#63638 - 06/03/07 03:08 PM
Mask and Snorkel
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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We are doing our Discover Scuba today! Looking forward to trying it out to get a taste. (I have been a bit nervous about whether it was right for me!)
we were at a dive shop this weekend and one of the store clerks mentioned that some of the dive masks are not the best for snorkeling? We aren't sure if we are definitely going to get certified and dive on this trip but were thinking we might as well get a good quality mask/snorkel in case we do want to get certified soon. (Are the masks for diving not good for snorkeling?)
He was really pushing us to get one of the "kits" that had snorkel and mask. He said buying them seperate is a lot more pricey and he didn't think the quality showed a huge difference just for snorkeling? Any comments appreciated!
TC
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#63640 - 06/03/07 05:33 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Travcarib]
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Gary & Cath
Expert Advisor
Registered: 04/01/06
Posts: 1243
Loc: Wollongong, Australia
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Hi Travcarib, I would definitely get a separate mask and snorkel. I'd even go as far as recommending a pure silicon mask and snorkel, because if they are rinsed in fresh water after every salt water usage, they won't perish and will last you a long time (I have a Tusa Liberator X which looks brand new after 17 years). I am still using my Tusa snorkel as well, but I don't use it when I scuba - only snorkel. The Liberator has removable lenses (prescription lenses are readily available in 5 stages) and the silicon is clear, so it allows light into it, reducing the clostraphobic feel of some masks, and also has angled side glass, which enables you to see approximately 1-2 metres behind you. Also, you should not let anyone else wear your mask, as they tend to mould to the shape of your face. This enables you to wear the strap loose after it has moulded, greatly reducing headaches in cold water. An uncomfortable mask and snorkel will have you fighting the mask for the entire dive or snorkel trip, which will take all of the fun out of the dive. As motorbike riders always say - If you've got a ten dollar head then buy a ten dollar helmet. Same for masks and snorkels.
Edited by Gary (06/03/07 05:34 PM)
_________________________
Is there anything better than a sipping a Tahitian Mai Tai on an Overwater Bungalow in FP?
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#63645 - 06/03/07 08:26 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Gary & Cath]
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moorea944
Member
Registered: 10/15/01
Posts: 420
Loc: cranston, ri us
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i totally agree with Gary. i always bought them separate. when it comes to diving and snorkeling, i want something really good or the best even if i have to spend more. i've noticed in the past when i've bought packages along time ago, the quality is different than when buying separate. but it's up to you what your looking for. but water sports like that is something that i dont skimp on.........
just my 2 cents...... have fun.
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#63678 - 06/04/07 09:32 AM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: moorea944]
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Carol S
Member
Registered: 02/03/04
Posts: 458
Loc: La Cañada, CA USA
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Yes,indeed..buy them separate. I would highly recommend the "dry snorkel" for great snorkeling. When the water is a bit choppy, or you tip your head, the water does not get in to your snorkel and you just keep your head down and keep on going.
As for a mask, yes, silicon is the most comfortable and I like mine with the side windows..helps me keep a better check where my buddy/husband is. Be sure and bring the drops that you rub on the glass to keep it from fogging. And at the end of the day, wash it off with baby shampoo (small travel size is fine) or non abrasive tooth paste.
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#63700 - 06/04/07 02:35 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Carol S]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1368
Loc: Florida
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I would definitely buy them separate. You can get a nice mask and snorkel for about $100. It may seem like a lot if you don't plan on using them much in the future, but when you figure out how much you are spending on the trip and the beauty of the water there - its worth the extra 50 or 60 bucks. You will have an infinitely more enjoyable experience rather than wrestling with your mask or gulping down water. I would definitely go with the dry snorkels. I bought one for my father for his trip. At first he was not excited at all to get back in the water since he had a bad experience snorkeling in rough water but once he tried the dry snorkel, he was in the water for hours at a time.
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#63803 - 06/06/07 10:58 AM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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I purchased a Tusa mask and snorkel and it came out to be about $110. Going to try it out at the pool today to make sure I like it but overall am happy about the purchase. They had the fins but I decided against buying them since I don't want the extra weight in our luggage.
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#63804 - 06/06/07 11:01 AM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Travcarib]
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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by the way... thought it was really neat doing the discover scuba but didn't feel so confident and kept wanting to come up for "air." Husband was a bit better about it but in the end we decided we aren't going to get certified for this trip.
We figure snorkeling allows us to see many beautiful things in Tahiti and we don't want to stress about diving and the risks since our trip is so soon and both of us aren't completely comfortable with it.
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#63812 - 06/06/07 02:38 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Travcarib]
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islandboyatheart
Expert Advisor
Registered: 07/19/05
Posts: 1368
Loc: Florida
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The lagoons are so shallow that you will be thrilled with just snorkeling. I wouldn't worry about the fins. In three trips, I have yet to use fins on any snorkeling other than a drift in Rangi.
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#63816 - 06/06/07 03:11 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: islandboyatheart]
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Justine2
Expert Advisor
Registered: 02/12/07
Posts: 1911
Loc: Minneapolis, MN
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Good choice on your part- this isn't like buying a pair of socks. Mr. Dive Shop ignored that in a set one piece might not fit your face very well- the shop won't want you opening the non-resealable blister packaging to check the fit. I've got a small head, but 90% of "small" masks don't fit. Amen to the dry snorkel- don't leave home without it!
Edited by Justine2 (06/06/07 03:12 PM)
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#63885 - 06/09/07 03:29 PM
Re: Mask and Snorkel
[Re: Justine2]
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Travcarib
Member
Registered: 03/13/07
Posts: 119
Loc: Washington DC
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My Tusa mask unfortunately wasn't a great fit for my face and I had to go back and ended up going with a Mares. It seems nice but I haven't tried it in the pool yet. I got a different snorkel too since the Tusa was so hard to clear.
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