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Selecting the Best Snorkel for Your Swim Style
Whether you’re into snorkeling, skin diving, or scuba diving, there are few pieces of equipment that are as familiar as the snorkel. While improvements and variations have been made on the familiar aquatic instrument, the snorkel has actually been around for thousands of years. In Aristotle’s text, “Parts of Animals,” the Greek Philosopher observed divers using “instruments for respiration.”
While Aristotle observed the primitive snorkel to be something resembling an elephant’s trunk, modern snorkels have become something more. Swimmers may need a specific type of snorkel over the other available options. Which snorkel is the best one for you? Let’s find out.
Should you choose a dry snorkel?
Essentially, a traditional snorkel is the most basic piece of equipment for scuba gear. You may have encountered something called a dry snorkel. Dry snorkels are the newer versions of the beloved J-style snorkel. What are these snorkels and why are they categorized as dry?
While the dry snorkel isn’t a completely new invention, its look has evolved considerably from its original heavier design. Current dry snorkels are efficient instruments that leave very little water inside its tube when a diver goes underwater. The perfect dry snorkel completely prevents water from leaking inside the tube during a dive.
The mechanism responsible for this is called a float valve. A dry snorkel’s float valve completely covers the top of the snorkel when submerged and opens when a swimmer surfaces automatically. If some water does get inside the snorkel tube in the middle of a dive, users can expel the water through its open float valve and a purge valve located at the bottom.
Divers who use a dry snorkel can expect to exert little to no physical force to eject water out of its tube. This leaves you with more energy, potentially even lengthening the duration of your usual dive. Accidentally inhaling mouthfuls of water during a swim is also eliminated, a common incident for every diver who uses the traditional snorkel.
What’s the best snorkel option for me?
Given these qualities, a question presents itself. Is the dry snorkel the best snorkel to use for every swimmer? As you’ll quickly learn, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Choosing a snorkel would really depend on the type of swim that you have in mind. Before you purchase a snorkel, determine your purpose. Are you a casual snorkeler, a free diver, or a scuba diver?
Answering this question first will simplify your search for the ideal snorkel. Generally, you’ll get to choose between traditional, dry, and semi-dry snorkels. Below, We’ve broken down each type of snorkel, making it easier to decide which variation’s best for you.
Traditional snorkel / flexible snorkel with purge valve
This one’s as straightforward as it gets when it comes to snorkels. Also called the J-Style snorkel, traditional snorkels are basically made up of a tube and a mouthpiece. Flexible snorkels with a purge valve at the bottom are more comfortable than the traditional option because they’re easier to adjust during a dive.
Advantages of a traditional / flexible snorkel
- They’re more hydrodynamic than the other snorkel variations. Less snorkel parts mean less drag underwater, giving you an easier swim.
- They’re cheaper than the other options.
- Flexible snorkels with a purge valve at the bottom require less physical effort to expel water that gets inside the tube.
- It’s easier to adjust the angle of a flexible snorkel during a dive.
Disadvantages of the traditional snorkel
- Traditional snorkels require the most amount of physical effort to blast water out of the tube.
- Traditional snorkels are rigid, making them more difficult to adjust over the course of a swim.
- Water completely floods the snorkel tube when a diver goes underwater.
- Water spray can easily enter the snorkel’s tube when divers skim the water’s surface.
- Divers can accidentally inhale a mouthful of water when the snorkel’s tube is full.
The traditional snorkel is best for
Passionate Free divers and scuba divers who don’t want to be encumbered with the weight and drag force of some of the other snorkel variations.
The semi-dry snorkel
This one’s a slight step up from the traditional snorkel. A semi-dry snorkel combines the best attributes of the traditional snorkel and adds a splash guard on top of the snorkel’s tube. The semi-dry snorkel’s splash guard prevents water spray from getting inside the snorkel tube when a swimmer skims the water’s surface.
Advantages of a semi-dry snorkel
- They’re more hydrodynamic than the dry snorkel.
- The splash guard prevents water spray from flooding the tube.
- They have a purge valve and a flexible tube.
- They’re easy to adjust during a dive.
Disadvantages of the semi-dry snorkel
- They’re more expensive than traditional snorkels.
- The addition of a splash guard makes them less hydrodynamic than the traditional snorkel.
- Water completely floods the snorkel tube when a diver goes underwater.
- Divers can accidentally inhale a mouthful of water when the snorkel’s tube is full.
the semi-dry snorkel is best for
Free divers and scuba divers who can tolerate a dry snorkel’s slight increase in drag force.
Dry snorkels
As we mentioned, dry snorkels prevent water from going inside the snorkel’s tube. Swimmers who don’t want to deal with the physical effort of expelling water from the snorkel’s tube will want to purchase this option.
Advantages of a dry snorkel
- The splash guard prevents water spray from flooding the tube.
- They’re easy to adjust during a dive.
- They have a purge valve and a flexible tube.
- A perfect dry snorkel valve prevents water from getting inside the snorkel’s tube.
- The best dry snorkel practically guarantees an uninterrupted swim.
Disadvantages of the dry snorkel
- Dry snorkels have the most amount of parts making them the least hydrodynamic snorkel available.
- Dry snorkels are the most expensive option.
- Some manufacturers design a poorly constructed float valve that may seal a snorkel’s tube when it’s not supposed to.
- Because of the air trapped inside the tube, dry snorkels become buoyant underwater. The snorkel’s moving parts can obscure a diver’s line of sight.
the dry snorkel is best for:
Pure snorkelers and shallow free divers who are looking for a relatively uninterrupted swim.
What to look for before you purchase a new snorkel
The importance of determining your dive’s focus cannot be overemphasized. Free divers, snorkelers, and scuba divers need to purchase a different kind of snorkel to maximize their swim. After you’ve identified the perfect snorkel type, these details need to be considered:
the mouthpiece’s materials
Snorkel mouthpieces are usually made out of either plastic or silicon material. By far, silicon is the more durable option between the two and is also the most comfortable.
is the snorkel mouthpiece replaceable?
Again, this refers to the mouthpiece that a snorkel has. While some users may never need to replace a mouthpiece, people who grind their teeth or chew on the mouthpiece may need to replace it after a period of time. If you’re a chewer, look for a snorkel with a mouthpiece that can be replaced.
is the snorkel hydrodynamic?
Swimmers who don’t want to be encumbered with the drag force exerted by bulkier snorkels will want to stick to its simpler versions. Scuba divers and intensive free divers should stick to a snorkel with less parts to avoid excessive drag.
does the snorkel come with a quick release system?
Premium snorkels come with a quick release system making them easier to detach from the face mask that you’re using. A quick release system usually leaves one part attached to the mask, making it easier for a diver to either attach or detach the instrument.
what’s the size of the snorkel’s diameter tube?
Snorkels come with either a small diameter tube or a larger one. Depending on your physical build, you’ll find one to be easier to use than the other.
Smaller lung capacities will find smaller diameter tubes easier to work with. You won’t have to spend as much physical force to expel water from a small diameter tube as you would with one that’s significantly larger.
If you have a larger lung capacity, choose a large sized diameter tube. Swimmers with larger lungs will need to take multiple breaths through a smaller diameter tube just to get a comfortable amount of oxygen. Select a larger diameter tube to properly address airflow and breath-ability concerns.
The Best Snorkel Reviews
We’ve rounded up a selection of snorkels which addresses the needs of every kind of diver. You’re sure to find something that you like in this list. Let’s start with:
Traditional snorkel reviews
Traditional / flexible snorkel option 1: riffe stable scuba diving and snorkeling snorkel
For free and scuba divers looking for a snorkel that’s lightweight with a razor sharp design profile, nothing beats the Riffe Stable Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Snorkel. Some users may balk at the Riffe’s price tag but one look at its construction and overall performance is enough to justify the cost.
This snorkel comes in a purely black finish and is constructed with premium materials. It’s easy to clear water out of the tube with Riffe’s purge valve. Its flexible tube and replaceable mouthpiece give its user a comfortable fit. Divers looking for an easy swim that’s devoid of drag will enjoy the Riffe Stable Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Snorkel.
Traditional / flexible snorkel option 2: aqua lung impulse 3 2-valve flex snorkel
The Aqua Lung Impulse 3 2-Valve Flex Snorkel is another option for swimmers who are looking for something that’s more traditional. The snorkel’s body, at 0.6 pounds, is very lightweight and it’s also cheaper than the Riffe. This is a decent option for free divers and scuba divers who are looking to avoid excessive drag force.
While the Impulse 3-2’s mouthpiece is made out of silicon and is replaceable, some divers won’t like its size. This snorkel’s mouthpiece veers toward the larger side. While the manufacturer claims that this snorkel’s patented upper Annular valve prevents most of the water spray from getting inside the tube, don’t fall for it. If you also want a comfortable fit, purchase the Impulse 3-2 that comes with a flexible tube since this snorkel has a solid tube version. In spite of its flaws, the Impulse’s design makes it easy to expel water that gets inside its tube. Ultimately, this is still a decent option for free divers and scuba divers.
Semi-dry snorkel reviews
semi-dry snorkel option 1: scubapro trinidad semi-dry snorkel
ScubaPro’s Trinidad Snorkel delivers what you would expect from a semi-dry option. The Trinidad comes in black with a splash guard located on top of the snorkel tube. It has a mouthpiece made out of silicon material and even comes with a quick connect clip for diving masks. While the mouthpiece isn’t replaceable, divers who don’t grind their teeth during a dive shouldn’t find this to be a problem.
What really makes this a top pick for the semi-dry category is its price. For a dry snorkel, the Trinidad comes with a ridiculously low price tag. Solid construction, a sleek black design profile, and low cost all converge to give the Trinidad Semi-Dry Snorkel a ton of value.
Semi-dry snorkel option 2: atomic sv2 semi dry snorkel
One look at the Atomic SV2 Semi Dry Snorkel and divers will be immediately drawn to its elegant design profile. The Atomic comes in a streamlined design that makes the ScubaPro look bulkier in comparison. Divers will find this snorkel easy to stow in a diving bag. Its semi-dry top does its job well, efficiently diffusing the water spray that reaches it.
Everything sounds great, until you see the Atomic’s price. This is significantly more expensive than the Trinidad. Swimmers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on what is essentially a piece of plastic will want to choose Trinidad over the Atomic. Cost issues aside, the Atomic SV2 is an excellent semi-dry snorkel for divers who don’t mind paying for premium design.
Dry snorkel reviews
Dry snorkel option 1: cressi supernova dry snorkel
First up in this category is the Cressi Supernova Dry Snorkel. The Cressi Supernova has an excellent dry valve, flexible silicon tube, and a purge valve at the bottom that makes short work of clearing water that may sneak inside its tube. You won’t have to break the bank when you purchase this item either. As far as dry snorkels come, the Supernova’s one of the cheaper options available.
So what’s the catch? The Supernova is hampered by its heavy weight profile which is typical of dry snorkels. For shallow free divers and surface snorkelers, this is still an excellent choice.
Dry snorkel option 2: seac dry 360-degree s/kl snorkel
When it comes to dry snorkels, the SEAC Dry 360-Degree snorkel is practically perfect. Its construction is pretty impressive. What makes this a gem of a snorkel is its oval shaped purge valve system. That feature, combined with the snorkel’s SGS top dry aerator system, combine to provide maximum airflow, breath-ability, and fast water purging during a swim.
Be warned that this is a snorkel that’s made for divers with cash to burn. The SEAC’s performance is matched with a steep cost. If you’re willing to deal with the SEAC’s price, this is the best dry snorkel option in terms of breath-ability.
Snorkel care, maintenance, and a few final thoughts
As you metabolize all of the information available, you’ll quickly realize that there’s no such thing as a perfect snorkel. Depending on the type of diver that you are, you’ll gravitate towards one option over the others. Regardless of the snorkel that you purchase, care and maintenance guarantee that you get to use it over a lengthy period of time
Watch out for sand grains that might stray inside a snorkel’s valves. Make sure to wash your snorkel after you emerge from a dive to clear it of tiny debris. Minor sand grains lodged deep inside a snorkel valve could cause it to leak.
Above all, remember that a swim is supposed to be fun. The swimmer is superior to any piece of equipment so make sure to relax during your dive and enjoy yourself. Choose the right snorkel, maintain it, and relish each dive that you’re in as much as you can.
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