Which mask to purchase for snorkeling? Any recommendations?

[chrisbenavides]

I'll be snorkeling in Cozumel next month and wanted to get a good snorkel and mask. I know that Oceanic gets great reviews, and wondered which of the many masks is reliable, comfortable, etc...

I went to www.scuba.com and plan to buy from them soon.

Also, I don't know how needed the purge valve is...comments?

http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-32-1-73/Masks-Masks-w-out-Purge.html - for the masks

http://www.scuba.com/scuba-gear-39/Snorkels.html - for snorkels

I really do like the reviews of the Oceanic Ultra Dry Snorkel.

Currently, I am using a Body Glove snorkel and mask from Academy sports. I will be giving that to my wife to use. How does that brand compare to the Oceanic Brand and others found on scuba.com

I'm a beginner at snorkeling, but would love to get into this hobby...

 

[NJGirlinPhx]

The quick answer is that there is no "best" mask.

It's important to make sure a mask properly fits your face, and since everyone's face is different, there's no one perfect mask. I highly reccomend going to a local dive shop, they should be able to help you find a mask with great fit--even if you wind up buying elsewhere (that being said my LDS has better deals on Masks, Fins etc than most places I find on-line).

Purge vs Non-Purge is really a matter of personal preference. I will tell you that the first mask I bought was a purge and I quickly bought a second, non purge, mask that I use exclusively.

I have an Oceanic, Titlos, and Cressi mask, much to the chagrin of my husband. They're all equal in quality, it really is all about personal preference.

Good luck in your choice!

 

[chrisbenavides]

I wish I had the "luxury" of having a LDS,; all my purchases need to be made online, as the closest shop is probably 200+ miles away. At the least, I can have some sort of confirmation that Oceanic is good and reliable brand.

 

[Opes]

My favorite mask is a Scubapro. With that being said it is all about the fit and your personal preference.

I am not a fan of purge masks or snorkles.

Oceanic is a reputable brand and I have purchased from scuba.com with good results.

 

[coral diver]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12767239#post12767239 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Opes
My favorite mask is a Scubapro. With that being said it is all about the fit and your personal preference.

Its nice to hear that thank you for patronizing our product . Everyone is right it all depend on to the fitting it could be the most expensive mask if it do not fit right you feel discomport, fogging and salt water leak and plus i will not spend to much money on something that will be use once or twice a year some sport store like sport chalet, big 5 or some other store, try to put it on feel the mask if its comportable then breath to your nose feel if there will be a vacuum that is just my $0.02

 

[lbaldrey]

I am a fan of full face purge masks while diving for the simple reason that i can clear my mask at will without the exercise of pushing up on the top...especially when diving in humid places like the Red Sea

It also helps me breathe out through my nose, reducing mask squeezes at depth and the mask marks when youre done with the dive...

For snorkeling and free diving I prefer full face without the purge...

I also prefer black silicone to clear on my masks... something about the way things look with the light blocked out by the black...hahaha

Snorkels...Dry ones are great for beginners...I prefer a slightly longer snorkel so if the water is choppy less water gets in...an adjustable / rotating mouthpiece also makes things more comfortable...

and like everyone says...the fit is key...

 

[reefmaster30]

mask are all about fit. my personal mask is the scubapro crystal Vu but my girlfriend wears the cool vu by scubapro. No two maskare the same but since you dont have a LDS i hope putting in my 2 cents helps

 

[teetimefun]

For snorkeling basically any mask will work as long as it fits. The snorkeling masks usually have a rubber skirt while diving masks have a silicone skirt. The silicone allows for a better seal at depth than the firmer rubber skirts. This is not necessary for snorkeling just find a mask that is comfortable and fits properly for your face shape. A proper fitting mask should stay sealed stuck on your face without the strap using air pressure alone. If you are buying online and cannot try on the masks then a silicone skirt will be more adaptable to many different face shapes than a rubber skirt. I know people who have $1500 diving masks and still use cheap Sams Club , Wal Mart masks for snorkeling. Purge valves IMHO are worthless just another fail point at depth and clearing a mask with a purge and without a purge is virtually the same and as my hard core instructor says "purge valves encourage nose breathers" in SCUBA.

 

[billsreef]

You'd be better off getting the mask at a dive shop in Cozumel so yoiu can get a proper fit. A proper fitting mask of any brand is worth it's weight in gold. An improper fitting mask will leak like sieve and make you absolutely miserable, making that cheap online purchase a total waste of money. There are other items that I might buy online, but a mask is not one of them.

As for purge valves, they are prone to leaking if any sand or other debris gets caught in them. Some people like them, others don't. I'm in the don't camp. I do a lot of diving and snorkeling in areas where sand easily gets kicked up by currents, and I get enough leakage from my mustache and don't need the extra leaking from sand in the purge valve. Clearing a mask without a purge valve is easy. Just tilt your head up so the water runs to the bottom, lightly push on the top of your mask and blow through your nose

 

[David P]

I agree with everyone in that the only important aspect of a mask is the fit. I also agree that the purge is nothing but a failure point.

However I disagree with lbaldrey (well I agree that it might be his preference, but disagree with his statement as a recommendation). I understand what he says about a longer snorkel, but the longer the snorkel, the more area that lower O2 gas will sit (when you exhale the air you breath out will only have ~16% O2 instead of 21%, and you will breath that back in on your next inhale)

My opinion on a snorkel: buy the simplest, cheapest snorkel you can find. As you spend more for your Arid Extra Dry with Ping Pong check-valve and built in dehumidifier, the snorkel gets heavier, floppier, and honestly, worse performing. You want a snorkel with one piece of flexible tubing so the mouth piece is movable and comfy, a purge at the bottom (I think all but the cheapest $5 models have this. The only extra cool option I would even consider paying for is one that rolls up for folds so it takes up less room when packing/put it in a pocket while diving.