Kraken Aquatics Mask - Diving Squad Report:
Diving Squad Rating:
Kraken Aquatics are much newer then names like Cressi, Mares and Aqua Lung – they were only established in 2015.
However, since being founded they’ve enjoyed considerable success in establishing themselves as a manufacturer of scuba diving products aimed towards the low budget diver.
In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the Kraken Aquatics mask; specifically the dual-lens option although it’s also available with a single lens.
This is a framed, low volume mask, available in several colours (with black being the most common) and with an adjustable strap that features small bumps at the back for a more comfortable fit.
It is ever so slightly more expensive than the cheapest dive masks (the Cressi Pano 3 and Cressi F1) but not by much; it’s still a very low cost dive mask making it a good option for beginners.
PROS
- Low cost
- Available with dual or mono lens
- Bumps on strap for extra comfort
- Low volume
- Framed = more stable fit and durability
CONS
- Designed as a budget-option but not as cheap at some alternatives
- Some users have reported that the strap can easily break
“I got my Kraken Aquatics dual-lens mask a while ago and have used it on and off a fair bit since then.
It’s a decent dive mask at a low price with a nice field of view and comfortable to wear.
I like the bumps on the back of the strap; not many other dive masks feature these and they lend a little more padding to the back of your head when wearing it.
Although this isn’t my favourite dive mask of all time, it still offers good overall quality and affordability – and I’ve met plenty of people who swear by Kraken Aquatics masks”.
Alex Hatton: Founder and Grand Admiral of the Diving Squad
FEATURES:
Other Specs:
- Easy-pinch nose pocket for clearing
- 3 colours: black, red and clear blue
- Available in dual lens (as seen here) and single lens.
- One size fits all
1. Double lens:
To recap; there is a single-lens Kraken Aquatics mask but in this review I’m describing the double-lens version.
The advantage of the double-lens make is that it accepts corrective lenses – and some people also prefer the difference in aesthetics.
Like most dive mask lenses today, it’s made from tempered glass which makes it shatter proof.
As far as the shape and dimensions of the double-lens Kraken Aquatics mask go, you get a pretty decent and open field of vision.
There’s no side windows as seen with the Cressi Pano 3 (a single lens mask) or downward tilt as with the Cressi Focus (another dual-lens mask) but in terms of overall field of view it performs well on all fronts by offering decent downwards, forwards and outwards vision.
2. Soft Silicone Skirt:
Like most of the best scuba diving masks today, the skirt of the Kraken Aquatics is made from soft and flexible silicone to provide a comfortable, water-tight fit.
Some users have complained of this mask being a little leaky which may be because unlike many other models, it’s skirt is single-feathered as a posse to double-feathered.
In my own experience of using this mask, I don’t find the Kraken Aquatics to be excessively leaky, but I do have to get the strap tightness perfect to avoid any water coming in throughout the dive.
In fairness I have a big…bushy…BEARD! And those things are renowned for making dive masks leak. So it could be that.
My suspicion is that the Kraken Aquatics only leaks a lot if you don’t get the strap tightness right or if you have a face that’s much larger or smaller than average.
3. Frame:
This is a framed mask – most scuba diving masks are. Having a frame means that there is a hard bit connecting the lens and skirt which joint together in a frameless mask.
Most divers, myself included tend to opt for a framed mask as their primary option – that’s because framed dive masks are more durable and provide a more stable fit.
The downside of a framed mask is that it’s not quite as compact or streamlined as a frameless mask such as the Cressi F1 or the Aqualung Sport Nabul.
However these differences are fairly negligible. My advice to you is that if you’re a beginner looking for your first dive mask, choose a framed option such as the Kraken Aquatics we have here.
4. Adjustable Strap:
Oooh – so many mixed feelings on this one! Let’s first talk about what I love about the Kraken Aquatics mask strap (which is made of super soft silicone).
It has a series of small bumps at the back; something most scuba masks don’t have. These make it feel just a little more padded against the back of your head. Nice!
It’s also easy to adjust – simply push down on the swivel buckles and do ya thing!
Now, quite a few people have complained about the strap being flimsy and even breaking. Mine has yet to – however it is definitely thinner than other mask straps – you can easily tell just by holding it. So handle with care!
FINAL VERDICT - Diving Squad
It’s always exciting to see new names in the scuba diving gear industry and Kraken Aquatics show a lot of promise.
Their mask is a great budget option for beginner divers – it’s a good all rounder in terms of field of vision, comfort and adjustability. I wander what their next mask will look like!
There do appear to be several shortcomings of this mask – namely if you ask around, you’ll fall under the impression that it’s a little less durable and a tad more leaky than many other dive masks.
But this shouldn’t put you off! No scuba mask is perfect, especially not one as cheap as this. It’s better to buy a low cost dive mask and see how much use you get out of it before upgrading to a pricier option.
Or read reviews of other Dual-lens Dive Masks:
