TOP 9 Best Spearfishing Masks Reviewed 2024 + Buyer’s Guide & FAQs

Masks can be a very important part of our lives.

And that’s most certainly true when it comes to spearfishing and freediving.

You’re simply not going to be able to enjoy these exciting sports without one.

That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive review of the best spearfishing masks on the market, with a buyer’s guide thrown in for good measure.

Without further ado – let’s dive in.

The 9 Best Masks for Spearfishing in 2024

Mares Viper Mask

This mask caused a bit of a buzz in the spearfishing world when it was released, and it continues to prove why the hype was valid.

Made with the latest generation of silicone to deter condensation, it has a super-stealthy aesthetic that James Bond would be proud of.

Very comfortable to wear, the ergonomic buckles to adjust the straps are ideal if you’re wearing thicker gloves in colder waters, and the skirt has been meticulously designed to provide a molded fit on just about any face.

Low volume to minimize the amount of air in the pocket, the soft-touch inner surface is non-reflective, ensuring you have the best possible advantage when hunting your quarry.

Pros

  • Highly rated.
  • Choice of colors.
  • Suitable for freediving and spearfishing.
  • Attractive design.

Cons

  • Not the best field of view.

Takeaway

A very popular mask within the spearfishing community, the low volume is easy to clear and yet doesn’t touch the eyelashes (which is maddening). And the fact that you’ll look like underwater Batman is just the icing on the cake.

Hollis M1 Frameless Spearfishing Mask

Designed specifically with freediving and spearfishing in mind, this simple yet stylish design is one of the most effective dive masks around.

With a frameless, 100% silicone skirt, it’s soft and comfortable to wear, with a next-level crystal-clear lens for unparalleled vision quality.

It also offers an outstanding field of vision, especially considering its low volume, and a completely dry snorkel top prevents water entry when you’re submerged.

Finally, the large exhaust valve located on the bottom of the mask makes water purging that much easier, and you don’t need to use nearly as much air to do it.

Pros

  • Professional quality and design.
  • Distortion free vision.
  • Super-comfortable fit.
  • Highly rated.

Cons

  • Pricey.

Takeaway

Easily one of the best masks for spearfishing and freediving out there, this is a real gem. Well-designed to fit just about any face, the clarity and field of vision will blow you away. And when it comes to diving – that’s what it’s all about.

SalviMar Noah Mask

Offering a fantastic field of vision combined with a low profile, the Noah mask from Salvimar is a real winner – especially considering the price point.

A low volume design, it’s super lightweight and very comfortable to wear, with tempered glass that gives you a remarkable FOV that needs to be seen to be believed.

A hypoallergenic, silicone skirt improves the seal, and the strap can be finely adjusted for maximum seal and comfort fit.

The Italian spearfishing and freediving stalwarts have knocked it out of the park with this one.

Pros

  • Great price.
  • Opaque, non-glare skirt.
  • Choice of muted colors.
  • Easy to flush.
  • Unbeatable field of vision.

Cons

  • A hard carrying case would have been a nice touch.

Takeaway

A popular, affordable, and very comfortable spearfishing mask that has a very low volume ensuring you won’t need to equalize as much. Top marks.

Cressi Nano Spearfishing Mask

Here we have another highly affordable spearfishing and freediving mask that’s also made in Italy, with no less than three patents being registered in the process.

The hydrodynamic design is extremely low profile and the compact shape improves movement through the water with significantly less drag.

A double-edged skirt provides an excellent seal, while it’s one of the lowest volume spearfishing masks around – which will also impress free divers.

Micrometric adjustable buckles ensure a comfort fit, and the easy-access nose pocket is well-designed for effortless equalization.

Pros

  • Great price.
  • Tough and durable buckle system.
  • Dual frame.
  • Teardrop lenses for downwards visibility.
  • Choice of colors.
  • Mirrored lenses available.

Cons

  • Not the best FOV out there.
  • Color options can significantly up the price.

Takeaway

With really low internal volume, the Nano is one of the most innovative spearfishing/freediving masks around. Just make sure to choose black if you want to save a bit more money.

SeaDive Oceanways Superview-HD Dive Mask

Providing one of the best fields of view with an image-brightening single lens, this SeaDive Oceanways mask is quite rightly a popular and highly rated option for spearfishers.

Offering high definition visuals, it features a super-soft silicone skirt, and a teardrop frame that improves your chances of spotting fish from below.

Minimizing harmful UV glare, the lenses use optical Multicoat technology, and reduce lightwave length to 400-600 nanometers.

Anti-fog coating completes the package, ensuring this is one of the best spearfishing masks for improved visuals available.

Pros

  • Excellent FOV.
  • Mirrored effect to hide eyes.
  • Highly rated.
  • Very comfortable to wear.

Cons

  • Profile is larger than other options.

Takeaway

A quality spearfishing mask if you’re looking for the best possible field of view, but just note that it is on the more chunky side compared to other options in this class.

Omer Alien Mask

The Alien spearfishing mask is another product you might have seen around, as it features regularly in such reviews thanks to its low volume and high field of view ratio.

Although designed with spearfishing and freediving in mind, it can also be used for scuba, which means it’s a versatile mask that will suit anyone who likes exploring underwater.

A super-soft hypoallergenic skirt sits comfortably on the face without causing skin issues, and can fit a variety of face shapes and sizes.

The easy-to-adjust buckles attach directly to the skirt reducing any unnecessary bulk that would increase your drag, improving your movement through the water.

Pros

  • Lightweight frame.
  • Mirrored lens coating.
  • Comfortable fit.
  • Low profile.

Cons

  • The plastic adjustment clip on the strap isn’t the best.

Takeaway

Although a little more expensive than other options, this is a great spearfishing mask that offers a practical balance between field of view and volume.

Ideal for anyone who wants to combine spearfishing and freediving to delve a little deeper.

Hammerhead Spearguns MV3 Action Mask

This stylish spearfishing mask features optical grade tempered glass for an unbeatable viewing experience underwater. With an improved, 98% light transmission you’ll enjoy crystal-clear images as you scour the depths in the hunt for your next meal.

The low volume design offers a nice balance between that and excellent field of view, and the black matte silicone skirt has been designed specially to reduce your presence and glare.

But for those who like to capture their adventures, the best feature is the built-in action camera mount – so you can capture your encounter with a great white, and prove those tall spearfishing tales once and for all.

Pros

  • Amber lens for superior shape detection.
  • Slimline design.
  • Lightweight.
  • Versatile action camera mount.
  • Mirror tint also available.

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger faces.

Takeaway

Probably one of the best spearfishing masks with GoPro mount on the market, this has been designed with adrenaline junkies in mind, with a particular nod to the adventurous spearfishers among you.

Providing, of course, you don’t have a giant head, and you’re happy with the extra weight of an action cam.

Atomic Sub Frame Mask

Made with a super-strong construction that features a durable steel frame, this Atomic spearfishing mask is on the next level.

Offering a wide field of vision yet still in a very low volume design, it has an anti-reflective coating so you don’t blind yourself or scare away any of the fish in bright sunlight.

A stainless steel retainer locks the lenses in place and provides added strength to the nose bridge area of the mask, and the lenses themselves increase the amount of light transmission by up to 98% to the divers eyes.

Pros

  • Outstanding build quality.
  • Excellent strength and rigidity.
  • ARC coating technology.
  • Removable lenses.
  • Comfortable, contoured fit.

Cons

  • Very expensive.
  • Probably more suitable for scuba.

Takeaway

If you don’t mind paying the extra cash, then this is a top-quality diving mask that boasts some of the best visuals around – and it’s certainly not going to break anytime soon.

SeaDive Monarch RayBlocker-HD Mask

Another entry from SeaDive, this time it’s their Monarch HD mask that offers premium ray-blocking technology in their lenses.

Anti-glare and anti-UV, you can protect your eyes from blinding sunlight, reflections and harmful rays, as well as limiting your own profile in the water.

The tempered glass offers an excellent field of view, and the all-silicone skirt has been designed to fit comfortably on most faces.

Enjoy the best possible subsea adventures with a mask that goes a long way to prevent eye strain, and boasts a sharper, brighter image for the diver.

Pros

  • Very comfortable and form fitting.
  • Name to trust.
  • Hard carry case included.
  • Versatile use.

Cons

  • A little on the bulky side compared to some.

Takeaway

A top-quality mask designed to offer you the best underwater experience, this is another home run from SeaDive that can be used for just about any underwater activity.

How to Choose the Best Spearfishing Mask

There are a few things you need to consider before adding your chosen product to cart, so let’s examine what you should be looking out for in a good spearfishing mask.

spearfishing man with wetsuit and underwater speargun in deep of lake swimming

Scuba Diving/Snorkeling/Spearfishing Masks – What’s the Difference?

To the uninitiated, the masks divers wear for these three different sub-aquatic sports might be interchangeable at first glance.

If you’ve already got a snorkeling or scuba mask – why not use it for spearfishing?

But there is a very important distinction that can mean the difference between success and failure when you’re chasing your prey.

Scuba and snorkeling masks have a much larger profile. They’re big, bulky, and often brightly colored.

Spearfishing masks are the polar opposite, they’re designed to be unobtrusive and subtle, so you don’t draw attention to yourself when on the hunt.

While you’re welcome to try spearfishing with a standard scuba or snorkeling mask, you’re not going to be nearly as successful as you would with a dedicated spearfishing counterpart.

Fit

The fit of your spearfishing mask is most important, and should be your number one consideration when in the market for a new set of goggles.

For shopping online, it’s important to read reviews, and check to see how a mask fits on fellow spearfishers with their reported experience.

I would also highly recommend checking out YouTube video reviews of the particular mask you’re interested in.

In order to tell if a mask fits, you should hold it in place, and breathe in through your nose. The mask should stay where it is without aid, gently sucking on to your face and forming a tight, but comfortable seal.

If it falls off, or you can breathe easily – the mask does not fit and you need to go back to the drawing board.

fisherman in wetsuit and mask in preparation for spearfishing

Straps and Buckles

Straps should be made of a durable, comfortable silicone, designed to fit snugly around your head without causing any restrictions.

The buckle design is most important, and should be easily accessible and simple to use and adjust, all while maintaining a low profile so as not to increase your drag in the water.

Mask Color/Skirt

Color might be little more than an aesthetic personal preference for many products out there – but it’s a very important consideration when it comes to the best spearfishing masks on the market.

First, it’s imperative that the skirt of the mask should not be clear/transparent, as the reflection will blind you when you’re on the surface. It needs to be of a solid color, but steer clear of white and go for darker shades.

And that color should be something muted, like black, blue, dark greens, or gray. Brightly colored masks are the enemy of spearfishers, as they will give you away in no time and scare off your prey.

Lenses

Good spearfishing goggles should come with tempered safety lenses that have been specially treated to withstand underwater environments.

When it comes to choosing the color, you’re not going to go far wrong if you just opt for clear lenses, as they will give you the best vision quality.

However, colored versions are available, and some divers prefer them for the effect they provide.

Some lenses claim to increase clarity and color, but the jury is out if they actually work, and after a certain depth, everything just becomes blue anyway.

Mirrored lenses are useful for camouflage, as they help to mimic your surroundings and will help you swim unnoticed.

You’ll find that fish generally don’t like being stared at, and mirrored lenses are the perfect solution. Plus, they make you look super cool.

man swimming with speargun in lake

Field of View and Volume

Field of view – or field of vision (FOV) refers to how much you can see when your mask is in place. This includes your peripheral sight lines, up, down, and to the sides. Having the best possible FOV is vital to successful spearfishing – and enjoying the experience as a whole.

Mask volume refers to the size of the pocket of air a mask has when it’s on your face. The lower this is, the less air you need to use for equalizing when you’re diving.

Deep divers worry more about low volume than they do about field of view, but for spearfishers, the opposite is true.

Field of view is very important when it comes to spearfishing. If you can’t see what you’re hunting, you’re not giving yourself the best opportunity for success.

When it comes down to a choice, simply pick the spearfishing mask with the best field of view. You will not regret it, and dramatically improve your underwater adventure as a result.

Still, cutting-edge spearfishing masks should offer a happy medium and a nice balance between volume and field of view, so you can get the best of both worlds.

Extra Features

Spearfishing masks don’t really come with any additional bells and whistles to tempt you to part with your cash, but one extra feature of note is the inclusion of an action camera mount.

These days, it seems everyone wants to film and upload their adventures, or keep footage for posterity and enjoyable memories in the future.

It’s up to you if you want to choose a mask with this capability, but just remember you’ll be carrying extra weight and bulk that will increase your drag.

Action camera mounts for your mask are available separately if you don’t want one that’s already built-in, so you can maybe add this feature for later dives if desired.

Cost

A good quality spearfishing mask should cost you less than $100, with the best coming in around the $65-$90 mark.

While this isn’t going to break the bank, I would highly advise you spend a bit more than you would usually, and get something that’s dependable and durable.

Don’t cut corners when choosing the best spearfishing equipment – or any diving gear for that matter. You shouldn’t put a price on safety, so buy a cheap mask at your own risk.

man spearfishing in ocean

FAQs

What is the best spearfishing mask?

Good question. Any one of the masks included above could take the title, and it really depends what you’re looking for and your personal needs.

That said, if I were to choose, I’d go for either the Mares Viper, the Hollis M1, or the Salvimar Noah.

Basically, the first three masks in this review. You can’t go wrong with one of those models.

Are spearfishing and scuba diving masks the same?

No. Spearfishing masks are generally designed with a much smaller profile, and will have a lower volume than scuba masks.

Scuba diving masks tend to be larger and bulkier, and while they offer a greater field of view, their size can significantly increase drag, which isn’t ideal when you’re chasing sea critters.

What is a low-volume mask?

Low volume simply refers to how much water it takes to fill the pocket of air that’s created when the mask is in place.

Typically, for low-volume masks this will be 100 milliliters or less. Low volume masks are designed so deep divers and spearfishers don’t need to expel as much air when equalizing, thus preventing the chance of eye/face injuries due to underwater pressure.

As mentioned in the buyer’s guide above, it’s a factor that’s more important for freediving than it is for spearfishing, as the trade-off of a lower volume mask is usually a reduction in your field of view.

How do I make sure a spearfishing mask fits?

The downside of shopping online is that you can’t try everything on, but the upside is that it’s easier than ever to return items that don’t fit.

It’s also very simple to see if a spearfishing mask is going to work for you. When you receive it, simply hold it over your eyes flush with your skin – without the straps – and take a breath through your nose.

The mask should gently suck on to your face and stay in place without the need to hold it. This means you can achieve a comfortable seal and you’re good to go.

If you can breathe clearly in and out through your nose, or the mask falls off, it doesn’t fit and you should make another choice.

How do I prevent my spearfishing mask from fogging?

Great question. Fogging is the bane of any diver, regardless if you’re spearfishing or not, and there’s a catalog of ways to prevent your lenses steaming up.

From using saliva to dish soap, toothpaste to anti-fog products, and even burning the glass with a lighter – the choice is yours.

Some are much more effective than others, and you should experiment with each different method to find out what works best for you.

Check out the video below for some tips and tricks on how to keep your spearfishing mask from fogging.

What do I need to start spearfishing?

Glad you asked. A mask is important – so make sure you choose a good one from this review. You should also have a snorkel.

Then you need a good quality speargun, so follow that link to find one. You’re not going to be able to catch a fish with your bare hands unless you happen to be Aquaman.

Finally – although not essential to begin in shallower, warmer waters – a spearfishing wetsuit is highly recommended.

How do I clean my spearfishing mask?

As soon as you get out, rinse the mask with a little fresh water. Then, when possible, wash the mask in warm water and mild detergent/dish soap.

Towel off as much as possible, then hang the mask up until it’s completely dry. Don’t use any sources of heat, and only properly store the mask when it is no longer wet.

How do I wear a spearfishing mask with facial hair?

If you’re rocking a mustache and you’re worried about sealing the skirt of a spearfishing mask, a top tip is to apply a layer of petroleum jelly to your hairy upper lip.

That should significantly improve your chances of getting a nice, comfortable seal.

Summary

The best spearfishing masks will offer you a good field of vision, with a slimline profile and low volume, maximizing both your comfort and chances of success.

Let me know which product you’ve gone for and why, and feel free to let us know about your spearfishing adventures in the comments below.

Happy fishin’ and stickin’!

Bob Hoffmann

The author of this post is Bob Hoffmann. Bob has spend most of his childhood fishing with his father and now share all his knowledge with other anglers. Feel free to leave a comment below.

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