THE BEST FREEDIVING MASKS IN 2023 – FOR BEGINNERS
Not sure where to begin when it comes to finding the best freediving mask for you? Read on for tips on what to look for when choosing your mask, plus my pick of the best freediving masks in 2023 for beginners.
As a new freediver, one of your first pieces of equipment will be your freediving mask. Although freediving might seem lower maintenance than scuba, we actually use some pretty specific equipment. You can find super fancy, elite freediving equipment out there that isn’t necessary for beginner and recreational divers. So, before you drop $1000 on a full suite of competition-grade gear, read through these tips on choosing decent entry-level equipment that will last you a while.
This is part of a series of articles on freediving equipment for beginners. If you’re looking for other freediving equipment, watch this space. I’m creating posts to help you choose the best freediving wetsuit, fins and other gear too.
Please note: this article does contain some affiliate links. I only include links to products I have personally used and I can vouch for. If you decide to buy any gear via these links, it’s a big thank you from me.
BEST FREEDIVING MASKS FOR BEGINNERS IN 2022: THE QUICK LIST
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FREEDIVING MASK?
There is one major characteristic that makes a freediving mask different from a scuba or snorkelling mask: the volume of the mask.
If you’ve read how freediving works, or checked out my post on equalisation, you’ll know that when you freedive you need to equalise the pressure in your air spaces. This includes the air space in your mask. When you are freediving, you literally only have one breath to last the whole dive. You don’t want to waste it by blowing into a giant mask. Wearing a low-volume mask means you have to work a little less to equalise the pressure in the mask.
Freediving masks also typically have soft silicone around the nose area. This makes it more comfortable to pinch your nose when you’re equalising. When you start looking for freediving masks, you’ll notice that a lot of masks have mirrored lenses, too. The mirrored lens is supposed to hide your eyes from fish so you can get closer to them.
BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR MASK, READ THESE TIPS:
Plastic lenses are fine, but they scratch very easily and you will likely have to replace them earlier than a glass mask.
Some of the best masks on the market are actually pretty cheap, so really don’t have to sink a lot of cash for a good mask.
Oval masks look really, really cool. Personally, I find it too hard to equalise to use them at depth but I know some divers who really like them. I think of them as a mask for taking photos, but I would love to hear experiences of oval masks in the comments.
Unfortunately, most of the divers I know (myself included) can’t smile in their freediving masks underwater. The movement in our cheeks causes the mask to fill. If you do find a mask you can smile in underwater, you’re the rare exception (and let me have your skinny face please).
WHAT ARE THE BEST FREEDIVING MASKS IN 2022 FOR BEGINNERS?
The best freediving mask you can possibly buy is the one that fits your face like it was made for you.
No brand reputation or material is as important as a good fit. As a general rule, if you’re sticking with a heavyweight freediving brand you will be getting a quality mask. Here are the brands to look out for:
Cressi
Mares
Beuchat
Salvimar
Aqualung
Omer
I am a complete nerd for trying on my friend’s masks (not advisable during pandemics), and seeing how I go with them. I’m particularly obsessed withe the criteria I laid out above – volume, silicone softness, field of view and general comfort. I’ve narrowed down my 5 favourite freediving masks available in 2022:
Features: Ultra low-volume with curved plastic lenses to give you better peripheral vision. I love to use this mask for line diving because it requires such little effort to equalise at depth. Divers generally either love or hate the Sphera. The curved lenses are amazing for visibility, but it does create some distortion on the edges and they scratch very easily.
Best For: Smaller and less angular faces. I love it because it lets me see more around me, although it does create some distortion at the edges of my vision. Also, this is the best price by a long way.
Buy: Aqualung Sphera Mask in Black
IMAGE: The beautiful Heather Schmidt repping the Sphera
Features: Single pane of tempered glass allowing a very wide field of vision, super-soft silicone to mould to the face and make equalising simple. Huge range of bright colours.
Best For: Anyone who has is prone to masks pressing between their eyes. It’s also great scuba/snorkelling/freediving hybrid, and comes in a range of super bright colours.
Features: Could it be the most popular freediving mask? Maybe. This mask is widely available, and has a low volume with a pretty good field of vision. Just make sure it’s not pressing too hard between the brows.
Best for: Great all-rounder with lots of colour choice.
IMAGE: New Ride and a Nano – photo by Susan Rajska
Ewan Donnachie counting grains in his Perla
Features: Good visibility, super comfortable, great value for money.
Best For: Those who want to just try out freediving without spending a lot, and those looking for a scuba/snorkelling/freediving hybrid.
Buy: Cressi Perla Freediving Mask
IMAGE: Ewan Donnachie counting grains in his Perla
Features: Soft silicone, low volume with space for eyebrows, classic shape that suits most people, high friction patches on nose for nose clip attachment. The mask comes in several different colours, so you can match with your snorkel and fins.
Best For: Another good all-rounder and good value for money. This is my favourite mask for pool training and fun-diving.
OTHER RESOURCES
Hopefully you found something helpful in this list. Again, I would always recommend getting to a dive shop and trying on some things to work out what feels good. If you really want to nerd out, check out these sites too to see some more freediving gear reviews and comparisons.
Olimpia hiding her eyes
As always, I love to hear about your experiences as beginner freedivers and the more experienced divers. What are your favourite masks for beginners? Have you worked out any great tips for finding a good fit? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, via my social links, or feel free to get in contact.
If you enjoyed this post please share it with your friends and other beginner divers you know!
Bella xxx