What Is a Low-Volume Mask and When to Use One

There are so many masks on the market that it is often difficult to truly work out which is the right one for your needs. Some are marketed as low volume, or even ultra-low volume. While others barely mention the volume.

So, the million-dollar question is, how does mask volume affect your activities? And is it the type of mask you should consider purchasing? So, find out what a low-volume mask is. When should you consider using one? Also, how do these masks compare to other masks and ultra-low volume masks?

Non-Low Volume Mask

The first thing to keep in mind is that a non-low-volume mask is never actually called that. If you try to buy one or search for one using the term, you will not locate one. That is because non-low-volume scuba masks are commonly marketed as scuba masks without any mention of the volume.

Keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with these masks, and they have served the industry well for years. In fact, if you learned to scuba dive in a tropical destination, you most likely learned to dive using a regular “non-low-volume” scuba mask.

If you are wondering why the industry still makes these types of masks, there are multiple reasons, including:

• They offer the best field of vision, which many divers want.

• Due to their size, they offer the broadest range of fit.

• Due to the above considerations, they are favored by dive shops around the world.

What Is An Ultra Low Volume Mask

An ultra-low volume mask is the smallest mask you can buy. These are typically very small and have a tiny air volume. They were primarily designed for use by freedivers and spearfishermen, who want a tiny mask space that makes equalizing the mask easier. While in principle, ultra-low volume masks are fantastic for the activities they were designed for, they have a few drawbacks when it comes to using them for snorkeling and scuba diving.

First, almost all these tiny masks have a restricted field of vision. Considering the main reason you snorkel and scuba dive is to explore the wonder of the underwater realm, cutting down your vision means you can miss out on many creatures and critters. Consider that competitive freedivers only need to see a line directly in front of them within touching distance. They want a mask that cuts out distractions in their peripheral vision so they can focus on this line.

Secondly, due to the small size of the mask, they are not suitable for many people’s faces since they do not fit. The masks favor people with smaller, longer, and thinner faces. So, if you have a broader or rounder face, finding the right low-volume mask for you can be tricky.

What Is a Low Volume Mask

A low-volume mask occupies the sweet spot between regular scuba masks and ultra-low-volume freediving-oriented masks. These have a smaller volume than regular masks, making them easier to clear and more compact. However, they are not as small as ultra-low volume masks, meaning you still have a pretty good field of vision.

Low-volume masks became popular in the late 90s and early 2000s when technical divers began to favor them. Aside from offering a good balance of visibility and volume, they tended to be smaller and more compact than standard masks. This meant technical divers could easily stow their backup masks in a drysuit pocket or pouch attached to their webbing.

In a nutshell, a low-volume mask is the ideal modern compromise between huge old-school style scuba masks, offering a massive field of vision, yet are difficult to clear. And ultra-low volume masks that are easy to equalize and clear, yet provide a very restrictive field of vision.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Mask

When it comes to choosing the right mask of any sort, there are several factors to consider. And while there is some leeway with some factors, others are non-negotiable.

Fit Is the Most Important

Without a shadow of a doubt, the single most important and overriding factor when it comes to choosing a mask is the proper fit. Whether it's a low-volume, ultra-low-volume, or a regular mask, it will leak and be an awful experience to use if it does not fit properly. You are much better off finding a different one that fits properly and seals regardless of its volume.

Depending on the shape and size of your face, you may have to try multiple masks to find the right one that works with your face shape. Keep in mind that due to the shape of your face, you may find it very difficult to find an ultra-low volume or low volume mask. This is why some companies make two sizes of the same mask, a regular and a mini or small. Since people with smaller heads/faces may find it impossible to get a regular-sized mask to seal to their face.

Fitting a mask

Testing that a mask fits perfectly could not be easier, and all you need to do is follow a few simple steps:

• Place the mask strap around the front of the mask so it is not helping keep the mask in place on your face.

• Place the mask on your face.

• Inhale through your nose to create a vacuum, and don’t exhale through your nose.

At this point, if the mask is sealing properly, it will become stuck to your face; if the mask does not stay stuck to your face, then it does not fit and has failed to seal properly. You may need to adjust the mask position slightly to see if it can seal perfectly.

Scuba Mask Cost

The cost of a mask can be a major consideration, especially if you are shopping for a family. What’s more, a quick online search will show that mask costs can vary wildly from a few bucks to several hundred dollars.

As a rule, avoid the seriously cheap masks since they are made from inferior material and are unsuitable for many activities, including scuba diving. In some instances, the plastic lens is so weak that it may crack or shatter on a deeper dive. In addition, the mask skirts can also dry out quickly, lose color, and fail.

While you should avoid cheaper masks, that does not mean you should be spending hundreds of dollars on a mask. Looking around a little, you can find an awesome, high-quality mask that fits like a glove for between $60 and $100.

What will you use the Mask For

How you plan on using your mask is a key consideration when it comes to selecting the right mask for you. While there is some overlap and you can use a mask for various activities, there are some hard boundaries. For instance, if you are going to be doing lots of freediving, including competitions, then an ultra-low volume mask is a must.

On the other hand, if you are going to be primarily scuba diving, then a low-volume or regular mask is fine. Since they give you a good field of vision. However, if you are going to throw some snorkeling into the mix, then a low-volume mask is the perfect choice. There you have the best of both worlds, your mask has a good field of vision, alongside a smaller volume, making it easier to equalize when you dive.

The Tidal Sports Mask

The Tidal Sports mask fits into the ideal sweet spot of low-volume masks. Whether the dual lens version or the Scuba Lab Testers Choice 2025 winner single lens version. The single lens mask, in particular, is perfect for a very wide range of activities.

It is small enough in volume to be perfect for snorkeling and light freediving. At the same time, the mask is large enough that it offers an excellent field of vision. This makes it the perfect choice for exploring and enjoying the wonders of coral reefs.

The dual lens version is a standout performer when it comes to diving and snorkeling. The mask offers an excellent field of vision, which means you will not miss out on a single creature as it tries to sneak by in the corner of your vision. In addition, the Tidal Sports Dual Lens is also relatively low volume, making it easy to clear when scuba diving.

The standout feature of both Tidal Sports Masks is the built-in proprietary Advanced Anti-Fog Films. These prevent fogging in all circumstances and, coupled with the field of vision and low volume, make both masks a joy to use in almost every circumstance.