How to Get Started with Fluorescent (UV) Night Diving

If you thought night diving was cool, wait until you try UV night diving. UV diving is a type of night diving and it is more correctly called fluorescent or fluoro diving. What happens is that some corals and fish, when exposed to a blue “excitation light”, begin to glow in hues of yellow, green, and orange. This is the core of night diving – shining a UV light on sea creatures and watching them glow pretty colors. It sounds almost childish in its simplicity, but it is one of the most beautiful (and trippy) things you’ll witness as a scuba diver.

In recent years, UV night diving has started to gain popularity. Nowadays, dive shops all over the world are beginning to stock UV torches because people don’t want to just night dive anymore, they want to do fluorescent diving. In this article, we will discuss fluoro diving in more detail – how it works, why you should do it, the best places to fluoro dive, and the best UV dive lights so you can see the prettiest colors. An exciting new world awaits you… read on to learn more.

How to UV night dive

Maybe you aren’t interested in the scientific or evolutionary reasons why some animals fluoresce and you just want to know how you can have a good time UV night diving. Fair enough. However, we do cover this topic in other sections below.

A fluorescent dive starts off much the same as a regular night dive. There are some slight changes in gear, however. Each diver will now be equipped with a blue excitation light (a UV light) as well as a yellow filter (called a dichroic filter) to enhance the fluorescent light of animals as well as to alleviate the harshness of the UV light on your eyes.

Since you’ll be diving with a UV light, which is dim compared to a dive torch, much of the ambient light will be gone and the reef will look much darker than normal. If you aren’t already comfortable with night diving and have excellent buoyancy control skills, then you should get more experience with night diving before attempting a fluoro dive.

Fluorescent dives start off much the same as regular night diving. You gear up at dusk so that you can hit the waters once it’s completely dark. Divers who are not comfortable diving with only a UV dive light – don’t worry. You can also bring your regular dive light if it helps calm your nerves. Once you’ve gotten used to the atmosphere, it’s time to extinguish that light so that it doesn’t overpower the blue light. Now, the show begins.

What to expect during a UV night dive

In some locations, as soon as you turn on the blue light, the entire reef will light up like a psychedelic trip. In others, the fluoro experience may seem more like a treasure hunt. Small sections of coral can light up in shades of yellow or green. Since corals are more active at night, you may even see the structure of each polyp visibly enhanced by the glow. Under a UV light, the corals will take on an appearance you’ve never seen before, and it truly is a feast for the eyes.

Let’s not let the corals steal the show. Next to them, tiny anemones dot the ground like stars in the sky. You will notice orange eyes peering up from the sand, betraying the location of its owner. Glowing crabs carry the glowing anemones on their carapaces. You will also see bream, scorpionfish, eels, and lizardfish light up in an unexpected way.

Tiny gobies glow blue and pink against the faint red backdrop of a sponge. Even the turtles will have a faint, yet distinct glow around the edge of their shells. The marine life that may seem gray and dull during the day may radiate a spectrum of the most beautiful fluorescent colors at night under a UV light.

UV diving is particularly exciting for veteran divers who may have gotten too used to what their usual stomping grounds have to offer. At night, what was once familiar becomes extraordinary when viewed under a new light, and they can experience scuba diving with wide eyes like they just started diving for the first time all over again.

There are so many discoveries to be made. Since this is such a new discipline, every dive is an exciting voyage of new discoveries. Once you dive down, you won’t feel like coming back up again. What you’re looking at might seem like Disney magic, but trust us, it’s real.

Fluorescent diving tips

If this is your first time UV night diving, here are some tips to keep in mind.

A UV dive light is much dimmer than a regular dive light, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to look directly at it. You should also be careful not to accidentally shine it into somebody else’s eyes as well. The yellow (dichroic) filter should make the effects less harmful.
Make sure that the wrist band is securely fastened around your wrist and that the UV light is turned on prior to entering the water. If you somehow lose the light while descending, or at some point during the dive, it’s much easier to find it if it’s already turned on.
UV rays can be harmful without proper protection, and exposing anything to high intensities of it can cause sunburn or lead to coral bleaching. To stop your eyes from getting strained, remember to look through the yellow filter provided for the entirety of the dive. Try not to shine the UV light at any one organism for too long to avoid any negative effects.
Your orientation is affected during a night dive. Remember to look around and look up every 15 seconds or so to ensure you are close to your group.
We recommend going on at least 3 night dives prior to doing a UV night dive. UV night dives are even darker than regular night dives, and there are many potential hazards that can occur with the reduced visibility. You’ll also need to have perfect buoyancy control in the dark, so it’s best to get a feel for this by doing some night dives as practice before introducing UV lights.

What are the best UV lights for fluoro diving?

The dive center will supply a UV light for you, so you don’t feel obligated to purchase one if you don’t want to. However, if you’re not a fan of renting because you have reservations about the quality of the equipment, or perhaps you simply just want to own your own scuba equipment, then this section is for you. We feel the fluorescent dive lights we are recommending are the best combination of quality and price, and any one of these will be sufficient for a recreational fluoro dive.

Tovatec UV LED Light

Sale

Tovatec Compact Waterproof Scuba Diving Underwater 395NM LED UV Light with Adjustable Beam Angle

GREAT DIVE LIGHT - Tovatec UV light (UV01) will bring the reef to life! The 395nm LED creates an amazing fluorescent effect. The UV light is almost...
COMPACT AND DURABLE - This scuba diving light is made with aircraft grade aluminum housing which reduces weight and provides years of service. Its...
KEY FEATURES - This dive light features an adjustable 12 degree (narrow beam) to 100 degree beam angle. The light can be used with both lithium-ion...

Tovatec has a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, durable dive lights and adventure lights. What makes their dive lights so great is that they tend to avoid many issues that other dive lights have. For instance, Tovatec lights actually hold up at depth. Some flashlights claim they are waterproof at 100 m or some other distance, yet they flood almost immediately after a few meters. You will never find this to be the case for a Tovatec light.

Since you will only be recreational night diving, the maximum depth rating of 100 m (328 ft) of the Tovatec UV light is way more than you’ll ever need. You can have confidence knowing that no matter how deep you dive, this light won’t be your limiting factor.

Even if something should happen to the dive light, the Tovatec UV light comes with a 1-year limited warranty. This is pretty standard, but if you are afraid of your light breaking after the warranty period, then search for a light with a lifetime warranty instead. In our experience, Tovatec lights are very durable and long-lasting.

Next, this is a 395 nanometer (nm) UV light. Many earlier models of UV lights were 400 nm or more, which is within the spectrum of visible light. This means that divers needed to use a dichroic filter in order to help fish and coral fluoresce. The Tovatec UV light is one of the newer 395 nm models which don’t require a yellow filter. Thus, you can dive without worrying about yet another piece of equipment that might get lost or damaged.

Additionally, the Tovatec UV light is surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry. We divers love to streamline our profile as much as possible, and during a night dive, we still have to carry our regular dive torch as well. Whenever a piece of equipment is lightweight and streamlined, it earns major points because you can fit it in your BCD pocket and save you from using a D-ring.

With that said, some users complained that the magnetic switch on this light is easy to activate. A few divers have found that it’s possible for the Tovatec light to switch on in their BCD pockets, causing the batteries to drain when it’s not in use. Make sure to replace the batteries before each dive and check that the light hasn’t turned on while in your BCD pocket, or put it somewhere else.

Lastly, another complaint is that the Tovatec UV light is not able to penetrate through murky waters. This typically is not an issue when diving in saltwater, however in freshwater, it is more likely to be a problem. If you are planning on going cold water diving where there is a higher potential for murk, then consider getting a more powerful UV light.

Underwater Kinetics Aqualite-S UV-395

Underwater Kinetics Aqualite-S UV-395, Black, USB Charger

Push button tail switch
395Nm UV lamp head for Ultraviolet or glow-diving
Corrosion resistant hydralumtm lamp head

Since the 1970s, Underwater Kinetics has been a staple in the diving industry, and their dive lights are top-of-the-line. They were one of the first dive light manufacturers that produced compact, lightweight dive lights that were easy to carry and fit into a BCD pocket. To this day, they continue their tradition of making compact yet durable lights.

Like the Tovatec, the Aqualite-S from Underwater Kinetics also emits a 395 nm light. This means you don’t need to attach an extra yellow filter to experience the fluorescence in fish and coral. As always, less equipment that you need to carry is a huge selling point, especially since the color filters are notorious for falling off cameras and lights. Not needing one is a nice benefit.

However, unlike the Tovatec, the Aqualite-S has a rechargeable battery. The strength of rechargeable batteries is that they generally last longer and don’t need to be replaced often. With disposable batteries, you run the risk of them dying on you and not being able to find a replacement on a liveaboard or an area with no stores. Without bringing spare batteries, you’re SOL. Rechargeable batteries can be easily charged, in this case with a USB charger, so as long as you have access to an electrical outlet, you can conveniently recharge it before a dive.

Furthermore, Underwater Kinetics is known for making lights that are exceptionally bright. This applies to the Aqualite-S as well. Many UV lights are quite dull and they force you to get really close just so you can see the colors. The problem is that it’s hard to navigate and keep your buoyancy in check at night, so being forced to get close can easily lead to breaking corals. The advantage of the bright Aqualite-S is that you can observe the aquatic life from further away. A stronger light also means it can be used in murky waters.

Additionally, the Aqualite-S can be used as a standalone light, or mounted to a camera rig for underwater photography. It works well as a standalone light, however some users have complained that the camera mounting instructions were unclear. Be wary if you plan on buying this light for underwater photography.

Next, some users complained that the O-rings in this model are not up to the usual Underwater Kinetic standards. Most people have not had any issues with water leaks, so it may have been a few isolated incidences. With that said, you may want to replace the O-rings on this light just to be safe.

Lastly, the Aqualite-S is a high-end light, and it has a price to match its quality. It doesn’t help that Underwater Kinetics is an established brand that can charge a premium for their high-quality products. There are definitely cheaper lights that can get the job done for those on a tight budget. Despite being a good UV dive light, the Aqualite-S may not be an option for more casual or frugal divers.

Light & Motion GoBe Combo Light

Light & Motion GoBe Combo Kit Underwater Light System

Combo kit includes GoBe 700 Wide Light plus 700 Spot and NightSea interchangeable lightheads
700 lumen output and 750mW radiant flux output certified to the FL-1 Standard; regulated output so light does not dim
Rechargeable through external Charge interface with included USB cable

Light & Motion is yet another high-end light manufacturer (hey, we only recommend the best) that produces professional lighting for industries like photography/filming, drones, and of course, diving. Their dive lights are often used by marine biologists and researchers all over the world. If that is not a testament to their quality, then I don’t know what is. Specifically, their GoBe Combo dive light is a fantastic option if you want a versatile light that can be used outside of UV night diving.

To start, this isn’t just a UV dive light. The advantage of owning a GoBe light is that the light head can be replaced to suit the type of diving you’re doing. This also means that the light head can be easily replaced if they break. Obviously, since this article is about UV night diving, the Nightsea light head for fluorescent diving is one that you’ll need. You can also get a wide beam light head, a spot light head, and a focus light head to penetrate through murky waters.

We are specifically recommending a combo pack which comes with the UV dive light head as well as a wide beam light head and spot beam light head in one convenient package. This can save you some money instead of buying them separately, and lets you use the night in various circumstances outside of UV night diving, whether as a primary dive light or a backup light.

Next, the GoBe light has a maximum depth rating of 120 m (400 ft) which is probably farther than you will be going on a night dive. Also, it comes with a rechargeable battery and USB charger just like the Aqualite-S. This gives you the convenience of being able to charge your light no matter where you are in the world, and you don’t have to deal with the hassle of disposable batteries.

Since the GoBe dive light is not strictly a UV light, the blue light it emits is between 440-460 nm. In other words, you need to secure the included yellow filter in order to see the fish and coral fluoresce better. Having a filter means extra protection for your eyes and the organism you are shining the light at. However, the filter is one extra piece of equipment you need to worry about, and it may sometimes detach at inopportune times.

Some users have reported difficulties attaching this light to their BCD. Make sure that your BCD pocket is big enough to support this dive light’s dimensions. Dive lights, like dive knives, are likely to get lost. The difference is that dive lights are easier to retrieve if they are switched on, which is why you should switch on your light as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, if you include all of the light heads, this is easily the most expensive dive light on this list. The interchangeable light heads makes it the most versatile, but that clearly comes with a hefty price tag. If you will be doing a lot of diving in the future and have the funds to spare, the GoBe dive light is more than worth it. On the other hand, if you are on a lean budget, there are certainly cheaper alternatives for both a UV night light and a regular dive light.

What are the best locations for UV night diving?

So now that you know some basic UV diving tips and have some options for UV dive lights, let’s talk about the best places you can do some fluoro diving. You’ll be happy to know that the destinations we recommend are quite popular, meaning it’s easy to access and you can easily find a guide/instructor to help you experience this diving wonder.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is known as one of the most popular tropical diving destinations in the world, and more Open Water certifications come from this island than any other location. So, if you’re a scuba diver, chances are you’ve either already been here, or were planning on coming here at some point already.

Why not do some UV night diving while you’re there? Dozens of shops on this island offer fluorescent diving, and you can quickly find a reputable one that’s perfect for you. A couple of dive operators we recommend are Master Divers and Buddha View Dive Resort.

Bonaire, Caribbean Sea

Another popular tropical diving destination is Bonaire, one of the most visited islands of the Dutch Antilles. Bonaire can be found north of Venezuela, surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Due to the geography, Bonaire is naturally protected from storms that affect other islands during hurricane season. The waters at Bonaire are calm year round, making it a great location for year-round diving.

Like Koh Tao, you can have your pick of dive shops because there’s no shortage of them. One benefit of diving at Bonaire is that there are many great spots that can be accessed from the shore. So, if you would rather rent a car and visit more than one spot in a night, that is a fantastic alternative to boat diving.

With that said, if you feel more comfortable being guided by a divemaster, then we recommend going with VIP Diving. They were one of the first dive schools to offer UV night diving in Bonaire, and they have a stellar track record.

Huravalhi Island, Maldives

Huravalhi Island in the Maldives is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Even if you didn’t want to do any UV night diving, you could still see the bioluminescent plankton at certain times of the year. Of course, you can dive underwater to see the natural glow of the coral and fish under a UV light. The waters are crystal clear at Huravalhi Island, and there are also some fantastic resorts. We recommend you dive with Prodivers – they have dive centers all over the Maldives, and their divemasters are knowledgeable about UV diving.

How does aquatic life glow in the dark?

how do marine organisms fluoresce — What happens when you shine a UV light on it?

First, you might be a little skeptical. Fish glowing in the dark? Seriously? That sounds like something you’d see in a magical Disney movie, not real life. But it’s true. Here’s a quick history lesson for you. Fluorescence has been observed in animals since as early as the mid-1800s. Normally, fluorescence is found in minerals, but luckily for us divers, it seems to affect some marine organisms as well.

Even though scientists have known this for such a long time, it is only within the last 10 years that fluorescent diving became available to the public. The technology has also advanced tremendously as well, with powerful waterproof UV lights now being commercially available.

With that said, the exact reasons why some animals glow in the dark is unclear. However, scientists have figured out how. Animals that fluoresce contain proteins that absorb the energy from blue light. The energy from the UV light boosts the electrons within these proteins into a more volatile state, jumping from a lower electron shell to a higher shell.

The electrons then return to a more stable state and drops back down, with the excess energy producing light of a longer wavelength and lower energy typically observed as yellows, greens, oranges, and reds. The color that we see depends on how many jumps the electron makes.

coral under UV light — This is what happens.

What’s the difference between bioluminescence and fluorescence?

Don’t get these two terms mixed up. On prior night dives, you may have heard the term “bioluminescent” thrown around when discussing planktons. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, like you’re swimming through an ocean of stars. These plankton are bioluminescent because of a chemical reaction that occurs in them which creates that light.

Fluorescence describes the absorption of one color and its re-emission as another color. The marine organisms in a fluorescent dive will absorb the blue UV light and emit a different color, such as red, green, yellow, and purple.

Why do some marine organisms fluoresce?

As we mentioned, scientists are unclear as to why, however they have many hypotheses. For one, fluorescence may have developed in corals as a means of sun protection so that they can absorb and release excess energy. Since some corals’ body mass is made up of up to 17% of these special proteins, it’s clear they serve some important function.

As for why some fish fluoresce, the hypothesis is that it helps with intraspecies recognition. So if a green fish sees another green fish, then they know they are the same, but if they see a red fish, they know they are different.

Many of these glowing fish species have yellow filters in their eyes which allow them to easily see biofluorescence in other fish. In other words, glowing fish can see each other more easily, possibly allowing them to communicate their sameness while remaining hidden from predators. This could be beneficial for fish to quickly meet, mate, and return to the safety of their hidey-hole. Sort of like an underwater Tinder, if you will.

glowing octopus — Octopus under a fluorescent light.

For other creatures, fluorescence works more like a camouflage than a signal. For example, monocled bream have glowing stripes on their head which helps them blend-in with glowing staghorn corals. Scorpionfish glow pink and are frequently found sitting on reddish-glowing sponges and algae.

Other organisms use their light to catch prey, very similar to how some deep sea organisms use their bioluminescence. For example, banded coral shrimps seem to not glow at first, but if you look closely, their chest and the tips of their pincers glow. Furthermore, several predatory fish have also evolved to have natural yellow filters to seek out glowing prey.

Scientists have also learned to take advantage of biofluorescence in coral reef conservation efforts. They use UV lights kind of like an X-ray of sorts to judge the health of reef systems. During the day, it’s hard to visually see any kind of problem. However, the blue light reveals all – under the UV light, it becomes clear that some coral are sick or dying, indicating a problem.

Parting words

Fluorescent diving is like the hidden gem of the diving world. It’s becoming more popular in recent years, however few have actually done it. Think you’ve already done everything there is to do in scuba diving? Even veteran divers surface after a fluoro dive with a smile on their faces and a sparkle in their eyes. UV night diving is a way to remind yourself of that feeling you had when you first started diving. If you haven’t done it, then what are you waiting for?

P.S. If you found fluoro diving to be absolutely trippy, then blackwater diving will be right up your alley. Blackwater diving takes place in the open ocean at night, during a great migration of marine life. During that time, you will see more unique underwater creatures than ever before with a completely pitch black backdrop so they stand out even more. Some of these creatures fluoresce beautiful colors. Read more about blackwater diving here.

Photo Credits: Underwater Kinetics

Oxygen Analyzers – A Must Have for Nitrox Divers

Divers who use a different breathing gas other than standard air will need to use an oxygen analyzer to determine the exact oxygen percentage in their tank. As much as we’d like to trust that the person who filled and analyzed the tank did it carefully and properly, you can never be too safe when it comes to your safety. It doesn’t hurt to confirm it for yourself by using a nitrox analyzer.

The best nitrox analyzers will help you find the exact oxygen percentage is in a gas mix. If you’re a beginner who has only ever used standard air while diving, you may be wondering why this is important. Have you ever seen a gas tank with a bright yellow and green label that says “Enriched Air Nitrox” or simply “Nitrox”? That means the breathing gas inside has a higher percentage of oxygen than air which affects how long you can stay underwater.

It’s important that the oxygen percentage it says on the label matches up with what a nitrox analyzer says. It would be disastrous if you end up using a tank that has less oxygen than it claims it does, and end up exceeding your no-decompression limit (NDL) which puts you at risk of experiencing decompression sickness. With a reliable oxygen sensor, this will never happen and you can dive in peace. Continue reading to learn more about these devices and how to find the best ones.

Our Top Picks:

Analox Oxygen Analyzer 02EII Pro for Scuba Divers

Nuvair O2 Quickstick Oxygen Analyzer

(78)

Palm D Oxygen Analyzer

What does an oxygen analyzer do?

There’s nothing more important than the gas mix you’re breathing during a dive, and therefore it’s equally important that you use an oxygen analyzer to confirm you’re breathing what you think you’re breathing. Oxygen analyzers are typically portable and hand-held. With one, you can read the oxygen content in the tank to find out exactly how much oxygen is inside as a percentage (e.g. 21%).

Without getting too technical, oxygen analyzers, also known as nitrox analyzers, pull air from the tank where it reacts chemically with an agent, the oxygen sensor inside. The reaction will result in an electrical current that the oxygen sensor will read. The sensor will then tell you what exactly the gas mixture is composed of, and it should match the label on the tank.

While it may seem like a waste of time to double check the tank when the dive shop does a check for you, often multiple times before they sell it to you, you still can never be too sure. The one thing you can rely on a human to do is make a mistake, hence the saying, “to err is human.” And mistakes do happen. Why would you put your life entirely in someone else’s hands like that when you can do something about it?

Many dive shops will have oxygen analyzers on hand so you can confirm the blend of gas is what they say it is. With that said, it’s common procedure to use a nitrox analyzer on the tank you’re going to use before a dive. However, not all dive boats will have oxygen analyzers, so it’s best to have one of your own.

Even if you’re diving with standard air, you should still check the tank. Since air is supplied alongside nitrox, you must make sure that your tank hasn’t been mistakenly filled with nitrox. Make sure the oxygen percentage in air is 21%, nitrox will be anywhere from 22% to 40%.

On the boat, there may be multiple cylinders filled with all kinds of different blends which can be confusing. While they will all have labels, once again, it’s better to do a redundant check than it is to cross your fingers and pray everything will be alright during a dive. When it comes to nitrox, if the oxygen content is even off by 1% then you could potentially have problems later on.

How to use a nitrox analyzer

While the technology inside is complicated, modern oxygen analyzers are designed to be easy to use. Most come with an intuitive user interface, a couple of buttons, and of course, an inlet from which the nitrox analyzer can pull gas from the BCD or directly from the scuba cylinder. Remember to keep a few spare batteries around or to charge your device ahead of time so it’ll work when you need it to. Here’s a step-by-step process for how to use a nitrox analyzer:

Calibrate your device. Each time you use the oxygen analyzer, you must calibrate it to ensure the readings are accurate. It doesn’t take very long to do so. For many analyzers, all you need to do is hold down the calibration button and it will calibrate itself.
Open the valve on the cylinder. Let out a slow and steady stream of the breathing gas for a few seconds to get a consistent reading. Don’t open the valve too much otherwise you will waste a lot of breathing gas during the time it takes for the device to get a reading.
Get your reading. Place the oxygen analyzer’s intake on the open valve for a few seconds. Don’t remove the analyzer until the reading stabilizes and you have your number.
Check the numbers. Does the reading match the number on the label? Common oxygen amounts for nitrox are 32% and 36% oxygen, though the range can be anywhere from 22% to 40%. Check that it not only falls within that range, but that the number is exactly the same as what you planned your dive around. Otherwise, your NDL will be off and so will your other calculations.

See, that wasn’t too bad was it? And now you’re ready to dive.

In the next section, we’ll go over which nitrox analyzer models and brands are the best. In general, you should expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars for a reliable one. Furthermore, the oxygen sensor inside the analyzer will need to be replaced every 3 years, and that costs around $80 give or take. Without further ado, let’s analyze which ones are worth your money.

Best Oxygen Analyzers for Scuba Diving

Analox Oxygen Analyzer O2EII Pro

Analox Oxygen Analyzer 02EII Pro for Scuba Divers

Checks the quality of your diving gas mix
BCD adaptor for convenient monitoring
What's in the box: Analox O2EII Pro Nitrox Analyzer and Owner's Manual

This is a popular and compact nitrox analyzer often found on dive boats. Honestly, at this point it’s one of the gold standards of oxygen analyzers, having been around for well over a decade and still going strong.

You can use the O2EII Pro to check the tank’s oxygen content straight from the valve. Another option is to hook your tank up to your BCD and check the gas from the inflator hose. Using it is very straightforward. Wake it up by pressing any button. Then, calibrate it in air by turning a knob until it reaches the right percentage according to a compensation chart shown on the LCD screen.

Then all you need to do is point the sampling hemisphere of the device to the opened valve until the reading stabilizes. Nice and simple, which is why it’s one of the best. Additonally, the Analox oxygen analyzer is durable, portable, and a good purchase for anyone who is certified to dive nitrox.

Nuvair O2 Quickstick Oxygen Analyzer

78 Reviews

Nuvair O2 Quickstick Oxygen Analyzer

Easy to Calibrate
Fast Response Time
Replaceable Battery and Sensor

The Nuvair O2 Quickstick was designed with simplicity in mind. It’s highly portable and has a durable housing made of marine grade aluminum. Most analyzers are made of plastic, and therefore will feel quite cheap compared to the Nuvair. With its stick-like design, it barely takes up any space whether it’s in your pocket or luggage.

Calibrating this model is very straightforward. All you need to do is turn the end of the Quickstick until the machine reads 21% – then the device is prepped to analyze your tank.

Both the battery and the sensor on this device are replaceable, so if you have a hunch that your Quickstick is no longer making accurate readings, you can replace the sensor. Another advantage of this housing is that it’s water-resistant.

Not all oxygen analyzers are made for checking scuba cylinders, so they’ll deteriorate quickly on a dive boat, but not this product. You can’t go wrong with the Nuvair O2 Quickstick oxygen analyzer.

Palm D Oxygen Analyzer

Palm O2 DOES NOT COME WITH CASE AS SHOWN

Yet another simple and straightforward analyzer that is around the same price as the other analyzers in our list, the Palm D oxygen analyzer is a portable and reliable device for testing nitrox. You can easily calibrate it with the press of a button, at either air (21%) or pure oxygen (100%).

The Palm D keeps its internal components protected with a secure housing, and the sensor will last around 3 years before needing a replacement. True to its name, the Palm D fits right in the palm of your hands. If you will be traveling a lot, its compact size makes it a great choice for a portable oxygen analyzer.

Forensics Detectors O2BOX Oxygen Analyzer

OXYGEN Analyzer by FORENSICS | 0%-100% with 0.1% resolution | Scuba, Nitrox, Divers | Water...

⚛️ DETECT: Large range 0% - 100% with 0.1% resolution. Made in Germany Honeywell 3 year sensor. Turn ON and GO.
🌷 ACCURATE: Electrochemical oxygen sensor with error < 0.2%.
🎆 DURABLE: Water Resistant Case protects analyzer with water resistant user manual.

The Forensics Detectors O2Box comes in a water-resistant, ABS plastic housing that will withstand heavy use on a dive boat. Its large rubber buttons are easy to press, and calibrating is as easy as pressing a single button and waiting 3 seconds. Its sensors can detect oxygen levels from 0% to 100%, and its accuracy rating is within a margin of error of only 0.2%.

Like the Palm D oxygen analyzer, the O2BOS is compact enough to fit into the palm of your hand. It takes 3 AAA batteries to power this device and that should last for 10 days of use. Some users have reported that the padding inside the case the O2BOX comes with can sometimes press a button and turn it on, draining its battery. You may have to remove some of the padding to prevent this from happening, otherwise the product itself is very reliable.

Parting words

As you can see, oxygen analyzers are very simple and compact devices that play an important role in ensuring your safety whether you’re diving nitrox or not. After checking your own tanks, you can dive with peace of mind knowing that the gas you’re breathing is really what you think it is.

As we mentioned, even a 1% difference in oxygen level will affect how long your NDL is. You don’t want to stay underwater for too long thinking you have more time when you should already be starting to ascend. You might accidentally turn your no-decompression dive into a decompression dive if you are breathing the wrong gas. By using an oxygen analyzer, you are further reducing your chances of having accidents while scuba diving.

Yes, oxygen analyzers will cost you a couple hundred dollars or more. However, this is one product you do not want to forgo.

Are Pagani Design Dive Watches Any Good?

Most people haven’t heard of Pagani Design. Since you found this article, you’re one of the few who have and are wondering if their homage dive watches are any good. Pagani Design is a Chinese watch manufacturer which raises alarm bells for some people because Chinese products are not always known for their quality.

Pagani Design specializes in making homage watches that resemble luxury watches. Their watches can be yours for quite literally 1/100th the cost of a true luxury watch. If you’ve ever wanted to own a Rolex Daytona or Rolex Submariner, would you be willing to endure a two-year waiting list? Also, do you have over 10 grand of disposable income lying around? Pagani Design watches can give you a taste of what it’s like to wear a luxury watch without the wait and at an affordable price.

As much as we like to dream about owning a luxury watch, when it comes time to pull the trigger, most of us just can’t seem to do it. Let’s be honest, there will always be a more important expense. So why not compromise a bit and get a Pagani Design homage watch? They look and function nearly identically to the original, and the quality is surprisingly high.

What is Pagani Design?

If you can’t dig up much information about Pagani Design, that’s because there really isn’t much out there. It’s not a company with a hundred year long history; it’s not as established nor reputable as the other luxury watch brands are.

Like many Chinese companies that come and go, Pagani Design went from being completely unknown to being all over the major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Alibaba, and Ebay. Unlike most other Chinese brands, Pagani Design has now been around for a few years with mostly positive reviews, and that’s only possible if their products provide great value and have a high demand.

Keep in mind, many of these Chinese brands often carry the same product as each other because they all come from the same factory. So if you notice that Pagani Design watches are suspiciously similar to another company such as Pagrne Design, Benyar, and Bersigar, well that’s probably because they are the same.

Are Pagani Design watches worth it?

As we mentioned, Pagani Design watches are Chinese-made and imported from China. Many people question the quality and reliability of these products. Products made in China have a stigma of being cheap but low-quality, oftentimes breaking on you quickly or not even fulfilling what it claims it can do. This is often true, but every once in a while the stars align and you get a Chinese product that is both cheap and functional, often putting the original product to shame.

Speaking of the original product, are we really claiming that a homage watch is as good as the original Rolex Submariner? No, of course not, but it’s pretty darn close, especially considering the price you’re paying is a fraction of a fraction of the original price. We’ll give more specific examples regarding how these watches compare to the original in a section below where we review the best Pagani Design watches.

Are homage watches in general worth it?

There are many brands, both Chinese and non-Chinese, that make homage watches. Do not think for one second that homage watches are just some quick cash-grab. Some homage watches are so well made that they are legitimately collected, perhaps even worn as a beater watch by watch enthusiasts.

In terms of value, assuming the homage watch is well-made, it is obviously worth the money. People who buy luxury watches are not worried about the cost, caring more about the social standing and prestige behind owning a luxury watch. For us mere mortals, homage watches may not give us that same prestige, but we can at least get a good-looking watch at an affordable price.

Besides, many watch brands actually have their watches made in China, or their watches contain Chinese-manufactured components, and some Chinese-based watch manufacturers are extremely well-known. For instance, Sea-Gull are known for their quality and affordable timepieces; they are a reputable Chinese company with decades of history, not some cheap knock-off company.

Are homage watches legal?

For the customer, yes. First, let’s clear up some terminology here. Homage watches are not the same as fakes. A fake is when a copycat product tries to pass itself as the genuine article. Pagani Design proudly displays their logo on their watchfaces, not Rolex’s, so technically they aren’t fakes.

Second, whether Pagani Design has stolen the original designs made popular by Omega, Rolex, Tudor, and the like is up for debate. When making an homage, there necessarily has to be a similarity, but it should also be different enough to be an original watch all its own. Maybe Pagani Design has done that, maybe they haven’t, but it’s not our place to judge.

Some people are against homage watches out of principle. They question whether they should buy an homage watch for the following reasons:

They question the legality of these “copycat” products.
They are afraid they are stealing from the manufacturers of the original watches.
They are afraid that child labor was used in the manufacturing of these watches.
They question the quality of these watches.
They don’t want to get scammed.

It’s up to you to decide if you think it’s acceptable or moral to purchase a watch from Pagani Design or a similar Chinese brand. We’re just determining if it’s worth your money or not.

Are luxury watch manufacturers losing money when I buy a Chinese product?

Generally, no. Think about the kind of person who would buy an authentic Rolex or Omega luxury watch. Do you think they are the type of person to debate spending $100 or $10,000? If anything, a budget diver seems like a terrible option for the affluent.

Wealthy people want the prestige that comes with wearing a genuine luxury watch. They want the attention and they want people to ask them if it’s genuine; they are not the type to settle for an homage watch. Thus, these luxury watch brands aren’t getting their customers poached by homage watch manufacturers.

Conversely, the average person such as you and I are highly unlikely to spend $10,000 on a luxury watch anyways. I am not and probably will never be a customer of Rolex. I just want an affordable watch that looks good and does what I want. There is never a debate about if I should get the real thing or not. Getting an homage watch is the only way mere mortals like us can get a luxury brand’s designs without taking out a mortgage.

To summarize, nobody is losing a sale. The homage watches that look and function like the original but at a fraction of the price was an untapped market that the likes of Rolex and Omega were never going to touch because it would sully their brand. Besides, these companies are not exactly hurting for money in the first place, so I don’t lose any sleep at night for buying and wearing an homage watch.

Should I actually wear it while diving?

We wouldn’t recommend it. Though Pagani Design claims their watches are water-resistant down to 100 m (300 ft), these watches are not ISO-6425 certified which means it hasn’t been rigorously stress tested. It should be safe to wear on a rainy day or while doing some surface water sport activity. However, to actually fully submerge the watch and expose it to the pressure at depth will almost certainly cause it to leak.

There’s a reason why these watches are referred to as “desk divers.” They are best-suited to be worn as a beater watch for your day-to-day life. If you actually do plan on wearing the watch to go diving with, since this is not an ISO-6425 certified watch, you do so at your own risk. It may be possible to do some shallow diving in shallow waters or for swimming.

Best Pagani Design Dive Watches

Pagani Design Daytona PD-1644

Pagani Design Men's Quartz Watch Japanese Movement Sports Chronograph Stainless Steel Multi-Function...

Specs:

Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Water resistance: 100 m (300 ft)
Additional features: Analog chronograph watch with sapphire crystal and Japanese quartz movement.

The PD-1644 is Pagani Design’s Daytona homage. Obviously, despite its resemblance to the original Rolex design, it’s not a true luxury watch. However, you’ll be surprised at how well-built this watch is.

First, both its band and case are made of stainless steel. The crystal is made of sapphire which you don’t often see in inexpensive watches. Next, the bezel is ceramic, and this watch has a respectable water resistance rating of 100 m. Now, it’s not ISO-6425 certified, however it should hold up just fine in rain, showers, or in shallow water.

When inspecting the build quality, we found the PD-1644 to be resilient to minor scrapes, bumps, and impacts. The durable sapphire crystal is not easily scratched, and so despite being a budget watch, it’s surprisingly durable.

Moving on to its design, the first thing you’ll notice is that it’s very faithful to the Rolex Daytona. From a distance, you could fool even a seasoned watch collector! Up close, you’ll notice the obvious logo difference. Just like in the actual Daytona, this one has a tachymeter bezel. The dial and subdials have similar hour and minute markings just like the Daytona. It even comes with a date window, which is an improvement over the original.

When it comes to using it, the most basic feature is the PD-1644’s luminosity. Its hands and markers are filled with lume which glows in the dark and recharges in sunlight. It’s not as bright as some other watches, but it’s adequate.

The date window, which we mentioned above, displays the day of the month. It’s easily adjustable by pulling the crown out once, turning it to the desired date, then pushing the crown back in. With a diameter of only 40 mm, it’s suitable for people with small wrists.

Lastly, the PD-1644 is a chronograph which you can tell by the three subdials. The bottom-middle dial is the seconds dial, the left one is the hour dial, and the right one is the 24 hour dial. You can activate the chrono hand by pressing the button located above the crown once. Pressing it again stops the chrono hand, and pressing the button beneath the crown reset the watch with flyback.

Overall, the Pagani Design PD-1644 Daytona homage is a steal for its price. It costs a fraction of the original and has a build quality that can rival it. With all of the homage watches of varying degrees of quality out there, there is always a risk of getting a stinker. However, occasionally you find something that’s legitimately well-built at a great price like the PD-1644. If you want to experience what it’s like to wear a luxury brand watch without going bankrupt, give this one a try.

Pagani Design Explorer II PD-1682

Pagani Design Watches for Men Automatic Mechanical GMT 42mm Sport Waterproof Stainless Steel...

⌚Imported
⌚GOOD QUALITY MEN'S WATCHES：PAGANI DESIGN 1682 is a Luxury automatic mechanical watches Movement Provide accurate time.
⌚COMFORTABLE MEN'S WATCHES: High-grade material is very comfortable to wear watches, it can match your clothes perfectly to various occasions,...

Specs:

Diameter: 42 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Lug width: 22 mm
Water resistance: 100 m (300 ft)
Additional features: Stainless steel, automatic movement, sapphire crystal

Even when it comes to homage watches, some are not easily available. The Pagani model is now one of the only Rolex Explorer II homages you can easily get your hands on. Even the PD-1682 has a limited amount in circulation, and that’s a shame, because we are fans of the original.

The Rolex Explorer II is a sport GMT watch that first saw release in the 70s. However, it didn’t become quite the classic that the Submariner and other watches did. Pagani’s attempt at creating a watch that could rival the original, the PD-1682, is alluring. It looks nearly identical; it has all the features of the original model, the same orange GMT hand, silver bezel, and pure white dial.

Even the small details are present in the PD-1682. From the Mercedes hands, to the bold markers, and even the cyclops lens over the date window. It’s powered by a Peral movement instead of the usual Seiko or others. Lastly, the GMT complication (a second time zone) comes at a price. This is quite the package, and the reviews are good.

If you’re after a Rolex homage that isn’t a Submariner, the Pagani Design’s Explorer II homage the PD-1682 is an obvious choice. Those who are interested in getting one should do so as quickly as possible; there’s no guarantee how long it will be in production.

Pagani Design Submariner PD-1639

Pagani Design Men’s Automatic Mechanical Wrist Watches Japanese Movement Stainless Steel Bracelet...

Pagani Design Watches: casual watch for men, case diameter is 43mm, 13mm thickness and 220mm stainless steel watchband, suitable for the wrist less...
High-Quality Material: full 316L stainless steel construction, comfortable watch strap with fold-over clasp, very easy to handle, synthetic sapphire...
Automatic Watches: Japanese automatic mechanical NH35A movement, very accurate timekeeping, self-winding and long service life

Specs:

Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Water resistance: 100 m (300 ft)
Additional features: Stainless steel, automatic movement, sapphire crystal

The Rolex Submariner is arguably the most copied watch in luxury watch history, and the PD-1639 is Pagani Design’s take on it. A particularly rare Submariner model is the green version, which has been affectionately given the nickname “The Hulk”, has been discontinued.

And that’s one reason why homage watches are so awesome: since Rolex no longer makes this variation, it has only gotten more out of the reach of the average person unless they decide to get an alternative. The PD-1639 fills that gap.

There’s not much to say; the Rolex Submariner has a reputation that precedes it, and Pagani Design’s version looks nearly identical to the iconic original, down to even the minute details. It’s a comfortable, medium-sized desk diver with an exhibition back and a signed crown. The tough rear exhibition back allows you to see the beating heart of the watch, the Seiko movement.

Pagani Design have succeeded in imitating the most recognizable dive watch in the world, and the elusive green version that has been discontinued can be brought back from the dead with the green version of the PD-1639. If you want this rare look, getting an homage watch is a cheap way to do it.

If you’re interested in other Rolex Submariner homages, check out this review we did of the best ones.

Parting words

Are Pagani Design watches any good? It depends on how you look at it. Pagani Design does not do anything original. It takes inspiration from or outright copies the famous design of luxury Swiss watches. Depending on your morals, you may find it to be despicable. However, in the case of the discontinued Submariner Hulk, it’s a little easier to justify purchasing it.

We’re not here to argue ethics. What we can tell you is that Pagani Design’s watches are excellent value for the money. You don’t often get an automatic watch with sapphire crystal for around $100. What’s more, they aren’t using cheap Chinese movements, either. Inside each Pagani Design watch is either a Seiko or Miyota movement. You’ll often find these in watches from premium brands.

Overall, we were very impressed with Pagani Design watches. They are very good and affordable. The build quality, design, and functionality are all top notch, especially for the price you’re paying. If you were to compare these watches to other similarly priced watches from brand names, they will blow them out of the water. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better homage watch manufacturer than Pagani Design.

Photo Credit: Watch Complications

Best Low Volume Mask for Freedivers and Spearos

In recent years, the obscure sport of freediving has gone from a niche sport to something that is quite common. Many snorkelers have started practicing skin diving, which is a form of freediving, so that they can get up close and personal with the aquatic life. Many people are also starting to learn freediving properly thanks to the power of internet communities sharing tips and PADI offering an eLearning course.

All of this has resulted in low volume freediving masks to surge in demand commensurate with how popular freediving has started to become. Now dive shops have started offering entire product lines of freediving equipment. This is not without controversy, as many people aren’t even sure if there is a big enough difference between a freediving mask vs. scuba mask.

Is a freediving mask just another fad that is hyped up by a marketing ploy to wrest your hard-earned cash from your hands? Or are freediving masks truly worth the money and something that not only freedivers or spearos, but even scuba divers and snorkelers can benefit from? There really is a noticeable difference between a low volume freediving mask and a regular scuba mask. Freediving masks are more compact, lightweight, and hold less volume. The benefit of this is that it’s significantly easier to clear and equalize, helping you save precious oxygen.

If you are serious about freediving, you need to get yourself a freediving mask. Read on to learn about our recommendations for the best freediving masks, as well as learn more about how freediving masks differ from scuba masks.

Our Top Picks:

Cressi Adult 2-window Low Volume Diving Mask |...

(685)

Sale

Cressi Nano Crystal, Black/Black (DS365050)

Aqua Lung MicroMask Double Lens Dive Mask

Best Low Volume Freediving Mask Recommendations

Cressi Nano

Sale

Cressi Nano Crystal, Black/Black (DS365050)

Innovative mask for scuba diving and advanced freediving, designed to offer an extremely hydrodynamic and compact shape. Cressi has developed this...
It is the mask on the market with the lowest internal volume (12.86 in2 | 83 cm2), an ideal requirement for freediving lovers. Completely flexible,...
The Patented Integrated Dual Frame Technology consists of the joining of two rigid frames producing a drastic reduction in the internal volume....

You can’t go wrong with Cressi, and their low-volume Nano mask continues their track record of excellence. The first thing we noticed when diving with it was a complete absence of fog without applying any anti-fog treatments on it such as burning the lens with a lighter or brushing it with toothpaste.

The Nano features inverted teardrop lenses which enhances visibility and keeps foggint to a minimum. Very rarely do masks have this level of cleanliness out of the box, and even if the Nano starts to fog up, you can apply the above treatments to remedy it.

Next, the Nano adheres very well to most faces thanks to the soft silicone skirt that provides optimal comfort with a small degree of rigidity for a tighter seal. Some users with wider faces have found the Nano to be too small for them.

Underneath the silicone material for the Nano are “veins” which help the skirt maintain its structure. Even after hours in the water wearing the Nano, there were hardly any imprints on the face.

With that said, getting adjusting the straps to the optimal position took some time. The release system used for the strap requires lifting a level which does not bode well for easy calibration of the strap length once the mask is on your face. In other masks, such as the Seac M70 and the Salvimar Noah uses a two-button solution which we found to be a superior release system.

True to its name, the Nano is very compact with a low internal volume. Based on our measurements, it has an average internal volume of 100mL. Cressi has managed to achieve such a low internal volume without sacrificing the mask’s field of view. There are hardly any blind spots, and it’s very easy to see in nearly all directions. The Cressi Nano is yet another solid product from a reliable manufacturer.

Aqua Lung Sphera X

AQUALUNG Sphera X Mask - Clear/Glacier

180° distortion-free panoramic vision thanks to the exclusive Curved Lens Technology
Plexisol lenses with special anti-fog and anti-scratch benefits. UVA/UVB protection
Advanced Fit Technology (AFT) enhancing the sealing features of the silicone skirt, improving fit, comfort and feel. Easy adjustable buckle system

The Aqua Lung Sphera X has a hydrodynamic design with excellent 180-degree visibility that makes it a solid choice for freedivers and spearfishers. The lenses come coated with anti-fog as well as scratch-resistant layers. However, these lenses are made of plastic, not tempered glass, which some divers find disappointing.

However, its extremely low volume makes it irresistible to serious freedivers. Many professional freedivers value the low volume above all else, however for newer divers, they can feel uncomfortable with how compact the mask is. If you’re used to wearing scuba masks, you may experience claustrophobia when wearing the Sphera X.

The plastic lenses on the Sphera X are durable, however it simply cannot compare to the durability of tempered glass lenses on the likes of the Mares Viper and the other masks in this list. The skirt is constructed with crystal silicone which gives it a firm, yet comfortable seal.

Aqua Lung is a reputable company and their masks last a long time. The Sphera X has many improvements over the original Sphera, such as improved strap quality and overall more resilient materials. It even comes with an EVA box for easier packing.

Mares Viper

Sale

Mares Viper Mask , Brown

The product's latest-generation silicones deter condensation
Ergonomic buckles with double buttons on the skirt enable the strap to be adjusted precisely
Dedicated to the most demanding free divers and spear fishermen

The Mares Viper freediving mask was made possible thanks to collaboration with the world’s best freedivers and is specially made to meet the needs of the most demanding spearfishers and freedivers. The standout features of this mask are its excellent hydrodynamics for reduced resistance underwater, ergonomic design that fits most faces, comfortable strap that is easy to adjust, and highly durable and fog-free tempered glass lenses.

If you’re a spearo and you are looking for a new mask, you should seriously consider getting this before your next trip. The Mares Viper is also great for freedivers who just want to glide through the water, and the hydrodynamic design makes this possible.

Thanks to the frameless design, the Viper is exceptionally low volume The silicone used in the skirt construction is durable and seals tightly on most faces. The strap also contributes a lot towards overall comfort. It is equipped with ergonomic buckles and double-buttoned to help you get the optimal fit.

The issues that the Viper has are not unique to this mask specifically . Some divers have complained about leaking around the nose area. Unfortunately, if you have a mustache, you may need to shave the 0.5mm off to provide a smoother surface for the mask to seal on your face. Also divers with round faces find it hard to get a good seal. Unfortunately, due to the compact design of freediving masks, this is par for the course.

What most divers like about the Mares Viper is its low volume, hydrodynamic design which helps tremendously with equalizing and descending. It’s also comfortable and suited for small and narrow faces. If money is not a deciding factor, then consider purchasing the Mares Viper over the Sphera X.

Cressi Superocchio

685 Reviews

Cressi Adult 2-window Low Volume Diving Mask | Superocchio: made in Italy Cressi Low Volume Mask...

The Superocchio is a low-volume mask ideal for scuba divers and freedivers.
The skirt is made in soft silicone that adapts easily to various face shapes ensuring a perfect seal.
The skirt is joint at the rigid frame made in durable technopolymer.

The Cressi Superocchio is a classic freediving mask that was one of the first to hit the market. As such, we know it is reliable and time-tested. To be honest, it does look a bit dated nowadays, but when you’re freediving, do you really care about looks or utility?

Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using this classic mask in modern times. First, it has a durable construction that still holds up to today’s low-volume masks. It seals comfortably and snugly on nearly every face. We already know it’s reliable considering how long ago it was released and the fact that freedivers are still using it.

With that said, it’s not perfect. For starters, it does look like a relic from the past. Furthermore, it’s not quite as low-volume as some of the other freediving masks in our list, and it’s field of view is not as good either. However, the Cressi Superocchio does cost significantly less than most low-volume masks, making it a sweet deal overall.

Let’s talk about how this mask holds up. Its skirt is made of durable silicone that forms a strong seal on your face. Many freedivers have reported using this mask for years with no leakage issues. The skirt is flexible with some extra depth so the mask can contract and expand due to the pressure changes without putting this pressure on your face. The frame feels completely solid and is durable as well.

However, since the mask skirt has some extra depth to it, it does mean that it’s not as low-volume as possible. If getting the absolute lowest volume is your priority for ease of equalization, then the Superocchio is not the optimal choice.

The skirt depth may cause another issue: distortion. Compared to other low-volume masks, especially frameless masks, you’ll notice that the lens is slightly farther away from your eyes. This distance restricts your field of view somewhat resulting in tunnel vision, while also introducing a slight distortion to the image you are seeing.

As you can see, this mask is far from perfect, yet it still makes it onto our list because it is a no-frills mask that is very affordable and should serve most recreational divers well. It loses points against modern masks such as the Mares Viper or the Aqua Lung Sphera X due to its dated looks.

However, the Cressi Superocchio has proven itself to be durable and leak-proof and it will serve you for years. Seriously, some divers claim they’ve been using their Superocchio for 20 years and they only needed to replace the strap a couple of times. Whatever downsides this mask has is more than made up for by its longevity and price.

Omer Zero Cubed

Omer Mask Zero Cubed Ultra Low Volume Spearfishing Freediving Mask

The Omer Zero Cubed is the result of a collaboration between legendary freediver Umberto Pelizzari and award-winning Italian designer Momo design. Right off the bat, we need to address its style. You’ll either love it or hate it. The Omer Zero Cubed makes you look like a superhero. Maybe it’s so good that it gives you superhuman performance? Let’s go over what it offers.

The Zero Cubed wouldn’t be on this list if it wasn’t a low-volume mask. What makes it unique is how the lenses are positioned at an acute angle which helps it achieve a lower volume without any loss of field of vision.

Also, where in most divings masks you would have to equalize at a depth of around 30 feet due to mask squeeze, with the Zero Cubed it’s different. According to Omer, due to its low volume, you will not feel the need to equalize until you have reached a depth of 60 feet. If you are using this mask for snorkeling or skin diving, that means you probably don’t need to worry about equalizing.

Next, the mask pocket is made of soft rubber that allows for one-handed equalization which is helpful for divers who have equalization issues. For improved hydrodynamics, the strap buckle is attached onto the skirt. The skirt itself has a textured matte finish which provides extra grip on your face and helps to reduce glare slightly.

As of now, the Omer Zero Cubed is a relatively new dive mask that seems to tick all of the right boxes. However, as more divers field test it, we’ll get a more accurate look at whether it can truly be considered one of the best low volume dive masks. Omer is a well-known brand and their other masks, the “Alien” and “Up” masks are similarly well-received.

Unfortunately, this mask is one of the most expensive masks on our list. Furthermore, some complaints have been made by customers regarding the buckles breaking off, but perhaps they were just isolated incidents.

Aqua Lung Technisub MicroMask

Aqua Lung MicroMask Double Lens Dive Mask

PADI Master Scuba Diving Instructor Owned and Operated.
This Product Comes Complete With A Full Manufacturer Warranty.

As the name suggests, the Aqua Lung Technisub MicroMask is very light and compact, yet somehow it manages to fit most faces. How? It has to do with its excellent skirt design. Made of high-quality silicone, the skirt is elastic and flexible and will adhere to your facial contours to give you a leak-free underwater experience.

Next, the Technisub can provide a wider and more natural field of view because of how its lenses are installed in an ocular orbit. It basically just means it has a more ergonomic design that takes into account the positioning of the diver’s eyes and the lenses are positioned to provide the maximum field of vision.

The compactness of the Technisub keeps drag to a minimum, makes equalizing a breeze, and can be packed for travel easily. The mask locks in place with the Cardanic Joint Buckles that rotate in all directions and also gives you the option to adjust its tightness to a precise degree. This mask is easily a top-tier low volume mask, and it commands a very high price as well.

Low-Volume Diving Mask Buying Guide

Material

Typically, the best freediving masks are made of silicone. Silicone is a flexible yet durable material that is water-resistant, stretchable, and comfortable to wear on your face. It’s also unlikely to break, get cracks, or snap under immense pressure. Silicone is also chemical-resistant, which is great if you plan on practicing apnea in pools with chlorine or may wash it with chemicals from time to time.

When looking for a mask made of silicone, you need to find one that is the right balance between strong but not too hard on your skin. It obviously must also form a tight seal against your face so that water will not leak in.

With that said, if you have long hair or facial hair that sometimes gets in the way of the mask seal, then you might consider getting a mask with harder silicone. The hard silicone will completely flatten your beard, preventing water from entering. This is not as comfortable, however you can try using a sofer silicone mask and following these tips for a tighter seal.

Color

You can get freediving masks in all kinds of colors, but what we’re really interested in is the color of the mask skirt (the silicone flap that is attached to the frame or the lens directly in a frameless mask that seals against your face). Typically, you want your mask skirt to either come in black or clear.

Black skirts will do the best job at protecting your eyes from the sun’s bright rays by blocking your peripherals better. This has obvious downsides as well. By focusing your vision to what is directly in front of you, you will have a more refined but narrow view of the underwater world. This can be useful for underwater photography.

On the other hand, black skirts will give you “tunnel vision” which means you don’t have any peripheral vision and this can feel claustrophobic for newer divers. If you want the widest, most open field of vision, look for a mask with a clear skirt.

Masks with a clear skirt lets you see through it and will provide the most well-lit diving experience. Since low-volume masks tend to have the frame really close to you, it really exacerbates the claustrophobic feeling. With a clear skirt and the wide vision it provides, it can do a lot to alleviate anxiety. Unfortunately, it also means that it can be blinding in sunny weather, and your vision won’t be as focused.

Fit

No matter what type of mask you get, it needs to have a snug yet comfortable fit on your face. There are three things you should be looking out for specifically:

Check if the mask skirt is large enough to comfortably seal around the edges of your face.
Ensure that the bottom of the mask comfortably covers your nose and seals against the upper lip area.
Determine if the mask fits the general shape of your face. Some masks are designed for narrow faces, others for wider faces, etc.

Unfortunately, it is hard to determine the right fit if you are purchasing online. You will either need to go to a physical store or be willing to return the mask for a different one. If you’re shopping from a store like Amazon with a no-questions asked return policy, this is not as much of an issue. Also, if you already know that a mask fits you but you want to reorder it, then buying online is fine in this case.

Buckle strength

Another factor to consider in your freediving mask is how durable the buckles are. You should be able to pull on the buckles and straps of your mask without them sliding around out of place. The buckles should be adjusted tightly enough so that the mask stays on your face and no water leaks in (however, the straps should NOT be digging into your skin).

If you plan on attaching a snorkel to the mask strap, then clip it tightly and the strap should be a bit tighter to compensate for the possibility of the snorkel breaking the seal on your mask.

Lens size

This depends on personal preferences. If you would rather have a much wider field of vision, then look for masks where the lens is bigger, or get masks where the lenses are closer to your face. The size of the lenses will also affect how easy it is to install prescription lenses, but you can also try wearing contact lenses if you are having difficulty seeing underwater.

Air volume

For freediving especially, you want a low-volume mask. Low-volume masks need less air to equalize to prevent mask squeeze. Furthermore, since air is positively buoyant, having less of it means you will be less positively buoyant which makes it easier to descend.

In order for masks to be low-volume, the design necessitates that the lens will be closer to one’s eyes. This increases the field of vision since there likely won’t be much of a mask frame blocking your peripheral vision.

Who benefits from using a low-volume dive mask?

Prior to low-volume freediving masks’ increase in demand, these masks were almost exclusively worn by freedivers and spearfishers. For these sports, they consider “low-volume” to be 100 mL or less. Nowadays, with manufacturers modifying the design for snorkelers and scuba divers, the definition is up for debate.

There are entire product lines of low-volume masks, and what was once simply a “low-volume” mask for freedivers is now sometimes called low-profile, ultra-low-volume, or micro-mask to distinguish them from other models for scuba divers or snorkelers. How does each sport benefit from a low-volume design?

Low volume masks are the optimal choice for anyone who wants to conserve their breath when equalizing and also wants a mask that is easy to clear. Clearly freedivers and spearfishers have the most to gain from this, however basically any diving sport can benefit from this design.

Freedivers and spearfishers

As we mentioned, low-volume masks are essential for apneic (breath-hold) sports because very little air is required to equalize the mask at depth.

Spearfishers, freedivers, and skin divers dive numerous meters while holding their breath. As the water pressure increases due to depth, the air inside the mask will compress and squeeze tightly against the face. To address this, the diver must exhale some air from their nose to equalize the air inside the mask to make up for the lost volume. Since low-volume masks have less airspace, the diver does not need to sacrifice as much air for the sake of preventing mask squeeze.

Some masks have internal air volumes as low as 75 mL. Some extreme freediving and spearfishing enthusiasts have some DIY solutions to reduce the air volume even further. They will put special inserts inside and decrease the volume to as low as 20 to 50 mL.

Since freediving masks have such a low-volume design, they tend to be sleeker and more compact than dive masks which scuba divers and snorkelers use. They are easier to pack, carry, and typically offer wider fields-of-vision that surpass large-windowed masks.

With the increasing popularity of freediving masks, scuba divers and snorkelers have started wondering if they could benefit from wearing a low-volume mask as well. Manufacturers have even started modifying their designs from the traditional “fishbowl” to a sleeker, low-volume design.

Scuba divers

Freedivers and spearfishers shouldn’t have all the fun. Scuba divers can benefit from wearing low-volume masks too! Scuba divers benefit from wearing low-volume masks because they are easy to clear and are lightweight.

Mask clearing is a skill that some divers hate with a burning passion. Divers who have to do it often, or who have difficulty doing it, should consider getting a freediving style mask. Even when flooded with water, these masks will hold 100mL or less of water. They also have very soft and comfortable skirts.

Many people find clearing low-volume masks to be significantly easier than traditional scuba masks. When masks are easy to clear, the wearer is less likely to waste air, maneuver their head awkwardly, or lose control of their buoyancy as they try to clear their mask.

Since the lens is much closer to the eyes in a low-volume mask, your field-of-vision increases. For instance, low-volume masks tend to have an inverted teardrop lens shape which lends to making it easier to look down without tilting your neck.

This is the perfect design for divers that want to glance down at their gauges without moving their head position. Even the peripheral vision offered by low-volume masks sometimes surpass scuba masks with side-panel windows.

Additionally, the low-volume design of freediving masks make them an excellent choice as a backup or spare mask. For example, frameless scuba masks are often used because they fit easily into a BC pocket or can be stuffed in a small pocket in a small gear bag.

Snorkelers and skin divers

Even snorkelers and skin divers can benefit from wearing a low-volume mask. If you have a small and narrow face, it’s much easier to find the optimal fit with a freediving mask because of their compact and lightweight design.

We mentioned previously the wide field of vision that these masks provide, which improves the snorkeling experience immensely. When snorkeling, you’re not supposed to move your head so you want a mask lens that lets you see in all directions by simply moving your eyes.

Furthermore, advanced snorkelers will also skin dive. Skin diving is similar to freediving in the sense that both are breath-hold dives. However, skin divers are not trying to dive as deep as possible like a freediver; they are diving down to leisurely explore the aquatic world and get a close-up view of something they saw while snorkeling. For the same reasons that a low-volume mask is beneficial for freedivers, it is just as beneficial for skin divers.

Lastly, if you’re uncomfortable or claustrophobic and don’t like the feeling of tunnel vision that traditional dive masks evoke, then look for a frameless mask with a clear skirt for the most “open” feeling mask you can get.

Low-volume masks vs. scuba masks – Advantages

Low-volume masks	Scuba masks
Less air required to equalize.	Widely available, more options to choose from if necessary.
Easier to clear.	More likely to fit because of their availability and sheer number of options available.
Compact design – easier to pack for travel, reduces drag underwater.	The higher volume means if water does enter your mask, it won’t reach your eyes as fast.
Tends to fit small and narrow faces better.	Less claustrophobic due to the higher volume.
The close positioning of the lens is optimal for prescription lenses.	Generally more durable and affordable.

Low-volume masks vs. scuba masks – Disadvantages

Low-volume masks	Scuba masks
Due to the close proximity of the lens to one’s eyes, it can feel restrictive or claustrophobic.	Bulky design increases drag underwater, and the extra surface area means strong currents can latch onto the mask and break the seal.
Can be difficult to fit on larger faces.	Higher volume increases buoyancy and means you need to equalize more airspace.

Do you need a freediving mask?

As you can see, there are many situations where a low-volume mask can benefit sports other than freediving. That doesn’t mean that traditional scuba masks don’t have their advantages, but for many, low-volume masks are the superior option.

With that said, you do not need a freediving mask to freedive. If you’re just starting out, you can certainly freedive with just a scuba mask if it’s more affordable for you. However, if you plan on getting serious with freediving, then you’ll realize that the easier equalization provided by a low-volume mask is crucial.

If you’re just starting out, you may be able to get by with just a scuba mask until you’ve passed 25 m (80 feet) deep. Beyond that, the water pressure will start to become a major issue and you will be better served with a low-volume mask.

With that said, if you’re just starting out, we think you should just invest in the proper freediving gear right off the bat. Not only is this safer, but in the long run you will be better off because you’ll be familiar with the gear and don’t need to transition to a different mask. Having the proper gear will also motivate you to fully immerse yourself in this sport.

Best Dive Light for Night Diving and Murky Water

Without a good dive torch, what could have been an amazing and unforgettable diving experience will turn into a scary and dangerous one that you’ll want to forget. It’s not enough to have any dive torch; you’ll have to consider how much power (Lumens) it has, how wide the beam angle is, and if you’ll be taking pictures at night. You don’t want your dive light to suddenly die on you, so the battery type is yet another important consideration.

If you plan on diving deep, diving in murky water, or diving at night, you’ll need a night diving light to help you see in low-vis conditions. However, deciding on which one to buy can be difficult if you don’t have any experience. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the lights we use as well as highly recommended torches that others have suggested. Read on to learn more.

Our Top Picks:

Sale

ORCATORCH D550 Dive Light 1000 Lumens Scuba Diving...

Light & Motion SOLA Dive 800 S/F Black Underwater...

(35)

Sea Dragon 2500F

Best Dive Light for Night And Murky Water Diving

Light & Motion SOLA Dive 800

35 Reviews

Light & Motion SOLA Dive 800 S/F Black Underwater Light

Powerful, compact, and rechargeable - dual beams and multiple power settings (70-280min) create the ultimate travel-friendly dive light
800 lumen flood and 500 lumen spot dive light certified to the FL-1 Standard; regulated output so light does not dim
60 degree flood and 12 degree spot underwater beam angles; tested in water for accuracy

If you love night diving and taking pictures or filming, then consider getting the Light & Motion SOLA 1200. This is a high-end, space-efficient, technical light that can be used hands-free thanks to the included wrist strap.

What makes this light so good? First, it is incredibly versatile. You can toggle between two modes: an 800 lumen, 60° wide beam setting, as well as a 500 lumen 12° spotlight, with various power levels for each mode. The SOLA also comes in a 1200 lumen version, and even an exceedingly bright 2500 lumen version.

Since you can swap between the flood and spotlight modes, the practical applications of this light are numerous. You can use it for getting the perfect shot with its wide beam, or if you just want to illuminate the area. If the water is murky, switch to the spotlight to pierce through as much of the floating particles as you can.

Furthermore, as we mentioned the SOLA is compact with a weight of only 285g. With the included wrist strap, you don’t even need to use your hands to hold it in place. You’ll barely even notice it’s there since it’s so small and barely causes any drag.

Unfortunately, the SOLA is not without its flaws. With how powerful it is, the battery life leaves much to be desired. With the 800 lumen version, it lasts 70 minutes of continuous use on the highest setting before it needs to be recharged. The 1200 lumen lasts even less, about 30 to 40 minutes or so, and we don’t even want to think how short the battery life is in the 2500 lumen version.

Furthermore, since the battery is built-in and sealed, which prevents leaks from occurring, you cannot take it out to replace it. Once the battery is dead, you will have no choice but to wait for it to fully recharge or keep a spare light around for this particular scenario. We were also not fans of the charging cord system, which we found bulky and takes hours to fully recharge the light.

VOLADOR Diving Flashlight 1000 Lumen

The VOLADOR 1000 lumen diving flashlight provides unbeatable value for what you pay for. It has a concentrated 9° spot beam which is great for shining a fair distance out in murky water. It also comes with low power settings to allow you to conserve battery when the water is relatively clear, with a maximum depth rating of 150 m (500 ft).

However, since it is a spot beam, it’s not ideal as a light source for your underwater camera. The VOLADOR dive torch is powered by an included rechargeable CR 18650 battery and it is superb; customers have used it for over 4 hours continuously before the battery needed to be recharged.

If you’ve never heard of VOLADOR, they are an obscure Chinese company that we were extremely impressed by. With their growing popularity, it seems there are a fair number of snorkelers and divers who like this product as well.

For those who are on a tight budget, don’t mind a narrow spot beam, and want a powerful dive light with great battery life, then the VOLADOR 1000 lumen dive light is a solid choice. Just remember to only use this light underwater, because it relies on the cooling provided by the water to not overheat.

Light & Motion GoBe 1000 Lumen 60° Wide FC

Sale

Light & Motion GoBe 1000 Wide FC

World's most innovative waterproof flashlight; modular heads and powerful output create ultimate flexibility
1000 Lumen flood Certified to the FL-1 standard; 1.5-36 hour runtime
60 degree flood underwater beam angle; perfect for lighting large areas and photo/video content

If you are an underwater photographer or videographer looking for a dive light that won’t overexpose all of your shots, then consider getting the Light & Motion GoBe wide beam light. Its beam is void of any hard edges or hotspots, making it an optimal light for shooting pictures and film with.

There’s lots to like about the GoBe light. First is how compact it is. It can fit in the palm of your hand, yet it can output 1000 lumens on its highest setting. Despite the small size, its battery has a capacity greater than the popular CR18650 lithium battery used in many dive lights.

Furthermore, the GoBe has a modular design where you can swap out the light head with other options, such as the GoBe 800 or GoBe 500 spot head, turning it into a spotlight, though you cannot make this switch underwater.

It also has a sealed and integrated battery compartment that reduces the likelihood of water flooding in, but also prevents you from replacing the battery. The GoBe has a rechargeable battery which can be recharged via the included USB cable. We appreciate how compact the charger is, much like the light itself, which makes it easier to bring with you while traveling.

Aside from being able to swap out the heads, the GoBe dive light also has adjustable power levels. We recommend toggling it, because at the highest power setting, it will only last 90 minutes which is not that long in our opinion. If you leave it on its lowest setting most of the time, which you probably will since 1000 lumen is very bright, the battery will last much longer.

Lastly, you can use the Light & Motion GoBe out of the water thanks to its cooling vents. That is yet another advantage of its changeable heads. For example, you could use this light for diving, but then swap out the head and use this light as a bicycle headlight out of the water, or some other purpose. As you can see, from underwater photography to regular diving to even land activities, the Light & Motion GoBe is versatile enough for nearly any task.

ORCATORCH D550 1000 Lumens Dive Light

Sale

ORCATORCH D550 Dive Light 1000 Lumens Scuba Diving Flashlight 3 Modes IP68 Waterproof Underwater...

No Standalone lithium batteries are sold with the product.
✅Experience Unparalleled Brightness: With high-quality imported LED, the D550 dive light can emit up to 1000 lumens, ideal for night diving and...
✅Bonus Wrist Mount: The bonus wrist strap allows you to securely fasten the light to the back of your hand, giving you the freedom to explore...

The OrcaTorch D550 is yet another solid option for a 1000 lumen dive light, with a reputation for its durability. It comes with a rechargeable CR18650 lithium-ion battery and an accompanying charging port and cable.

This battery has a respectable runtime of 2 hours of continuous use on the highest brightness setting, or approximately 6 hours on the lowest setting. This should be more than enough time for most dives. The battery takes around 7 hours to fully recharge, and you can also bring a spare battery just in case.

You can toggle the light output from high (1000 lumens), low (367 lumens), and strobe (1000 lumens). It’s really easy to toggle between these modes thanks to the magnetic on/off switch located at the tail that is fairly large so it’s easy to press even with thick gloves on.

Next, the OrcaTorch D550 has a waterproof rating of IPX-8 which is 150 m (500 ft) underwater. The D550 is a very durable dive torch with a body made from hard-anodized aluminum for extra scratch, impact, and corrosion-resistance. Apparently, it’s even a little bit fire-resistant, though we hope you are never in a situation where that would be relevant.

Despite how heavy duty the SOLA is, it’s still compact and lightweight enough for travel with a weight of only 183g without the batteries. Its dimensions are 144mm in length with a 25.4mm diameter handle. When you hold it in your hand, you can tell it’s pleasantly sturdy yet lightweight.

Comparing the OrcaTorch D550 to similar models, it’s a bit pricier than them. However, its durable construction, 50,000 hour life-span, and great after-sale care makes it easier to justify a higher price-point.

Underwater Kinetics Mini-Q40 MK2 250 Lumens

Sale

Underwater Kinetics MiniQ40 MK2 250 Lumens Dive Light

250 lumens / 5 hour run time
Push button rear switch
Mask strap included for hands free use

The Mini-Q40 MK2 is a compact but powerful dive light. It truly needs to be lightweight and compact because this dive light is designed to attach to your dive mask! If it were too heavy, then it would compromise the dive mask’s skirt seal and cause water to flood in. The Mini-Q40 MK2 may be small, but it’s powerful.

This compact dive light can emit 250 lumens for a continuous 5-hours of use, which should be plenty of time for your dive. The beam is highly focused and penetrative which makes it optimal for murky water. Activating this light is as easy as pressing the push switch which is large enough to easily press even with thick diving gloves on.

Powering this dive light are four standard AA batteries. Its necessarily small size makes it an incredible option for travel or long trips abroad. The Mini-Q40 MK2 weighs only 170g and measures 7.5 in in length, so packing it should be a breeze.

Light & Motion Sidekick Duo

82 Reviews

Light & Motion Sidekick Duo

Brightest, most compact light for GoPro Hero cameras
600 Lumen flood and 400 Lumen spot beam Certified to the FL-1 standard
Innovative dual beam modes with multiple power settings, 1-6 hour runtime

If you are diving with a GoPro camera, then you should definitely consider using it with the Light & Motion Sidekick Duo dive light. It comes with two lighting modes: a 600 lumen 90° floodlight, and a 400 lumen 23° spotlight for you to do your photography or videography work. Weighing in at only 123 g, the light itself is smaller than a GoPro, but it can emit an impressive 600 lumens.

The buttons on the Sidekick Duo are very easy to learn and simple to operate once you’re used to the controls. This light comes with an adapter that lets it mount to any GoPro Hero model. You can also attach it to a Dive Arm Kit which you can think of as a flexible arm mount or an extra pair of hands. Durability is not an issue since the Sidekick Duo has a robust aluminum design with a factory grade lithium ion battery that is long-lasting.

A downside of the Sidekick Duo is its one hour battery life when using its floodlight. You can extend it a bit longer if you toggle between the floodlight and spotlight, but if you’re filming, then you pretty much want to keep it on the floodlight. Essentially, this light is good for one dive. Recharging it takes up to 270 minutes.

With that said, there are few dive lights that are this compact and simultaneously this powerful. The Mini-Q40 MK2 reviewed above, for example, sacrifices brightness (250 lumens) for a significantly long battery life (5 hours). If you prefer a much brighter solution that doesn’t last as long, the Sidekick Duo is a better choice as a camera light. You can also attach snap-on filters to alter the light color and diffuse the light.

Sea Dragon 2500

Sea Dragon 2500F

POWERFUL LED LIGHT - 2500 lumen LED light using the latest COB LED array technology (maintains 2500 lumens throughout burn time at full power), 120...
THREE BRIGHTNESS LEVELS - Easily adjust between three brightness levels – Full power (100%), half power (50%), and quarter power (25%); 60-minute...
EASY OPERATION - One button operation – Long push (1 sec) to power light on/off; short push cycles through 100% → 50% → 25% → 100%; constant...

Out of all of the night dive lights we’ve reviewed in this article, the Sea Dragon 2500 is by far the most powerful. The 2500 in its name refers to its lumen output at a wide 120° angle. This bright light will evenly illuminate the subject with no hot spots. Once you turn it in, night will turn into day. With a dive light this powerful, you might be thinking it doesn’t last very long.

The Sea Dragon can last a continuous 60 minutes at its highest brightness setting, after which the low power indicators will blink and the Sea Dragon will automatically switch to low power mode. Funnily enough, the “low” power mode still outputs 1200 lumens for another two hours, which is very impressive.

Furthermore, the Sea Dragon 2500 is intuitive to use. It features a push-button switch, three battery level indicators, three power levels to adjust from (100%, 50%, and 25%), as well as a strobe and SOS flash mode. It has a depth rating of 60 m (200 ft), with a waterproof battery compartment so even if the O-rings fail the battery is isolated and the flashlight will not be ruined.

Thanks to its anodized aluminum light head, the heat that the Sea Dragon 2500 generates is dispersed efficiently. The body is made with fiber-reinforced polycarbonate, meaning it can take a few hits like a champ. Unfortunately, this heavy-duty model is quite expensive due to its durable construction and impressive light output.

Are dive lights only useful at night?

If you’re going scuba diving at night, or plan on doing cave diving or wreck diving, it’s pretty self-explanatory why a dive light is mandatory. However, some divers don’t realize that dive lights are extremely versatile and can be used even during the day. As such, it doesn’t matter what type of diving you’re doing, you probably need a dive light.

On many dives, particularly around wrecks and reefs, there is a veritable amount of aquatic life hiding in little nooks and crannies that you wouldn’t be able to see without a dive torch. These creatures are shy and will hide in their holes as soon as you approach, so this is your only way of seeing some of them.

A dive light is also important for communication purposes. You can use it to direct your buddy’s attention to something specific without needing to utter a single world. You can also communicate danger, emergency, or acknowledgements quickly.

Furthermore, as you might remember from your Open Water Diver courses, water absorbs colors. The first thing you’ll notice is that red seems to have disappeared from the color spectrum. By the time you’re 30 m (100 ft) underwater, everything looks bluish-green. However, when you shine your dive light on coral or fish, since the light source is close by, less light is absorbed and you can see colors more accurately.

Seeing the true beauty of the underwater world will greatly improve your diving experience. It’s also necessary if you plan on doing any underwater photography or videography. Camera lenses require a generous amount of light to be able to capture shots, and you can’t rely on the sun to give you an abundance of natural light like you normally would.

How bright should a dive light be (in lumens)?

How bright a dive light is can be determined from its lumen value. The higher the number, the brighter the light is. However, brighter is not always better depending on the kind of diving you’re doing. For example, it’s possible to scare off fish, blind your dive buddy, or overexpose your camera making for a saturated shot. You also have to factor in the beam angle of your light.

For example, a torch with a narrow beam can have a lower lumen value yet still be sufficient for lighting up a highly focused area. For a narrow beam light (8-12°), a minimum of 300 lumens is recommended, but you should preferably aim for 500 lumens or more.

Dive torches with a wider beam light (40-100°) will illuminate a wider area with less intensity. We recommend getting a wide beam light that can output 500 lumens at a minimum, with an output of 1000 lumens or brighter being the ideal number.

Since wide beam lights can get so bright, there will often be settings to decrease the brightness for when you’re too close to the reef. Often, you will find that you should leave it at a lower setting to also conserve battery life. Brighter lights tend to be more expensive, bulkier, and heavier than lights with lower lumens, making traveling with them more difficult.

Lastly, keep in mind that underwater diving lights are designed to be used underwater. As in, they literally rely on water to cool down otherwise they will overheat when used in the air, so you should only be using them underwater.

What beam angle to get?

Night diving lights come in various shapes, sizes, and very importantly, beam angles (measured in degrees). A spotlight has a narrow beam, typically within the 8-20° range, that outputs a concentrated beam of light which is perfect for use in murky water. It is not so good at illuminating your surroundings as much.

Conversely, a wide beam light or floodlight angle is within the 40-100° range, takes more power to use, and is designed to illuminate your surroundings. It will not be as effective at shining through murky water. How do you decide which one to get?

Want the perfect underwater shot? Wide beam is the way.

If you plan on taking pictures of your night dive, this is a major consideration for what kind of dive light you get. A dive light with a narrow beam is easily too bright where the light is concentrated, and can produce uneven rings of light.

You can easily experience this phenomenon yourself by trying to take a picture in a dark room with a flashlight as your only light source. You’ll notice the photo you take will have a very bright white spot that obscures the details. You would have to awkwardly shine the light next to the object of focus for any usable picture. If you point the light directly on the object of focus, it will be extremely overexposed and washed out looking. This is why narrow lights are a terrible choice for photography and videography.

Photographers and videographers, look to wide beam lights if you want your footage to be uniformly illuminated and clear. You’ll have to find a light that doesn’t produce any rings or hot spots. For general wide angle shots, a 60° angle is pretty nice. If you are shooting panoramic shots using a GoPro style camera, you may need over 100° to illuminate the surrounding environment with no dark areas. The kind of shots you’ll make will have the foreground brightly lit up with no hot spots, and the background will not be as bright but still visible.

In fact, if you really want to get into night photography or videography, you’ll need to use flashes or strobes attached to your camera on long arms so they are a distance away from the lens. You may also need more than one wide angle light, but this is beyond the scope of this article. Check out our guide on how to take pictures while snorkeling to learn more.

Want to see farther? Go with a spot beam.

The downside of a wide beam light is if the water is murky or there are many particles floating by, then the light will reflect off of the particles, making it difficult to see far. So if you’re not using a camera, a light with a narrow spot beam is ideal for cutting through murky water so that you can see further.

Wide beam lights make people feel more comfortable because it illuminates their surroundings. With that said, both wide beam and spot beam lights are useful depending on the situation. Some dive lights can do both with both wide and focused beams that you can toggle between.

These hybrid lights can be used for both camerawork and for illuminating the area when the water is clear. When the water is filled with particles, you can switch to a narrow down spot beam to allow you to see farther in low-vis situations.

Size and weight

Whether you are a scuba diver or snorkeler, you always want to keep the size and weight of your gear to as low as possible. If your gear is more compact, it’s much easier to pack for travel and carry with you on land or underwater. Less bulk also means less water resistance while swimming which is crucial.

Sometimes it’s impossible to have a compact dive light if you need a dive light with very high lumens output. You also need to factor in how long the battery will last in such a powerful light. Ideally, it can shine for at least two hours before the battery dies.

Additional considerations

Depth rating: Plenty of flashlights are waterproof, but that doesn’t mean they are rated for scuba diving. Make sure you get an actual dive light, not a waterproof flashlight. Even with a dive light, make sure that its maximum rated depth is comfortably beyond the depth you plan on diving to.

Bulb type: Most dive lights now use energy efficient bright LED bulbs. These lights last longer, run cooler, and are more reliable overall. We would not use flashlights that still use Tungsten or Halogen bulbs anymore.

Get a wrist lanyard: Dive lights are negatively buoyant which means they’ll sink to the depths unless they are attached to your wrist or clipped somewhere. Most lights come with a wrist lanyard, however you may need to get your own wrist strap.

Battery type: Figure out what type of batteries a dive light runs on before you purchase it. Some run on commonly available batteries like C, AA, or AAA. The optimal battery type is rechargeable lithium because they reduce battery waste and produce the most power for its weight.

Battery life: Determine how long a dive light lasts on maximum brightness and lowest brightness to get an idea of its battery life range. A small but bright dive light may not even last one hour at full power from a full charge. That’s way too short. Look for a light that can last 2 to 4 hours on a single charge at a minimum. You can conserve battery life at the surface by using a regular flashlight, and only using the dive light underwater.

Backup lights: You absolutely need a compact dive light as a backup in case your primary dive light dies. Depending on where you are, if you do not have a backup light, it can literally lead to a fatal outcome, so you need a backup dive light. Once your primary dive light dies, take out your backup light and end your dive right away.

How to use your night dive light properly

Turn on your dive light prior to entering the water and make sure to protect it before you take a giant stride or dive backwards from the boat. Once you are in the water, check that the light is still active before you descend.

During the dive, try not to aim the light directly at other divers or at the aquatic life. This can hurt people’s eyes and scare away animals. Instead, shine the center of the beam next to what you want to look at; the dim part of the light will be sufficient to illuminate it.

In shallow water during clear nights, it is often possible to experiece the natural bioluminescence of plankton. To appreciate this, you must occasionally cover your night dive light so that your eyes can adjust to the ambient light. After a while, you’ll be able to enjoy this natural phenomenon. Do not turn your dive light on and off in quick succession; it can damage the light, so cover it up instead.

You can use your dive light to draw alert your buddy of an emergency or a point of interest. Shine your light where your dive buddy is pointing their light to get their attention. Chances are that’s where they’re looking, so they should quickly spot your light. Drawing a slow circle with your light indicates you are okay. If you move your light beam quickly back and forth, this indicates an emergency. After performing this signal, aim the light where you want them to look so they can see the source of the emergency.

Best Frameless Scuba Mask Review

The frameless mask design has always been popular with spearfishers and freedivers due to their low-volume design, making them less buoyant and easier to equalize. However, these once obscure and niche sports have had a surge in popularity in the recent decades, and so have the specialized gear they use.

Thanks to its frameless design and low-volume profile, the frameless mask has become a hit, and now you can find frameless scuba masks in almost every dive shop. Many snorkelers and scuba divers are wondering what the hype is about, so in this article we’ll be covering the differences between frameless masks vs. regular masks, as well as reviewing the best ones to buy.

Essentially, the biggest difference between framed and frameless masks is that in the frameless design, the lens is one big piece that is molded directly to the mask’s skirt. Framed masks have a hard frame that holds the lenses, and the skirt is molded onto the frame, not the lens itself. There are pros and cons to the frameless design, and depending on your personal preferences, you may prefer one type to the other.

Our Top Picks:

Sale

Cressi F1, White

Sale

Hollis M-1 Mask | Ideal for Scuba Diving and...

ATOMIC Aquatics Venom Frameless Scuba Diving Mask...

(225)

Best Frameless Scuba Mask Recommendations

Atomic Aquatics Venom Frameless Mask

225 Reviews

ATOMIC Aquatics Venom Frameless Scuba Diving Mask with Rigid Silicone Skirt | Comfortable...

EXCLUSIVE DESIGN - The Venom Frameless Swimming Mask will change the way you think about dive masks; A treat for the eyes, and face, this Snorkel Mask...
EXCEPTIONAL COMFORT - The Atomic Aquatics Diving Mask is co-molded with two silicone materials in two levels of softness to form the mask skirt; The...
ULTRACLEAR LENSES - This Venom Frameless Mask delivers excellent vision quality and maximum viewing area; The Schott Superwite UltraClear lens allows...

The Atomic Aquatics Venom frameless mask is a blend of their SubFrame Mask and Frameless Mask designs. It combines the low-profile of the Frameless mask, but also has the internal frame molded beneath the skirt for reinforcement. The single lens window is yet another callback to the Frameless design, while also incorporating the high bridge and teardrop shape of the dual-lens SubFrame.

Where the Venom stands out from its predecessors is in its lens construction. Both the Frameless and SubFrame use Ultra Clear glass lenses, which some of the other masks in this review also use. The Venom takes this a step further with its Schott SuperWhite Glass, an even higher lens imported from German. This lens lets light penetrate more easily for better vision underwater, without increasing glare and reflection.

Since the Venom has such a low-profile, the lenses are very close to your ears. Without a frame in the way, the field of vision is broadened significantly, and the special lens enhances the clarity even more. This mask even allows a one-hand nose well to be integrated for convenient ear equalization.

Atomic has stuck to their roots by keeping their double-feathered edge silicone rubber skirt. The Venom also comes with a wide-split strap, and paired with the skirt, provides a great seal and comfortable fit. Thanks to the easy-squeeze buckles that are soft-mounted on the skirt, it’s very easy to adjust the tightness of the straps.

Overall, the Atomic Aquatics Venom frameless mask is one of the top options for a scuba diving and freediving mask. WIth its comfortable design, excellent seal, unparalleled visual clarity thanks to its Schott SuperWhite Glass lens, and wide field-of-vision, it’s hard to go wrong with this mask. Additionally, Atomic offers a limited lifetime warranty on the hidden internal frame, as well as a limited 12-month warranty on the skirt and strap.

The only downsides to this mask are that the lens tends to fog up due to its close proximity to your ears. However, with proper cleaning methods such as removing the manufacturer’s coating and applying anti-fog to it, you’ll find it won’t fog as much or at all.

Pros:

Low profile, wide field-of-vision.
Retains a frameless design with a hidden internal frame to provide support.
Wide-split strap design.
Lens is the Schott SuperWhite Glass optical lens imported from Germany.
Seals comfortably and tightly on the face.
Limited lifetime warranty on the frame, 12-month warranty on skirt and strap.
Very easy to equalize with.

Cons:

Can fog easily because of how close it is to the face.
Expensive.

Cressi F1 Frameless Mask

Sale

Cressi F1, White

frameless masks are loved by many divers for their low-profile and ability to fold flat for easy carrying, even in a bc pocket.
cressi’s frameless design bonds a high-grade silicone skirt directly to a single lens for the ultimate in simplicity.
the lens is made of tempered glass and certified by the ce (communauté européenne).

The Cressi F1 frameless mask is a highly affordable mask that has features which are appealing to both new and experienced divers alike. Thanks to its flexible silicone skirt, the F1 can flex and bend to fit all kinds of unique facial shapes which makes getting the right fit very easy.

The F1 comes in various colors, including a clear version for those with claustrophobia. You can match the colors to current or future dive gear if you want! You can also go in the opposite direction and get a bright color that stands out so your dive buddy can spot you more easily in low-viz conditions.

Since this is a frameless mask, it has a low-volume profile that provides a wider view, is lightweight, and is easy to clear and equalize. It’s easy to adjust the fit of the F1 with the adjustable strap that loosens up with just the press of a button. No more fighting against the strap! The mask strap is also replaceable with a single flexible elastic band.

Some downsides to the Cressi F1 are general issues which affect most other frameless masks as well. Its durability is not as great due to its frameless design. The lens cannot be replaced for prescription lenses, and if it breaks the entire mask must be replaced. Furthermore, the soft silicone is also susceptible to mask mold if you do not dry it out before stowing it.

After purchasing the Cressi F1, there are some preparations we highly recommend you do. First, you should burn your new mask to get rid of the clear adhesive coating that the manufacturer added to prevent scratching and damage to the lens. This coasting just makes the mask fog up. After burning it, quickly wash and scrub any black residue before it becomes permanent. Then apply the mask spray or anti-fog treatment of your choice to keep it from fogging up.

Pros:

Flexible silicone skirt makes for a soft and comfortable mask, and can even seal against facial hair.
Extra room in the nose pocket.
Numerous color options, including a clear option for claustrophobics.
Single-lens design provides an unobstructed view.
Lightweight.
Can replace the mask strap with an elastic band.
Very affordable.

Cons:

Not as long-lasting due to its frameless design.
The strap is not very strong, however it can be replaced.

Hollis M1 Frameless Mask

Sale

Hollis M-1 Mask | Ideal for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling | Ultra Clear Glass | Comfortable, Frameless...

GREAT VISIBILITY FOR SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELING: Ultra clear glass provides incredible optical quality - high light transmittance and reduced green...
COMFORTABLE FIT: The mask is frameless with a 100% pure silcon skirt that is soft and comfortable on the face
STRONG SEAL TO PREVENT WATER LEAKS: The silocone skirt wraps all the way around the nose and forehead to form a stong seal, even with facial hair

The Hollis M1 frameless mask has been regarded as everything a diver could want in a mask. While this sentiment from its supporters is clearly a little optimistic, we can agree that it’s a very high-quality mask.

First, the single-lens design provides a panoramic field of vision. The lens is Saint-Gobain Diamant Crystal Clear glass. This special lens has lowered iron content which provides superior light filtering by eliminating the green tint that lower-quality models have, overall increasing the visibility. This lens also has decreased color distortion, so the colors that you see are much closer to their original hue.

Furthermore, the double silicone skirt seals tightly and comfortably on your face. Some customers with wider faces have said that they did not have to tighten the straps very much to prevent water leakage. Some other customers also report that they were able to dive without any fogging issues despite not applying any anti-fog. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse the mask before a dive to prevent mask fog.

With that said, the Hollis M1 appears to be slightly larger than most frameless masks, though it is as lightweight as the others. The low internal volume allows divers to spend less time equalizing the pressure to prevent mask squeeze.

Whether you’re looking for a new mask or not, the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask is one you cannot go wrong with. It has become a must-have for many recreational and technical divers alike, especially those with larger faces.

Pros:

Panoramic field of vision.
Saint Gobain Diamant Crystal Clear Glass reduces color distortion to provide views that are close to the original hue.
Not strictly necessary to defog, but should give it a quick rinse before use.
Comfortable double silicone skirt.
Very lightweight.
Fits wide faces.

Cons:

Mask is somewhat bigger than other frameless masks, which is why it fits wider faces but it makes it harder to pack for travel.
May not seal as well on smaller faces.
Expensive.

Oceanic Shadow Frameless Mask

Sale

Oceanic Shadow Frameless Dive Mask, (Great for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling) (Shadow, All Black)

Low volume frameless mask withmolded silicone color accents
Extremely low volume design, Swiveling, easy adjusting buckles
Ultra Clear Safety Tempered Dual Lens Design

The Oceanic Shadow frameless mask features a sleek silicone skirt that fits most face shapes, including wider faces. In fact, the skirt can adapt to most people’s faces over time for maximum comfort and a tight seal. The single lens provides a wide field of vision, and due to its low-volume design, the Shadow provides excellent visibility.

However, the downside of having lenses so close to the eyes is that it increases the chances of it fogging up. However, if you remove the manufacturer’s coating and apply anti-fog before each dive, you can easily prevent this.

Thanks to the frameless design, the Shadow is extremely lightweight. Furthermore, the slap-strap designs allows wearers to make micro-adjustments for a better fit. The skirt is made from crystal silicone which is even more durable and comfortable than regular silicone. The single-lens on the Oceanic Shadow is designed to decrease glare and reflection, making it the optimal mask for spearfishers and underwater photographers.

Whether you’re a recreational or technical diver, the Oceanic Shadow frameless mask has lots to offer you. With its low-volume profile, equalizing is a breeze, and packing it for travel or stowing it in your BC pocket as a backup mask is much easier. If you’re dealing with fogging, try rubbing baby shampoo on the lens to clean it.

Pros:

Crystal silicone skirt.
Wide field of vision.
Low volume, reduced weight.
The skirt will fit your face better over time. Perfect for wider faces.
Easy to store in luggage or in a BC pocket.
Reduced glare and reflection.
Slap-strap design lets you make quick micro-adjustments.

Cons:

The mask strap is not very durable.
Can have fogging issues if not properly treated.

Seadive by XS Scuba RayBlocker Monarch HD Mask

SeaDive Monarch RayBlocker-HD Mask

TruVue Color, RayBlocker-HD Lens
Premium Silicon
Skirt design fits most faces

The Seadive RayBlocker Monarch HD mask features an anti-reflective coating (ARC) that lets almost 100% of light pass through the lens while simultaneously reflecting scattered light. In other words, your eyes are seeing the truest, most undistorted underwater vision that a dive mask can provide.

Whether you are snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving, your experience will only be improved by the ARC lens. This lens can also reduce harmful UV glare, surface grit in eyes and give you an overall clearer view of the underwater world. When you return to the surface, the Rayblocker Monarch offers quick vision-return from surfacing making it the optimal mask for scuba instructors.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll be happy to learn that the Rayblocker’s low-volume design makes equalizing and clearing it a breeze. Furthermore, the buckles of the Seadive are located on the skirt which reduces drag and weight. Additionally, the high-quality silicone skirt and head strap helps it to accommodate a wide variety of faces, and can even easily fit under a dive hood.

To increase comfort even further, the mask skirt features a double feathered-edge design and the wide split style head strap helps it to sit comfortably and seal tightly on your face. Thanks to the large and easy-to-reach nose pocket, it’s very straightforward to do one-handed equalization. Lastly, the Rayblocker Monarch comes with a mask box to protect it from damage while traveling.

Pros:

Anti-reflective coating (ARC) allows for near 100% transmission of light for the clearest “true view” of the underwater world.
Glass tint provides anti-UV and anti-glare properties.
Lightweight and even comes with a mask box for easier storage while traveling.
Comfortable silicone skirt that fits a wide variety of facial structures.

Cons:

Fogs easily.
Strap quality is not the greatest.
Expensive.

Frameless Scuba Mask Buying Guide

Differences

Since the frameless design was created to improve freedivers’ and spearfishers’ underwater performance, it’s no surprise that it’s very advantageous for those sports.

This is especially the case for spearfishers, who can take advantage of the low-volume profile and wide field-of-vision. To provide this, the frameless mask has a special construction process. Similarly, specially engineered materials are required for its construction. This means that the biggest differences between framed and frameless masks are in their intended use, materials, and construction.

Intended Use

To be fair, even though frameless masks were made for spearfishers in mind, technically any kind of underwater diver can benefit from a frameless mask. After all, who wouldn’t want a mask with a wide FOV and low-volume?

If you’re an underwater photographer, for instance, you can get a better view of your environment to help you set up the perfect shot underwater. Imagine getting a wide-angle camera lens but for your mask. Once you use it, it’s hard to go back.

Perhaps you’re a new snorkeler or scuba diver who still gets some anxiety when you’re in the water. With the wide views provided by a frameless mask, it can reduce the feeling of anxiety and claustrophobia despite its low volume.

You may have a small or narrow face, in which case the lightweight and flexible design of a frameless mask can seal tightly against your face. Since it is so lightweight, it will barely feel like it’s there which goes a long way for comfort. If you’re looking for masks that fit narrow or small faces, you can also check out our review of the best ones here.

Construction Process

The framed mask has been the go to mask for all underwater sports, but perhaps that’s going to change in the next few years.

For a dive mask to be effective, it must prevent water from entering and getting into your ears. Thus, it needs to form a watertight seal on your face, but this also traps air inside the mask. There are large tempered glass lenses which provide you a clear view, but in order to seal against your face, the mask must be flexible and soft to conform to be comfortable and to prevent leaks.

To solve this engineering problem, framed masks use a durable frame to hold the lens, and the part that actually presses against your face is a rubber or silicone mask skirt. Sturdy clips are used to attach the mask frame and strap together. The issue with framed masks is that they hold a high-volume of air and that the frame adds extra weight to the mask.

Volume

As mentioned, frameless masks are low-volume since the design removes the framed section of the mask, thereby decreasing a significant amount of volume from the mask. When diving, the water pressure increases and causes the volume of air inside the mask to compress, causing a type of barotrauma called mask squeeze.

In order to prevent mask squeeze, divers must equalize the air in their mask by exhaling a little bit from their nose to fill up the lost volume. Since low-volume masks have so little airspace, the diver does not need to exhale very much to equalize. This is perfect for spearfishers and freedivers who need to conserve as much air as possible.

One way to decrease the volume of a mask is to reduce the size of the lenses. This is not optimal, however, because it restricts the wearer’s field of view which is terrible for spearfishers and underwater photographers. For this reason, the frameless mask design won out because it allowed the mask to retain its large lenses by removing the framed portion of the mask.

With modern construction technologies, manufacturers can easily create masks where the silicone skirt portion of the mask is molded onto the glass lenses directly instead of a frame. This process is possible thanks to injection molding. Usually the molding process is used to create the frame on a framed mask, whereas the skirt is traditionally made via compression molding. How did the engineers solve this problem?

Material Engineering

In a framed mask, the framed mask is injection molded onto the lens. In a frameless mask, if the skirt is to be molded onto the lens, it too must be suitable for injection molding. For this to be possible, advanced materials are necessary to construct a frameless mask.

Modern dive masks use thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and liquid silicone rubbers (LSRs). TPEs are a fantastic material for dive masks because they are flexible with some thermal properties. Swim goggles were the inspiration here, since they were already made of both TPEs and LSRs; they just needed to be improved to match the size and pressure exposure of dive masks.

Thus, there is a clear distinction between framed and frameless masks not just in design, but also materials. The skirts of frameless masks are necessarily composed of TPEs or LSRs so that they can be injection molded. The skirt of a framed mask is made of rubber or silicone.

In some cases, even the chemical composition of the frameless mask skirt will differ to allow for more rigidity where the skirt is sealed to the lens, and more flexibility and comfort where the skirt seals against the face.

Is a frameless mask a good choice for you?

When it comes to a framed mask vs. frameless scuba mask, what are the pros and cons of each one? In this section, we’re going to pit these two mask types against each other to help you decide on which you prefer.

Advantages

The main advantages that a frameless scuba mask provides are:

Lower volume (easier to equalize, less buoyant).
Lighter weight (easier to travel with).
Greater flexibility (comfortable, can be stowed in a BC pocket or luggage).

As you can see, the frameless mask design makes it a fantastic choice for traveling since it can fit easily in bags or pockets and it is lightweight. Frameless masks are also the optimal choice as a backup dive mask for similar reasons. The flexible material also helps the mask feel comfortable on your face and provide a tight seal.

Take a look at how the advantages of a frameless mask compares to the advantages of a framed mask:

Frameless Mask	Framed Mask
Wider field-of-vision	Durable and sturdier.
More flexible and comfortable.	More affordable.
Tighter seal (less likely to leak).	Time-tested design.
Easy to clear.	Accommodates prescription lenses.
Easy to equalize (less mask squeeze).	Sturdier strap clips.

Regardless of what watersport you’re taking part in, having a wider field-of-vision is a major benefit. Furthermore, the lens on a frameless mask is usually a single continuous piece so there’s nothing obstructing your view. Thanks to its low-volume design, the lens is closer to your eyes, providing a more panoramic view with peripheral vision that is only rivaled by framed masks if they have side lenses.

Additionally, frameless masks are lightweight and flexible. They are easy to pack and travel with, and underwater, they are more comfortable and provide a tighter seal. If the mask does leak a bit, the low-volume design makes the mask easy to clear and equalize to prevent mask squeeze. The continuous lens means there won’t be an imprint on the bridge of your nose that framed masks can cause.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantages of a frameless mask are its cost and reduced durability.

As mentioned in the “Engineering Materials” section above, the specialized material required for manufacturing frameless masks drives up their cost to be more expensive than framed masks on average. If you’re buying a mask from a leading brand like Scubapro or Atomic Aquatics, it’ll be even more expensive.

Furthermore, since there is no durable plastic frame for the glass lens to seal to, the areas where the lens and the mask skirt are molded together are vulnerable to degradation. The strap clips are attached to the frameless skirt, not a hard frame, so it too is susceptible to breaking.

With that said, as the frameless mask surges in popularity, more improvements in its design are sure to come, and future innovations in its materials and constructions can mitigate these disadvantages even further.

Take a look at how the disadvantages of a frameless mask compare to the disadvantages of a framed mask.

Frameless Mask	Framed Mask
More expensive.	Less flexible skirt seal.
Skirt can detach from the glass over time.	Heavier.
No prescription lenses.	Narrower field-of-vision.
Can feel flimsy.	Higher volume, difficult to clear and equalize.
Lower quality strap clips.	Frame can put a lot of pressure on the face.

There are some divers, particularly technical or commercial divers, who need a heavy-duty, sturdy mask to withstand the pressure at great depths. Similarly, some people just prefer a heavier and robust mask.

On the other hand, avid spearfishers and freedivers basically are required to wear a frameless mask because of the advantages it gives them. They may even wear something called ultra-low-volume masks, or micro masks, which are a type of framed mask.

Most recreational divers and snorkelers will probably enjoy the flexibility and comfort that a frameless mask provides. However, if you need a vision-correcting mask, you will either need to get prescription lenses or wear contact lenses. For most dual-lens framed masks, you should be able to swap out the standard lenses for a corrective pair.

Tips for wearing frameless masks

As with any mask, test how well it seals against your face before you try it in deeper waters. Next, remove the manufacturer’s coating, which is a thin layer of plastic film by heating it with a candle or lighter. Once the coating is removed, apply a good anti-fog on the glass each time before you head out into the water.

When wearing your mask, it should have a snug fit without the straps digging tightly into your skin. Be warned: since frameless masks are so lightweight, you might be tempted to over-tighten the straps.

For storage, make sure that that skirt is not crumpled up so that it won’t develop any folds or separate from the glass lens. Similarly, when you are packing it for travel, try to surround it with socks or underwear to cushion it and help the skirt retain its normal shape during transit.

Photo Credit: Cressi