Mares X-Vision Mask "your field of vision without constraints"

This is the first mask that I've had to review so the whole testing process was one big learning curve. Before I started testing the mask I gave it the good old-fashioned toothpaste treatment and I'm happy to say that this mask is still yet to fog on me! I selected several categories to address whilst playing with the Mares X-vision and my testing results are detailed below.


Comfort
I found the Mares X-Vision to provide an exceptionally comfortable fit. As with all masks, the fit depends on the size and shape of the users head and it's always recommended that you try the 'suck to the face' test in the store before you buy. This mask fitted my face perfectly, please make sure you try a mask on before you buy it - very important!

The X-Vision mask skirt is very comfortable against the face and I have now worn it on over 20 scuba dives and various free dives and it still hasn't leaked or fogged on me yet. This makes me very happy as I hate any mask that leaks and fogging is always a painful process whilst your underwater.

The mask is also extremely light weight (less than 190 grams) and feels very light on the face. I found that at a depth of 30 metres there was very little pressure on the face, there's nothing worse than a mask squeeze that makes you feel like your eye balls are popping out! When I get the chance I'll try it on a 40 - 50 metre dive to see if it performs the same.

The ergonomic quick-adjusting buckles, positioned directly on the skirt, afford superior comfort and hydrodynamics during the dive, as well as improving the adherence of the skirt to the face. In addition, this technical solution makes it easier to store the mask inside a pocket of the BC. This is very useful if you like carrying a spare mask on you. When ever I transport my dive gear I always stick my mask inside the fin pocket as I find this provides excellent protection and I found that the X-Vision fits nicely in my fins.


Vision
The X-Vision provides outstanding vision in all directions, particularly 'down' vision and side vision. The centre position of the eyes and natural inclination of the lenses allow the widest peripheral view angle in all directions, this gives the diver an excellent degree of coverage whilst underwater. The mask has an optimal lens tilt and low internal volume which helps assist in providing superior vision. The unique shape of the X-Vision increases the side view and provides excellent ability for the diver to look down and check his gauges, weight belt clip, BC pockets etc…

With my previous masks (Tusa Xpert, Oceanic X-site, Sherwood and Mares) it was always necessary to unclip my gauges and lift up towards my face to check air/depth etc… With the Mares X-Vision I was able to look down and check my gauges without unclipping them. This was a huge bonus and one of the reasons why I enjoyed using the mask so much. The extra downward vision also made it a lot easier to watch what I was doing whilst unzipping and zipping my BC pockets or clipping torches onto my BC. When I went back to wearing my old mask (the Oceanic X-site) the difference was amazing, the field of vision whilst wearing the Oceanic mask was greatly reduced. I no longer had the downward and side vision that the Mares X-vision provided. I can quite happily state that I no longer use my Oceanic X-site, the Mares X-vision and its superior vision is so much better for me.


Strap System
The Mares X-Vision has the best strap adjustment system of any mask that I have tried, second to none! It has newly developed quick adjust ergonomic side buckles positioned on the mask skirt that allow the diver to quickly adjust the headstrap with ease, even under the water. The buckle positioning on the mask provides optimum comfort and reduces drag whilst diving. The new quick ergonomic side buckles positioned on the mask skirt also further enhance the overall comfort and provide a perfect seal.

This new strap system provides a more homogeneous distribution of the strap tension and has very high precision adjustment. This strap is very comfortable around the back of the head, the strap itself has high elasticity and offers excellent comfort and stability.


Looking Good
This mask oozes sex appeal! Ok, well it does look really good and comes in a huge variety of colours:
Clear/Blue
Clear/Clear
Clear/White/Blue
Clear/White/Light Blue
Clear Yellow
Black/Black/Clear

This variety of colours should suit most divers specific colour tastes. The mask I tested had a black frame with a black silicone skirt - I choose black as apparently black will make my face look slim and it looks very stealthy underwater. My dive buddy reckons it would be cool if they had a purple colour but we just can't have everything!


Value for money
The recommended retail price (rrp) for the Mares X-Vision is $120. When compared to other similar masks such as the Cressi Big Eyes (rrp $143) and the Cressi Horizon ($172) the X-vision provides to be an exceptional bargain. I haven't tried the Big-eyes underwater yet (I stuck it on my face in the shop) but as it's of very similar design the diver could save himself some money by purchasing the X-Vision - which also has a much better quick adjustment strap system.

After trying the new X-Vision/Big Eyes format I wouldn't bother with the ordinary conventional masks - I'd spend the extra money ($20-$30) and buy a mask such as the X-Vision that offers the superior vision and comfort.

The Mares X-Vision mask is sold with a hard plastic case that provides excellent protection to the mask. It also comes with an instruction guide with tips to look after your mask. The basic rules are:
 

Technical Specifications
Type: Two-window
Internal volume: 105 cm3 / 6.4 in3
Materials: Liquid silicone shock-resistant technopolymers tempered glass
Buckles: Positioned on the mask skirt, quick-adjust
Optical lenses: From -1 to -10 (optional)
Weight: 190g / 6.7oz


Summing Up
I love the Mares X-Vision, it's probably the first mask that I have been really happy with. It is extremely comfortable, has superior vision, has an excellent quick adjustment system (better than any other mask) and it looks pretty good. The mask was so good that I immediately parted with $120 to add it to my dive gear collection. I also used it for spearfishing and snorkelling, the extra vision may even prove to be useful whilst chasing those fish! The only problem is that my dive buddy keeps wanting to borrow it…. she will just have to go and buy her own!


Contact Details:
Mares is distributed around Australia by Cape Byron Imports and can be contacted by calling (02) 6685 7185 or you can visit their website at http://capebyronimports.com.au . If you visit your local Mares dealer, you can enquire as to whether they have any Mares X-Vision's for trialing yourself. Visit the Cape Byron Imports website for your nearest stockist.
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