Finding the Perfect Fit: How to Choose the Right Scuba Mask

Al Mier Y Teran   May 30, 2025

scuba mask mask scuba gear dive professional

So, your favorite mask sprang a leak? It’s time to get a new one. With so many different makes and models on the market, knowing what key elements to look for in a mask can be difficult and overwhelming. Our Ocean Enterprises team has compiled a comprehensive list of factors you’ll need to understand when shopping for your new mask. So let’s clear the fog on masks and dive right into it!

Key Factor: The most important element of a mask is comfort. The worst mask on the market is the one that doesn’t fit. Choose a mask that matches your face size and width, and consider the mask’s nose pocket as well. Ensure the mask is not too tight (squeezing) and not too loose (sliding around) on your face. Once you’ve found a model that fits, consider the following differences in masks to find your new favorite.

Different Mask Attributes

Lenses: Single vs. Double

• Some masks have a single lens that spans the entire mask width and is uninterrupted by the nose pocket. The single pane of glass allows for a wider field of view.
• Other masks sport double lenses that offer more structural stability. With a dual lens mask, your field of view is slightly more limited, but the mask is more structurally sound.
• Consider a single lens mask if you like to see as much as you can underwater, and consider a double lens mask if you prioritize a strong structure. Additionally, remember that lenses made of tempered glass are more durable and scratch-resistant than other materials.

Skirt: Clear vs. Black

• The skirt is the part of the mask that creates a water-tight seal by suctioning to your skin. Most mask skirts are made of silicone, and they come in clear or black.
• Clear mask skirts allow more light to reach your eyes from above and around you, allowing for clearer vision and a wider field of view from the sides. A drawback of a clear skirt is that you risk higher amounts of glare from the increased light levels.
• Black skirts can reduce glare from sunlight and other light sources. If you’re a diver who likes to focus on the object, creature, or person right in front of you with minimal distractions, a black skirt would suit you well.

Frame: Framed vs. Frameless

• The frame provides the majority of the mask’s structure. It creates a strong seal against the skirt and supports the mask’s lens(es). The key difference between the two mask types is thickness.
• Framed masks create a strong mechanical seal, as the frame connects the lens(es) to the skirt. Framed masks are slightly bulkier than frameless masks, but offer better structural support as the frame is directly in contact with other key parts of the mask.
• Frameless masks are not truly “frameless,” as most have a frame built into their silicone skirt structure. However, frameless masks look sleeker and are slimmer than their framed counterparts.

Other Factors to Consider

• Lower volume masks are easier to clear. That means the closer a mask’s lens(es) sit to your eyes, the less water you need to fully defog your lens(es).

• Check your mask’s strap material. If you have long hair, consider a strap that is sleek and doesn’t catch or pull your hair.

• If you wear prescription glasses, a double or dual lens mask allows you to customize your prescription severity according to each of your eyes’ needs.

Our team of Ocean Enterprises professionals is always happy to assist in your mask shopping journey. Try on many different makes and models in-store today!