–Ultrasoft silicone skirt with new face-seal geometry.

The newest model in the Atomic mask line features a co-molded skirt of two silicone compositions: a Gummi Bear Ultrasoft face seal, and a more-rigid silicone skirt near the lens for stability. The single, tempered-glass lens maximizes visibility.
CONTACT: atomicaquatics.com
MSRP: $169

–Nose pocket comes with nonslip patches that are easy to hold onto when equalizing.

Ideal for free diving or spearfishing, the Mantis’ low- volume, four-window design provides a wide field of view and makes equalizing easy. The black silicone skirt blocks out reflective light. Special skirt design also offers a comfortable fit on a wide variety of face shapes.
CONTACT: istsports.com
MSRP: $60

–Low-volume, lightweight, single-lens frameless design offers an expansive field of view.

The Gorilla version of this popular mask offers a larger skirt and a slightly larger and wider lens, and is available in black, clear and a limited-edition white. The soft silicone skirt is comfortable and blocks water, even on divers with facial hair.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $114; $119 Gorilla

–Low-profile design brings lenses close to the eyes to minimize interior volume.

The Vida’s wide, dual lenses offer a pronounced inverted-teardrop shape for an expanded view with good downward visibility. The ergonomic nose pocket makes equalizing easy. Available in eight colors.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $70

–Available in single-lens and dual-lens versions, and in six color combinations.

This mask’s main skirt offers a thin, soft silicone, for optimum fit, seal, and comfort against the skin, while the second skirt on top provides support and rigidity where needed.
CONTACT: scubapro.com
MSRP: $119; $129, mirrored version

–Semiframeless design molds skirt directly to the frame to minimize the internal volume.

With its semiframeless design, Seac’s L70 brings the tempered- glass lenses in close to minimize the mask’s internal volume. Strap buckles swivel for comfort, and the liquid silicone skirt makes for a soft seal. Available in assorted colors with black or clear silicone.
CONTACT: seacusa.com
MSRP: $95

–Anti-reflective lenses allow 98 percent of light to pass through to the diver’s eyes.

The Onyx’s crystal-clear lenses have been given an anti-reflective coating, vastly improving the view underwater. The soft skirt provides a comfortable fit on a range of faces.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $115

–Flat ultraclear-lens glass with scratch resistance guarantees clear, undistorted vision and long-term wear.

This ultracomfortable mask features rotating buckles and a soft silicone skirt to ensure great fit. This unique single-lens, low- volume frameless mask offers a wide field of view and comes with an extra mask strap.
CONTACT: subgear.com
MSRP: $55

–Available with new mirrored and colored lenses.

Mirrored and colored lenses reduce glare and bring out vibrant colors. Sherwood’s Spectrum offers three different lenses to cover the full spectrum of conditions: The Sunscape lens filters blue to make other colors more vivid; the Rubicon lens adds contrast so objects stand out; and the Platinum lens reduces surface glare without diminishing visual acuity below.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $104

–Nose pocket is easy to hold onto for quick and effective equalizing.

The Sherwood Scuba Macco offers a unique subframe design and a high-quality silicone skirt to improve stability and provide smooth contact around the face. While other frameless masks anchor their strap buckles on their skirts, the Macco’s strap system attaches directly to the subframe. The system utilizes Sherwood’s Quick Disconnect buckle to evenly distribute contact pressure against the face for a good seal and a comfortable fit.
CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $70

What You Need to Know About Single-, Dual- and Multilens Masks

Single-lens masks provide an unobstructed view of the underwater world. Because there is no solid nose bridge dividing the front window, you can look off to the left or right without losing binocular vision. This can also be a big plus when looking straight on at close subjects.

Dual-lens masks tend to position the viewing glass closer to your eyes, which can increase field of view, and also helps keep the mask’s internal volume low for easy clearing. They are the best masks for divers who may want to install prescription lenses (some manufacturers offer low- priced drop-in corrective lenses that come pretty close to many divers’ actual prescriptions).

Multilens masks are essentially single- or dual- lens masks with side windows to increase peripheral vision, as well as to let in more light. This contributes to an airy, open feel that’s good for divers who are prone to claustrophobia. However, the intersection of the front and side lenses, while producing a seamless joint when wearing the mask in air, can create blind spots and distortion at depth. Some divers think it’s worth it to be able to see what’s on their flank, but for others, the distortion is too much of an aggravation.

Need more?

-Looking for a mask or snorkel? Here are some things to consider before you make the purchase: All About Masks & Snorkels.

-Not sure what type of lens you want? Read What You Need To Know About Masks.

-Already love your mask or snorkel? Make sure it stays in shape with our 3 Ways To Care For Masks And Snorkels.

-Want to shop around? Check out our Dive Gear Review: The Best Masks And Snorkels.