One thing I will say is that this is a slightly leaky mask if you have a beard (like me!) or a really big face with a lantern jaw.

Similar to the Viper Mask before it, the X-Tream is made to hug your face for a minimal internal volume and a hydrodynamic profile.One thing to note when looking at prices, is that although it is related, the price doesn’t always reflect the quality. There are some great masks on the market, even for smaller faces, at very affordable prices. A special offer by Cressi on the freediving and spearfishing side, with the Minima. It is designed for deep dives, as the internal volume is reduced to the minimum thanks also to the two very small lenses. Construction and compactness Cressi has not focused on frameless masks, as such solution generally has as a result more fog on the lenses. During the manufacturing phases, in fact, when the lenses are fused with the skirt and the internal chassis, the glass opens its pores and silicone enters. This determines fog formation and more difficulty in cleaning the lenses. For such reason the most advanced solutions by Cressi are with frame. Quantum This frameless mask has been made to eliminate the feeling of being trapped in a small space by allowing you to breathe through your nose and mouth at the same time. This makes it easier for you to focus on your surroundings instead of feeling like you’re suffocating. Plus, if you’re not a fan of having your face covered, this mask is perfect for you: it has large eye windows so that you can see everything around you clearly while still breathing easily.

The Quantum also has a heat exchanger built into the silicone skirt that helps to cool the mask down and keeps the moisture in the air instead of condensing on the glass. You still need to prepare the mask as like any other but, the Quantum really boosts the effect and is specifically designed to prevent fog so you have a crystal clear dive all the time. Facial Hair – Atomic Venom Frameless This mask comes with a convenient carrying case so you can take it with you on your next diving trip. Design Bare Duo Compact Mask - lightweight, durable, easily adjustable straps, and with a tri-colour frame… chances are you won’t be lost even in the murkiest of water. It is low volume and available in single clear silicone or dual window design.When we talk about low profile masks, we are referring to low volume masks. The quantity of internal air space within a mask (the space between your face and the lens/frame) is referred to as its volume. Cressi F1 frameless diving and snorkelling mask bonds a high-grade silicone skirt directly to a single lens for the ultimate in simplicity. Producing a lightweight, 'frameless', low volume mask. Sure you don’t get any side windows for extra peripheral vision as with the Cressi Pano 3 and there’s no inclination for extra downward view as with the Cressi Focus…but I would say that in terms of a well balanced field of view – up, down and outwards the Cressi F1 is an awesome all-rounder.

Cressi is definitely the company with a huge, maybe the biggest, know how in diving masks, from freediving, to spearfishing to scuba diving. Cressi masks are entirely designed and manufactured in-house and the range is huge. We have received 12 different models, which are not even all of the ones in the Italian Company’s line. The classic masks Superocchio made history The Quantum is the ultimate revolution in the masks sector, the top of the line offer by Cressi. As 2022 novelty we have dedicated a whole x-rays article to such innovative product. Zeus Cressi F1 Mini Frameless - available with coloured or clear skirts, with a double layer of silicone forming an airtight, but comfortable seal. As its name suggests, the single lens is bonded to the mask skirt and is excellent value for money. Super low profile and is therefore easier to clear than other similar models yet provides a much wider field of vision too. And with the single window, it is easy to fold almost flat. The Cressi Action mask has a very similar design to the Perla, but evidently adapted to the need of a frame complete with cam support. The weight increases from 160 grams to 190 grams, including the metal screw of the support. Differences with the PerlaSmaller faces don’t tend to suit masks with three or four pieces of glass, as they use wider frames, and can cause underwater reflection and distort your vision. So, dual window is your best option. Volume I’ve got to say that although it’s hard to measure the quality of the exact silicone material from which a skirt is made, the Cressi F1 really does feel just a little bit softer than many other dive masks out there! The mask itself is made from silicone, which makes it flexible and durable. It’s also got UV400 protection built in, so you can go diving without having to worry about getting sunburned on top of all that other stuff! I collect dive masks like some women collect purses. But, unlike swapping out a new bag for a new season, when I find a mask that fits well, and doesn’t flood or fog, it stays in pretty much permanent rotation. I’ve long been a fan of frameless masks, such as the Cressi Z1, my long-time go-to. So, when I received two new Cressi masks to review — one of which is also frameless — I was excited to try them. We’ll start with the A1. Unboxing the A1 Mask The pink frame and yellow lenses on this A1 mask make it eye catching above and below the water (photo by Chris Miskavitch)