Well, here we are in the year 2021. Scuba diving has become one of the most popular hobbies for people over the last decade or so and it’s not hard to see why. The fish is beautiful and you can explore ancient shipwrecks that have been on the ocean floor since before time began!
But when scuba diving, there are some hazards (sharks!) that divers need protection from. That’s where full-face masks come in handy! I’ve researched many of them for you below so you know which ones to buy. Let me know what your opinion is if you end up buying any of these masks by leaving a comment below!
Table of Contents
Overview Top 5 Full Face Scuba Masks
OCEAN REEF Unisex Space Extender
Coldwater certification, balanced, on-demand regulator and integrated directional exhaust valve – the Ocean Reef Space Extender is best for divers. It includes a space extender kit and surface air valve. It’s also best for divers who want to see more underwater. It has a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty and is best for those who dive in cold water.
PRO
- Cold water certified
- Balanced
- Integrated regulator
- Polycarbonate visor
- Directional exhaust valve
Scubapro Full Face Diving Masks
The Scubapro Full Face Dive Mask is a lightweight full-face mask designed with comfort in mind. It is composed of separate liners for the nose and mouth a pair of easy-to-use adjustable head straps keep the mask on in a place that is comfortable. The simple and functional underwater communication system and the two-member design make this mask a common choice for those in contaminated places. The scuba mask’s full face mask makes it impossible for divers to breathe through the nose. Here the trade-off here is that the mask equalize is easier than the average full-face mask. It provides a good compromise between the comfort of full-face design and the comfort of easy-to-use.
PRO
- Technical divers can explore new depths and extremes
- High-volume air design for extreme environments
- Fully adjustable head straps to customize fit
- Roomy lenses provide a wide, unobstructed field of view
OTS Guardian Full Face Scuba Mask
It is very comforting and easy to use for any diver. The cover is low profile this ensures all divers have good visibility. An external respirator can help you preserve oxygen when at rest. The double seal helps keep a small and large face. This mask bag has been specially made to ensure that your mask stays in optimal condition until you make it into the water. The strap has large drain holes at the bottom and an extra ventilated vent that ensuring your mask has completely dried after diving and can easily carry it via handle straps.
PROS
- Double-pane glass provides a crystal clear view
- The low profile visor ensures visibility underwater and on the surface
- The ABV valve helps conserve air during long dives and when resurfacing
- Ergonomic design is especially comfortable for women and men
Ocean Reef Neptune Space G Full Face Scuba Mask Emerald
This is the perfect mask for diving enthusiasts who are interested in sports diving. Its products are available in two sizes and four colors including both integrated balanced second stage regulator. It’s made of premium quality silicone rubber and uses a spring profile and twin ribs to securely fit on the face. It improves your peripheral vision by giving you light from the visor at 92% so you do not feel like you’re in the darkness. Onward is also supplied with a owner’s manual and a 24-month Limited Warranty.
PROS
- Comfortable, easy breathing
- No need to clear mask before diving
- No fogging because of anti-fog insert
- Fast and easy flooded purge
- Adjustable air flow
OCEAN REEF Predator Extender Mask
As the newest edition to our Predator Extender mask series, this is constructed with parts made of Anticorodal which will help resist damage from your harsh environment and keep you safe where ever life takes you. The adjustable knob has a laser-cut and hand-finished frame that is made of AISI 316 stainless steel. The sturdy feeling of the design of the mask allows divers to make sensitive micro-adjustments to their airflow, even when using gloves!
Surface treatments protect the mask from saltwater damage and tech polymer protection treatments allow the Neptune Space Predator to be used in extreme conditions. The Predator has a low internal volume, an improved visual field, and an integrated surface air valve. It can be used with a communication unit and many accessories. The total weight of the mask is 1030 g (2.28lb) with light buoyancy of just 232g (0x5lbs).• Helps you breathe underwater more easily
PROS
- Lessens the strain on your neck, head, and back when diving
- Pressure is evenly distributed across your entire face
- Provides a closer fit than other masks
- Comfortable visor
- Inbuilt drinking tube
- Sturdy silicone skirt
What is a full face Scuba mask?
For divers who prefer not to have a regulator between their nose and mouth, full-face masks are the perfect option. These allow you to breathe naturally without using an additional piece of equipment. They leave your face totally exposed when in use so that any water entering the mask is able to drain out how it came in. Full-face masks are also equipped with an exhale valve which provides an outward flow of air during exhalation. This prevents fogging and minimizes the need for defogging solutions such as saliva or anti-fog gel inside the mask. These types of dive gear are often used by professional scuba divers who may be spending extended periods underwater and are popularly used as a part of cave diving gear kits.
How does full face scuba mask work
A full face scuba mask works the same way as any other mask. By inhaling through your mouth and exhaling through your nose, the air is transferred into and out of the breathing system. Water that enters the mask is not a problem because it drains back out again when you exhale. Full-face masks come in both short snorkel and full dive varieties, which include a separate air supply.
A typical full-face scuba mask consists of five parts: the lens, or viewing port; the skirt, or lower reservoir that fills with water; the upper reservoir that holds breathing gas; the exhalation valve that directs exhaled air out of the mask; and the mask frame, or rigid support structure. Some masks are equipped with a nose pocket that helps to clear water and prevents fogging while snorkeling in warm waters.
Tanks are required for full-face scuba diving, with the best type of tanks being low-pressure ones due to their small size and lightweight. These types of breathing gas tanks typically come in a double-tank configuration consisting of one tank for breathing gas and another for air. Fill valves known as submersible pressure-equalizers help to maintain constant pressure on both sides of the regulator, preventing it from flooding during a dive.
Tips before purchase
Safety concerns
A few users have questioned the security of the masks. A theory was made for a lack of air space in the mask and in the tube. Eventually, carbon dioxide may grow in the cover. It would conceivably cause a user to grow bewildered more vulnerable and likely die. A couple of manufacturers have indicated that they don’t intend to use their masks when they perform exercise routines. They warn that you won’t be able to get enough oxygen on the off chance of not wearing it at practice. Have to breathe into the mouth. In all that.
Comfort
The full face mask is comfortable to wear to feel that I can snorkel or go scuba diving for a longer time. It gives you a feeling of peace feeling warm and snug on the face. Wearing a full face mask also gives the feeling of – being tied with the sea and no salt on your lips. Sometimes it needs to occupy isolation of the feeling like you’re floating from the ocean; seeing anything but nothing you might feel that they’re really the same.
Communication
With a mask, you can talk with your mouth underwater. It’s really interesting to talk underwater especially for those people that snorkel. You have to keep your skin underwater but talk to a nearby.
Great Visibility
Many mask models have curved lenses that stretch back over the eyes and offer consistently clear 180° viewing angles. The case seals behind your vision line this means you’ve got not one that modifies your view.
No jaw fatigue
Most face – masks have no mouthpiece to chuckle on. Swimming has become very comfortable for longer time frames. Dies are applicable particularly upon sprains or sores of the mouth when holding a snorkel.
Water barrier
The covers are tightly wrapped around your face and minimize the chances if any water gets into the mask from your smile. Backstrap binds on a cover. It can be worn unimpeded, taking a breeze or a wave – all for a little charge without sacrificing the mask.
Tips and tricks for using your new full-face mask effectively
Here are a few things you should know if you are purchasing this new item or have just acquired one.
Remember that the full-face mask is to be used with a snorkel, not a diving apparatus. To find out whether it will fit your face well, get the biggest size possible. Note that there are three different types of full facial masks on offer as follows:
The first type has a mouthpiece and nosepiece which gives more flexibility when it comes to breathing as you can use your nose for swallowing water too. The second type covers all around your jaw and lips while keeping the only your nose open for breathing; however, this creates a high risk of flooding in case of rough sea conditions hence the third type is designed to cover 100% part of your face for no water entry.
At the time of purchase, check that there are three straps or buckles to keep the mask in place on your head as it is expected to move around a lot underwater and any less than three could be dangerous. There should also be an earpiece to allow airflow from the nose and mouth into the ears. Some units come with two different openings – one for breathing and another for exhaling. Depending on what you are doing e.g., snorkeling just by inhaling will ensure that no water enters the unit but if you plan to engage in some strenuous swimming or diving then both holes can be addressed at the same time which will help cover the whole mouth area including cheeks, nose, etc.
The Bottom Line
Conclusion paragraph: We’ve covered a lot of information about scuba diving compasses, but if you still have any questions or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help. We always welcome the opportunity to answer your queries and get you on your way!