Dive Rite ES170 Mask: Fit Check, Features and Who It Suits

Updated November 2026

The Dive Rite ES170 mask is a low-volume, frameless-style option built for divers who want a tight seal and a small field of view they can live with. This guide shows you how to check whether the dive rite es170 mask fits your face, how to run a proper seal test before your first dive, and which diving situations it suits best. Work through the steps below and you will know within a few minutes whether this mask belongs in your gear bag.

Check Whether the Face Shape Suits the Mask

Fit matters more than brand or lens clarity. Mask skirts sit against the forehead, cheekbones, and the bridge of the nose, so start by looking at those contact points in a mirror.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Dive Mask with Light: 7 Best Picks for Night and Hands-Free Diving (2026).

• Place the mask against your face without the strap and breathe in lightly through your nose. If it stays put for several seconds, the skirt is probably sealing well.
• Note how your nose fits in the nose pocket. A low or narrow bridge usually works better with compact masks like this one, while a high, prominent bridge may press against the lens.
• Pay attention to eyebrow and cheekbone shape. A mask that sits too far from the brow can let in water at the top edge.

Run a Dry Seal Test Before You Buy or Dive

A dry test takes about two minutes and catches most fit problems before you are underwater. Hold the mask to your face, inhale gently through your nose, and keep the inhale going for about ten seconds while you lift your hands away. The mask should hold its position without you pressing it on.

1. Put the mask on without the strap and tilt your head slightly forward.
2. Inhale through the nose and hold briefly. Release your hands and count to ten.
3. If the mask falls away, try a different skirt angle or check for a gap at the cheek or temple.
4. Repeat with the strap adjusted to a snug, not tight, setting. Straps that are too tight can distort the skirt and cause leaks.

Match the Mask to Your Dive Style

A low-volume mask reduces the air space you need to clear, which helps on freediving-style descents and in cold water where you may already be fighting a squeeze. It also limits peripheral vision, so divers who value a wide field of view may find it restrictive on drift dives or wreck penetrations with lots of overhead movement.

If you wear corrective lenses, check the lens options your retailer offers before ordering. Many divers also compare the lens tint and clarity options with a tinted dive mask versus clear lens comparison to decide what will work in your local visibility conditions.

Consider Water Temperature and Exposure

Thin, low-volume lenses can cool quickly in cold water. If you dive in temperatures below about 60°F, pair the mask with a hood or anti-fog routine, because fogging gets worse as the lens temperature drops.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the dry test and discovering a leak only at depth.
• Tightening the strap to fix a poor seal, which often bends the skirt and makes leaks worse.
• Assuming a mask that fits a friend will fit you. Skirt and nose pocket shape vary widely.
• Failing to clean the lens with a non-abrasive product before the first dive, which leaves a film that causes fogging.

Recommended Gear

• Anti-fog solution: A dedicated defogger keeps the lens clear for longer than spit or soap alone. View on Amazon
• Silicone mask strap pad: A soft pad reduces pressure on the back of the head during longer dives. View on Amazon
• Mask seal stick: Useful for troubleshooting leaks at the skirt, especially on a new mask. View on Amazon

FAQ

Is the Dive Rite ES170 mask good for beginners?

It can work well for beginners who have a narrow face and a low nose bridge, because the compact shape is easier to seal. Beginners with broader faces or higher bridges should test the fit carefully before committing.

How do I stop the lens from fogging?

Clean the lens with a non-abrasive product before the first dive and apply a dedicated anti-fog solution. Avoid touching the inside of the lens, since skin oils encourage fogging.

What should I do if my mask leaks underwater?

Surface and clear the mask by exhaling through the nose, then check the skirt for hair, debris, or a gap at the cheek. If leaks continue, reseat the mask and adjust the strap rather than tightening it. A qualified instructor can help you diagnose persistent fit problems.

Conclusion

The dive rite es170 mask suits divers with a compact face and a low nose bridge who want a small internal air space. Run the dry seal test, match the mask to your typical dive conditions, and avoid the common fit mistakes above. If you are unsure about your fit, visit a dive shop and ask a staff member to check it on your face before you buy.

Related reading

• Trident Scuba Dive Mask Seal Stick: How to Fix and Prevent Leaks (2026)
• Tinted Dive Mask vs Clear: Which Lens Suits Your Diving? (2026)
• Tilos Universal Dive Mask: 5 Best Picks for Every Fit and Dive Style (2026)
• Synergy 2 TruFit Dive Mask: Fit Check, Pros, Cons and Who It Suits
• Synergy 2 Dive Mask: 4 Best Picks Compared (2026)

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