Tempered Glass Lens vs Polycarbonate Lens Masks: Pros and Cons

A good-quality snorkel or scuba mask is one of the most important pieces of kit you will buy, and the type and standard of the lenses you choose can hugely impact your underwater experience. Snorkel and scuba masks come with different types of lenses all with various benefits, and the two most common lenses you will come across are tempered glass and polycarbonate.

Today, we’re going to take a deep dive (excuse the pun!) into the world of underwater lenses, exploring the pros and cons of tempered glass lens vs polycarbonate lens masks and helping you find the best choice for freediving, snorkel and scuba masks.

Understanding Lens Materials

Whether you’re new to underwater swimming or a seasoned expert, the world of snorkeling and scuba diving gear can be complex to navigate. New and innovative materials are constantly being developed to enhance our underwater experiences. To better understand what type of lenses best suit your requirements, we’ll start by exploring the two most commonly available lens materials.

Tempered Glass Lenses

Tempered glass is processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared to normal glass. When it breaks, this safety glass shatters into small, blunt pieces rather than sharp shards.

Tempered glass lenses are commonly used in scuba diving and snorkeling masks as the material is highly durable and can withstand the pressure changes experienced during deep dives. The robustness of tempered glass lenses makes them less likely to crack or break under stress, which is highly important for scuba divers who venture into deeper waters.

One of the notable features of tempered glass lenses is their optical clarity, providing a clear and undistorted view of underwater scenery. Tempered glass is also very resistant to scratches, meaning that the lenses will remain clear even after repeated use.

Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate is a durable, lightweight plastic material that is widely used for various optical applications, including eyewear, safety goggles, and diving masks. This lens material is particularly popular in snorkeling and freediving masks because it's incredibly versatile and resilient.

Underwater lenses made from polycarbonate are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. They have great impact resistance and can be easily molded into various shapes to suit different requirements. Polycarbonate lenses are also compatible with additional features such as UV protection and anti-fog coatings.

Pros and Cons of Tempered Glass Lenses

When choosing a mask for snorkeling, scuba diving, or freediving, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of tempered glass lenses is important. Let’s look at the pros and cons of a tempered glass lens vs a polycarbonate lens to help you make an informed decision before you purchase your mask:

Pros of Tempered Glass 

Tempered glass lenses have some excellent advantages that make them a top choice for many underwater activities:

• Excellent optical clarity, providing a clear and accurate view of the underwater environment and allowing divers to appreciate the beauty of marine life without any visual distortions.

• Highly resistant to scratches, which helps maintain their clarity and quality even after extensive use.

• Strong and durable, capable of withstanding the pressure changes encountered during deep dives and harsh underwater conditions.

• The proven track record and widespread acceptance of tempered glass lenses make them a trusted choice for divers of all experience levels.
  

Cons of Tempered Glass

When it comes to tempered glass lens vs polycarbonate lens, it is also helpful to weigh up the disadvantages:

• Tempered glass is heavier than polycarbonate, adding to the overall weight of the mask. This additional weight may be particularly noticeable during long diving sessions.

• While tempered glass is durable, it can shatter if subjected to a strong impact. Although it breaks into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury, the risk of shattering can still be a concern for some divers.

• The cost of tempered glass lenses is generally higher than polycarbonate lenses due to the cost of raw materials and more complex manufacturing processes.
  

Pros and Cons of Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are becoming increasingly popular in the diving community due to their unique properties and versatility. Before you dive into purchasing a new snorkel or scuba mask, let’s explore the pros and cons of polycarbonate lenses to help you make the right decision:

Pros of Polycarbonate 

The reason for the sudden burst of popularity in polycarbonate lenses is the unique benefits they bring to underwater activities:

• Polycarbonate lenses are much lighter than tempered glass lenses, making them more comfortable to wear, particularly during extended dives. This lightweight nature is especially beneficial for freedivers who prioritize minimal gear weight.

• One of the best features of polycarbonate lenses is their exceptional impact resistance. They can absorb and withstand impacts without cracking or breaking, providing added safety for divers in rough underwater conditions.

• Polycarbonate lenses can be treated with advanced anti-fog coatings, ensuring divers maintain clear visibility throughout their dive.

• Polycarbonate lenses are typically less expensive than tempered glass lenses, making them a more budget-friendly option. This affordability allows a wider range of divers to access high-quality masks without breaking the bank.
  

Cons of Polycarbonate 

Although polycarbonate lenses are a great choice for many diving activities, it is worth considering some of the disadvantages of this versatile material:

• Polycarbonate lenses are more susceptible to scratches than tempered glass and must be handled and cleaned with care. It is important to research how to pre-treat and maintain your new dive mask to keep it in top condition.

• While polycarbonate lenses offer good optical clarity, they may not match the visual experience provided by tempered glass. However, advancements in lens technology are continually improving the quality of polycarbonate lenses. At Tidal Sports, we use high-quality polycarbonate to minimize this issue, offering clearer and more reliable underwater vision.

• Despite their benefits, the diving community sometimes views polycarbonate lenses less favorably and has a longstanding preference for tempered glass. This perception is slowly changing as more divers recognize the advantages of modern polycarbonate lenses.
  

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best mask for snorkeling, scuba diving, or freediving, understanding the key differences between tempered glass and polycarbonate lenses is essential.

Tempered glass lenses have long been a firm favorite in the diving world, renowned for their superior optical clarity, high scratch resistance, and robust durability. These lenses are a trusted choice for many divers, especially those who venture into deeper waters. However, they are heavier than polycarbonate lenses and typically cost more due to their complex manufacturing process.

On the other hand, polycarbonate lenses are extremely lightweight, highly impact-resistant, and generally more affordable. They can also feature advanced anti-fog treatments to ensure clear visibility underwater and are easier to mold into various shapes. Despite being more prone to scratching and having slightly less optical clarity compared to tempered glass, modern polycarbonate lenses, such as those used by Tidal Sports, are closing the gap in quality and performance.

Tidal Sports' freediving masks, with treated polycarbonate lenses, offer a blend of excellent impact resistance, comfort, and anti-fogging properties, making them an ideal choice for freediving enthusiasts. These masks provide a lightweight and durable option that enhances the overall diving experience for underwater enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the best choice between tempered glass and polycarbonate lenses depends on your specific diving needs and preferences. By considering the advantages and disadvantages of each lens type, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your underwater adventures.