Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin:my review after 15 dives.
I bought the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin as one of the first pieces of my own scuba gear after trying several masks during training. I have now used it for around 15 dives, mainly in Tenerife, as well as for snorkelling. In this review I cover fit and sealing, comfort, field of view, equalising, use with a hood, fogging, maintenance and the points I would consider before buying it.
I would buy it again because it fits my face well, stays comfortable during a dive and gives me a field of view that feels noticeably open. Its main downside for me is that the soft silicone and strap feel a little more delicate than on some more robust masks. Above all, I would only buy it if it seals properly on your own face.
Affiliate link: if you buy through this link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
My experience with the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin
The mask was one of the first pieces of gear I bought when I started building my own scuba setup. I did not choose it only because of its specifications or because I had seen it in a shop.
During my training for my diving certifications I was able to try several masks available at the dive centre, from different brands and with different fits. The Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin was the one that felt best after using it in more than one training session.
It felt comfortable, sealed well on my face and the field of view seemed wider than on other options I had tried. My instructor was also familiar with the model and recommended it. That combination of real testing, a good fit and professional advice is what finally convinced me.
Since then I have used it on around 15 dives, mainly in Tenerife, in areas such as Radazul, Tabaiba and Los Cristianos. I also use it occasionally for snorkelling.
Is the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin worth it?
In my experience, yes. After around 15 dives, it is still one of the purchases from my initial setup that I would make again.
I would especially recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable mask with soft silicone and a wide field of view, as long as it fits their face properly. With scuba masks, personal fit matters more than any positive review or specification sheet.
Is it a good mask for beginners?
For me, yes. In fact, I chose it when I was still a beginner and one of the reasons was precisely that I had been able to try it during training before buying it.
I think it is especially interesting for a beginner because it is comfortable, the nose pocket is easy to pinch for equalising and, in my case, I do not need to tighten the strap much to get a good seal.
Fit and seal underwater
In my case, the mask sealed well from the start and I have not had problems with water leaking in during dives when it is positioned correctly.
I have also used it with a neoprene hood and the seal has remained good. As with any mask, it is worth checking that no hair, hood fabric or anything else is trapped between the silicone and your face.
Comfort and softness of the silicone
One of the things I like most is how soft the material feels. The silicone adapts well to my face and does not leave strong marks after a dive.
I also do not need to overtighten the strap to get a good seal. For me this makes a real difference, because it avoids that feeling of pressure that I have noticed with other masks.
That same softness has a trade-off: the whole mask feels slightly more delicate to me. That is why I store and transport it carefully.
How good is the field of view?
The field of view is one of its strongest points. Compared with other masks I had used, it feels noticeably open, especially to the sides and lower down.
That lower visibility is useful to me when checking my dive computer or locating part of my gear without having to move my head too much.
For me, the combination of good visibility and comfort is one of the main reasons I would buy it again.
Is it easy to equalise with this mask?
Yes, at least in my case. The nose pocket is soft and flexible and I can pinch it easily to equalise, even while wearing gloves.
It may seem like a small detail, but when you are starting out it is reassuring to be able to equalise easily without fighting with the mask.
Strap, neoprene cover and use with a hood
The strap is easy to adjust and in my case it stays in place well throughout the dive.
I also use a Cressi neoprene strap cover over the strap. I find it more comfortable, it avoids pulling my hair and it also protects a part that I consider relatively thin.
I use it this way with a neoprene hood as well because the cover makes the mask easier to put on and reduces direct rubbing from the strap.
Does the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin fog up?
In my experience, after preparing the lenses properly before the first use, I have not had significant fogging problems.
Before each dive I use saliva on the inside of the lenses, spread it around and then give them a light rinse. That method has worked well for me.
If you prefer not to use saliva, there are also anti-fog products specifically designed for diving masks.
Affiliate link: you can check different anti-fog spray options for diving masks on Amazon, at no additional cost to you.
See anti-fog sprays for diving masks on AmazonHow I clean and store it
After each dive I rinse it with fresh water to remove any salt. I also clean the neoprene strap cover and pay attention to the buckles and moving parts.
- Rinse with fresh water after every use.
- Remove salt thoroughly from buckles and moving parts.
- Wash the neoprene strap cover too.
- Leave it to dry in the shade in a ventilated place.
- Avoid storing it folded or with weight on top.
- Protect the lenses during transport.
What I like most
- Good seal on my face from the first use.
- I have not had water leaking in during dives.
- Very soft and comfortable silicone.
- It does not leave strong marks on my face.
- Wide field of view, especially to the sides and lower down.
- Flexible nose pocket that is easy to pinch.
- Easy-to-adjust strap.
- It has worked well for me with a neoprene hood.
What I would improve
- The strap and silicone feel more delicate than those on some more robust models.
- I prefer to protect the strap with a neoprene cover when I use it frequently.
- It needs a certain amount of care during transport and storage.
- As with any mask, I would only recommend it if it fits the shape of your face properly.
Does the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin fit what you need?
If you prioritise a comfortable scuba mask with soft silicone, a wide field of view and easy access to the nose for equalising, the X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin has worked very well for me. But with masks, fit comes first: if it does not seal correctly on your face, I would choose another model regardless of how good the specifications or reviews are.
Price and value for money
I bought it for approximately €78. Considering the comfort, seal and field of view it gives me, I consider it a good purchase.
The price may vary depending on the retailer, colour, promotions and when you check it.
Who would I recommend the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin to?
I would recommend it to…
Beginners and recreational divers looking for a comfortable mask, with soft silicone, a good field of view and easy access to the nose for equalising.
Also to anyone who, after trying it on, confirms that the skirt fits the shape of their face well.
I would look at other options if…
You prioritise an especially robust feeling above everything else or you expect to subject the mask to very heavy and rough use.
And above all, I would choose another mask if this one does not seal properly on your face. In that case, all its other features become secondary.
Conclusion: would I buy it again?
Yes. After around 15 dives, I would buy the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin again because of its comfort, the good fit it has on my face and the visibility it offers underwater.
I have not had water leaking in, it does not leave strong marks and I can equalise easily. In addition, the lateral and lower field of view is one of the differences I notice most compared with other masks I had used.
Its main weakness, for me, is that slightly more delicate feel of the silicone and strap. I do not see that as a reason to rule it out, but I do think it is worth treating it with some care.
If you want to check its current price: you can check the current availability of the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin here. This is an affiliate link and buying through it does not cost you anything extra.
See price and availability on AmazonFrequently asked questions about the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin
Is the Mares X-Vision Ultra LiquidSkin good for beginners?
In my experience, yes. I bought it when I was starting out and I have found it comfortable, easy to adjust and easy to equalise with. Even so, the most important thing is to check that it seals properly on your face.
Does it fog up?
In my case I have not had significant problems after preparing the lenses before the first use. Before diving I use saliva and give the lenses a light rinse.
Does water leak in during a dive?
Not in my case. After around 15 dives it has maintained a good seal when positioned correctly. The result may be different depending on each person’s face shape.
Does it work well with a neoprene hood?
It has worked well for me with a hood. I just make sure no fabric, hair or anything else is trapped between the silicone and my face.
Does it have a good field of view?
It is one of the things I like most. Compared with other masks I had used, the view feels more open, especially to the sides and lower down.
Is it worth buying in 2026?
For me, yes, if you are looking for a comfortable mask with soft silicone and a wide field of view. But I would not buy it based on a recommendation alone: I would try it on first to make sure it fits my face properly.