The-Best-Freediving-Masks

Freediving is a relatively advanced sport that is between snorkeling and scuba diving. You use equipment similar to snorkeling, however, go to depths that scuba divers may go to. As you hold your breath to dive below the surface in the exploration of the underwater world, you require a mask that can go with you. Some snorkel masks feature too much airspace in the mask which doesn’t make them ideal for diving below the surface.

If you are interested in the ever-growing sport of freediving you will need the best freediving mask you can get. This will help you reach and exceed your goals. Your setup should have the best mixture of features that help you when underwater. The best mask will feel like you’re not even wearing one.

We have researched to find the best freediving mask on the market. The features to look for range from the volume of the mask to the materials used for the skirt. Even the strapping system can affect how these masks feel when in the water.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

1

OUR TOP PICK

Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask

Cressi Scuba Diving Snorkeling Freediving Mask


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Summary

Cressi is one of the top brands when it comes to scuba, snorkel, and freediving masks. This option is an F1 frameless mask with a single lens and the Supernova Dry Snorkel. The lens of the F1 mask is made from tempered glass so it won’t bend at deeper depths. It is also a clear lens with no added color so you will be able to completely see your surroundings, including your dive buddy. The skirt is comfortable as it’s made from a silicone material so it will make the best connection with your skin.

The entire mask is also a low-volume dive mask design. This means it won’t add unnecessary buoyancy when you’re diving. Cressi also understands that an easy-to-use strap will help underwater. This is why they have a push-button buckle which makes on the go adjusting a breeze.

This set also comes with the Supernova Dry high-end snorkel. It has an anti-splash top which is perfect for those days you find yourself in choppy water. When you go underwater the valve instantly closes so you won’t have to worry about it filling with water. There is also a purge valve that allows you to quickly clear the snorkel so that you can access the air you need when you surface.

  • What Makes This Freedive Mask Stand Out
  • Low volume mask
  • High-end materials
  • Wide field of vision
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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Freediving Mask

Kraken Aquatics Snorkel Freediving Mask


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Summary

Kraken Aquatics have put the time and energy into creating one of the best freediving masks of the year. It features one of the most comfortable skirts on any mask which creates a completely watertight setup. Like other high-end masks, the double lenses are made from a tempered glass material. The mask is scratch and shatters resistant making it extra durable and ideal for traveling. On top of all of that, it is also fog-resistant so you don’t have to worry about your vision being limited halfway through your dive.

This mask also has one of the easiest buckles to adjust. All you have to do is pull the straps so it fits comfortably. Simply press the button and it instantly releases. What makes this mask so great is its versatility. It is strong and durable enough to take on freediving and scuba trips and comfortable enough for snorkel days. This all-in-one mask has you covered no matter what water activity you decide on.

  • What Makes This Freedive Mask Stand Out
  • Anti-fog, scratch, and shatter-resistant lens
  • Versatile mask
  • Exceptionally durable
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3

BEST VALUE

SeaDive Oceanways Superview Freediving Mask

SeaDive Oceanways Superview Freediving Mask


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Summary

The Oceanways Superview Eagle Eye Dive Mask from SeaDive is another top competitor. They used a single piece of glass for their lens which has enhanced brightness. This means everything you see underwater will look better and be even more vibrant. It also means that your field of view is also wider than other masks. This makes this mask an ideal option for those looking tonight dive as it allows the colors to pop. This is coupled with a skirt made entirely from high-grade silicone. It makes one of the best bonds to your face for a truly zero leak system. It also sits comfortably against your face making it ideal for longer use.

The lens is also coated with a membrane that reduces glare and protects against harmful UV rays from the sun. This coating also color corrects the color distortion that deeper depths create. SeaDive has designed its lens to enhance red, which becomes distorted at a depth of 10 feet, and yellow which is altered at 20 feet deep. This will allow you to see the colorful coral the way that it is. For that reason, this mask is also great for scuba diving.

  • What Makes This Freedive Mask Stand Out
  • A single piece of glass lens
  • Color corrected lens
  • Specially designed coating to reduce UV and glare
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4

Cressi NANO Expert Adult Freediving Mask

Cressi NANO Expert Adult Freediving Mask


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Summary

There’s a reason Cressi’s on this list twice: they make top-rated freediving masks. Like all Cressi gear, this mask has been designed and made in Italy using some of the top-quality products available. You can rest assured that this company has the experience and knowledge to make some of the best masks available. They have been around since 1946 and are still run by avid divers.

They have used this knowledge for their Nano mask. Cressi has created 2 new patents specifically for this mask. Their NANO has a 2 window mask that has been specially designed for freediving and spearfishing. The buckle system is nearly unbreakable. It has been specially designed with as few steps as possible to adjust. It is flexible while being ultra-comfortable.

They also understand that you are looking for a small internal volume and a sleek look. This is how the NANO got its name. Their focus was making the smallest-sized freediving snorkel mask while maintaining its comfort and visibility.

  • What Makes This Freedive Mask Stand Out
  • 2 patents filed for this mask
  • Ultra-low volume
  • Unbreakable buckle
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5

Zionor Freediving Mask

Zionor Freediving Mask


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Summary

Zionor is not one of the more widely known mask manufacturers. They do, however, make some of the top-rated products on the market. This diving mask is a 2 window rig that uses tempered glass lenses. They offer distortion-free glass that allows you to see the underwater world as it is. This glass is also scratch and shatters resistant as well. What makes these lenses stand out from the crowd is that they are prescription-ready. If you are shortsighted and don’t want to wear contacts underwater these are some of the best options available to you. All you need to do is contact them with your prescription rating (from -2.0 to -6.0)

Zionor utilizes high-quality non-toxic 100% silicone for their mask skirt. This makes it completely hypoallergenic and contaminant-free. The silicone is so flexible that even when purging your mask you will be extremely comfortable. Their strap is also anti-slip meaning it will stay on your head even in strong currents. It does this by its split design. The pressure gets displaced over two straps instead of one.

  • What Makes This Freedive Mask Stand Out
  • Prescription lens compatible
  • High-grade materials
  • The high tech strap system
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6

Aqua Sphere Sphera Swim Freediving Mask

Aqua Sphere Sphera Swim Freediving Mask


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Summary

Aqua Sphere is the swimming gear division of Aqua Lung, the world's leader in scuba diving and snorkeling gear. The Sphera mask gives a great seal around your face and also has a pocket for your nose. The large skirt creates a very nice seal around your face, and there will be less leakage than rival masks on the market. It is also one of the most comfortable masks you will wear.

We love clear lenses. They give you a 180-degree field of vision, allowing you to see everything that mourns you. The leases are also scratch-resistant and anti-fog. Two things that will annoy you in the water are a scratched mask and a fogged-up mask. This mask takes care of both of those problems.

  • What Makes This Freediving Mask Stand Out
  • 180-degree field of vision
  • Comfortable
  • Anti-fog
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7

Scuba Choice Freediving Mask

Scuba Choice Freediving Mask


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Summary

Scuba Choice's Palantict mask is excellent for freediving. The mask has been designed to be as low-volume as possible, making it perfect for freediving, and especially freediving down to deep water. The tempered glass will provide strength, while the choice to use two separate lenses means that the mask as a whole is more flexible and durable. The silicone skirt on this freediving mask makes it one of the most comfortable to wear. The silicone is soft and will create a great seal without irritating your face. 

The large strap at the back of the mask also makes it a great fitting mask, and one which is easy to get on and off, especially when the strap is wet. The strap is also fully adjustable, making it a great-fitting mask for everyone, and particularly those who have narrower faces and struggle with finding a good seal.

  • What Makes This Freediving Mask Stand Out
  • Silicone
  • Tempered glass
  • Good for narrow faces
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8

XS Foto Panorama Freediving Mask

XS Foto Panorama Freediving Mask


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Summary

The XS Foto Panorama mask has been designed so that you can take in the beauty of the underwater world. The 3-window lens looks like one continuous lens across the front and the sides and offers you a great field of vision. You will be able to see everything which comes your way, and not only that, you will be able to capture it too. The GoPro mount will allow you to securely attach a GoPro camera to the top of the mask and record everything. The angled mount also helps to keep your air bubbles out of the shot.

The Qwik strap means that you can easily get the mask on and off, and you can adjust it easily to get the best and most comfortable fit. This mask is great for the budding underwater adventurer who wants to see and capture nature.

  • What Makes This Freediving Mask Stand Out
  • 3-window lens
  • Qwik strap
  • GoPro mount
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9

Aqualung Micromask Freediving Mask

Aqualung Micromask Freediving Mask


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Summary

Aqua Lung's Micromask is one of the lowest volume masks on the market. The lenses have been designed to give you an amazing field of view while keeping the profile of the mask small and compact. The low volume also makes it easy to clear the mask should water get inside it. The compact shape of the mask means that you keep a smaller profile in the water, and there is less drag and resistance. When you are freediving, you want to conserve as much energy as possible.

The high-quality silicone will flex as you move to keep the seal, and the cardanic joint buckles rotate in almost all directions to give a more customized fit when you are in the water.

  • What Makes This Freediving Mask Stand Out
  • Great field of view
  • Low volume
  • Compact
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10

Mares Viper Freediving Mask

Mares Viper Freediving Mask


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Summary

Mare's Viper freediving mask may look different from other masks, as they have taken an ergonomic approach specific for the freediver. This mask has been designed with the ergonomics of the face in mind. The attention to detail is particularly apparent in the skirt of the mask. The ergonomics make it perfect for almost every face, and great for activities where you are moving around a lot, such as spearfishing.

The double buttons on the skirt allow for the strap to be adjusted more precisely than other masks allow, and this adds to the comfort and the fit. We would recommend this mask to anyone who wants to explore the underwater world.

  • What Makes This Freediving Mask Stand Out
  • Anti-condensation
  • Ergonomic design
  • Adjustable
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How To Choose A Freediving Mask – Buying Guide

Freediving mask reviews agree that, unlike snorkeling masks, freediving systems have to be finely tuned. Since every single second underwater count, your mask should have technology built in to extend that time. Having a mask that features a low profile design and less internal volume will ensure that you can dip below the surface with ease. When looking for your ideal mask, be sure to pay attention to the following features.

Low Volume Please

When you free dive you need to conserve as much air as possible for the most amount of time. A low-volume mask retains less air than a larger volume option. More air means more buoyancy which translates into more effort.

These masks will also have specially designed nose areas. Just like scuba diving, freedivers go to depths that require you to equalize. This means you need to be able to easily block your nose.

Fits like a glove

How-To-Choose-A-Freediving-Mask

A low-volume mask will need to fit your face perfectly. Large volume masks will keep the lens away from the contours of your face. For this reason, a silicone skirt is almost a requirement. It will bend and flex as your face moves and create a watertight bond.

Tips On How To Wear Your Freediving Mask:

    • Tilt your head back and rest the mask on your face without putting the strap on. Make sure that every part of the mask is positioned properly.
    • Breath in through your nose to create a seal between your face and the mask. As you breathe in, tilt your head to a normal position. If it stays on your face without any leaks it is a good fit. If it falls off your face you will need another size of the mask.
    • If it fits properly, holds the front of the mask and use your other hand to put the strap over your head.
    • From here you will be able to adjust the mask so that it fits comfortably on your head.
  • Once this is complete you’re ready to get in the water.

Pro Tip: Do all of this before you head on your diving vacation. It will get you in the water much quicker than having to struggle while you’re in the water.

Single or Double pane Lens

Both of these types of lenses offer great results. The single-lens gives a slightly better interview, while the double lens may offer the opportunity to be replaced with corrective lenses. With that being said, you should always make sure to get a tempered glass lens. Nearly every single mask that includes tempered glass is also scratch and shatter-resistant. This doesn’t mean you can throw your mask on the ground, but it will have increased durability. 

Some specially designed lenses also have color correcting. As you dive to deeper depths, the colors of the coral and fish around you fade away. Red is first to disappear, at around 10 feet, with yellow following close behind at 20 feet. Some masks will compensate for this through their lens while others increase the brightness as well.

Color of the seal and lens

Most of the time color comes down to your style. This isn’t the case with freediving masks. A bright-colored skirt or seal can lead to your vision being obstructed. This is due to the glare that it can cause when at depth. If you are using these masks for spearfishing as well, a brightly colored skirt can scare away your prey. If you use a clear skirt, you also risk the light getting through the skirt and obscuring your vision more. We would recommend using a plain black skirt, even though it is not flashy.

Colored lenses, on the other hand, can also have unwanted effects. Dark colors can make your eyes less visible to your dive buddy. This isn’t ideal as your eyes are an important point of connection between the two of you. Near the end of your dive, it can be a safety issue if your diving buddy cannot see your eyes. For this reason, we would always recommend clear lenses when you are diving down deep in the water.

A polarized or UV-protected freediving mask, on the other hand, maybe a great option. These will filter out UV rays and bright light, much like a pair of sunglasses. This is helpful when you are on dry land and in the water. If you are preparing for your dive, you are not irritated by the sun. The same is true for when you come up for a breath. The glare on the surface of the water can be dazzling. The deeper you go in the water, the less you will need polarization so the choice will depend on the type of diving you are doing.

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FAQs

How-To-Clear-Your-Mask-When-Freediving

Q: How To Clear Your Mask When Freediving?

A: 

This is something you shouldn’t have to do when freediving. It is so important to get a mask that fits properly so that you don’t have to worry about it leaking while you’re under the water. If you find your mask keeps filling with water you should check that there is nothing wrong with it especially if it’s a newer buy. Another issue can be the sizing. Masks that regularly leak may not fit your face properly. For example, if the seal doesn’t properly wrap around your eyebrow it can let water in. The same goes for facial hair. This can cause your mask to not create a seal which will lead to your mask leaking.

With that being said, if it does leak for some reason clearing it is relatively straightforward. Tip your head backward and underwater push on the top part of the frame while breathing through your nose. You should notice that the water in your mask will start to drain. Just keep in mind that this won’t fix what’s causing your mask to fill with water. You may need to tighten the mask more or adjust it so it’s centered on your face.

Q: How To Equalize When Full Face Mask Freediving

A: 

You should only look to purchase specially designated free diving or scuba masks. They will have a soft nose cap that will allow you to squeeze your nose to equalize the pressure. To do this you should use your fingers to pinch your nose and breathe through it. Start by breathing gently through your nose. If this doesn’t work, start breathing slightly stronger until you hear a pop. This will release the pressure in your ears and allow you to descend deeper.

Pro Tip: If you can’t equalize, ascend a few feet and try it again. This will usually allow you to release the pressure.

One important thing to remember is that you can’t equalize too often. But if you don’t equalize properly you can do serious damage to your eardrums. You shouldn’t dive if you have a cold, especially one where you are congested. This can make equalizing nearly impossible.

Q: What Is The Difference Between Scuba Diving And Freediving?

A: 

Scuba diving gives you some breathing apparatus to use under the water. With freediving, all you have is your mask, your fins, and your wetsuit. Freediving is done holding your breath. The aim is to stay under the water for as long as possible in one breath. Now, this does not mean that you have to dive as deep as you can. Many people use freediving to go spearfishing under the water or to dive for pearls.

Q: Why Does Water Leak Into The Mask?

A: 

With any underwater activity, a mask is there to protect your eyes from the water. The mask is designed to keep the water out, but there will be times when the water leaks in. So, is there anything which you can do about this problem?

If a mask lets in a lot of water, it will become annoying and impossible to swim underwater. If you have followed our method for fitting your mask, then a lot of water will not be able to get in, but over time, small amounts may seep in.

If your hair gets in the way, it can disturb the seal and let water in, so make sure to check that your hair is out of the way. If you have a good fit, but the water still gets in, then you may want to try vaseline under the seal to fill any gaps where the water is getting in.

If you have tried everything and the water is still getting in, then the only hope is to find a new mask.

Related Post: Scuba Mask Leak

Globo Surf Overview

Freediving is a lesser-known sport that’s increasing in popularity. Taking your snorkeling experience one step further, diving below the water’s surface allows you to explore, follow fish and continue to explore coral reefs. Exploring intermediate depths of the water will allow you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in all the life under the sea.

It not only tests your physical ability but also your mental endurance. While holding your breath below the surface is a challenge, having the mental strength to explore without air is an achievement of its own. Many places around the world allow people to test themselves and beat their own goals. The best freediving mask will not only help you increase your depth but also allow you to see the underwater world around you with clarity. Remember that freediving is all about having fun. The best gear will only go so far. Understanding the best forms and techniques will help you to succeed in this sport.

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