Apeks VX1 Review

Apeks VX1 Review – Is This the Best Frameless Dive Mask for All Divers in 2025?

If you want a low‑profile frameless mask that performs flawlessly in cold and tropical waters, has a great nose pocket easlily reached with drysuit gloves, and packs flat in a side pocket, the Apeks VX1 should be on your short list. It’s not the cheapest option, but after 200+ dives—including some deep technical dives—it’s now my primary mask.

Table of Contents

1. First Impressions & Design

2. Fit & Comfort Underwater

3. Performance for Technical Diving

4. Durability & Build Quality

5. VX1 vs. Its Main Competitors

6. Price, Value & Where to Buy

7. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the VX1

8. Final Verdict

1 · First Impressions & Design

I’m a sucker for clean, fuss‑free gear, and the VX1 nails that aesthetic: frameless construction, matte‑black hypoallergenic silicone skirt, and soft‑touch buckles that swivel effortlessly. Out of the box it weighs just 160 g—about 15 g less than my old Hollis M1.

Lens options now include Pure Clear and UV Cut. The mask folds flat, which matters if you carry a backup in your thigh pocket.

Pro Tip: If you’re an underwater photographer, choose the Pure Clear lens—it’s true‑color and won’t skew white balance.

2 · Fit & Comfort Underwater

Seal & Skirt

• The skirt nose pocket is slightly wider than the Scubapro D‑Mask—good news for big‑schnozzed folks like me.

• Zero pressure points at 40 m; the skirt collapses evenly without the “pinch” I got on my cheekbones with the Atomic Venom.

Strap & Buckle

Apeks ditched the bulky plastic frame, so the buckles mount directly to the skirt. Result: micro‑adjustment is easy with dry gloves, and the mask flexes with your face (less chance of a sudden flood if you do any weird faces like me while on long stops).

Fog & Field of View

After the standard toothpaste scrub + burn‑off, I had no fogging on any of my dives, which it was always an iussue with my old Hollis M1. FOV is really good and seems wider than other Framless masks, it really feels like there’s no glass in front of yur eyes.

3 · Performance for Technical Diving

Why it matters: When you’re running multiple deco gases, last thing you need is a mask that won’t clear or pops a seal mid‑stop. VX1 stayed bone‑dry even inverted while switching regs.

4 · Durability & Build Quality

• Lens: Tempered‑glass 4 mm—standard, but Apeks’ anti‑scratch coating resists even the hardest of tests.

• Skirt: After 36 months in my gear box (rolled up twice a week) no discoloration or hard spots.

• Buckle: Stainless micro‑pins = less plastic fatigue than on my old Hollis M1.

I’ve sat on it on deck (twice) and the lens survived. Can’t say the same for my old aqualung Mask.

5 · VX1 vs. Competitors

Bottom line: The VX1 offers excellent value over its competitors, keeping it ligther, travel friendly, and cheaper than the medium ranged Framless Masks while offering a great performance under any conditions.

6 · Price, Value & Where to Buy

Street price: €95– €130

• ✅ Lucas Divestore (Fast shipping + easy returns)

7 · Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the VX1

Perfect for you if…

• You need a low‑volume backup mask for tech/wreck/cave

• You dive cold water and hate stiff skirts

• You travel light (mask folds flat)

• You need a high performance and reliable mask

Skip it if…

• You need prescription lenses (none available yet), only option are stick on lenses

• You want the variety of colors (only black, white, grey & orange frames)

8 · Final Verdict

After 200+ dives from Indonesia to South Pacific, the Apeks VX1 has replaced my Hollis M1 as primary. Comfort, seal integrity, and field of view make it a no‑brainer for technical and serious recreational divers alike.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5) – Loses half a star only because prescription lenses aren’t an option—yet.

What’s Your Experience?

Have you dived the VX1? Drop a comment below—your tips might help the next diver choose the right mask.