Full Face Snorkel Masks: Flat Lens or Curved Lens?

by Mihai Pinzariu on September 24, 2019

You’ll have probably noticed by now that there tends to be two main designs of full face snorkel masks – one comes with a curved lens, and the other one with a flat lens. The curved full face snorkel masks tend to have a rounded front that’s curved all the way along the front of the mask. Flat lens masks, on the other hand, have a flat front that slightly curves around the sides as it adheres to your face.

If you’re serious about what you do then you know you can only have the very best! So, which is the best – rounded or flat snorkel mask lenses? What are the differences between the two styles, if any? In this article, we compare the two styles in the ultimate full face snorkel mask showdown: Flat VS Curved full face snorkel mask lenses.

Curved lens full face masks

When you’re using a curved full face mask, the entire front of the mask is gently curved in an arc shape. This creates some distortion in your viewing due to the curvature. The distortion is spread quite evenly across the whole mask (so there aren’t any especially blurry patches or anything), but it does get a bit stronger at the edges where the curved lens meets the snorkel frame.

If you’re used to swimming around with your eyes open and enjoying a distorted underwater view, then you might not really notice a difference when using a curved lens. But then what would have been the point of investing in a full face snorkel mask? The idea is to enjoy enhanced crystal-clear views, not have the same distorted vision you get when opening your eyes underwater.

Note: There have been many reports of people experiencing dizziness and nausea while using the curved lens full face masks. This is more than likely due to the distorted vision, which can create a sense of vertigo. There’s nothing more dangerous than suffering these symptoms while out at sea – if you’re trying out a curved lens full face mask then make sure you have a buddy with you.

Flat lens full face masks

With a flat lens, there is no curvature in the front of the mask at all. So when you’re looking straight ahead there won’t be any distortion, providing you with crisp HD views. A flat lens full face snorkel mask offers vision that’s a whole lot more natural – you won’t even notice you’re underwater. Apart from the fishies and stuff.

That said, with a flat lens there will still be a little bit of distortion around the edges where the lens meets the frame again. This will just appear as a slight distortion around the edges of your peripheral vision – which is not something you really use while snorkelling anyway (look in front of you, that’s what we’re always taught!)

This distortion is also something that you can easily begin to block out of your vision as you use the mask more frequently. Since you’re looking out the front of the mask 99% of the time, that slight distortion around the edges will fade. On the other hand, since the rounded snorkel masks have distortion on the front of the mask, you’ll simply be getting used to distorted vision.

Flat VS curved snorkel lenses

So, what’ll it be? The round lens (which some might say looks cooler), or the flat lens? Here’s the final breakdown between the two:

If you’re after the latest piece of equipment that’s been adapted & developed according to safety measures and customer feedback, then go with the flat lens. Less distortion, more clarity and natural vision.
Due to the risk of causing nausea & dizziness in some people because of the distortion, curved lens full face masks are not recommended anymore. If you’re still finding them online, it may be the last few pieces of someone’s stock that they’re trying to get rid of.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be taking pictures or filming your underwater adventures, a flat lens shows you exactly what those images will look like (because your vision will be just as crystal clear).

Our first version of the Ninja Shark full face mask actually featured a rounded curved lens. We were a little disappointed with the quality of the image, which didn’t look much different than your average goggles or cheap snorkel masks. So we designed a few more prototypes, underwent heaps of testing and experimentation, and eventually decided to scrap the curves and go for the flat lens. As passionate & dedicated snorkelers ourselves, we reckon this is the best way to truly enjoy undistorted underwater views.

If you’ve got any questions about the above, or still not sure which mask design is best for you, feel free to get in touch! We’d love to help out and share our expertise on the matter – we’ve tried and tested tonnes of snorkels and we know every obscure thing there is to know!

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The answer is: too many! Traditional snorkel masks can be uncomfortable and scary for many people, so the beauty of snorkelling goes undiscovered and unexperienced. Whether it's breathing difficulties, choking on sea water, or foggy goggles, there's a lot that prevents people from enjoying the wonderful sport of snorkelling. And that thought makes us sad.

We think everyone should be able to enjoy the underwater world - safely, comfortably, and easily. That's why we created Ninja Shark and our revolutionary line of full face snorkel masks. They're designed to be super comfy, easy-to-use, and make snorkelling accessible for all. Because nobody should miss out on discovering what's under the sea.

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs. 

While other water equipments companies offer just a way to look under the water, NINJASHARK wants to create an amazing experience for water enthusiasts. That's why we listen to your feedbacks and we develop products based on them.

"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.

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“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

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All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.

That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.

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Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)

Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Longer Tube Full Face Snorkel Mask for Kids (3-11 Years)

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

Air Adults - Full Face Snorkel Mask for Adults

Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Package: Longer Tube (Mask + Fins + Bag) 3-11 Years

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

Package: Equaliser PRO (Mask + Fins + Bag)

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!

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