Best Scuba Diving Masks for Small Faces
Small, narrow faces, small feet, beards, and big noses are some of the challenges divers face when buying their first gear. Diving masks are among the first pieces of gear divers invest in when they start their diving journey. If you have small or narrow facial features, you’ll want to invest in the best scuba diving masks for small faces.
The best scuba diving masks for small faces include; Cressi F1 mini frameless masks, TUSA Tina masks, Scuba pro spectra mini, Aqua Lung look 2, and Oceanic discovery masks just to mention a few. Besides the brand or make, you’ll also want to consider other factors such as volume, frame, lens, color, skirt, and straps.
A good mask is comfortable to wear, offers value for money, is easy to clear, and provides a good view window. Every diver will have additional preferences to look for when buying a diving mask. These are just some basics and buyers shouldn’t limit their picks to only those mentioned.
In the next few paragraphs, we’ll look into some of the best scuba diving masks for small and narrow faces. We’ll also look into the factors that make the mask the best fit, why you should buy and the cons.
Let’s dive into it!
Best Scuba Diving masks for small faces- Quick answer
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Cressi F1 mini frameless
A very popular mask among divers of all ages. From kids, and young adults to older adults with small faces and snorkelers. Cressi has quite a number of masks suitable for small and narrow faces as well as other regular-sized masks.
Features to love
The skirt is available in colored and clear options. A clear skirt offers a wider view angle compared to a colored one.
The colored skirts featured in this mask make are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. No reflection of sunlight rays onto your eyes.
The mask has a low volume meaning the air trapped within the mask is very minimal. Low volume also makes mask clearing quite easy.
Frameless meaning there’s only one view window. The lens is attached directly to the high-quality silicone skirt.
A perfect mask for travel. Since the design is very compact and foldable, divers can easily fit it into their BCD or the travel bag. It’s easy to carry around without worrying about it breaking or not fitting well into your travel language.
One view window allows a wide field of view. If you get the mask with a clear skirt, then this is an extra field of view. Divers can easily see through the sides of the skirt.
For a perfect seal on your face, the mask features a double skirt. Using high-quality silicone, you are guaranteed the mask will seal perfectly onto your face, and around the nose.
The straps are easy to adjust and secure. Divers can enjoy their fun dives without worrying about their masks falling off.
Cons
- Divers with a wider face may need larger straps for the mask to fit properly
- Not the best for prescription lenses
Scuba pro spectra mini
Another top pick for divers with small and narrow faces. The Scuba Pro Spectra Mini is available in clear and black skirts.
Features to love
The swiveling buckles on the straps are very easy to adjust both on land and underwater. Whether wearing diving gloves or not, divers can easily tighten, loosen and take off the mask strap without a problem.
The buckle system makes it fit for divers with long hair as it won’t get caught in the way. Sometimes long hair can get pulled into the buckle and it’s very painful.
Features a low volume design thus easy to clear. These are among the lowest volume masks available in the market.
Two view windows featuring teardrop lenses. The lenses are closer to the face perfect for peripheral and look-down vision.
Perfect for prescription lenses. Since the mask has a frame separating the view window, it’s easy to install prescription lenses.
Has ultra-clear glass for better vision underwater. Every fish, coral, and sand crystal appears as it is no tint from the mask.
The mask is designed with a double skirt for an airtight seal onto the diver’s face.
Available in clear and mirrored lenses.
Cons
- You’ll require an anti-fogging treatment
TUSA Tina
Best fit for women with small faces. The mask design is more feminine than unisex. If you are looking to gift a female friend a scuba diving gift, this is one perfect present.
Features to love
Masks are available in clear and black skirts. A clear skirt is perfect for a wider field of view. The black skirt, on the other hand, tends to last longer as black can withstand a lot of stress before it starts showing signs of a worn-out mask.
Has a medium volume. When buying you’ll want to try it on and check the fit around the nose. It shouldn’t be too large or too tight.
The mask features a dimpled skirt for a perfect sit on the face and around the cheekbones.
Single view window. There is no frame around the nose ridge.
Has an accessory port to mount your GoPro or any other small underwater camera. This makes diving easier and more fun as you don’t have to worry about holding a camera all through the dive.
Cons
- Only fit for women
- The dimpled skirt may not fit or appeal to every diver
- Not suitable for prescription lenses
Other masks to look into, suitable for both men and women
Aqua Lung Look 2
If you dive very often, these are a perfect fit for you. Whether you are diving in tropical waters, or cold water the mask is up to the task. Very comfortable to wear and use.
Features to love
The mask comes in black and clear skirts. Some divers prefer clear skirts for the extra field of vision. Some love black for the laid-back cool color or for durability purposes.
A low-volume mask meaning it’s easy to clear while diving.
Has 2 viewing windows.
Elevated frame is suitable and easy for clearing at all times.
The frame makes the mask suitable for prescription lenses. The windows are also large enough for stick-on corrective lenses.
Designed with a single silicon skirt. Compared to other skirts on different dive masks, this particular skirt is a bit thinner. Some divers say this ultra-thin skirt offers a better and airtight seal. Opinions will vary of course from one user to the other.
The large teardrop lenses offer a good look-down view.
The long straps and oversize buckles make the mask perfect for many face shapes not only for small faces. Buckles are very easy to adjust even when wearing diving gloves.
Cons
- Some divers may not love the elevated lens look.
Oceanic Discovery mask
Very affordable masks, perfect for beginners just starting out in scuba diving and recreational divers.
Features to love
Available in clear and colored silicone skirts.
Has 2 view windows, wide enough for a better field of view. Has teardrop lenses for a better look down view.
Suitable for prescription lenses.
Fits perfectly even on bared faces. The soft silicone seals onto the face preventing any leaks or flooding.
Buckles are easy to adjust and release. Features a rotating strap with a hinge.
Cons
- Buckle fitted onto the skirt. This can be a turnoff for some divers since the skit is more flexible than the frame. Many prefer the buckles placed on the frame.
- Easy release buckle not suitable for technical divers
Other Oceanic masks to consider for small faces
READ MORE: Are Scuba And Snorkel Masks The Same
What to Consider When Buying a Diving Mask
It’s always advisable to buy a scuba diving-specific mask as it will have the desired features in a diving mask. Freediving masks may also be used especially when divers with very small faces can’t find a perfect scuba diving mask.
Avoid snorkeling masks as they are not designed for scuba diving.
Other factors to consider are as listed below;
Lens:
Ensure the mask is made using tempered glass. This is the best kind of glass for scuba diving. In case the lenses break, the glass isn’t shattered into a million pieces that can hurt your eyes. Tempered glass will break but it stays in place until the lens is forced out manually.
Divers who need prescription glasses should also ensure the lens used is high quality and can withstand pressure underwater.
Frame:
A frameless mask is lightweight, and easy to travel with and store. These may however not be fit for prescription glasses since the lens is fitted into the skirt directly.
A framed mask is a better fit for prescription glasses since the prescription lenses are fixed into the frame making them more secure and hold better.
Buckles and straps:
Swiveling straps common in modern masks are easy to adjust even when wearing gloves. There are different types of straps available in the market. Some are fitted directly onto the skirt especially if silicon is used to manufacture the buckle and strap. This allows the mask to stay in place and not slide to the front of your face or off the face.
Low volume:
Low volume masks are not only fit for small and narrow faces, they are easier to clear making them fit for all divers. The more air held within the mask the harder it will be to clear.
Color:
Clear masks offer a wider field of view and allow in more light. If you are claustrophobic consider getting a clear mask. The only downside to clear masks is that they tend to stain after many uses changing to a yellowish color.
Colored masks are better at protecting the eyes from light reflection and UV rays. The downside to these masks is that they can prevent the diver from seeing their buddies communicate, they can also feel like you are trapped in a small space.
Always store your masks away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and wearing off.
Fit:
Picking a perfect mask starts by trying out different masks. Before buying always try the mask on and try moving your face up and down and sideways.
A well fitted mask shouldn’t move or fall off your face. Ensure the mask stays on even without the straps in place.
A good fit comes with a high-quality silicone skirt. High-grade silicone will seal perfectly onto your face without any pressure that may hurt you.
Price:
Masks are quite affordable compared to other scuba diving gear. It’s important to note that the higher or lower the price doesn’t reflect the quality of the mask.
Consider other qualities in a mask before checking the price.
Comfort:
A comfortable mask is airtight as well as watertight. You do not want water flooding your mask or too much air trapped within your mask. When more air is trapped, clearing the mask becomes very difficult.
When buying a mask ensure it feels comfortable as this means it will be comfortable for you even as you dive.
Vision:
This may include the lens angle, windows, and the color of the mask.
Teardrop lenses provide better peripheral and look down vision. Clear masks including a clear skirt will provide a wider field of view and different view angles.
Single window masks have a wider view compared to dual window masks.
Divers using prescription lenses should pick double window masks, these are more compatible with the prescription lenses as opposed to single-window masks.
Single window masks are more travel friendly due to their compact design and ability to fold flat.
