is vital all through the article, however simply as a refresher, low quantity masks are important for freediving as a result of they take a lot much less air to equalize than a standard dive masks.
This lets you preserve your single breath, and for the reason that low inner quantity holds much less air, you’ll have a lower in buoyancy pulling you in the direction of the floor.
Fit
A great becoming masks is vital to an fulfilling day within the water. The last item you need is to consistently be tugging and pulling at your masks, readjusting it to get the best match.
You’ll wish to discover a masks that may match snugly towards your face with out squeezing or feeling too tight or restrictive. It shouldn’t weigh you down in any manner, and the fabric needs to be tender in your pores and skin, fairly than pinching.
If you wish to see whether or not a masks suits you accurately or not, maintain it as much as your face (with out placing the straps on) and take a small breath in. If the masks suctions towards your face with out letting any air out, this can be a masks that matches.
You must also be certain that the nostril pocket isn’t too massive, which can make it tough to equalize, or not too small, which can create leaks.
Most masks are designed to suit quite a lot of face styles and sizes because of the silicon skirt, nevertheless it helps to decide on one which’s extremely adjustable. The solely time you’ll actually run into issues is you probably have facial hair, wherein case you’ll desire a masks that has a bit of further room to accommodate for this with out leaking.
Material
The materials of your masks straight corresponds to its consolation and sturdiness. The masks that may really feel greatest towards your face are sometimes crafted from tender, high-quality silicon. You’ll additionally discover masks with a extra inflexible silicon, which gained’t be as comfy.
Also take note of the fabric of your lens. The greatest is tempered glass which doesn’t scratch or shatter, and is constructed for sturdiness. You ought to keep away from masks with plastic lenses which run the danger of bursting from strain.
Lens
While we’re on the subject of lenses, you’ll usually come throughout masks with a single lens or double lenses.
But first, let’s bear in mind we’re speaking about low quantity masks right here, which sit a lot nearer to your eyes than conventional scuba diving masks.
For this motive, many freedivers go for masks with twin lenses because it’s practically not possible to sense the bridge between the 2. Dual lenses on freediving masks additionally are likely to have a teardrop form, which provides you superior downward visibility, which is very helpful for checking your dive laptop or what’s beneath you with out transferring your head.
However, there are nonetheless loads of freediving masks with a single lens. It simply boils down to non-public desire.
A final consideration are mirrored lenses. While these are rising in recognition in recent times, in terms of freediving, it’s greatest to stay to clear lenses so you may preserve nonverbal communication together with your buddy.
With mirrored lenses, it’s laborious to learn facial expressions or sense indicators of misery. Our recommendation is to play it protected and follow a see-through pair.
Freediving Mask FAQs
If you continue to have some extra questions on freediving masks, take a look at these FAQs.
In basic, Cressi and Mares are extremely respected manufacturers in terms of freediving masks and diving gear generally. However, you gained’t go mistaken with any of the masks on this listing.
st and foremost, the primary ability wanted for freediving is the power to carry your breath for an prolonged time frame. You can develop this by way of cautious follow and the correct breath holding strategies.
Other obligatory abilities embrace a deep consciousness of your physique and thoughts, equalize underwater, diving security, and preserve oxygen underwater.
The greatest approach to develop these abilities is thru a delegated freediving course.
You can truly discover wonderful freediving all around the world! But there are big scorching spots for it in locations the place there’s an abundance of marine life and heat waters, like Southeast Asia, Australia, Egypt, and the Gulf of Mexico.
There ya have it, all the pieces it’s essential to learn about freediving masks and one of the best choices should you’re seeking to buy one. Hopefully, this information introduced you one step nearer to a primary piece of substances to your freediving stock.
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