Snorkeling Mask Buyers Guide - Helpful tips              on how to choose the right snorkel mask

Snorkeling masks come in various styles and shapes. Although they essentially all allow you to see what is going on beneath the waves, you have to understand that not all snorkel masks are the same. 

If you have ever purchased a cheap snorkel mask from a souvenir shop whilst on holiday, you might know what I am talking about. However, having said that, it does not mean that buying an expensive snorkeling mask will be right for you. 

Just like a pair of shoes, you have to try them on. Would you walk for a mile in a pair of shoes that is one size smaller? No way... The same can be said for the snorkel mask. An uncomfortable snorkel mask can really spoil your snorkeling outing. 

Besides causing you irritation on your face, you will continuously stop to adjust it. On the other hand an oversized snorkel mask that does not fit right is useless. You might as well take off the mask and open your eyes underwater. Now that is not what snorkeling is all about. Snorkeling is all about being immersed in an underwater environment where you will experience a total relaxation. 

At the end of the day, it only boils down to choosing the right snorkeling mask, one that fits you well and is adapted to the kind of snorkeling activity you will usually be conducting. No need to worry if you are a newbie, this guide should help in selecting the right snorkeling mask, one that will enhance your snorkeling experience.

Features to look out when selecting a mask.

Before even considering on to buy a snorkeling mask, always check that the mask contains all the following features. You can be rest assured that a mask which satisfies all the criteria below will make a great snorkel mask :

• Wide field of vision to permit you with greater visibility underwater

• Good seal and comfortable skirting with a close fit against your face.

• Tempered Glass lenses – These types of masks provide additional safety for the fact that if they were to break, the glass is less likely to shatter in fine small pieces.

• Nose pockets enabling you to equalize during descents.

• Low internal volume mask which enables easier equalizing due to the lesser volume of trapped air.

• An adjustable strap which can easily be locked in place. (Note that some cheap snorkel masks have straps which are fused to it. Should the strap tear, the mask will be rendered useless).

Materials

Scuba and snorkel masks maybe made out of two different types of materials. These are Neoprene Rubber which is usually black in color and silicone which is translucent. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and I will explain them here so that you may choose what is right for you. 

Neoprene masks and cheaper than silicone masks. I however find that for snorkeling, snorkel masks with darker skirtings are more adequate since they do not let light in from the sides. Sometimes when snorkeling at the surface, you will find that the reflection of the light may hinder your visibility. However having said that, silicone masks are more durable and much more comfier to wear. These types of masks are more adapted for scuba diving. If you are thinking about taking it to another level though scuba diving then I would recommend that you go for the silicone mask.

How to select which snorkeling mask is right for you.

The most important factors when choosing your snorkel mask is the fit and comfort. Without these factors you will be unable to enjoy the full potential of this great sports. You should also understand that a snorkel mask which fits comfortably on your buddy, does not necessarily mean that it will also be comfortable for you. Like a pair of shoes, the only way to determine whether a snorkeling fits right, is to try it on. Now let us start in determining the factors you need to consider when buying your snorkeling mask.

In order to prevent water from flushing into your snorkel mask, it is important that your snorkeling mask fits you perfectly. As I have already explained a leaking snorkel mask can be considered useless.

A simple test can be carried out by placing the mask against your face without using the strap. By inhaling through your nose, you should create the necessary suction, to pull the snorkel mask into place and this should remain on your face as long as you keep on inhaling. If the mask does not create the necessary suction and does not seal around your face, then this mask is not good for you. Choose another one and re-test it following the procedure just described to you.

Also be sure that your nostrils properly fit within the nose seal. I had once purchased a snorkel mask that had passed all the criteria of a great mask. The only problem was that in my excitement to purchase this mask, I had overlooked the nose seal feature. It was that the nose seal was too big for my nose. How did this effect my snorkeling? Well, snorkeling on the surface was great, the only problem was I was finding it hard to equalize during my descents. I had then only found out, that it was that the nose seal was too large when I tried on a snorkel mask which nose seal fitted me perfectly. Equalizing was easy as I was able to easily pinch on the nose seal with far less effort.

Sometime ago, me and a friend of mine, went for a snorkeling outing that lasted for 4 hours. Boy that was a tough one... anyway, on this day, I tested a snorkeling mask that was given to me by a friend and although it felt comfy for the first hour, it really began to irritate me for the rest of the snorkeling event. Taking off and putting on this snorkel mask was really painful especially on the forehead and under the nose. So does this mean that this mask was not good for me? No, in fact it was one of the greatest snorkeling masks, I have ever tested, the only problem was that it was not good for endurance. If, lets say, I snorkeled for an hour or less, then it was great. Snorkeling with a scuba mask would have been better for that amount of time. At the end of the day, you have to know what type of snorkeling you will be conducting and make your choice upon this decision. Having said that if you want comfort then go for a silicone snorkel mask.

Go for a low internal volume snorkel mask... these type of snorkeling masks make all the difference if you will be descending to depths. You will reduce the likelihood of suffering from mask squeeze during your descents. Recently, I tested two masks which are great for snorkeling. Cressi Superocchio Dive Mask and the Mares Star Liquidskin Mask. Both masks currently have the lowest internal volume one can find on offer.

I have to say that both were great, and do strongly recommend any of the two. It just come down to what suits you best. Remember what is comfortable for me does not necessary mean that it is comfortable for you. So if I were you, try both these masks on, and decide which one feels right.

So why buy a snorkel masks online?

Well it is simple, there is such a wide variety of snorkeling masks to choose from that you will definitely not find in your local dive shop. Besides, prices are much cheaper unless you get a discount from buying several snorkeling gear at one time. I recommend that if you are after a snorkeling mask, you first try it out at either a dive shop or an outdoor sports store. Get to know the feel of the mask and try several other snorkeling masks they have on offer, just to be sure. Once you are satisfied with the type of snorkel mask, you can just purchase it from any on-line store you come across over the internet. It is however important that you, check that the snorkeling mask can be shipped to your destination. Keep also in mind to add the shipping costs with the price of the snorkel mask.

Well basically that is it when it comes to buying your snorkeling mask. Hope that this article has helped in choosing the right snorkel mask. Read the rest of our snorkeling gear guides for more additional tips on:

Mask Care and Maintenance tips/ Buying a Snorkel/ Snorkel Fins/ Tips on setting up your mask and snorkel/ The importance for using a snorkeling vest