TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Full face snorkel

For our next trip we were thinking of getting some full face snorkel masks..hoping somebody may have suggestions about brands/ issues? Thanks.

Hi JD

Last year I used one after using a regular mask for many years.

The differences: the full face mask is great! You will have to breath a little deeper to get a full breath. No diving down with this mask. Wonderful 180 view with this mask. No chapped lips from the salt water! I didn't have any leakage at all. The elastic bands didn't twist up with my hair, it was very comfortable.

It takes a few minutes to get used to it, but the benefits are worth the extra breathing you will do with this mask.

I bought mine on Amazon-- it isn't listed in my orders anymore. But is was about $60

Karen <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

We have Tribord Masks and like them very much.

You might find this article to be helpful in making your choice: http://www.outsidepursuits.com/best-snorkel-mask/

Do a google search for "Full Face Snorkel Masks" for more info.

We have two Tribord masks.

Overall we love them. The only issue would be for anyone that likes to free dive oe otherwise go under water to get a closer look. The full face masks are not designed for going under water.

We purchased Tribord masks as well and we fell in love with them. We won't go back. I saw many articles saying that you can't dive down - that was not our experience. We did limited dive downs and it worked for us.

I believe the more expensive arya mask can go under.

They are getting better. Early models had seals that would get out of shape quickly leading to water intrusion and guys with facial hair had trouble getting them to seal properly.

They work well for surface snorkeling but like everyone has pointed out they don't perform well underwater. The snorkel works and does not let water in; the problem is trying to equalize the mask when free diving. They are simply not made for that.

If you plan to stay on the surface most of the time they should serve you well. You might want to look into a protective case to prevent damage to the seal when traveling.

I read an interesting article yesterday about these and POSSIBLE issues with drowning with inexperienced snorkelers and knock off masks. I have never used one and have zero experience or a good or bad opinion.

Issues raised and make your own opinion.
1. CO2 buildup in mask
2. Panic when mask floods and not able to get the mask off quickly.
3. Are the deaths result of just out of shape people over exerting themselves?

Google full mask drowning to find info.

I can't remember the brand that we use (I think we ordered from seeing it on a thread here) but the few of us that used them absolutely loved them.

The kind we purchased were supposed to be non-fog and that was true for every spot except Flash of Beauty at Anegada. The water was not very calm that day but we love the snorkeling there the best so we went for it. All of our snorkels started fogging because we were continually keeping ourselves from drifting and exerting a lot of energy. We are all planning on bringing them down with us again this January.

Great info all....many thanks.

if you can dive deeper than 15', you would need to clear, which requires you to pinch your nose. They might be nice for beginners, but with caution like Mike says

we used them last week at Mahoe and loved them

Bought a Tribord and used it twice at Diamond Reef - loved it. As stated, it's best for snorkeling in good conditions - they are a heavier mask than your standard issue and it is not a quick process to remove them. I can absolutely understand how they could be dangerous in rough conditions. It's not easy to "rest" them on your forehead the way you can with a regular mask. I really like mine, but I will keep my standard issue on hand as well....

TBH I have not used one but to me they appear to be a solution looking for a problem.

When I snorkel I am constantly going down 15-30 feet and sometimes deeper which requires constant equalizing (popping ears). Maybe I'm wrong but it doesn't seem like that would be easy with these masks. I can see the appeal if you stay on the surface or just go down a few feet.

Both my husband and I have the full face. We love them!

Aware this is an old thread but just to weigh in on the current state of the full face snorkel market as I recently went through the research process for my family.

The risks associated with these still exist, namely they don't work well for exercise, and almost all of them don't allow for equalisation. However the materials used and face seal are improving. Some also are now produced with flat lenses which reduce the distortion caused by the rounded variety.

I found the below article helpful in my research (I ordered mine in Australia).
https://theadventurelab.com.au/diving-snorkelling/best-full-face-snorkelling-masks/

Nothing is better then the separate mask and snorkel.

agree fully with sail445

Half the beauty of the BVI is under the surface...but without the right kit nobody new to snorkelling is going to enjoy discovering the incredibly beautiful sub-surface world. We have newbies coming with us next year and we are making sure they realise just how important this point is.

Don't scrimp! Buy a decent mask and snorkel (we personally like the TUSA Ceos), test it at home, make sure its comfortable (every face has different knobbles and bobbles...!) and you will be rewarded. Otherwise...water leaks in...or it steams up constantly and even the strongest swimmers start to get flustered...nervous...uncomfortable or just dont enjoy it that much.

...alternatively you can get the full-face jobbo and look like a Snork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4F-pYwZA4Y

I was gifted one last year. I tried it out on one snorkel during our spring trip. Did not like it at all. The visual part was OK, but really a lot of the peripheral was distorted by the bend in the plate. As was noted, there's no diving down. Breathing was more work than normal, not bad when going slow, but wouldn't want to get in a current situation where I had to work harder. Also, a lot of heat build up. My face was sweating. Having said that, I know a lot of people love them and swear by them. I was due for a new mask anyway, and was able to exchange at my dive shop.

I have a full face snorkel and like it for the wide view and no chapped lips!

I do have to work a bit harder to breathe but no fogging, no leaks and no water down the snorkel. The traditional snorkel is great but sometimes by the end of a trip my lips are a chapped and sore mess.

Hello, usually we like full face masks. The main issue would be for anybody that likes to free jump generally goes under water to get a closer view.
The full face covers or masks are not intended for going underwater, but it can use for fishing.