Along with a pair of fins and snorkel, a dive mask is usually the first purchase a diver makes — our 2016 gear guide will help you find a mask that fits your type of face and style of diving.

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• UltraClear lens allows up to 96 percent of available light

This is one “wicked” mask. With eye-catching styling, a wide-view lens and a skirt that combines unbelievably soft “gummi bear” silicone for sealing against the face with firmer silicone for shape, the Venom redefines mask design.

$169.95; atomicaquatics.com

• Mask offers a comfortable seal for a watertight fit

The Passage mask frees up your hands since it records your dive on its own GoPro camera. The camera top mount is secure and adjustable; the dual-lens mask has a silicone skirt and four-way buckle system.

$29.99; bodyglove.com

• Stylish two-tone, paint-coated frame creates a sleek high-tech look

An expansive single-lens design feels compact yet delivers an impressive field of view. The style is available in a variety of colors; a soft silicone skirt allows for a comfortable watertight fit and comes in either clear or black options.

$64.95; cressiusa.com

• Angled tempered glass lenses and an anatomical strap

Targeted to freedivers, the Nano’s low-volume design eliminates the need to intentionally equalize. Its compact shape helps keep divers streamlined in the water; the stealth-green skirt blocks out distracting light reflections.

$105; cressiusa.com

• Unique skirt design provides a watertight fit on virtually any face shape

Its sleek styling, comfortable silicone skirt and easy-adjust buckles make this dual-lens mask a classic choice for veteran divers and a favorite among avid snorkelers; available in multiple colors.

$34.95; cressiusa.com

• Ultra-soft strap and micrometer adjustable buckles allow for a fine-tune fit

The new Air Crystal’s design mates its silicone skirt to its dual-lens frame without interrupting the frame’s curvature. This results in a compact, hydrodynamic shape that maximizes the field of view.

$109.95; cressiusa.com

• Double seal skirt for a positive seal on a variety of face shapes and sizes

The new ES155 model employs a single-lens, frameless design to increase visibility, limit weight and decrease internal volume. It’s made from a soft, matte silicone for maximum comfort; the split strap creates added stability.

$80; diverite.com

• Can be easily fitted with corrective optical lenses from -1.5 to -6 diopters

Oceanic’s newest, dual-lens mask can be fitted with corrective optical lenses, plus it offers a very good fi eld of view. The SURE FIT skirt-mounted buckle system adjusts easily and folds flat for packing. Clear or black skirts are available.

$99.95; oceanicworldwide.com

• Soft skirt and buckle system allow for a comfortable, watertight fit on most faces

The frameless, dual-lens Steel Comp is precisely suited for deep freediving, with extremely low internal volume for easy equalizing. On descent the mask compresses, so equalization is not required as often.

$81; scubapro.com

• 3-D buckle design pivots directly on the skirt to achieve the optimum strap angle

This low-volume camouflage mask will definitely get people talking. The semi-frameless design over-molds the silicone skirt directly onto the frame. The lenses are tempered glass, and the black skirt blocks out distracting light.

$99; seacsub.com

• Semi-frameless design features a liquid silicone skirt over-molded directly onto the frame

The L70 is low-volume, with an expansive field of vision. The 3-D buckle system adjusts easily; clear or black skirts options are available.

$99; seacsub.com

• Silicone skirt-attached pivot buckle allows for a comfy strap angle

The low-profile Vida features teardrop-shaped dual lenses that deliver an expansive view. The ergonomic nose pocket makes easy work of equalizing. Also available as part of Sherwood’s new Tiff any series.

$70; sherwoodscuba.com