Buying snorkeling gear
- Thread starter TWallace
- Start date
ezcompany
Premium Member
you don't really need brand names for the mask and snorkel, the most important thing is the fit. a $150 mask that leaks water is gonna be very miserable 
don't buy online unless you are 100% sure of the size and fit of the equipment. when buying fins buy according to your swimming style. if your legs/feet cramp easily, don't buy fins that are too hard, by more flexible ones. straps tend to cramp feet easier than bootie style fins.
don't buy online unless you are 100% sure of the size and fit of the equipment. when buying fins buy according to your swimming style. if your legs/feet cramp easily, don't buy fins that are too hard, by more flexible ones. straps tend to cramp feet easier than bootie style fins.
vtminter
New member
Your best bet is to go and talk to someone in a dive shop. You must try on the mask. The best way to check for a fit is to put it on you face without the strap around your head, and suck in air through your nose. If it stays on your face then it fits. If it falls off that means air is coming and in and also means that water will probably come in. Good luck.
Dack77
New member
If you want good gear that will last a long time (if you plan on going more in the future) then definitely buy from a dive shop. The costco stuff sucks.
I am a firm believer in split fins. Scubapro and Apollo make excellent fins, but they are pricey. They will last forever though. I teach in full foot scubapro split fins and I have never had a cramp in my legs with them on. I have put them through a ton of abuse in the swimming pool and they are as good as new. Lifetime warranty. There are a few other variations of the split fin, but the harder the fin the more work it takes to propel yourself through the water.
Definitely try on the mask like was mentioned before. The best test you can do is wear them in the water. You may or may not have a shop that will allow this though. I have tried dozens of different masks over the years and find that the masks with the softer silicone really are superior than anything else out there. These will cost a bit more but you should still find some in the range of $65-$130. In my opinion, the mask is the most important item even when buying a full set of scuba gear, although your regulator is pretty darn important. You want to be as comfortable as possible and having water in your mask will not help you with that. No matter what mask you buy you will eventually get some water in your mask. What you dont want is a mask leaking just because you blinked. You could easily go cheaper on your fins, but dont skimp on your mask.
I am a firm believer in split fins. Scubapro and Apollo make excellent fins, but they are pricey. They will last forever though. I teach in full foot scubapro split fins and I have never had a cramp in my legs with them on. I have put them through a ton of abuse in the swimming pool and they are as good as new. Lifetime warranty. There are a few other variations of the split fin, but the harder the fin the more work it takes to propel yourself through the water.
Definitely try on the mask like was mentioned before. The best test you can do is wear them in the water. You may or may not have a shop that will allow this though. I have tried dozens of different masks over the years and find that the masks with the softer silicone really are superior than anything else out there. These will cost a bit more but you should still find some in the range of $65-$130. In my opinion, the mask is the most important item even when buying a full set of scuba gear, although your regulator is pretty darn important
. You want to be as comfortable as possible and having water in your mask will not help you with that. No matter what mask you buy you will eventually get some water in your mask. What you dont want is a mask leaking just because you blinked. You could easily go cheaper on your fins, but dont skimp on your mask.
David P
Premium Member
I agree with just about everything that has been said except strap vs full foot....I don't care for split fins, I think they are horrible for snorkeling or surface swimming, but again just my opinion. sounds like you are new to snorkeling, when you get your new mask, use some old fashioned paste toothpaste (no gel), and scrub the inside of the glass with the tooth paste. Then do it again, do this a few times to remove a film on the glass that causes it to fog. When you go swimming you can then either buy one of many way overpriced defog solutions, buy a sample size of baby shampoo (generic works just great) or even spit in the mask.
coral diver
Old & Wise
Thank you Mike and David its always music to my ears hearing diver say good thing about our product and i make sure that everyone gets the best.
Deep Down You Want The Best.
Deep Down You Want The Best.
jeffbrig
Premium Member
IMO, fins are just a matter of preference. As someone alluded to above, a large solid fin can give you a leg cramp if you push too hard. A split fin doesn't generate as much resistance, so that's less of a concern. In practice, just about any fin will work fine, just get one that's comfortable on your foot and doesn't pinch or bind.
A dry snorkel has a device on top that prevents water from entering the snorkel tube. A semi-dry has a flap or cover to keep water out, but isn't as robust. Up to you if you think these are worthwhile. Some people like them if they're going to be snorkeling in rough water, it reduces the chance that water splashes into your snorkel. Personally, I'm perfectly happy with a plain open snorkel. When it fills with water when I dive below the surface, that's just less bouyancy that I have to take down with me. With a little experience, it's very easy to clear the snorkel when you surface by forcefully exhaling through it. I think some people like the idea of a 'dry' snorkel when they're just starting out, since it alleviates a fear of sucking down a mouthfull of water.
A dry snorkel has a device on top that prevents water from entering the snorkel tube. A semi-dry has a flap or cover to keep water out, but isn't as robust. Up to you if you think these are worthwhile. Some people like them if they're going to be snorkeling in rough water, it reduces the chance that water splashes into your snorkel. Personally, I'm perfectly happy with a plain open snorkel. When it fills with water when I dive below the surface, that's just less bouyancy that I have to take down with me. With a little experience, it's very easy to clear the snorkel when you surface by forcefully exhaling through it. I think some people like the idea of a 'dry' snorkel when they're just starting out, since it alleviates a fear of sucking down a mouthfull of water.
