Apeks Dive Masks β Designed in Italy, Built for Serious Divers
Apeks' mask range is built around a straightforward principle: a dive mask should disappear on your face. The VX series achieves this through frameless construction, surgical-grade silicone, and skirt geometry specifically engineered to minimize pressure points on long dives. Both masks in the range are designed and produced in Italy, where Apeks partnered with specialist mask manufacturers to bring the same performance standards to masks that divers expect from Apeks regulators and equipment.
At DiveCatalog.com, we carry the full Apeks mask lineup: the VX1 in both Pure Clear and UV Cut lens versions, and the VX2 β a single-lens technical mask built for divers who prioritize optical performance and a minimal profile in challenging conditions.
The VX1 β Frameless Performance for All Divers
The VX1 is Apeks' flagship recreational and advanced mask. The frameless construction eliminates the rigid plastic frame found on traditional masks β buckles mount directly to the silicone skirt, which allows the mask to flex more naturally with your face and creates a lower internal volume that is easier to clear and equalize. The skirt itself uses premium, surgical-grade silicone in two finishes: matte where contact with facial skin matters for sealing, and gloss in other areas. This combination improves both fit and the quality of the seal.
The VX1 ships with two strap options: a silicone mask strap and a neoprene strap, plus a reusable zipped protective case. Quick-release buckles with stainless-steel rollers allow easy adjustment even while wearing dry gloves.
VX1 Lens Options
Two lens versions are available. The Pure Clear lens offers maximum optical clarity with no colour distortion β the preferred choice for underwater photographers where accurate colour rendering matters. The UV Cut lens filters out harmful high-energy visible (HEV) light at the surface, which is present even on overcast days. This is particularly useful for dive professionals who spend extended time at the surface between dives. Both use tempered glass.
VX1 Colorways
Available in Black/Black, White/Black, Orange/Dark Grey, Dark Grey/Black, and Dark Grey/Orange β covering everything from low-visibility technical work to recreational color preferences.
The VX2 β Built for Technical Divers
The VX2 is the technical diver's mask. It's lighter and more compact than the VX1, with a construction optimized for divers managing multiple tasks underwater β gas switches, complex buoyancy, and overhead environments where a mask that seals reliably under every condition is non-negotiable. The skirt is designed for superb fit in challenging conditions, and the low-profile design minimizes the mask's footprint on the face. Available in Black/Orange.
Who Are Apeks Masks For?
| Diver Type |
Recommended Mask |
Why |
| Recreational & advanced recreational divers |
VX1 Pure Clear |
Frameless comfort, wide field of view, natural color rendering |
| Underwater photographers |
VX1 Pure Clear |
True-color optics with no UV distortion; pairs best with camera strobes |
| Dive professionals (instructors, divemasters) |
VX1 UV Cut |
HEV light filtering protects eyes during long surface intervals |
| Technical & overhead environment divers |
VX2 |
Minimal profile, reliable seal, low volume easy to clear at depth |
| Cold-water & drysuit divers |
VX1 or VX2 |
Quick-release buckles adjustable with gloves; skirt geometry seals against drysuit hoods |
How to Choose Between the VX1 and VX2
The VX1 is the more versatile option and suits most divers well. Its frameless low-volume design performs equally in tropical reef diving and cold quarry work, and the choice of lens versions makes it adaptable to different use cases. The VX2 is more specialized β narrower, lighter, and better suited to technical divers who want the smallest possible mask footprint. If you're not sure which suits your face shape and diving style, contact our team and we can help you decide.
Why Buy Apeks Masks from DiveCatalog.com?
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Authorized Apeks dealer β full manufacturer warranty on all masks
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VX1 and VX2 available β multiple colorways and lens options, browse the collection above
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Expert advice β our staff can help match a mask to your face shape and diving style
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Fast shipping β in-stock masks ship within one business day
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Easy returns β if fit isn't right, we make exchanges straightforward
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Rewards program β earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions β Apeks Masks
What is a frameless dive mask?
A frameless mask eliminates the rigid plastic frame that surrounds the lens on traditional masks. The lens is bonded directly to the silicone skirt, which reduces internal volume (making the mask easier to clear and equalize) and allows the mask to flex more naturally against different face shapes. Frameless masks tend to be lighter and pack flatter than framed masks.
What is the difference between the Pure Clear and UV Cut lens?
The Pure Clear lens provides maximum optical clarity with no colour filtering β ideal for underwater photography and divers who want accurate colour perception underwater. The UV Cut lens adds a filter for harmful high-energy visible (HEV) light, which is present even on cloudy days at the surface. This reduces eye fatigue for divers who spend significant time at the surface. Underwater performance is comparable between the two versions.
Are Apeks masks suitable for use with a drysuit hood?
Yes. The VX1 and VX2 skirt geometry is designed to seal reliably against dive hoods and drysuit integrated hoods. The quick-release buckles with stainless steel rollers allow for easy adjustment when wearing thick gloves.
Do Apeks masks come with a protective case?
Yes. Both the VX1 and VX2 come supplied with a reusable zipped protective case, plus a silicone mask strap and neoprene strap as standard.
Where are Apeks masks made?
Apeks masks are designed and produced in Italy, in partnership with specialist mask manufacturers. This is separate from Apeks' Blackburn, UK facility where regulators and other equipment are made.
Can I get prescription lenses in an Apeks VX1?
The VX1 is compatible with aftermarket prescription lens inserts from third-party suppliers. Contact us if you'd like guidance on prescription lens options for the VX1.
How do I prevent fogging in my Apeks mask?
New masks need to have the factory coating removed before they'll resist fogging reliably. The standard method is a light application of non-gel toothpaste scrubbed gently onto the inside of the lens and rinsed thoroughly. After that, a commercial defog solution applied before each dive is sufficient.
Is the VX2 only for technical divers?
The VX2 is designed with technical divers in mind, but any diver who prefers a smaller, more minimal mask profile will find it comfortable. It's a good choice for divers with narrower facial profiles who find the VX1 slightly large.
A mask that seals reliably, clears easily, and doesn't create pressure points over a long dive is one of the most underrated pieces of equipment in your kit. Browse the full Apeks mask collection above, and reach out if you'd like help finding the right fit for your face and diving style.