You wear a mask to keep the water off your face. That's basic. How comfortably it does this, and how well it allows you to see, well, that's what separates the famous from the forgettable.

Most divers prefer a low-volume mask. It's easier to clear and equalize and it produces less drag. Most divers also like to maximize their vision. Creatively shaped lenses allow you to see up and down, and the use of side panels increases peripheral vision.

When Scuba Lab reviewed 10 of the newest masks back in August, we found an increasing popularity in frameless styles. And while a bulky mask with huge interior volume used to be the price you paid for wide side views, manufacturers have designed masks that maximize side vision while minimizing volume. Finally, silicone has made purge valves more reliable than they once were, thereby offering the best option for divers who simply can't get any mask to seal.

ACTION PLUS

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| Frameless|
Frameless

Low volume with excellent peripheral vision. Boxy len shape extends view to the corners. Comes in translucent "ice blue" and black. $38

CRESSI-SUB

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| Horizon|
Horizon

Low volume and a good view in all directions. Front lens slopes forward to increase downward vision. Unique curved side windows greatly improve peripheral vision. $78.50

DACOR

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| Mystere|
Mystere

A soft, wide skirt makes for a comfortable mask. Even with fairly low volume, the view to the side, important to most divers, is excellent. $64

SCUBAPRO

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| ClearVu2|
ClearVu2

A low-volume tri-view mask without corner posts. Front and side glass panels are joined on a bevel and from the inside the joint virtually disappears, allowing for a view of more than 150 degrees. $69