Reading the descriptions of snorkeling masks can get quite confusing, especially when it comes to the deciding between single and multiple lenses. We hope this will help you make your decision but feel free to call us with any questions, 877.460.9515.

Historically, the single lens mask was the first design but the problem with most single lens masks was that the inside volume (air space) was so large. This can, at times be a hindrance to the underwater explorer when it come to clearing water out of it. The original styling of the single lens mask consisted of a single round faceplate which made it look as if you were looking out of a port hole one a ship. The face plate had to be situated pretty far from the users' varied facial contours to be able to accommodate the fit for a wider range of faces. This meant that the nose and a portion of the upper lip were included in the faceplate area. For free divers and scuba divers, this posed a problem with many with respect to the ability to equalize the ears. Another situation was that the earlier masks were usually made with black rubber. The only available light came from the faceplate area. This added the feeling that you were viewing everything from the inside of a tunnel or that the user was wearing blinders. Peripheral vision was non existent.

In order to close off the nostrils to equalize the ears, the user had to push the mask up so that the mask skirt made contact with the nostrils to seal them. This was uncomfortable and more often than not posed a flooding problem. The manufacturers solved this problem by modifying the mask skirt with finger pockets. The finger pocket required using both hands. This posed a problem for those with big hands or for those wearing thicker wetsuit gloves.

The snorkeling and scuba industry then found that they could give the user a wider field of vision by making the single faceplate more oval rather than round. Instead of looking out through a round tunnel, the user was looking out of a tunnel that was shorter and wider, but still it was a tunnel. This was not quite the best view for people with a touch of claustrophobia. The mask still had the finger pockets requiring the use of both hands.

The next major change came when the manufacturers changed the mask skirt dramatically. The material of skirt was introduced with an opaque material called silicone. The silicone material allowed for more light penetration into the viewing area of the mask which lessened the feeling of looking through a tunnel. The manufacturers also began modifying the skirt by creating more of a defined shape to make access to the nose a thousand times easier.

Taking a cue from the swim industry, mask manufacturers began making masks with two separate lenses. The two lens masks reduced the internal air space in the mask which made clearing a flooded mask much easier. The internal volume was reduced by bringing the dual lenses closer to the face which also meant that the lenses could also be made smaller. The smaller lenses also allowed one handed access by freeing up the area around the nose pocket. Another thing started happening with the mask skirts, they became more defined and the silicone went from opaque to clear.

Lack of peripheral vision was still an issue but manufacturers were pretty quick on addressing this issue by adding side windows to the existing one and two window masks. The side windows were usually framed at a 90 degree angle from the main viewing len(es) which gave them a boxy look. Some manufacturers figured that if four windows were good then the addition of a couple of more would even be better. More lenses meant that more frame was involved in the construction as each lens was required to be framed in on all four sides. Masks were starting to take on a look that one might see if they magnified an insect eye.

One of the latest and honestly the greatest innovations for mask manufacturers with regard to multiple lens masks is the bonding of the lenses together without having to frame each individual lens. This is found in many three and four window masks nowadays. It is more of an uninterrupted more panoramic making the field of view quite spectacular.

As you snorkel the internet, you will find that all of the mask styling that were touched on in this article and on our website, are still on the market today and newer innovative designs will be continued to be made, but one thing will never change. The most important features when getting a snorkel mask for snorkeling is comfort and fit. To shop for your new snorkel mask, go to Snorkeling Masks