
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.
Having said that, it does
not mean that buying an expensive dive 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 types of masks 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 type of 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 to look at the factors you
will need to consider when buying
your snorkeling mask.
How
to test whether a snorkeling mask fits
you:
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.
Ensure
proper fit of the Nose Seal
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.
Choose
your snorkel mask to fit your snorkeling activity
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.
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.
Low
internal volume snorkel masks are better!
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: