Why do we go underwater? For some it’s the adventure, for others the sensation of weightlessness, but for nearly all the reason includes seeing some really cool stuff. That’s why the mask is such a critical part of a diver’s rig. A good mask provides so much field of view, fits so comfortably and works so well, you forget it’s even there. On the other hand, a bad mask hurts your face, fogs up and fills with water every six seconds. Perhaps more than any other piece of gear, a mask can make the difference between an unforgettable dive experience and 45 minutes of underwater torture. You’d think that after more than a half-century of mask development manufacturers would be running out of new ideas. But much to the glee of divers everywhere, each year we’re introduced to new lens shapes, softer skirt materials and more innovative buckle systems. We called on mask manufacturers to send us their freshest models; we received 18 new or improved designs. After checking out each mask in the ScubaLab shop, noting materials, design features and how the buckle systems worked, we took them into our test pool to measure their field of view, both vertically and horizontally. We then set out to dive each mask to see how well they fit, felt and behaved in the real world. We’ve divided our findings into three categories by mask type: single-window, dual-window, and three- and four-window.

Aqua Lung Infinity

Specifications

The Infinity offers about the same horizontal view out its front windows as many two-window masks, but then adds some peripheral vision that really pops. Although the distortion zone is large — about 55 degrees — once you pass that your peripheral vision stretches out to 150 degrees, the widest field of view in this review. Downward view is also above average due to the V-shaped front windows. A wide, webbed strap secures to Cardanic Joint push-button buckles that adjust easily and swivel in all directions to match strap angle, plus fold flat for packing.