Scubapro Crystal Vu Plus Mask

The Scubapro Crystal Vu Plus is one of the best all-round dive masks available in Australia — it combines genuinely wide peripheral vision with a seal that works across a broad range of face shapes.

At $115, it sits at the upper end of single-lens masks but well below Scubapro's top-tier models. It competes directly with the Aqualung Reveal X2 and Cressi Z1, and holds its own against both. For Australian divers doing everything from cold-water kelp forest dives in Victoria to warm reef work on the Ribbon Reefs, the Crystal Vu Plus is a reliable daily driver that won't let you down.

## Overview

The Crystal Vu Plus uses a single-pane tempered glass lens mounted in a low-volume frame, paired with Scubapro's Ultra-Seal silicone skirt. The low internal volume means less air to equalise on descent, less drag, and easier mask clearing — practical advantages that matter on repetitive deep dives or in situations where water ingress is common, such as surge-heavy shore entries at sites like Shelly Beach in Sydney.

The field of vision is noticeably wider than many competing masks in this price range. The frameless design pushes the lens closer to your face, which expands the visual field — particularly downward and to the sides. On a drift dive along a wall at Julian Rocks, the extra peripheral vision helps you spot marine life without constantly turning your head. It's not a panoramic mask, but the difference from a standard framed mask is immediately apparent.

The Ultra-Seal silicone skirt is soft and pliable, conforming well to facial contours. Scubapro has refined this material over several generations, and it shows. The seal holds reliably even with slight facial hair or sunscreen residue — two common issues Australian divers deal with regularly. In cold water around South Australia and Victoria where thermal hoods change the fit dynamics, the Crystal Vu Plus maintains its seal better than stiffer-skirted masks like the Mares X-Vision.

Underwater clarity through the tempered glass is excellent. There's minimal distortion at the edges, and the glass resists fogging reasonably well after proper preparation. Optical clarity matters more than many divers realise — on a silty dive at HMAS Canberra wreck off the Sunshine Coast, the difference between a clear lens and a cheap mask with edge distortion is the difference between spotting the wobbegong on the deck and swimming right past it.

The buckle system uses Scubapro's swivel design, allowing one-handed strap adjustment. It's a small detail that becomes meaningful when you're geared up on a boat and need to tighten the strap before a back-roll entry.

## Key Features

- Single-pane ultra-clear tempered glass lens - Ultra-Seal premium silicone skirt - Low internal volume (approximately 150 ml) - Frameless construction for wider field of view - Swivel buckle system for one-handed adjustment - Weight: approximately 195 g - Suitable for faces from narrow to medium-wide - Includes protective mask box - Double-feathered edge skirt for improved seal - Compatible with most prescription lens inserts

## The Good

- **Seal quality is genuinely excellent across different face shapes**: The double-feathered silicone edge creates a reliable seal that works whether you have a narrow European face shape or a broader build. Among masks tested, the Crystal Vu Plus had the fewest reports of persistent leaking. - **Low volume makes clearing effortless**: A sharp exhale through the nose clears the mask almost completely. This matters on deep dives where air conservation counts, and for newer divers still developing their clearing technique. - **Peripheral vision is noticeably wider than mid-range competitors**: The frameless design and lens positioning deliver a visual field that approaches masks costing twice as much. Side and downward visibility are particularly improved compared to framed dual-lens designs. - **Silicone quality holds up in Australian UV conditions**: Cheaper silicone skirts yellow and stiffen after a year of exposure to Australian sun. The Crystal Vu Plus skirt remains supple and clear after extended use, which directly affects seal quality and comfort. - **Comfortable for long dives without pressure points**: Tested over multiple 60-plus-minute dives with no hot spots or forehead pressure. The skirt distributes strap tension evenly, which reduces post-dive headaches that plague poorly fitting masks. - **Works well under a hood in cold water**: Maintains seal when worn with 3 mm or 5 mm hoods — critical for divers working in South Australia, Tasmania, or Victorian waters where hoods are standard gear.

## The Bad

- **Not ideal for very wide or very flat face shapes**: While the fit range is broad, divers with particularly wide faces may find the skirt doesn't fully conform around the cheeks. A proper fit test before buying is essential — no mask suits every face. - **Clear silicone skirt allows light leakage from above**: The transparent skirt lets peripheral light in, which some divers find distracting. On bright, shallow dives — snorkelling at Ningaloo or shallow reef work on the GBR — the light intrusion can reduce contrast. A black silicone version would fix this, but Scubapro doesn't offer one for this model. - **Price premium over capable mid-range masks is hard to justify on specs alone**: At $115, it's $40-60 more than masks like the Cressi Big Eyes Evolution or Tusa Freedom One that perform adequately. The difference is in fit, comfort, and material quality — real but intangible until you've used the mask extensively.

## Verdict

The Scubapro Crystal Vu Plus earns its place as a daily-use mask for serious Australian divers. The seal is among the best in its class, the field of vision is genuinely wide, and the silicone quality means it'll maintain performance over years of use in harsh Australian conditions. It's not the cheapest option, and divers on a tight budget can find functional masks at half the price. But if you're diving regularly — weekend shore dives, annual liveaboard trips, cold-water exploration — the Crystal Vu Plus removes mask issues from your dive experience almost entirely. Buy it if you value reliability and comfort over saving fifty dollars. Skip it if you've already got a mask that seals well and you're happy with the vision it provides.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)