Tilos EXCEL Frameless Scuba Diving / Snorkeling Mask: Review

In September, my boyfriend and I are taking our first trip to the Bahamas. Instead of going into this whole thing empty-handed, we decided to purchase our own scuba/snorkeling gear.

My brother, who had gone this past year, told us that many all inclusive resorts DO NOT allow you to use their snorkel gear without an hourly charge. Seeing how we would mainly be in the water snorkeling, we figured we may as well purchase our own things, and avoid ridiculous hourly charges to rent masks when we got there. Recently I was awarded a few amazon e-certificate for taking online surveys.

I managed to accumulate quite a few dollars in the amazon account, so I figured that I would purchase my snorkel gear at the site for free. I had NO clue what mask to buy. I knew I wanted a comfortable fitting mask, yet at the same time I wanted a comfortable mask that pro divers, and advanced divers recommended. I didn't want some cheap run of the mill Target mask. This was likely going to be our first and last trip to the Bahama's, so I wanted to take it all in, in the best possible way. I prowled the net for information, and most people agreed that their favorite, and most comfortable dive mask was the Tilos EXCEL Frameless Mask. Click to view mask. I found the mask on Amazon for $39.99, and went ahead and made the purchase.

What Is a Frameless Mask:
 
A frameless mask is basically a mask that does not come with a clunky heavy weighted plastic frame around the lens that you see found on most masks available in low end stores like Target or Walmart.
A frameless mask is pretty light, and forms to your face easier. Framed masks add weight and do not feel natural on the face.

The Tilos EXCEL Frameless Mask Promise:
 
With this particular mask not only are you going to be provided with a comfortable fit, but the single pane lens has a very low drop in the bottom area to provide you with more of a view when looking down. It also has the frameless brow area placed up really high so you have a more undisturbed view.

The Tilos EXCEL Frameless Mask was probably the oddest dive mask I had ever seen besides that HydroOptix mask (which I couldn't afford). Odd is cool in my book though, so it was all good.

My Use:
 
Before hopping into the pool to try the new mask out, I first rinsed its pane with some Colgate white toothpaste. Supposedly doing this will reduce fog. I rinsed once, twice, three times.

Next I made my way to the pool, and adjusted the mask to my head. I found the adjustable strap to be the easiest strap I had ever seen come on a mask before. The Tilos Excel has easy snap up hooks that look like fish tails. You simply lift it up and adjust your mask. Once adjusted simply snap the fish tail back into place, and wallah. Simple, easy!

The mask was comfortable, very comfortable. I am used to cheap Target and Walmart masks with large bulky neon colored frames. Placing the Tilos Excel onto my face was like placing air on my face. The mask is lightweight, and seeing how the masks tempered glass is shaped so perfectly, there is nothing in the way of your view. Underwater you get a great view. You can literately see everything thanks to the high brow, and low eye drop area.

I loved it! Love, love, loved it!

Fog however became an issues pretty early on. I even used the ol' toothpaste remedy to cure the fog, but apparently it didn't work. Thanks to they Wide ii mask fog wipers (click for review) I was able to rid my mask of fog, but still it was bothersome to have to wipe away the fog on a constant.

After doing a rinse with baby shampoo to the mask though, the fog issue was no longer present. I recommend you place toothpaste on the masks window frame, and baby shampoo to reduce fog to nearly nothing before using the mask.

Overall:
 
The Tilos Excel Frameless Mask is very comfortable. You can wear it for hours, and it would be great for snorkeling, and diving. Its lightweight so you do not feel fatigue. he strap is very easy to adjust, and this particular mask will give you a view like no other. It is seriously as if you are looking down at the sea with your actual eyes, because there is no obstructions when it comes to the Tilos Frameless Mask.

A wonderful mask all around. 4.5 stars out of 5 in my opinion.

I highly recommend the Tilos Frameless Mask to divers and those who enjoy snorkeling.