Choosing the Best Snorkel for You
There are many types and styles of snorkels available. How do you choose the best snorkel for you? Hopefully this guide will make your choice easier. First thing to understand is that any snorkel will basically get the job done. However, there are many features available which may get the job done more comfortably and efficiently than the basic rigid "J" snorkel (for a detailed discussion on the features available, read our page on scuba snorkels.) So what do you look for when choosing a snorkel?
The mouthpiece should be comfortable in your mouth and the snorkel should not feel like it is pulling at your mouth (at least not excessively). The more comfortable mouthpieces are typically made of silicon. There is a bite piece which you bite down on to keep the snorkel in your mouth. You should not feel like you are biting down with a ton of force. There are many features of a snorkel to help make your experience more comfortable and efficient. For instance, a purge valve makes it easier and more efficient to clear a snorkel. Without one you have to tilt your head back, blow forcefully through the tube or take the mouthpiece out of your mouth to clear the snorkel. Not that this is particularly hard, but a purge valve just makes it easier. A flexible barrel will also help in getting a more comfortable fit for your snorkel. The same is said to go for a rotating mouthpiece. I have never tried one of these so I can't speak from personal experience, but it makes sense that it would help the comfort level. For a detailed discussion on these features, read our page on scuba snorkels. It will also help in choosing the best snorkel for you. You have the choice between an open tube, semi-dry snorkel or dry snorkel. Which type of these scuba diving snorkels is best for you is personal preference. If you consistently swim in rough water, you will probably want to opt for at least a semi-dry snorkel. That way you won't be gulping large amounts of water. A dry snorkel has it's advantages, especially if you are prone to diving down alot to check out things underwater (and if you want to keep your eye on something below you). One disadvantage I have read about dry snorkels is that it is sometimes hard to get a good breath (not all the time, but occassionally). If the tube of your snorkel is too short, it will constantly be filling with water. If it is too long, it will be harder to get a full breath and harder to exhale all the air or water out of the tube. The same goes for a larger diameter snorkel. The larger the diameter, the larger the dead space and the harder it is to clear the tube. Conversely, if the diameter is too narrow, it will make it harder to inhale and exhale. Ideally you want to minmize the dead space you have in a snorkel without the snorkel being too short or too narrow. That way it will be easier to clear the snorkel of any CO2 buildup and any water in the tube. I can't say that there is an ideal length or diameter for everyone since every body is different and everyone uses a snorkel in their own particular way. I've read some suggestions on the internet regarding length and size but nothing that seemed to come from an expert voice so I don't want to repeat them here (if you know of any, please let me know). That being said, most modern snorkels today will be appropriate for the average diver/snorkeler. I wouldn't get too hung up on it. Have a talk with your salesperson and/or the manufacturer if you have any doubt about the best snorkel for you. The more bells and whistles you have on a snorkel, the chances are the bulkier it will be. This could cause the snorkel to have more drag, catch on something while you are diving or just plain annoy you. While it may be a great snorkel, it may not be the best snorkel once you hit the water. A scuba diving snorkel is probably one of the least expensive pieces of scuba gear you will be buying. So price isn't as much a consideration as it is when you are buying a dive computer, scuba BCD or scuba regulator. You can get a good selection of decent snorkels in the $15-$25 range. The most expensive models are usually the dry snorkels and these are typically priced in the $30-$50 range. Hopefully we have made your choice of the best snorkel for you a bit easier. If not, feel free to drop us a line and let us know. For more information, check out our other pages on masks and snorkels: Scuba Diving Mask Introduction //Scuba Diving Masks: Basic Info //Scuba Dive Mask: Care, Maintenance, Defogging Tips //Prescription Scuba Mask //Features of a Scuba Snorkel//Folding Snorkels//Dry Snorkels You can also check out our Snorkel Store for all the snorkels we have available.  Top of Best Snorkel For You Go to main Scuba Diving Mask & Snorkel Guide Return to Scuba Diving Home
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