Open Box Dive Masks — The Most Personal Piece of Gear You Own

Mask fit is entirely about the shape of your face, which is why masks are returned more often than almost anything else. A mask that seals perfectly on one diver leaks continuously on another with no fault in the mask itself. Those returns fill this collection — masks tried on once at a kitchen table and sent straight back.

The category covers single-lens, dual-lens, frameless, low-volume, and prescription-compatible masks from Scubapro, TUSA, Atomic Aquatics, Hollis, Cressi, Mares, Aqua Lung, and others. Every item is inspected and graded before listing; see Product Conditions for full definitions.

Testing Mask Fit — The Suction Test

When your mask arrives, hold it to your face without the strap, breathe in gently through your nose, and let go. A well-fitting mask stays in place on its own. If it falls away or you feel air leaking at any point around the skirt, it isn't the right shape for your face.

Do this with your hair pulled back, and check the skirt sits flat across the bridge of your nose, along the cheekbones, and under the lower lip. Those are the three areas where fit most commonly fails. A strap can hold a badly-fitting mask against your face, but it cannot make it seal — tightening the strap is the single most common mistake divers make with a leaking mask.

Choosing a Mask Type

• Single lens — unobstructed field of view with no centre frame; generally higher internal volume
• Dual lens — sits closer to the eyes, lower volume, and accepts prescription lenses in most models
• Frameless — the skirt bonds directly to the lens for minimal volume; packs flat as a backup mask
• Low volume — less air to clear and easier equalisation; standard for freediving and preferred by many technical divers
• Black or clear skirt — black eliminates peripheral glare and is favoured for photography; clear feels more open and less confining

What to Check Before Ordering

• Skirt material and condition. Silicone yellows and hardens with UV and age. The condition note will mention significant discolouration.
• Prescription compatibility. If you need corrective lenses, confirm the model accepts them and in what diopter range — not all do.
• Buckle operation. Check the condition note for strap and buckle wear; straps are usually replaceable and inexpensive.
• Fit profile. Some masks are cut for narrow faces, others for wide. If you know a model fits you, buying that model used is very low risk.

Why Buy Open Box Dive Masks from DiveCatalog.com?

• Inspected and graded — condition stated clearly on every listing
• Wide selection — our largest open box category, with many face profiles represented
• Expert advice — our team can help you find a model suited to your face shape
• Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
• 30-day returns — with RMA approval; see our Returns & Exchanges page
• Rewards program — earn points on every purchase

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I test whether a mask fits?

Hold it to your face with no strap, inhale gently through your nose, and release. It should hold itself in place by suction. Any air leak means the skirt isn't matching your face shape, and no amount of strap tension will fix that.

Why does my new mask still fog?

New and near-new masks have a manufacturing film on the lens that must be removed before anti-fog will work. Scrub the inside of the lens with a non-gel toothpaste or a dedicated mask prep compound, rinse thoroughly, and repeat if needed. This applies to open box masks too.

Can I fit prescription lenses to a used mask?

If the model supports them, yes. Many dual-lens masks accept drop-in corrective lenses in standard diopter increments. Confirm the specific model supports it before ordering — contact us if the listing doesn't say.

Does the silicone skirt degrade over time?

Yes, with UV exposure and age. Silicone yellows and gradually hardens, which eventually affects sealing. Masks graded Open Box or Like New will show little or none of this; significant discolouration is noted in the condition description.

Do open box masks come with a warranty?

No. Open box and used products are not eligible for manufacturer warranty coverage.

Browse the full collection above, or see Open Box Full Face Snorkeling Masks and all Open Box & Used gear.