What Makes the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask Different From Other Masks?
The ocean opens up a world of beauty and fascination for scuba divers. To fully experience the wonders of the underwater realm, you need a mask that provides maximum visibility and comfort. The Hollis M1 Frameless Mask aims to fulfill that need with its innovative design and high-end optics.
As a pioneering frameless mask, the M1 provides an extraordinarily wide field of view unobstructed by the frame and skirt components found in traditional masks. This panoramic visibility enables you to fully take in the marine landscapes around them. The mask also features Hollis’s proprietary Saint-Gobain Diamant glass lens lauded for its clarity, light transmission, and scratch resistance.
Let’s take a closer look at these innovative features of the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask as well as assess its real-world performance.
Frameless Design
The Hollis M1 Mask has no frame or edge to provide the widest picture possible. This structure eliminates the field-of-view restrictions in traditional framed masks, allowing you to feel completely immersed in your surroundings – a significant advantage when exploring new dive sites.
Also, the absence of a frame reduces its weight making it easy and comfortable to use on long dives. The low internal volume and flexible skirt allow for quick pressure equalization during descent and make clearing the mask easy.
Saint-Gobain Diamant Glass Lens
One of the standout features of the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask is its lens made with Saint-Gobain Diamant glass. This high-quality tempered glass is known for its exceptional optical clarity, light transmission, and scratch resistance.
The lens is also designed with a special anti-reflective coating to reduce glare and provide a more natural view of the underwater world. This feature makes it easier to spot marine creatures and navigate through different dive environments.
Comfort and Fit
In addition to its impressive visibility, the Hollis M1 Mask offers superior comfort and fit. The skirt is made of a high-grade silicone material that conforms to your face’s contours, creating a tight seal to prevent water from entering the mask.
The strap is also adjustable and has a wide range of motion, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head shape. The M1 mask comes in two sizes (regular and small) designed to accommodate different face shapes and sizes.
Hollis M1Mask: Manufacturers Specification
Style | Frameless |
Lens | Single Lens |
Skirt | Silicone Double Feathered Edge Skirt |
Buckle | Low-Profile Quick-Adjust Buckles |
Corrective Lens | Not Available |
Our Rating: Hollis M1 Mask Review
Overall Score
4.6/5
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Design
The frameless design of the Hollis M1 Mask is a game-changer for divers who prioritize visibility and comfort.
Funtionality
A wide field of view, high-quality lens, and comfortable fit make the Hollis M1 a top performer in functionality.
Comfort
The mask's high-grade silicone skirt and adjustable strap provide a snug fit, but some divers with larger faces may find it slightly too small.
Cost
The Hollis M1 Mask is on the pricier side, but its innovative design and high-quality materials make it a worthwhile investment for serious divers.
Reasons to Buy
- Superior Visibility: With its frameless design and high-quality Saint-Gobain Diamant glass lens, the Hollis M1 Mask provides unmatched visibility underwater. The panoramic view it offers is a dream for any diver wanting to fully experience the underwater realms.
- Comfort and Fit: Hollis M1 Mask’s high-grade silicone skirt is designed to conform to your face’s contours, providing a comfortable and snug fit. Its adjustable strap allows divers to adjust the mask according to their preferences, ensuring it stays put during dives.
- High-quality Lens: The use of Saint-Gobain Diamant glass in the lens ensures exceptional optical clarity. Its anti-reflective coating reduces glare, helping divers spot marine life more easily and navigate different diving environments.
- Durability: Despite its frameless design, the Hollis M1 Mask is remarkably durable. The tempered glass lens is scratch-resistant, and the high-grade silicone skirt can endure extensive use, making this mask a long-lasting investment.
- Easy Pressure Equalization: Its low internal volume and flexible skirt make for quick and easy pressure equalization during your descents, adding to your overall diving comfort.
- Lightweight Design: The absence of a frame reduces the mask’s weight, making it comfortable for long dives. This lightness, combined with its excellent visibility, makes the Hollis M1 Mask a great choice for avid divers.
Reasons to Avoid
While the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask offers numerous advantages, there are a few reasons why it might not be the ideal choice for every diver:
- Price: The Hollis M1 Mask falls into the high-end category of dive masks, which may not be affordable for all divers. Budget-conscious divers or those who don’t dive frequently might find it costly and may look for more economical options.
- Size: The mask’s size and fit might not suit every face shape. Some divers with larger faces have reported that the mask can be a bit too small, causing discomfort or improper sealing, which could lead to leaking.
- No Prescription Lens Option: If you wear glasses or contacts, the mask doesn’t offer a prescription lens option. This could be a deal-breaker for people with vision needs, as they would need to source prescription lenses separately or look for other masks that offer this option.
What are other Divers Saying
The Hollis M1 mask has made a splash in the diving community for its innovative frameless design and high visibility lens. Here’s what real-world divers have to say about the M1 mask:
- “The clarity is stunning – way better optics than my old mask.”
- “I love the panoramic view. You can see so much more without the frame blocking your peripheral vision.”
- “Super lightweight and low profile on your face. I barely notice I’m wearing it.”
- “Takes a bit of getting used to equalizing without a frame but overall very comfortable.”
- “Haven’t had any fogging issues even in cold water dives.”
- “The strap could be a little more adjustable but the mask itself is awesome.”
- “Well worth the money if you do a lot of diving and value being able to see as much as possible.”
- “Didn’t totally seal on my face shape so had some minor leaking. Needed to adjust the straps a lot.”
- “Not the cheapest mask out there but the visibility is unmatched.”
While some divers have needed adjustment time with the frameless design, most praise the M1’s field of vision and optical clarity as a standout upgrade from traditional masks. The mask seems to excel when fitted properly to an individual’s facial structure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Unfortunately, the Hollis M1 Mask does not support prescription lenses. If you have vision needs, you may need to purchase prescription lenses separately or consider other mask options that offer this feature.
The Hollis M1 Mask is designed to fit a wide range of face sizes and shapes due to its flexible silicone skirt and adjustable strap. However, fit can vary from person to person, and trying on the mask before purchasing is recommended when possible.
Despite its frameless design, the Hollis M1 Mask is highly durable. The tempered glass lens is scratch-resistant, and the high-grade silicone skirt can withstand extensive use. However, like any dive gear, proper care and maintenance are crucial for its longevity.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is, that the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask is a top-of-the-line choice for divers looking for enhanced visibility and comfort in their masks. Its frameless design, low internal volume, and lightweight build make it an excellent option for both experienced and beginner divers.
While it may not be suitable for every face shape and comes at a higher price point, its high-quality materials and overall superior performance justify the investment for avid divers. Give it a try and see the underwater world like never before with the Hollis M1 Frameless Mask. Happy diving!
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