Mask & Snorkel guide/recommendations for 2023/2024
We have compiled a comprehensive list of our best sellers, customer favourites and our personal choices for masks and snorkels. A few quick pointers: when looking for masks, there is no such thing as one size fits all and masks are one of those things where you just need to try them on if you can do so.
A few misconceptions:
- โLow profile masks have a small field of viewโ – this is often assumed because of their small size. It’s actually the opposite – as the lenses are closer to your eyes, you donโt suffer any loss of vision compared to a standard mask and in some cases, it is improved.
- โSingle lens masks are better.โ There isnโt any truth to this statement as itโs all about personal preference. When we are talking about spearfishing and freediving, a dual lens mask will be lower volume and more flexible and better suited to our needs. That being said, there is nothing wrong with a single lens mask as they offer a wider field of view and have a more natural feel to your vision.
Low Profile Masks
SeaWolf ยฃ33.99/Atomic ยฃ41.99, Atom ยฃ69.99, Noah ยฃ40.99, Minisub ยฃ20.99, Hathor ยฃ33.99
Epsealon Seawolf/Picasso Atomic ยฃ33.99/ยฃ41.99
This is one of the most popular low-profile masks and one of very few available that does not have a solid frame and allows ultimate flexibility, able to bend in half with no issue. The Cressi Atom is a very similar shape and design and is also able to bend in the middle – the main advantage of this is reducing the volume of the mask whilst also offering superior comfort and reducing pressure points on the forehead and nose.
Epsealon Minisub ยฃ20.99
Our cheapest mask at ยฃ20.99 but also very low volume, making this mask great value for money for those wanting to try a lower profile mask.
Salvimar Noah ยฃ40.99
One of our top recommended masks for comfort and low profile, always highly reviewed by customers for having a very soft silicone skirt and great field of view. Available in 4 colours, Black, Black/Green, Green/Black, White/Blue.
Salvimar Hathor ยฃ33.99
Another great value and very popular low-profile mask available in 3 colours, Green, Black, Krypsis. Similar shape and style to the Noah but with a lower volume. Due to the shape of the lenses this mask has extra room for your fingers to pinch your nose and equalise.
Cressi Atom ยฃ69.99
Despite its higher price at ยฃ69.99, this mask has been very popular, and we have been very impressed with its features and design. This mask is like the Seawolf in that it has no solid frame and can flex completely on the nose and offers excellent comfort. The nose portion also has purpose built finger holes to aid in equalisation.
Best sellers
Epsealon Minisub ยฃ20.99, Epsealon Deepsub ยฃ22.99, Salvimar Noah ยฃ40.99, Picasso Infima ยฃ38.99, Rob Allen Cubera ยฃ44.99
Best new mask of 2023
Cressi Atom ยฃ69.99
Despite its higher-than-average price at ยฃ69.99 this mask has been very popular, and we have been very impressed with its features and design. The Atom is a very low-profile mask and like the Epsealon Seawolf it has no solid frame and can flex completely on the bridge of the nose and offers excellent comfort. The nose portion also has purpose-built finger holes to aid in equalization.
List of all GoPro masks available on our website
Picasso Infima GoPro, Picasso Must GoPro, Salvimar Trinity, Epsealon Seaquest Motion, Cressi Action, Riffe Mantis (requires added mount)
Snorkels
Best Value
Labrax Oxxo Black ยฃ9.99, Epsealon Exal 3 ยฃ11.99, Rob Allen GT Black ยฃ9.99
Soft
Picasso Fit ยฃ14.99, Picasso Intro Soft ยฃ11.99
Valve
This premium valve snorkel utilises a dry float system on the top of the snorkel to stop water filling the tube. The reliable valve on the bottom allows quick clearing of the snorkel by giving a quick blow. The dry system also forces you to take the snorkel out of your mouth which is the safest way to use a snorkel – otherwise the snorkel will vacuum to your lips and mouth.
A budget valve snorkel similarly priced to standard tube snorkels, fitted with a basic valve and splash guard.
Unique Features
This snorkel might seem the same as many but the RA Camo Snorkel is made from a floating plastic making it very hard to lose and will stop your mask sinking rapidly to the bottom if you drop it. The mask is also fitted with a very easy to use quick release bungee system for attaching to the mask.
This mask is the lowest profile offering from Riffe. The mask is featured with quick release straps attached with a very strong silicone mold. Most masks can fail where the straps attach to the mask as the silicone attachments are very weak. The Nekton has a solid hook point that requires the strap to be pushed forward to release meaning it cannot snap by excessively pulling them.
