Dive Masks, Spearfishing Gear
The Best Spearfishing Mask to Buy [Updated for 2023]
Mar
Choosing the best spearfishing mask can be a difficult decision.
Because your mask is one of the most critical pieces of spearfishing gear to get “right” before hitting the water. But choosing the right dive mask is confusing. So many types. So many brands. So many features. It’s hard to know what’s what. So in this guide, I’ll share my thoughts to help you find the best spearfishing mask.
I’ve personally tried each of these spearfishing masks in this buyers guide, so that you don’t have to. This is your chance to learn what’s what before you blow hundreds of dollars on the wrong dive mask. And to cut right to the chase, my favourite mask is the Cressi Nano.
It’s low profile, comfortable to wear, and has an incredible field of vision. Click here to get it now.
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The Best Spearfishing Mask to Buy: Reviewed for 2023
JUMP TO: BEST MASK | WIFE’S FAVORITE | TOP OF THE LINE | BEST FOR BEGINNERS | BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS | CHEAPEST | BEST FOR WIDE FACES | WITH A CAMERA MOUNT | BUYING GUIDE | HOW WE CHOSE THE BEST MASK | TYPES OF SPEARFISHING MASK | HOW TO GET THE RIGHT FIT | THE DANGER OF A CHEAP MASK | KEY FEATURES YOU NEED | PREPARING YOUR MASK FOR USE | CARE TIPS
Skip to the good part:
- Best Overall: Cressi Nano
- Wife’s Favorite: SeaDive Eagleye
- Top of the Line: Atomic Venom Frameless
- Best for Beginners: Omer Alien
- Best for Professionals: Aqua Lung Sphera X
- Best Cheap Option: Exp Vision Pano 3
- Best for Wide Faces: Riffe Naida
- In-built Camera Mount: Hammerhead Spearguns MV3 Action
UPDATE: 1st March 2023. I’ve just finished a massive weekend re-testing the different masks you can use spearfishing, putting a bunch through the works (models that weren’t even available when I first wrote this), and here it is: The Cressi Nano remains the clear winner. The low-profile design is just right, and it’s just about perfect if you’re looking for the best mask to go spearfishing.
[amazon box=”B00IZGF4Z2″ ]
I can’t tell you how many spearfishing masks I’ve gone through.
Perhaps I’m just fussy as I get older. But if my mask leaks while I’m freediving, or it presses in on my head and kicks off a migraine, I’d rather get rid of it than try to tough it out.
Because using the wrong mask takes all the fun out of a spearfishing session. You want clear vision and nothing taking your attention away from each dive. And because of that, the mask you choose becomes one of your most critical pieces of spearfishing gear. But before I dive into the mask reviews, you need to know.
What You Need to Know When Choosing A Spearfishing Mask
Pay attention because these three issues are the root cause for all of the issues you’ll have with your mask. And they’re critical. Before you buy a spearfishing mask – make sure it ticks off each of these criteria. You need…
- A spearfishing mask that’s comfortable to wear and equalize
- With a good seal that won’t leak as you descend in the water
- That allows you good visibility when you’re spearfishing
Otherwise, you’re going to have a bad time once you jump in the water.
Right, now onto the best spearfishing masks.
Cressi Nano Low Volume Spearfishing Mask
Editor’s Choice for the Best Overall Spearfishing Mask
You can’t go wrong with a brand like Cressi for spearfishing equipment. And the innovations on their Nano spearfishing mask are incredible. Three patients were registered as they developed this bit of gear, and it works.
- First Patent: Cressi built a virtually indestructible buckle system
- Second Patent: Inclined and inverted tear-drop lenses for better downward visibility
- Third Patent: Dual frame technology that gives a drastic reduction in internal volume
Yep, they’re offering a spearfishing mask with one of the lowest internal air volumes in the market (12.86 square inches or 83 square cm). This is important because lower volume masks mean less wasted air as you’re equalizing, so you get a longer bottom time.
The dual-lens Nano spearfishing mask offers a wide field of view (because the lenses are so close to your face), surrounded by soft silicon for a better seal to keep the water out.
The wide strap helps keep the mask securely in place, and the low drag means I didn’t feel the pull – even when I was descending fast. It just sits where it should.
But what I like best is that this is one of the only low-volume masks I can wear that doesn’t crush my nose (or forehead), so I no longer get a headache after a day of spearfishing.
[amazon box=”B00IZGF4Z2″ ]Why we think the Cressi Nano is the best mask for spearfishing:
- Comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time
- Great seal despite being a low-profile spearfishing mask
- Lenses are close to the eyes for a larger field of view underwater
- Inclined and inverted teardrop lenses improve downward visibility
- Soft nose pocket makes it easy to equalize as you descend
- Smooth and simple strap system to adjust the mask while spearfishing
Probably the only downside to this mask is a purely superficial one – and that’s the size!
I was surprised when I saw a photo of myself wearing it, because it’s much smaller than other spearfishing masks that I’ve used. But this is also a key benefit, as it helps you stay aerodynamic underwater and reduces the air you waste equalizing. Smaller is actually much better when it comes to a spearfishing mask.
Click the product box below to get your hands on yours today.
[amazon box=”B00IZGF4Z2″ ]
SeaDive Eagleye RayBlocker HD Spearfishing Mask
Wife’s Choice: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Where this spearfishing mask stands out is the colours you’ll see once you’re 20-30 feet deep. Because the lens coating and specially designed lens tint really brings out what life looks like on the ocean’s floor, while giving you an ultra-clear view even at depth.
It’s anti-fog, and you get an unobstructed view of the ocean thanks to the single glass lens. It’s not technically low volume like some of the other dive masks in this list, but a neat feature it does have is the nose purge. Allowing any seeping water to flow out naturally, without you having to continually lift and clear your mask.
On your face, it looks fantastic, but I did find the frame of this mask pressed a little against the bridge of my nose. So for me, it wasn’t a perfect fit. But my wife loved it. In fact – it was her favourite of all the different masks we tested for this review.
[amazon box=”B016625UP0″ ]
Atomic Venom Frameless Mask
Top of the Line: The Best Spearfishing Mask
You’ll feel the difference as soon as you press this freediving mask to your face, because their unique “Gummi Bear UltraSoft” (10 short) silicone is probably the most comfortable fits you’ll find out of any of these dive masks. It’s been co-molded with two different silicone materials for an incredibly soft, yet reliable face seal.
Hydrodynamic in the water, you get a great field of vision and I personally love the slick design. It just looks cool while you wear it. And I have to mention that this was the mask of choice for both my freediving instructors on a course I recently took while researching my book – Learn to Hold Your Breath Like a Pro.
But the best part is for anyone sporting a beard. This is one of the few masks that will seal and won’t continually leak while you’re spearfishing.
[amazon box=”B00V2J78LC” ]
Omer Alien Spearfishing Mask
Best for Beginners: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Omer is a staple for spearfishing brands, and their freediving masks are a common sight out on dive boats. The Alien model is a great choice if you’re starting out and want a beginner’s spearfishing mask – because they’re just such good value for the money (and have been for years).
Simple and to the point, this low-profile mask does everything you need it to. Designed for freedive spearfishing, you get a great field of vision and quite a good range out into your peripherals. The straps connect in tight to the skirt of the mask to cut down on drag as you descend, and it’s got quite a low internal air volume too.
Just be careful of the clip between the mask and the head strap (where it connects to the side of your goggles), it can come off a little too easily in my opinion.
But I love the mirrored lenses, and if you’re unsure what mask to buy or don’t want to invest too much, this spearfishing mask is a solid choice for beginners.
[amazon box=”B00JK6JLQ4″ ]
Aqua Lung Sphera X Mask
Best for Professionals: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Improving on what was one of the best freediving masks on the market, the new Sphera X offers the widest unbroken field of view you’ll get, with their unique, distortion free lens technology gives you a massive 180 degrees wide-angle field of vision. You will never miss a fish swimming just out of sight.
It’s a low-volume mask that’ll protect your eyes, thanks to the UVA/UVB treated lenses that are also treated with special anti-fog and anti-scratch protection. The large silicone skirt gives a comfortable fit and feel, and the ultra-wide head strap keeps it firmly in place without any discomfort.
Aerodynamic in the water and streamlined on your face, this is a great choice for those who are spearfishing regularly.
[amazon box=”B0B5F9Z8MD” ]
Exp Vision Pano 3
Your Cheapest Option: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Now there are plenty of cheap masks available, but in my opinion most are a complete waste of your money. The one that I’d buy if I was on a budget, is the Pano 3 model from Exp Vision. Offering a unique three-lens design to deliver 180 degrees of vision, you’ll see everything that’s going on underwater.
Where this stands out against other cheap freediving masks is the silicon seal, that provides a clean and comfortable fit that won’t leak while you dive. The ultra-clear lenses give you a crystal-clear view, made from tempered glass they are a good option for the budget-conscious diver.
[amazon box=”B0861B7YZH” ]
Riffe Naida Low Volume Spearfishing Mask
Best for Wide Faces: The Best Spearfishing Mask
If you struggle to find a mask solution to fit your wider face, never fear. The Riffe Naida is the best spearfishing mask for you. It’s designed for people with medium to large faces. And as my buddy Wayne will attest to – this one fit’s his watermelon-sized head perfectly (he swears this is the only mask that works for him).
Now Riffe is a well-known brand in the spearfishing world, and they’ve created what’s close to one of the best low-volume spearfishing masks in the market. You get strong nylon material frames, and you can just feel the quality of this mask when you’re wearing it. It’s damn good. It just didn’t fit me perfectly. Otherwise, this mask would have taken the top spot. Remember, the fit on your face is just as important as the mask.
[amazon box=”B00R560ZTS” ]
Hammerhead Spearguns MV3 Action Spearfishing Mask
In-Built Camera Mount: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Using their APEX lens technology, this particular mask is rated to increase light transmission by 13% over clear lenses – a big win if you’re diving in dark, murky conditions at depth. Because you’ll see more fish and spot tricky lobsters hiding in the rocks, and I was shocked at the difference it makes underwater.
But for me, what sells on this spearfishing mask from Hammerhead is the built-in camera mount. So you don’t have to think. Or do any modifications to get your GoPro or other action cameras on there. It bolts right into the frame, and you’re good to go, which is perfect if you’re someone who loves filming their spearfishing adventures.
The downside, is that it runs slightly narrow, so make sure you try this one on (before you buy) or to only order from a seller who is willing to do a return/refund/exchange if the fit’s no good. It worked alright for me, though there was some leakage – but it fit my wife like a charm. It’s important to test this one.
[amazon box=”B01NAYZAHB” ]
Thoughts on the other spearfishing masks we tested
Now, what’s a good review without putting the competition to the test? Or perhaps you’re looking for my thoughts on another brand’s spearfishing mask, so here are the round-up results from (what became a very long) our day testing these on the water.
Keep reading for my thoughts on all the other masks we tested over the weekend.
ProShot Tidal Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
If you’re sick and tired of fog in your masks (and the flame or toothpaste tricks aren’t working for you), then you need to get your hands on the ProShot Tidal mask. It gives a comfortable seal with a two-lens, low profile design, and comes with their proprietary anti-fog films. It won’t fog up.
I like how big the skirt is as it creates an almost perfectly water-tight seal, and even with it sitting so close to your face, their anti-fog technology just works. Where you lose out is in your peripheral vision, and the massive size of this mask compared to low-profile freediving masks.
[amazon box=”B082MQD9BD” ]
Salvimar Noah Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Inside the frame of the Salvimar Noah spearfishing mask, you can feel that it sits above the bridge of your nose. Making it a nice low-volume mask that’s comfortable to wear.
If you’ve got a wider face, this is a good choice for a spearfishing mask, and the soft silicone skirt helps it make a perfect seal. In addition, it’s cut shorter under the nose to form a better seal against facial hair, so if you’re sporting a beard, it’d be an excellent mask to test.
That also makes it another model my spearfishing friends swear by, but I found it a tad leaky, especially under my nose as I couldn’t get the best seal on my face.
[amazon box=”B018LHSDAC ” ]
Mares Viper Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
You can see how awesome this spearfishing mask is just by looking at it, it’s mean as hell and has one of the most unique designs of all the masks we tested. It was produced in collaboration with some of the world’s best freedive athletes, and it shows.
It’s incredibly aerodynamic in the water, and I found the seal to be great around my face, although I lost a slight bit of peripheral vision from the angle of the lenses. The low-volume design won’t waste precious air, and it also won’t leave that horrible red ring around your face like some other masks (perfect if you’re ducking out for a midday dive and have to be online for any Zoom calls once you’re back in the office).
What I didn’t like was how much of my face it covered, and that it felt a little restrictive in my movements.
[amazon box=”B01M4OB3LS” ]
SEAC One Camo Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
On your skin, this mask feels pretty damn nice. It contours well, and you get a good field of vision. In addition, the liquid silicon provides an almost perfect seal so that you won’t get that annoying slow leakage like some other masks.
The camouflage print design is a nice touch, and the tempered glass lenses are clear and perform as well as any other mask at these prices. So it’s not a bad buy. And the inclusion of a snorkel is a win for anyone wanting to save a bit of cash.
[amazon box=”B071RLPTNC” ]
Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquidskin Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
Released as an update to an earlier model, the new X-Vision from Mares boasts a field of vision that’s 20% wider, so you’ve got more chances to spot a target fish.
The bi-silicone skirt does feel comfortable to wear, and I like the addition of the nose ribs that help relieve pressure when you dive – making it easier to equalize. It’s another mask that seals well even if you’re sporting a beard and is well worth a try.
My only downside here is that despite the low-drag design, but it feels big and is definitely not a low-volume mask for freediving.
[amazon box=”B019P2TJWI” ]
ScubaPro Solo Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
If you’re looking for a single-lens mask, this is a good option that gives a great field of vision and lets in a bunch of light, thanks to the crystal-clear silicone skirt. Which is great if you’re spearfishing in low visibility, you’d want a spearfishing mask like this.
I noticed that it was prone to fogging up (a little more than others we tested), though it works great on a second dive after doing the lighter trick to burn off the film residue.
[amazon box=”B00TXQP34A” ]
SeaDive Oceanways Superview Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
I was surprised by how comfortable the Oceanways Superview was on my face. If you’ve got a more prominent nose or have troubles with other masks that press on the bridge of your forehead (like me), this is one I’d recommend you try.
But what stood out for me were the tints in the lenses. I’m not usually a fan of tinted lenses, but the “TruColor” tint they use makes the red and yellow colours “pop” underwater. Revealing colours I don’t usually see when I’m spearfishing (especially on an overcast day).
The only downside is the volume. This isn’t a low-volume spearfishing mask, so you will be burning more oxygen when you equalize.
[amazon box=”B00ESJ18WS” ]
Hollis M4 Frameless Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
The classic design on this spearfishing mask reminds me of more vintage styles. A throwback to how masks used to look before the whole “alien” trend took off. But it’s still a solid option for spearfishing.
It’s not super low volume, so you lose out a little here, but it’s comfortable to wear. You’ll get an excellent seal with the frameless silicon skirt, and the single-lens gives you a vast unobstructed view. You will need to treat this properly before you dive – as it fogged up quite a bit for me, though that’s pretty standard on a new mask.
[amazon box=”B005OTX0E0″ ]
Omer UP-M1 Spearfishing Mask
Shortlist: The Best Spearfishing Mask
If you want to turn a few heads in the water, this is the best spearfishing mask to do it. Wearing this mask, I can tell you it’s got a great seal (at least on my face), and I like the lens angles as I can see so much more without needing to move my head. It’s also got a soft rubber nose that allows you to wear a nose-clip – and enjoy hands-free equalizing as you descend. Plus, it just looks badass.
What I didn’t like was how it pressed on my forehead. They’ve built a good, ultra-low-profile mask that doesn’t cut down on your field of vision thanks to the clever positioning of the lenses, but it wasn’t the most comfortable for me.
[amazon box=”B00PSMSFLQ” ]
How we determined the best spearfishing mask
Putting all of these spearfishing masks to the test was rather fun.
We took two days over the weekend out on our boat and personally tried all the spearfishing gear on this list. It was a great day out as the conditions weren’t that great for spearfishing, but we still got to have a nice bit of fun in the water.
I’d also managed to get ahold of every mask that I wanted to test (no mean feat considering the shipping delays to this part of the world), and if there are any other spearfishing masks you’d like my thoughts on – hit me up in the comments, and I’ll give it a whirl.
Together with my wife, the things we looked for were:
- How comfortable was the fit?
- Did it seal (or leak) when wearing?
- What range of vision did we get?
- Would it come loose diving at speed?
- Was there any fogging problems?
- Or anything else that bears mention?
Ultimately, there was a clear winner for both of us.
For me, the clear winner was Cressi’s Nano.
It’s one of the only low volume masks I tried that fit so well, without pushing on my forehead or crushing my nose.
[amazon box=”B00IZGF4Z2″ ]
My wife was thoroughly impressed by SeaDive’s Eagleye RayBlocker.
She swears that spearfishing in the ocean has never been so beautiful thanks to the colour enhancing lenses.
[amazon box=”B016625UP0″ ]
Why do you need a spearfishing mask?
Well, I would hope this one is obvious, but if not, let me spell it out for you. A spearfishing mask allows you to see underwater. That’s it.
The glass lenses are like a window into the underwater world. Creating a pocket of air around your eyes. As a result, you get a crystal-clear look at everything you’re swimming past. If you’re trying to see underwater (let alone go spearfishing), you need a mask. Without it, you’ll struggle to see the fish, let alone spear them.
You need a spearfishing mask. It’s a key piece of spearfishing equipment.
What type of spearfishing mask to buy?
Once you start looking at masks, you’ll notice many different models and types. All with slight, subtle differences. Things that may not seem like it matters, but they can cause issues for you down the track as your spearfishing improves.
First, you have all the cheap snorkelling sets. Drawn in by the price, you’ll wonder why people like me waste a hundred dollars (or more) on a spearfishing mask when you can buy one for a fraction of the price. Masks like this…
[amazon box=”B00BUMDTRS” ]
Where you lose – is on quality. Cheap snorkelling masks generally use plastic, rubber, or even a hard silicon seal, which leaks terribly and will ruin your spearfishing experience. And don’t get me started on those full-face monstrosities. They may give you a fantastic field of vision from the surface, but being unable to grab your nose to equalize is a significant problem. This is what I’m talking about…
[amazon box=”B07Q4GWWVH” ]
Without proper equalization on a full-face mask, you’re going to experience a whole lot of pain once you try to dive. Which can rupture your eardrums if you push through the pain. Do NOT get a full-face mask for spearfishing. It’s hazardous to your health.
Scuba masks are closer to what we’re looking for, as the better ones generally use higher-quality materials. But they’re far too bulky for spearfishing. You’ll waste your precious air with every equalization you do, and they will feel bulky and oversized on your face as you’re spearfishing. Perhaps even slightly wobbling or pulling off if you start moving at a quick speed underwater.
What you want to find is a freediving mask.
We also call these low-volume spearfishing masks. With a low-profile design, you save air each time you equalize, and they’re much lighter to wear. These masks are also very aerodynamic in the water, making it easier to swim without dragging your mask through the water.
In a later section, we’ll go into all of the specific features you want to find in your spearfishing mask, but the most critical thing is a good fit.
How do I know if my spearfishing mask fits?
The only real way to get the best fitting spearfishing mask is to try it on. Most manufacturers understand this, and the good ones will offer flexible returns and refund programs for masks, so you can buy a few and return those that don’t fit.
Or you could just pop down to your local dive store and try the different dive masks on in person (if you do this, remember to price compare with what’s available online). I usually get much better prices on Amazon than I can find in my local dive shops. I’m all for supporting local business, but it also has to make sense in my pocket too.
So here’s how to find the best fit.
- Take the spearfishing mask out of the box, and hold it to your face.
- Don’t worry about putting the strap on, you want to test the seal first.
- Breathe in and you should feel the mask “suction” onto your face.
- Drop your hands so the mask is hanging on by itself.
- The spearfishing mask should stay in place (if it’s got a good seal).
- If it doesn’t stay on at all, that means it’s not a good choice.
- If it does stick well, here’s what you do next…
While still wearing the mask, start making funny expressions in the mirror. Laugh, smile, and frown, trying your best to break the seal.
Keep at it till you find one that won’t fall.
Because you want your mask to remain in place, no matter how excited you get when a fish swims in to view.
Don’t buy the cheapest spearfishing mask
We touched on this earlier, but it’s essential. When it comes to finding the best spearfishing mask, the quality does matter. It’s one piece of spearfishing gear that will annoy you to no end if it leaks or doesn’t seal properly. Trust me on this.
I’ve given away masks because they just didn’t fit right. I’ve also gone the super cheap option and bought basic snorkelling sets that just don’t stand up to continued spearfishing sessions. They don’t sell well because it’s cheap plastic or hard silicon, and within a few weeks, things start to break.
The straps might fail. Or the little clips that hold the straps in place just explodes.
I even had one mask where the lens just popped out.
Cheap snorkelling masks will not hold up to the demands of spearfishing.
Don’t waste your money. Instead, buy a quality spearfishing mask.
What spearfishing mask features should you look for?
Right. Now onto the features. You can get a little lost when considering all the options for the best spearfishing mask, as there are many different features.
But I want to repeat this – buying a quality mask is a wise investment. You want a spearfishing mask that will stand up to the stresses of diving at depth and will last season after season in the water. You want a mask that’ll hold up, as you learn to hold your breath underwater for longer and longer.
You want a spearfishing mask that’ll serve you well as you master the art of spearfishing.
Here’s what I look for…
Low volume mask design
Compared to scuba and snorkelling masks, the ones you’ll be looking at for spearfishing all look small. We call this a low-volume mask design. And yes, it’s intentional. Because trapped inside your spearfishing mask is a small pocket of air.
You want this pocket of air to be as small as possible for several reasons.
- The smaller the mask, the more aerodynamic it is underwater.
- The less air it contains, the less air you need to equalize as you dive.
Some masks are such a low volume you’ll equalize far less as you descend. Just be wary of the fit. As spearfishing masks get smaller and more streamlined, they have less “give” to fit onto your face. I’ve tried a few ultra-low-profile masks, and they just didn’t work for me.
The seal wasn’t great, and no one enjoys a dive where you’re constantly bailing water from your mask. If you can find one that fits you, great. But for me, the “low” volume options tend to work best.
Comfortable fit on your face
Once you’ve found a few low-volume spearfishing masks to compare, the next step is the fit. It’s important, but also, I want to make one point clear.
Most spearfishing masks will fit most people.
Masks aim to be universal, with high-quality silicone seals to ensure a good fit on your face. Most of the time, you will get a good fit. But it’s essential to try the different masks on your face. Because while most spearfishing masks will “seal” alright, you don’t want this seal to break if you change your expression underwater. You want a good seal.
For me, I tend to need masks with soft silicone seals, as they help to fit around my beard and stop the water leaking in (hint: water filling into your mask isn’t good). And you definitely don’t want your spearfishing mask to be pressing on your head and causing any pain. The most common pain points are your forehead and the bridge of your nose.
Don’t ignore it if you feel any pain or pressure in the shop. It may not feel like much at first, but the pain will be unbearable after hours in the water.
Single or double-paned lenses
With spearfishing masks, there are both single and double-paned lens options. Either the lens is one big piece of glass or two “individual” eye panels. Personally, I like the double-paned models because they allow the lenses to be tilted, so you get a closer fit to your face.
A closer fit means you’re not sacrificing your field of vision, while still having a comfortable spearfishing mask. It would be best if you were looking at lenses with tempered glass.
They are the best quality (and what most good spearfishing masks use anyway) and will better stand up to any scratches if you’re like me and sometimes just toss your mask in your gear bag along with all your other spearfishing equipment.
A silicon strap that’s easy to adjust
Good control over the strap that holds the spearfishing mask to your face is essential. The clips on the side should allow you to adjust even while wearing gloves (so you can change it up if you need to in the water). I also like straps with large “teeth” holding them from sliding out of place. Lots of the spearfishing I do is from the shore, and I need to be sure my mask isn’t going anywhere even when I hit the force of a wave.
I’d not waste your money on a neoprene cover for your straps unless you’ve got a lot of hair that is getting tangled. For example, I usually spearfish in a wetsuit with a hood, and I find the silicone strap holds far better over my wetsuit than a neoprene covered strap that likes to slide off.
Choose a clear lens color
The lenses in your spearfishing mask function just like a window, and I like clear best. I’ve tried mirrored and tinted spearfishing masks, and while a good gimmick, I prefer clear, so nothing obstructs my ability to see underwater. Despite being told that mirrored lenses will bring fish closer as they can’t see my eyes, I hated that I looked like a highway patrol cop in all of my pics.
And personally, (I don’t even know if this was true) because I didn’t notice a difference with the fish coming closer anyways. So maybe I was just splashing around too much. What does work wonders are the filters. Coloured tints in your lenses will make the colours underwater pop, as it cuts down on how “blue” everything is.
On cloudy, overcast days where everything just looks grey, a yellow filter in your spearfishing mask will enhance what you see underwater. And if you’re diving in a location where grey weather is the norm, perhaps a tint is a good decision. My wife agrees, and she prefers tinted glass to see all the colours underwater.
Choose a dark colored mask
After I started spearfishing in a camo wetsuit, I did notice a difference in how close I could get to my target fish. And choosing a dark-coloured spearfishing mask is part of this. My masks are always plain black. Matte, if I can get it. I want to blend in with my surroundings underwater. Not look like a weirdly shaped fluorescent monster trying to sneak up on a fish.
Yes, certain things can attract bigger fish (like a spoon that you should have tucked up your sleeve), but you don’t need to be bright. Avoid bright-coloured spearfishing masks. You don’t want to look like a kid’s birthday clown.
Choose a dark silicon skirt on your mask
On a similar note, you want the mask’s silicone skirt also to be as dark as possible. But this isn’t just for camouflage (although it helps). Using black silicon stops any light from seeping into the sides of your mask.
On a bright, sunny day, this light shining into your peripheral vision can be a distraction.
- One that causes you to miss a shot.
- Or means you don’t see a target fish.
- And stops you spearfishing with a single focus.
Choose a black silicone skirt on your spearfishing mask to cut down all the light, shadows, and movement playing across your field of vision.
Do you need a camera mount?
It’s also important to consider where your underwater camera attaches. I prefer to have my camera attached to my speargun. But many people attach their GoPro to the top of their mask, with a fitting like this.
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With a head-mounted camera, they can easily record the footage of what they’re looking at while they dive. If you want to capture your spearfishing videos similarly, it may be worth finding out how easy it will be to mount your GoPro to your spearfishing mask.
Prepare your new spearfishing mask for use
Once you buy your spearfishing mask, you need to get it ready to use. In the factory, a thin film of silicon will accumulate on the lenses of your mask. If you don’t remove this residue before using your spearfishing mask, it’ll fog up like crazy in the water, and it’ll be impossible to see.
Prepping your spearfishing mask before you get in the water is very important. The simplest method is to use toothpaste. Yup, you read that right. Find a tube of the plain old boring white toothpaste you’ll find everywhere. And squeeze a dollop about the size of your thumb into both lenses.
Rub it in with your finger, using a circular motion. You want to repeat this on both the inside and outside of your lenses. Rinse it off completely. And do it again. To properly prepare your spearfishing mask for the first use, you’re going to need to clean it like this about 6 or 7 times to complete the process. Afterwards, it’s ready to go.
Alternatively, you could always burn this silicon residue off.
Take a cigarette lighter, and wave the flame slowly over the lenses. It’s the fastest way to prep a new mask, but you do run the risk of burning the silicon skirts. It’s much safer just to spend ten minutes cleaning your mask with toothpaste. But for a fast fix, the flame trick takes just a couple of minutes. Once you’re done, wash it clean, and it’s ready to go.
Just add a couple of sprays of a defogger before you dive (or a little baby shampoo), and you’re ready to start spearfishing.
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How to care for your spearfishing mask
Finally comes the care. Once you’ve finished spearfishing with the best speargun, you need to take care of your mask – and all your other gear.
After all, you’ve dropped a bunch of cash buying this gear. You want to care for it, so it’ll last you for at least a couple of years (and hopefully many more). I had spearfishing masks last season after season because I meticulously cleaned them. And it’s not that hard.
Once you’ve been spearfishing, give your mask a good rinse with fresh water. I give the silicon a bit of a rub to make sure no sand is under there, and then just hang it to dry in a nice shady spot. You want somewhere away from direct sunlight, as the sun will eventually damage the soft silicon, and it’ll crack and deteriorate much faster. Maybe not in a day, but after a couple of weeks, or perhaps a month or two, you’ll start to notice the damage you’re doing. And by then, it’s far too late.
Once the mask has completely dried, you can put it away inside, ready for your next dive.
Wrapping up this mega-post on the best spearfishing masks
Right. So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about finding the best spearfishing mask, the features you need to look for, and how to ensure the mask you’re spending your hard-earned money on will be a clever piece of spearfishing gear.
I hope I’ve helped clear up some of the considerations you need to make, and you’re now better prepared to find the perfect spearfishing mask for you. If you’re new to the sport, I’d also highly recommend checking out this post on the best spearguns for beginners.
If you’ve got any questions, anything at all. Shoot them through in the comments. I would love to help you out, and I genuinely love hearing from you all.
And with that, I’m out.
Here’s a cheers to you finding the perfect spearfishing mask and, most importantly, getting in the water and catching some fish!
Happy spearin’
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