What You'll Learn:
Help Choosing a Mask
There’s no substitute for an expert fitting. Our instructors fit thousands of divers every year and have seen every type of face, beard, and problem mask—both in the pool and out in the ocean. What looks good on the shelf isn’t always what works best underwater. If you’re unsure, come in and let us help you get it right.
The Correct Mask Is Your Key To Diving Enjoyment
The Mask is your most important choice when choosing your Dive Equipment.
After all, the visual experience of the amazing underwater world is what Scuba Diving and Freediving are all about!
A poorly fitted mask will leak and lead to anxiety and even panic in inexperienced divers.
At Abyss we take Mask fitting seriously and provide a fit guarantee to back you up if the mask doesn’t meet your expectations.
Check the video above on how you should best try on your mask for fit. Better still, drop into our store and we will happily walk through the various options to provide the best mask for you and don’t forget our fit guarantee!
Regardless of shape, style or type, a mask has the same basic components. Different manufacturers opt to take different approaches to their designs but they are always there.
Lens – Tempered glass panes, your window to the underwater world that is 4 times stronger than standard glass and safer if it does ever break.
Skirt – When fitted correctly creates a watertight seal against the skin
Buckles – Allows the strap to be adjusted easily
Strap – Keeps the mask in place
Single Lens Masks
Use a single pane of glass which often provides an uninterrupted field of vision that makes new divers more comfortable. These masks are generally not preferred by people requiring optical lenses due to the single-lens construction.
Twin Lens Mask
A twin-lens mask is divided at the nose pocket into 2 separate lenses. These masks are often of a lower volume and therefore popular with Freedivers. Due to the dual-lens option, they are also preferred by people who require optical lenses fitted. Visit our Prescription Mask advice page for more information.
Frameless Mask
A new popular mask type is the Frameless Mask. These use a wrap-over of silicone to act as the frame. They often have the best field of vision and are a very low-volume design. A popular option for Tec Divers to carry as a spare.
Skirts
The Skirt is the most critical component of the mask. At a minimum, you should be requesting silicone material because other materials just don’t do the job in the long-term and will let you down.
At Abyss we only sell silicone masks.
Skirts vary in width and that’s why it is important to choose the mask the best suits your face type.
You also should consider whether black or clear silicone is the best option for you. Black or coloured silicone is the preferred option for most of our Dive Professionals because you don’t get the refraction of light bouncing off the lens, this improves your vision. But some people prefer clear because they feel more comfortable with more light entering the mask. To cater to all these preferences, we have black, coloured and clear options available.
Silicone quality can vary across brands, so keep a lookout for a soft seal around the face area.
Some high-end masks use a co-moulded process which uses a stiffer silicone inner to give the mask structure and support, combined with a super-soft face seal for the ultimate fit.
Lenses
All masks sold at Abyss have tempered glass. If it’s not tempered then it’s not safe for Scuba Diving!
Some brands we sell have a lens with higher optical quality than standard tempered lenses. These give better light transmission and make underwater colours more vibrant.
For the ultimate in vision, we also have the Atomic ARC (Anti-Reflective Coating) masks that combine the ultra-high optical quality lens with a coating to stop any reflective light disturbances. These give 98% light transmission, compared to 86% in a standard mask.
Remember, though, that the fit is the most important part of choosing a mask and we do recommend you do not buy a mask online. If you are unsure, please call and speak to one of our Instructors - or better still drop by the store and take advantage of our “Mask fit guarantee”.
Corrective Lenses
Things appear approximately 33% larger/closer underwater due to refraction so if you have only slightly corrected vision, you may be able to see just fine underwater.
But if you need a correction greater than what the water offers then there are several options available:
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Disposable soft contact lenses work brilliantly underwater and are one of the more readily available and cost-friendly options. The main benefit that contact lenses provide is that of being able to use them both on the surface as well as in the water, making them extremely popular with the eyeglass wearing diver community. Though there is always the risk of them occasionally floating away should you take off or clean your mask underwater, many still swear by contact lenses and have completed numerous dives without ever losing one. Still, make sure you keep those eyes closed while clearing your diving mask underwater, and carry along an extra set just in case.
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For those who are not comfortable with wearing contact lenses while scuba diving, there are still options out there. Prescription Scuba Diving Masks can be fitted with Pre-made optical correction lenses. Pre-made correction lenses work only of the Sphere measurement of your optical prescription. For example, -2 left eye and -2.5 right eye. If you are unsure of your script and what you need for your prescription. Contact your Optometrist and ask for the best measurement. You will want to let them know that the pre-made lenses are only the sphere and come in .5 Increments.
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If your problem is more complex then contact us to discuss tailor-made lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mask Fitting
How can I tell if a mask fits properly?
A well-fitting mask will lightly suction to your face without the strap when you inhale through your nose. There should be no gaps along the skirt. Instructors can help assess the fit and spot issues most people miss.
Can I wear my glasses or contacts while diving?
You can’t wear glasses under a dive mask, but contact lenses work well for most divers. For more convenience, many masks are available with prescription lenses that match your optical script.
What's the difference between clear and black silicone skirts?
Clear skirts let in more ambient light, which some beginners find more comfortable. Black skirts reduce reflections and distractions, preferred by most experienced divers and photographers.
How do I stop my mask from fogging?
Before your first dive, use a mask scrub or toothpaste to remove manufacturing residue. Then apply defog solution or diluted baby shampoo before each dive. A good rinse and proper care help prevent fogging long-term.
What if my mask still leaks underwater?
Leaking is usually caused by poor fit, hair in the skirt seal (including facial hair), or strap tension being too tight. Come into our store and we’ll help troubleshoot and recommend better-fitting options.
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