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What To Look For
The core issue for a good scuba diving mask is how it fits on the diver's face. There are numerous other features such as the number of window masks, purge valves, corrective vision and so forth. However, the thing that will impact the quality of a dive in the most fundamental way is the fit because that in turn affects leakage, purging, equalization, fogging and whether or not a diver comes home with a bad case of "mask face."
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake a new diver makes is to focus on things beyond the basics of durability, good view range or a good fit. A purge valve, for example, is a very nice feature, but it is not nearly as important as having good peripheral vision, which is easy to overlook when trying on a mask. Furthermore, that purge valve becomes both expensive and useless if the skirt gets torn or the lens gets scratched. Focus on the fundamentals of what makes a mask good at all times.
Where To Buy
Dive masks are one of the few pieces of scuba gear that should always be tried out in person. The only time a diver should buy a mask online is after he knows how it fits from firsthand experience. Every model of mask will be a little different, just as each face will be. You should never buy a mask without trying it on first, so unless the price is markedly cheaper online, buy it in the store so that you can try it on.
Cost
A great scuba mask will cost between $70 and $110, although there are plenty of perfectly good examples in the $45-60 range. Scratching the bottom of the barrel are those in the $20-25 range, which are really meant more for casual snorkelers than regular, recreational divers.
Accessories
The two big accessories for scuba masks are correctional lenses and strap pads. The latter are cheap and very handy since they will keep the strap from getting entangled in the diver's hair and reduce strap snarls. Correctional lenses are something that anyone with vision problems should eventually consider getting, and there are a range of masks ready-made with lenses that will fit most eyeglass prescriptions.
Insider Tips
The best way to try on a dive mask is to put it on without the strap. If it can be held on the face through nasal suction alone, and it feels comfortable, it is probably a good fit.
