Oceanic is part of the US-based Huish Outdoor group and has produced high-quality diving gear for ocean enthusiasts for decades. The Oceanic Shadow Mini is part of their Shadow diving mask series, which comes in various sizes, fitting almost all faces. It is a frameless single-lens mask that provides a broad field of view without distortion or coloration. The mask comes with a soft liquid silicone skirt that seals very well around the face and prevents water from entering the mask.
I have tested the Shadow Mini primarily in cold waters and can say Oceanic’s dive mask is reliable equipment that won’t take up much space in your travel luggage. But does it even make sense to take this diving mask on vacation? And for whom is the Shadow Mini best suited? Can I get it in different colors? There is much to discover about the Oceanic Shadow Mini - so let’s dive in!
Specs & Features
Weight | 454 grams |
Window style and frame | Single lens, no frame style |
Lens | Tempered glass, scratch resistant |
Skirt | 100% liquid silicone, double sealed |
Buckles and head strap | Quick-release buckles, soft neoprene head strap |
Fit | Ideal for smaller faces |
Colors | Quick-release buckles, soft neoprene head strap |
Packaging | Quick-release buckles, soft neoprene head strap |
The Material
Ocenanics’ Shadow Mini is the ideal diving mask for holiday divers, or snorkelers. It offers great value for the money and is a reliable companion for years. The Shadow Mini is crafted using high-quality materials, such as a 100% liquid silicone frame and tempered glass. By choosing tempered glass, Oceanic has created a durable and reliable diving mask that is unlikely to scratch or shatter. I really appreciated the neoprene head strap too, which offers great comfort starting from the moment you put the mask on and lasting for hours to come, making it perfect for longer diving sessions. Diving masks in a similar price/quality range from other competitors, such as ScubaPro or Kraken Auqatics don’t come with a neoprene head strap ex-factory.
Fit, Comfort, and Design
The single-lens design offers a wide field of view without distortion or color distortion. The Shadow Mini has no frame, but the skirt is attached directly to the mask’s glass, resulting in a very slim and lightweight design. However, due to the single-lens design, it is not possible to insert prescription glasses. If this feature is a must for you, you can find great alternatives in the Oceanic Discovery.
The liquid silicone skirt bonds neatly with the face, and thanks to the double sealing inside the mask, it stays dry bone. This is an especially important factor for diving beginners because clearing out the mask can be an uncomfortable experience. Plus, the skirt material is super flexible, and the nose pocket has a decent size, giving enough space to pinch the nose for equalizing.
Adjusting the mask is easy but cannot be done while wearing the diving mask. So you may end up having to adjust the mask several times. I would wish for micrometric buckles, such as the Cressi F1 delivers, to adjust the mask while it is on my head. The Shadow Mini comes with quick-release buckles, which can be a minus point for more experienced and technical divers as the risk of an unintended release mid-dive is too high.
Maintenance
Unfortunately, Oceanic doesn’t provide a guide on how to take proper care of the Shadow Mini diving mask. Therefore, I suggest using a mask cleaner or a good scrub with soap before your first dive. The mask has no built-in defogging mechanism, but I have come to find that the good old spitting method works perfectly fine to prevent the mask from fogging up during the dive. The tempered glass will also tolerate most off-the-shelf defog sprays.
Rinse the Shadow Mini after every dive with fresh water to keep it in good condition for a long time.
Packaging
The Oceanic Shadow Mini dive mask comes in a handy plastic box that double functions as safe storage if you are a holiday diver who doesn’t use the diving mask all year round. However, it is quite bulky and unsuitable for placing into luggage as it takes up too much space. Since the glass is tempered, the Shadow Mini should be resistant enough to drop it into the luggage without any second layer scratch protection; however, my “better safe than sorry” personality would have welcomed a certified cotton bag similar to those I know from regular glasses. Even though the Shadow Mini will last for years once bought, more sustainable packaging would be nice. As divers, we should be environment protection frontrunners, so we will have great diving experiences in the distant future.
Price vs. Quality
Straight from Oceanic, the Shadow Mini costs as much as 89,95 USD/ 82 EUR. It is worth checking out local dealers as I found the same diving mask starting from 60 USD/ 54 EUR.
Considering the high-quality materials used, the longevity, and the comfort of the diving mask, the Shadow Mini is a good choice for holiday and recreational divers. Beginners, who are not entirely sure how much they will actually scuba dive, can find a comparable and slightly cheaper option
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