Full face dive masks have become increasingly popular among scuba divers in recent years, this is mainly because of their comfort and convenience. However, despite their benefits, these masks also come with a number of drawbacks that every scuba diver should be aware of before using them beneath the waves.

In this arctic, we will explore about 6 potential drawbacks of full face dive masks. if you are still interested, read the next lines.

The Drawbacks of Full Face Dive Masks

The drawbacks of full face dive masks that we will discuss in this article include the following:

• Being a costly and bulky
• More air consumption
• Switching masks
• Difficulty in clearing
• Have high buoyancy
• Don’t suit snorkeling and freediving

Being Costly and Bulky

Full face dive masks are considered so expensive when compared to conventional masks. Their prices range from 500$ to 1700$ for an additional options’ mask.

The fact that the full face scuba mask is quite heavier than a traditional mask makes it necessary for beginner divers to have an additional course in using this mask. This course cost this 500$.

You can learn the basics online (for example, from YouTube) and remember that the best education is always by experience. 

Practicing with a full face scuba mask in a pool is a very good idea. The range of movement you will have is hampered slightly, which means you should know where to press for chatting and for equalization.

More Air Consumption

Unfortunately, without doubt, using a full face scuba mask will increase your air consumption rate. There are many reliable scientific and metric measuring experiments that have been done to compare diving with a full face mask and with conventional mask.

Also anecdotal evidence tells us that we use more air when we wear a full face scuba mask, not much, but it’s something that should be taken into consideration when planning to dive at depths of 90 feet or more.

A full face dive mask isn’t really relevant for recreational diving, but it’s necessary to note that this type of mask is related for no more than 130 feet. Experts recommend not going beyond 80 or 90 feet before having an experience of many dives on shallower depths.

Switching Masks

Switching your entire scuba unit (including BCD, fins and mask) with your thy body is an activity that you will do in your divemaster course. The idea of that activity is to ensure that you are comfortable with your kit and how it works when you need to improvise. This isn’t really a drawback as much as a bit of good practice.

Practicing switching between your full face dive mask and conventional mask that you should carry with you is a necessary thing. You should also practice getting your full face mask off quickly and efficiently in addition to getting your alternative in your mouth.  

Difficulty in Clearing

It takes a longer time to clear a full face scuba mask. As a result of its bigger size, more water can get inside. This means that the clearing process of a full face dive mask takes a long time, unlike a conventional mask.

Having High Buoyancy

The fact is that full face scuba masks have greater volume than conventional masks resulting in unintentionally greater buoyancy.

This means that you will find your upper body dragging upwards, which makes divers work more harder in order to keep their swimming form. In comparison to standard masks, scuba divers who are wearing full face dive masks tend to be tiring out fast.

Don’t Suit Snorkeling and Freediving

As you delve deeper into the sea, you will find that the pressure increases. Unfortunately, unlike conventional masks, full face scuba masks’ design prevents you from equalizing the increasing pressure.

With conventional masks, you can equalize the water pressure by inhaling through your nose. That is the reason the conventional masks are the preferred choice for free divers.

At this point, we have finished our article about the drawbacks of full face dive masks, if you want to get more information about full face scuba masks we recommend you the next articles:

The Evolution and Utility of Full Face Masks in Scuba Diving

The Top 5 Full Face Dive Masks in 2024

Uncovers the Advantages of Full Face Dive Masks