What is a snorkel mask? Choose The Best Snorkel

For beginners or who are learning Scuba diving, Snorkeling is one of the best activities for them. Swimming underwater with a mask and tube for breathing is called snorkelling and the piece of equipment is known as a snorkel. If you float face-down on the surface, you will be able to observe marine life. Without disturbing the underwater scenery. Or you can dive underwater and swim with the fish. let’s get to know what is a snorkel mask and how it helps divers!

How Does A Snorkel Mask work?

The mouth and nose sections of snorkel masks are closed. And separate areas for breathing in and out. Exhaled air is taken via side channels rather than through the valve. This stops you from breathing in your own air again as the air goes out through the glass.

Silicone frames ensure a watertight seal over the entire face from chin to forehead. And as soon as your snorkel goes underwater the water stop ensures no water can enter the mask.

Can you breathe underwater with a snorkel?

Snorkel masks typically have tubes that remain above the waterline so that you can breathe through them. Shallow waters allow you to view the reefs through the tube as you breathe through it.

Full-face snorkel masks cover both nose and mouth, allowing users to breathe through their nose as well as their mouth. Instead of your mouth, the mask is still connected to a tube at the top. Water cannot get into the mask through a dry-top anti-leak seal.

TYPES OF Snorkel MASKS

There are five basic types of snorkels on the market today that all have their own advantages and disadvantages. 

1- Classic or traditional snorkels

The Classic snorkel mask is often called a J-style snorkel or traditional snorkel. It is a simple plastic tube with a mouthpiece attached. It can be tailored to fit any type of shape, although it is usually slightly bent.

This is the cheapest and most affordable type of snorkel that can be used for snorkelling and some even use for scuba diving. On the other hand, if the top of the snorkel is submerged or filled with water at any time, the user must exhale forcefully to clear the water from the top. Nevertheless, It is one of the most picked items for beginners. Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages.

2- Flexible snorkels

After the classic snorkels, another type of snorkel is a flexible snorkel with purge valves. This is very flexible and at the bottom, a purge valve is located which makes it easier to expel water that may get in from the top of the snorkel.

What makes it different from classic snorkel is its flexibility which allows divers to fit better around the mask and face. Similarly, J.style snorkel, this can be used for snorkelling and scuba diving.

When a diver dives into water it naturally drops away from the face and gives the best and clear underwater vision to the users. The purge valves at the bottom of the mouthpiece help to get uninterrupted breathing and flush the excess water out from the snorkel every time. Point to note, the snorkel may fail to work properly if sand or dirt gets inside and blocks from the top of the airway.

3- Dry snorkels

The Dry snorkel is recommended and considered the best snorkel because it has a valve at the top of the snorkel which completely blocks water from entering from the top. It also has a purge valve at the bottom near the mouthpiece. 

The best part of this type of snorkel. It allows you to swim on the surface conveniently and gives you a chance to go into the depth of water. It continuously clears the water from the top. What makes it different from other snorkels? It saves divers energy and allows them to swim comfortably.

It has many advantages over the classic snorkel and flexible snorkel, but it also has drawbacks on the other hand. It is sometimes difficult to breathe through the snorkel when the valve at the top becomes blocked. Besides being buoyant underwater, the dry snorkel can also cause a lot of drag.

4- Semi-dry snorkels

The mixture of dry and classic snorkel is called a semi-dry snorkel. One of its main features it has a splash guard which sprays the water from entering the tube but it doesn’t prevent all water from entering. 

If you are caught by sea waves or dive deep in water it will help enough to cover the top of your snorkel so that the water may not enter. Comparably, other snorkels, it may also get jammed if sand or dirt entered it.

5- Full-face snorkel masks

An extension of the mask will extend upwards from the tube, which is a combination of a full-face mask and a dry snorkel. It’s also possible to breathe normally rather than through a mouthpiece.

There is no learning required to use this mask, it is very simple and easy to use for beginners. You just simply put the mask on, making sure it fits on your face and you can breathe through your mouth easily. It is recommended for those who have chewing problems.

Note: This full mask is not for scuba diving activity.

Let’s talk about its drawbacks, some people get very uncomfortable feeling their own warm breath circulating around their face. If you have a big mustache or beard the chances of the mask start leaking.

Which one is Best?

If we talk about the BEST snorkel mask. There is nothing like the best but many different brands make good quality masks in the competition and try to deliver top-notch quality masks.

Some popular, high-rated and reviewed masks include

1. Tusa Freedom HD: This full-face snorkel mask features a 180-degree field of vision, dry snorkel technology, and a camera mount. It’s considered very comfortable to wear, easy to breathe, and has a good field of view.
2. Cressi Panoramic Wide View Mask: This traditional snorkel mask features a wide-angle lens and a low-volume design, which makes it easy to clean and provides a wide field of vision.
3. Seaview 180 V2: This full-face snorkel mask features a 180-degree field of vision, dry snorkel technology, and a camera mount. It’s considered very comfortable to wear, easy to breathe, and has a good field of view.
4. Aqua Sphere Kayenne: This traditional snorkel mask features a wide-angle lens, a low-volume design, and a comfortable fit. It’s considered a good option for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
5. Atomic Aquatics Frameless 2: This frameless snorkel mask features a tempered glass lens, a comfortable fit, and a low-volume design. It’s considered a good option for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

WHEN TO BUY

The best time to buy a snorkel mask depends on your personal needs and preferences. Some factors to consider when purchasing a snorkel mask include

1. Season: Depending on which season you are going to enjoy snorkel activity. Some people enjoy it in summer whereas, some people enjoy snorkelling in the winter season.
2. Upcoming trips: If you have a snorkelling trip planned in the near future, it’s best to buy a snorkel mask well in advance so you have plenty of time to test it out and make sure it fits properly.
3. Quality and durability: Look for a snorkel mask which has good quality, durable, and easy to clean and maintain in order to increase the longevity of the snorkel mask.

HOW TO BUY

There are a number of things to keep in mind to make sure you acquire a high-quality, comfortable, and well-fitting mask. The following advice may help you choose the best snorkel mask:

Fit: To ensure a suitable fit, try on several masks before deciding to buy one. An uncomfortable and potentially leaky mask will be one that is too small or large. Although it shouldn’t be too tight, the mask should fit tightly around the face.

Visibility: Finding a mask with a broad field of vision will improve visibility. A split lens can offer a larger field of vision than a single lens, which is seen on several masks.

Quality: Choose a mask that is made of durable, high-quality materials. A cheap, fragile mask that leaks or breaks easily should be avoided.

Brand: Choose a well-known company that is renowned for manufacturing dependable, high-quality snorkel masks.

A travel bag, camera mount, or a defogger are among the extras that some masks provide. Think about whether you require or want any of these added features.

Price: Shop around and compare prices from various dealers, but don’t skimp on quality simply to save a few dollars. A snorkel mask of high quality will last longer and be safer to use.

Read reviews from other snorkelers to get a sense of how well certain masks perform.