Mares Viper Ultra Low Volume Mask

Quick answer: The Mares Viper is an ultra-low-volume mask built with top freedivers and spearfishers. The lenses sit close to your eyes for a wide view, the frame is wrapped in silicone for a streamlined shape, and double-button buckles on the skirt let you fine-tune the strap.

Why bigger divers look at it

Mares shaped the Viper's skirt around facial ergonomics and says it suits a wide range of face shapes. Instead of the usual extra inner lip, the sealing surface itself is contoured to stay in place, which can mean less pressure on fuller cheeks and the bridge of the nose. Mares doesn't publish a face-size rating, so the fit test below matters more than usual.

The strap adjusts in small, precise steps, so you can snug it just enough to seal without cranking it down on a larger head.

What it does well

Minimal internal volume means less air to clear and less air to equalize on the way down, which is exactly what you want on a breath hold. The frame is encased in the skirt silicone, so there are fewer edges to catch as you kick back to the surface. The inside of the skirt has a soft-touch, anti-reflective finish, and Mares uses newer silicones meant to deter condensation.

What you get

• Ergonomically shaped silicone skirt that stays in position
• Ultra-low internal volume with lenses close to the eyes
• Wide field of view
• Frame encased in silicone for a streamlined profile
• Soft-touch, anti-reflective inner skirt finish
• Ergonomic double-button buckles for precise strap adjustment

Options

• Colors: Black, Brown, Green

Before you buy

Hold it to your face without the strap and breathe in gently through your nose. It should stay put without pressure at your temples or nose pocket. Read How to Fit a Dive Mask. More options: Wide-Fit Scuba Masks for Larger Faces.