Choosing the Best Snorkel for You
Whether you are using it while scuba diving or for snorkeling only. We have written this guide in the hope that it will help make your choice easier. We tell you the main things to consider in a snorkel and which features may or may not be for you.
But to put your mind at ease, one of the first things to understand is that any snorkel will basically get the job done. The snorkel is (well, let's make that, can be) a simple piece of gear and all will let you breathe while your face is underwater. However, there are many features available which may get the job done more comfortably and efficiently than the basic rigid "J" snorkel. It all comes down to your preference and how often you will be using the snorkel. So, with that being said, 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 occasionally).
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 minimize 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. Our Picks For Best Snorkel And Snorkel Gear SetFirst, a note on our thought process on our choices: While we give you lots of information to help you make an informed choice of the best snorkel for you, many people still want guidance. We get asked often for our recommendations on various pieces of dive and snorkel equipment. Let's face it. Sometimes the choices can seem overwhelming. So we have spent many hours reading and wading through various options for best snorkel and best snorkel set. Our opinion is that if a vast majority of users give the snorkel and snorkel set good reviews, chances are they will work for you also. So to try and help you cut down on some research time, here are our picks for best snorkel and best snorkel gear set. Note: This list was updated in December 2011 so these are all ready for your 2012 vacation. Have fun! |
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gets our vote as best overall snorkel gear set. 
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