Looking for the best diving mask? Read our OMGear M-001 review now!

Description

A Real-World Dive into This Diving Mask

Testing out new snorkeling gear is always a mix of excitement and skepticism for me. I’ve had my fair share of diving masks that either fogged up mid-dive or left me with a splitting headache from a bad fit. This time, I gave this particular diving mask a shot. It’s advertised for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming, and with its silicone and tempered glass build, it seemed promising. I was ready to take it through everything from lazy pool floats to saltwater snorkeling adventures.

Comfort and Fit

The first thing I noticed after unboxing this diving mask was how lightweight it felt. At just 0.26 kilograms, it’s easy to carry around in a gear bag without adding unnecessary bulk. The adjustable strap was incredibly user-friendly, and the buckle closure made fitting the mask to my face a breeze. No fiddling around for ages or asking someone to help me adjust it.

I tested it on both myself and my younger cousin, whose head is significantly smaller than mine. It fit both of us well, thanks to the one-size design. The silicone skirt created a comfortable seal, and there wasn’t a single sign of water leakage, even after a full hour of swimming laps. My cousin was thrilled, saying it was the first mask that didn’t leave marks on her face after use.

Visibility and Lens Quality

The single-lens design provides a clear, uninterrupted view underwater. The tempered glass lens felt sturdy and didn’t fog up. I took this mask snorkeling in a freshwater lake, and the visibility was outstanding. The clarity of the lens allowed me to spot fish and plants with ease, something that cheap plastic lenses fail to deliver. However, one thing to note is that tempered glass, while durable, isn’t indestructible. I’ve read about others experiencing cracks from rough handling, so I made sure to store it carefully.

Performance in Water

I took this mask into a variety of environments: a chlorinated pool, a lake, and even a saltwater bay. It performed consistently in all three. Not once did I have to stop and adjust due to fogging or water seeping in. The neoprene strap cover was a game-changer for me because I have long hair, and typical silicone straps tend to pull and tangle. With this one, there was no post-swim “rat’s nest” to deal with.

One minor issue I noticed was the seal under the nose. It sits quite close to the upper lip, which wasn’t uncomfortable for me, but I can see how it might bother others after extended use. My coworker tried it and mentioned the same thing—that the lower part of the seal felt slightly intrusive.

Durability Over Time

After leaving the mask out in the sun (not intentionally, mind you), it held up well. The silicone didn’t degrade or lose its flexibility, and there were no signs of cracks in the lens. Based on other feedback, some users had issues with the glass breaking, though I suspect mishandling could be a factor. I made sure to store mine in a padded pouch to keep it safe.

Pros

• Comfortable and adjustable fit: Works well for both adults and kids, thanks to the buckle system.
• Excellent visibility: The single tempered glass lens is clear and doesn’t distort underwater views.
• Durable in varied conditions: Holds up in chlorinated, freshwater, and saltwater environments.
• Neoprene strap cover: Perfect for long-haired users to avoid tangles and discomfort.
• Lightweight and portable: Easy to carry without adding weight to your gear.

Cons

• Seal design under the nose: May feel uncomfortable for some users after extended wear.
• Durability concerns: Tempered glass can crack if mishandled.
• Limited color options: While I like the pink, others might prefer more variety.
• One-size design: Versatile but might not fit everyone perfectly.

Comparison to Competitors

I’ve tried several other diving masks in this price range, like the Cressi Onda and the Aqualung Sport. Compared to those, this mask stands out for its comfort and neoprene strap cover. The Cressi Onda, for instance, has a similar lens quality but lacks the extra hair-friendly strap, which makes a difference for people like me with long hair. On the other hand, the Aqualung Sport offers a better seal around the nose area but isn’t as lightweight.

Where this mask falls short is durability. While I haven’t experienced any issues myself, the tempered glass seems slightly more prone to damage compared to the Cressi Onda’s lens. However, if you’re careful with storage and handling, this drawback might not matter.

Cost Analysis and Value for Money

Price-wise, this mask sits in the middle of the spectrum. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but it’s far from the most expensive. Considering the solid performance, comfort, and versatility, I’d say it’s worth the investment. You’re getting features like a clear tempered glass lens, an adjustable strap, and a neoprene cover that you’d typically find in higher-priced models. For casual snorkelers or recreational swimmers, it’s a fantastic deal. If you’re planning to use it heavily and in rough conditions, though, you might want to consider a more robust option.

Additional information