As you are going snorkeling for the very first time or you are helping someone else get ready to go snorkeling for the first time, you are definitely in the market for a snorkel mask. Not just any mask, either. You want a dependable snorkel mask that fits well, is comfortable, and will not let you down.
There are a Lot of goggle masks which are offered to the snorkeling community; big, little, young, old, rich, frugal, bad, rash you get the picture. Everyone can get the right snorkel mask so long as they understand how to identify an excellent mask that fits well.
Forget about cost
To an extent, that is. If You are searching for full face goggle mask which you are going to use for quite a long time, feels great, and fits nicely then you need ton’s allow the matter of a few dollars decide which mask you purchase. Needless to say, with the kids it is a different story. The speed at which children grow can make it so that the fins and mask which you purchase them now would not match in a month or more.
The Most Critical Pieces of a Snorkel Mask
Fit
That is absolutely the most important part of your mask. No question about it. Try on several variations, made by different snorkel gear makers, and determine which style fits the best. Put the mask to the face without the strap holding it in position and inhale slightly. Give up the mask and it must remain in place. Bear in mind that using a snorkel in your mouth will change the shape of your face so it is ideal to keep this in mind when fitting.
Material
Silicone is the way to go for your mask skirt. It is soft, comfortable and durable as it comes in many different grades and colours for variety and relaxation. Crystal silicone is extremely clear and lets a great deal of light in to get an excellent view down beneath the surface of the ocean. Photographers, however, prefer black silicone so that it retains glare out while they are shooting video and images.
Style
Double lens, single lens, 3 or 4, tempered glass or not. Bear in mind, SCUBA masks with tempered glass are fine to go snorkeling with but snorkeling masks without tempered glass are not okay to use while SCUBA diving. Purge valves at the base of the nose gap from snorkel masks allow for effortless cleaning of any water that does get into it, but purge valves occasionally leak once the rubber cover goes bad or rips.