snorkel gear

[MarcusSmith]

Hi Im an amateur snorkeler, Ive been to cancun and hawaii, the last few times snorkeling I had water get inside the mask, i noticed that it happens when I turn my head. I shaved before to get a better seal but it still gets in, I also tried tightening the straps. It gets frustrating so I thought that I would ask here If anyone has experienced the same thing and what you did to prevent it. The masks that Ive used were the ones that you rent while at your vacation spot. Maybe the regulars or pros use a better mask?
Thanks

 

[TruReef]

You must buy your own mask. Just think of how many times those rental masks have been used and abused, left out in the sun/sand, and you'll understand why it's leaking..I always try on a lot of masks when shopping for them. Making sure you get the one with the right fit. I am a very hairy guy and shaving does help at the beginning of the day. Once the 5 o'clock shadow shows up you will have a LEAK.. I'd use a little Vaseline around the rim of the mask to get a better seal. I also wear a goatee which is troublesome with masks and this trick helps a lot. HTH

 

[davocean]

All masks fit different, so it's important to actually try on several, press to face, check for fit and seal.
Now days we are pretty lucky to have some really great materials that seal pretty well and fit comfortably.
I'm presently using a Mares X-vision, so far my favorite for me.
I wear a goatee often and I still get a pretty good seal, even w/out using vaseline(common trick for those w/ beards/goats)
No matter what you plan do to w/ diving, scuba/snorkel, I think a good fitting mask is something everyone should have of their own.(probably add a snorkel to that as well)
All other stuff can easily be rented

 

[RcToners]

Here is the mask I currently use,
http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/atomic-vision-frameless-mask/

I have owned several masks but this one is currently my favorite. If you snorkle alot or even just a few times a year its a must must must that you go to a good dive shop and purchase a mask that fits your face well. I live in key largo and dive every week and any small problem with a mask is a huge irritation.

 

[bla403]

When you try on a mask, rental or to buy, you should be able to put it up to your face, suck in a bit from your nose and get a good seal all the way around. It should be able to stick to your face out of water and under water not leak without straps.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[MarcusSmith]

thanks guys that helps alot

 

[organism]

Even with a great fitting mask I still get leaks from time to time, something that really helps is a seal of silicone grease around the edge. I read that vaseline wasn't good to use, since it's petroleum based and slowly eats away at the mask's silicone based skirt though.