Frameless masks

[Firediver32]

What are the pros/cons?
Do they seal any better?

 

[Sdiver2489]

What are the pros/cons?
Do they seal any better?

It really varies from mask to mask. Generally, they might have a bit wider viewing angle. They generally are not good for people with large noses as the bridge tends to restrict the nose "pocket". They don't necessarily seal any better as that is based on your face shape itself. the frameless masks can also not be fitted with lenses.

Hope this helps.

 

[pescador775]

Frameless are lighter and compact. They can be folded into a small package. Originally, this type of mask became popular with freedivers (spearos) due to low volume, wide angle and good sealing properties. Going back to the mid 90's a frameless was hard to obtain as SP's supplies were limited. Now, for whatever reason, many Scuba divers use them and are widely available. There are many styles and variations but all true frameless have the glass glued to the silicone rubber skirt. Although it sounds iffy, in practice the masks hold up for a long time before the lens separates from the rubber. There is a clone of the original SP frameless made by Promate and it is excellent. Prices have come down. The original cost $80 from a dive shop and that was ten years ago. Today, a Promate can be had on EBay for about $25-30.