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.

Aeris Duo

Specifications

While the Duo doesn’t quite deliver an “extraordinary” field of view as Aeris claims, it nonetheless provides above-average horizontal vision. The downward view is very good too, which is always a plus when searching for BC pocket flaps or gauge consoles clipped to your belt. The skirt comes only in black silicone, but it’s soft and comfortable and makes a good seal on the face. A very wide split strap positions the mask comfortably on your head, and there’s an additional finger loop, like those found on fin straps, for carrying the mask around. Buckles rotate vertically to maximize strap routing.