Oceans are the most intriguing and under-explored areas on the planet, which is a pity because there are few places on the planet as calm and beautiful as underwater. The ocean is a completely new world, from vibrant schools of fish to beautiful coral reefs, seagrass, turtles, stingrays…you name it. Thankfully, all you need is the best snorkel gear to explore this world.
What’s even better is that the best snorkel set won’t break the bank. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of snorkel gear and snorkel sets available today and discuss what you need to know in order to make the best decision. This article will cover different types of snorkelling equipment or sets that you would require, such as masks, snorkels, fins & much more.
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Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Best Snorkel Set?
The fundamentals that go into selecting the best snorkelling equipment are the same as those that go into selecting any piece of equipment that is designed to improve your life. Imagine going out into the waters and coming across a rare sighting of Manta Rays, only to miss it because your snorkel gear was either fogged up or leaking?
Do you see how a subpar snorkel set may easily derail what should have been an unforgettable adventure? You shouldn’t have to struggle to keep your scuba fins on or your mask from filling up with water — the best snorkel gear is built to do all of that and more, but you have to pick the right one.
Let’s have a look at what a complete snorkel set consists of before we get into the factors to consider when buying the best snorkel gear for your specific needs:
- Mask: In a snorkeling set, this is one of the largest parts. The mask, sometimes known as “goggles,” is a transparent face cover that allows you to see underwater. Your mask should, in theory, fit you snuggly without being too tight. It should also stay clear during your snorkeling activities. That is, it should not let any water in or fog upon you.
- Snorkel: This is the tube through which you breathe, and it is usually attached to your mask. The snorkel will be in your mouth on one end and above the water on the other. You get your oxygen this way. The greatest snorkels contain a valve that prevents water from entering the tube if you accidentally submerge yourself or are splashed by a large wave from above.
- Snorkel Fins: To be honest, these aren’t really necessary, especially if you’re simply going for a relaxing snorkelling trip off the beach. They are, nevertheless, an excellent addition to your snorkelling gear because they make swimming much easier and efficient. When propelling yourself into the water in search of more adventure, the best snorkel fins will ensure that your legs don’t get too fatigued. You can select between long and short fins, but if you’re going to explore coral reefs, short fins are preferable, especially in shallow water.
- Snorkeling Vest: A snorkel vest is similar to a life jacket in that it provides additional buoyancy. While it isn’t absolutely necessary, if you plan on snorkeling for an extended period of time, you’ll find that wearing one is a smart idea just in case you become tired of staying afloat.
- Full-Face Snorkeling Mask: Full-face snorkeling masks have become increasingly fashionable in recent years. This is primarily due to the fact that they integrate the mask and snorkel into one compact piece of equipment.
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Our Top 3 Picks
Few factors to keep in mind when you’re looking for the best snorkeling gear:
When deciding on the best snorkel set to buy, keep the following points in mind:
1. Comfort:
Considering that snorkeling is a leisure sport, it’s only natural that the equipment you choose to participate in this activity be comfortable. The mask should be snug but not too tight, the snorkel should fit comfortably in your mouth, and snorkel fins should be a decent fit as well.
2. Brand:
As superficial as it may appear, shopping from well-known brands is almost always the best option. Not only do these brands have a reputation to uphold, but they also have the financial resources to invest in R&D, giving them a higher chance of creating consumer-friendly products based on research and data.
Furthermore, because of their public image, you will be able to locate enough reviews on their items to make an informed decision rather than purchasing them blindly and hoping for the best.
3. Quality of the Product:
This is related to the preceding point: great brands produce high-quality products more often than not. When it comes to snorkeling gear, you don’t want to compromise. When you’re underwater, you need equipment that can do the job, and that directly relates to the quality of the materials and workmanship.
4. Materials Used:
The most common materials used in snorkeling sets are tempered glass for the masks and 100% silicone for the rest of the equipment. Cheap snorkels made of plastic, on the other hand, are not uncommon.
5. The Type of Snorkel Gear You Want:
While the majority of people choose to buy their snorkeling gear as a set, some would prefer to buy it individually. This allows them to pick the fin they want rather than having to settle for the one that comes with the package.
6. Budget:
Of course, although being a highly subjective element, factors such as budget must be considered. The goal is to find the highest-quality snorkel that meets all of your requirements. Once you’ve accomplished that, the cost won’t be as awful as spending money on something you don’t want to use.
Top 5 Best Snorkel Gear & Sets
Cressi Palau Snorkel Set
The brand is the first thing you’ll notice here. Cressi is recognised for producing high-quality items, and the Cressi Palau Snorkel Set lives up to that reputation. One of the best characteristics of this mask is the incredibly comfortable and durable silicone skirt, which ensures that no leaks occur as the mask adjusts to your face’s shape. This implies that the skirt, as well as the adjustable strap that provides a secure fit, may be worn by anyone with a variety of face sizes when snorkeling.
It also comes with a Supernova Dry Snorkel with a curved shape and a dry-top valve. If you become unintentionally submerged or hit by a wave, the dry-top valve prevents you from swallowing a mouthful of saltwater. The curved shape, on the other hand, guarantees that it fits securely in your mouth without straining your jaw.
Short blade fins (open heel) are included in the complete set, which can be worn barefoot or with booties. The fins are easily adaptable to a larger range of foot sizes, ensuring an excellent fit.
This snorkel set comes with a mesh bag and is extremely portable thanks to the short fins, which not only assist you in manoeuvring through the water, especially when exploring corals but also fit securely in the bag for simple transportation.
Pros:
• Complete set with mask, short-fins, and carry bag
• 100% dry snorkel
• A skirt edge to keep your mask leakproof
• Rapid action buckle to adjust mask for a snug fit
Cons:
• The fins aren’t as wide as they should be, which means you need to order at least a size bigger than you normally need
U.S. Divers Cozumel Seabreeze Dry Proflex Snorkel Set
If you’re on a budget, the U.S. Divers Cozumel Seabreeze Dry Proflex II Mask, Fins, and Snorkel Set is a great choice. While the materials used in the construction of this set are durable, and the carry bag is an added bonus, the truth is that this set does not come close to the level of quality that Cressi products provide. That isn’t to imply that this set isn’t up to the mark – it is!
To begin with, it has a two-pane mask design that gives you superb visibility. The mask comes with straps that have a three-way buckle for a secure fit and easy use. You can anticipate the mask to do its job properly and keep seawater from leaking into the visor thanks to the one-size-fits-all facial skirt.
A pair of fins with a closed-foot design are also included in the package. That design allows you to move through the water without using too much energy. While the snorkel included in this set is “splash proof,” it isn’t a dry-top snorkel like the ones you’d find with a more well-known brand. This means that if you get submerged or hit by a wave, the snorkel will do a decent job of keeping most of the water out, but it won’t be completely dry, so you might get some seawater in your mouth.
Pros:
• Affordable
• Easy to use the face mask
• One-size-fits-all skirt that keeps the mask dry
• Comes with a pair of closed-foot fins which are great for propulsion
Cons:
• You need to be careful to choose the right size snorkel fin because they aren’t adjustable
• The snorkel is splash-proof as opposed to being the much better dry top option
WildHorn Outfitters Seaview Full Face Snorkel Mask
WildHorn Outfitters, another famous brand, has a long history of making some of the greatest full-face snorkel masks on the market today. For various reasons, the WildHorn Outfitters Seaview 180° V2 Full Face Snorkel Mask may be their best.
To begin with, the snorkel itself is equipped with WildHorn Outfitters’ Flowtech air intake mechanism, which allows you to breathe normally without fogging up the mask. The mask features two chambers and four intake valves, all of which contribute to appropriate air circulation and so substantially improve your snorkeling experience; the fresher the air and the less fog in your mask, the better the snorkeling experience.
This snorkel mask also has a number of extra features that make it stand out: The viewing area is 20% larger than its predecessors, making it ideal for folks who wish to see everything they can while underwater. It’s also equipped with an angled snorkel that makes breathing underwater easier and more comfortable.
Another notable characteristic is that the camera mount is located on the bottom of the mask rather than on the top. This makes keeping the camera underwater and getting all those amazing images a lot easier.
Pros:
• 20% more viewing area, which makes for better visibility
• Features the iconic Flowtech air intake system, which significantly reduces the chances of the mask fogging up
• The mask has 2 chambers and 4 intake valves which promote excellent air circulation for a better experience
• The camera mount is on the bottom of the mask
• Made out of excellent quality material
Cons:
• The sizing can be problematic to get just right
SUBEA Tribord EasyBreath Full Face Mask
Do you recall how tough it was for you to learn to snorkel for the first time and how difficult it was to breathe through your mouth? It should come as no surprise that most snorkelers, both expert and inexperienced, have this issue.
It takes some getting used to breathing primarily through our mouths because it isn’t natural. SUBEA, thankfully, recognized this and created the SUBEA Tribord EasyBreath Full Face Mask. Even when underwater, you can now breathe normally through your nose.
While this isn’t the first full-face snorkel to provide that feature (the finest ones do), this one takes a step further by including panoramic views for a better viewing experience as well as anti-fogging capabilities.
Yes, the 180-degree panoramic mask provides a fantastic field of vision, but that isn’t all it can do. You have an added degree of safety if you unintentionally crash into any rocks while you’re down there, thanks to the shatterproof window employed in its construction. The mask’s anti-fogging properties are due to its twin-chamber air vent valve, which provides for continuous fresh airflow.
Finally, it includes a “dry top” snorkel, which assures that no water enters your mouth even if you are immersed or hit by a large wave. When you combine all of this with a 2-year warranty, you’ve got yourself a fantastic product.
Pros:
• Waterproof dry top snorkel
• 180-degree panoramic mask
• Shatterproof glass
• Easybreath concept which allows for breathing through the nose
• Easy to use
Cons:
• You might have to replace the straps after a while
Promate Panoramic Purge Mask Dry Snorkel Set
This Promate Panoramic Purge Mask Dry Snorkel Set, unlike most other non-full-face masks on this list, features a unique Edgeless design that allows for a significantly wider field of view than its competitors. However, it’s not just about the field of view’s wide; while it is a significant benefit, it’s also about the level of comfort you enjoy when wearing this mask.
The purge feature on this revolutionary mask guides the bubbles away from your view, ensuring that you enjoy a great viewing experience throughout. This mask, which is made of tempered glass that is difficult to break, not only gives you a wider field of view and more comfort, but it also protects your eyes and face.
The kit also includes a pair of Promate Wave Snorkeling Fins in addition to the mask. These open-heel fins offer an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit and operation, as well as a swivel buckle. You can opt to wear these fins barefoot, with socks, or even with diving shoes.
The snorkel itself has a unique construction that keeps water out in the case that you become submerged. For starters, it has a splash guard and a silicone purge valve, allowing any water that does get in to be easily drained.
All of this, along with a built-in whistle housing that allows for proper airflow and a curved mouthpiece made of soft silicone, results in a snorkel set that is not only simple to use but also comfortable and effective.
Pros:
• Quite affordable
• Edgeless, tempered glass on the mask allows for better viewing and safety
• Simple yet effective purge mechanism
• Easy to adjust mask for a good fit
• Adequate airflow thanks to the built-in whistle housing
• Comes with a convenient mesh bag
• Fins can be worn with socks, shoes, or used barefoot
Cons:
• The fins feel like a stiff plastic
Final thoughts:
These are just a few of the most significant considerations when looking for and purchasing the best snorkeling set. On this list, you’ll find not only the greatest snorkel gear but also the best snorkel sets for practically any user. All you have to do now is choose one, purchase it, and start having fun snorkeling the next time you go out to sea.
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