Mares X-Wire Mask

The Mares X-Wire is a remarkably light dive mask that uses a thin wire frame instead of a traditional rigid housing, and the result is a comfortable, low-profile fit that you almost forget you are wearing.

Most dive masks use a hard plastic frame to hold the lenses and anchor the skirt. The X-Wire takes a different approach, replacing that bulk with a thin wire structure that keeps the lenses in place while trimming weight to a minimum. It is one of the lightest dive masks you can buy, and when you first pick it up the difference is immediately obvious. At $165, it sits at the upper end of the mask market, so the question is whether that engineering translates into a better diving experience or just a lighter luggage scale reading.

## Overview

The X-Wire uses Mares' proprietary wire-frame construction, where a thin but rigid wire replaces the conventional plastic frame. The lenses are ultra-clear tempered glass in a dual-lens layout with a low internal volume. The skirt is Mares' premium-grade silicone, and the buckle system uses a standard Mares swivel design. The overall package is slim, light, and sits very close to the face.

## Key Features

- Wire-frame construction replacing traditional rigid plastic frame - Ultra-clear tempered glass dual lenses - Low internal volume - Premium silicone skirt with double-feathered seal - Swivel buckle strap system - One of the lightest dive masks available, well under 200 grams

## The Good

- The weight reduction is real and noticeable. On the surface between dives, you barely feel it on your face. During long surface swims to a dive site at Shelly Beach or boat entries at the Yongala, that lightness translates to less fatigue around your forehead and cheeks. - The low-profile design keeps the lenses close to your eyes, giving you a wide field of view for a dual-lens mask. Peripheral vision is good, and the centre bar is thin enough to disappear after a few minutes. - Internal volume is genuinely low. Clearing and equalising are quick and effortless. - The premium silicone skirt is soft and comfortable. It sealed well across several testers with different face shapes, though it favours medium-to-slim faces. - The ultra-clear lenses are noticeably brighter than standard tempered glass. On overcast days at Rapid Bay or in the green water of Sydney's southern beaches, the extra clarity is welcome. - The slim profile makes it easy to pack. While it does not fold flat like a frameless mask, the wire frame is thin enough that it takes up minimal case space.

## The Bad

- At $165, it is one of the more expensive masks in its category. The wire-frame construction is clever, but the practical benefit over a well-fitting conventional mask is modest. You are paying a premium largely for the weight savings. - The wire frame, while durable during normal use, feels like it could be vulnerable to a heavy impact — say, being dropped on a boat deck or crushed in a packed dive bag. A rigid mask box is a wise investment here. - Fit is somewhat selective. The low-volume, close-fitting design works best on medium to slim faces. Divers with broader cheekbones or a wider nose bridge may find the seal less reliable. Trying before buying is essential. - The buckle system is standard Mares and perfectly functional, but it lacks the fine-tune precision of micro-metric systems found on some competitors. Adjustment is in broader increments. - No fog-stop or anti-fog coating. You will need to treat the lenses with defog solution before use, particularly on your first several dives. - Replacement parts and lenses can be harder to source in regional Australian dive shops. Major city retailers and online stores are your best bet.

## Verdict

The Mares X-Wire is a well-engineered mask that genuinely delivers on its promise of being lightweight and low-profile. If comfort during long dive days is a priority for you — and if the mask fits your face shape — it is one of the nicest masks to wear for extended periods. The ultra-clear lenses are a pleasant bonus, and the low volume suits both scuba and occasional freediving. However, the $165 price tag is steep for what amounts to incremental improvements over good mid-range masks, and the selective fit means you absolutely need to try it on before committing. A great mask for the right face, but not a universal recommendation.

**Rating: 4.0 / 5 stars**