Mares Ray Mask

The Mares Ray is a well-built single-lens mask that offers clean optics and a comfortable dual-skirt seal, making it a sensible mid-range choice for divers who want simplicity without compromise.

The Ray does not have a headline feature or a clever gimmick. It is simply a well-executed single-lens dive mask at a reasonable price. Mares has focused on getting the fundamentals right — clear glass, a reliable seal, low volume, and a comfortable fit — and the result is a mask that works quietly well across both freediving and scuba. At $72, it competes directly with the Cressi F1 and Big Eyes Evolution, and it holds its own.

## Overview

The Ray uses a single ultra-clear tempered glass lens in a low-volume housing. The skirt is Mares' dual-skirt silicone design, where two thin sealing edges sit against your face instead of one. This dual-skirt approach increases the sealing surface area and helps the mask conform to slight variations in face shape. The buckle system is Mares' standard swivel design, and the overall profile is slim and streamlined.

## Key Features

- Single ultra-clear tempered glass lens - Dual-skirt silicone seal for improved face conformity - Low internal volume suited to freediving and scuba - Swivel buckle strap system - Streamlined low-profile design - Moderate weight, comfortable for extended wear

## The Good

- The ultra-clear tempered glass is noticeably brighter than standard clear glass. On dives in the sometimes murky green water off Sydney's eastern suburbs, the extra clarity helps you pick out details you might miss with a darker lens. It is a subtle but real improvement. - The dual-skirt seal is the standout feature. Having two thin sealing edges means the mask conforms better to minor variations around your cheekbones and forehead. Several of our testers who struggle with leaks in other masks found the Ray sealed reliably. - Low volume makes clearing effortless and keeps equalisation demand minimal. It works well for freedivers making repeated dives down to moderate depths at spots like Gordon's Bay. - The single-lens design gives you an unobstructed field of view. No centre bar, just a clean wide window on the underwater world. For general reef diving along the east coast, this is a pleasant experience. - Comfortable for all-day use. The silicone is soft, the skirt does not create pressure points, and the mask sits lightly on your face. On multi-dive days at Julian Rocks, it stayed comfortable from the first entry to the last. - At $72, the price is fair for the quality on offer. You are getting Mares build quality and genuinely good optics at a mid-range price point.

## The Bad

- The buckle system is adequate but unremarkable. It swivels and adjusts, but the detent is not as positive as some competitors. Occasionally the strap can slip if you do not seat the buckle carefully. - Downward visibility is limited by the single-lens shape. Like most single-lens masks, the Ray favours forward and peripheral vision over looking down. Divers who spend a lot of time checking gauges on their wrist may find this mildly inconvenient. - The mask does not fold flat. While the profile is slim, it still needs a mask box or case for travel. Frameless designs like the Cressi F1 have an edge here. - Colour options are limited. If variety matters to you, the selection is functional rather than exciting. - No anti-fog treatment or system. You will need to prep the lenses before use, particularly when new. A thorough scrub with a mild abrasive (toothpaste or a commercial defog prep) is recommended before your first dive. - The dual-skirt design, while effective for sealing, can trap small bubbles between the two skirt edges during descent. These are harmless but can be mildly distracting until they clear.

## Verdict

The Mares Ray is a solid, honest mid-range mask that gets the basics right. Its dual-skirt seal is a genuine advantage for divers who have had trouble finding a leak-free fit with other masks, and the ultra-clear lens adds a touch of brightness to every dive. It does not have the travel-friendly fold-flat design of frameless masks or the fog-stop convenience of higher-end options, but at $72 it delivers comfortable, reliable performance for both scuba and freediving. A sensible choice for Australian divers who value substance over flash.

**Rating: 4.0 / 5 stars**