Mask and snorkel suggestions

[phungy]

I visited two LDS today to check out booties, masks and snorkels (fins maybe later). I understand that fit and comfort are more important than features and looks.

Booties:
- LDS only carried 3mm Akona Titanium for about $30.
Anyone have experience with these and the Tropical Booties?

Masks:
- Genesis Purge Panview (on sale, 30% off)
- Scubapro Spectra
- Tusa Platina
- Akona Caicos

Any suggestions/comments/experience with these?

Snorkel:
- Scubapro Eclipse
- Scubapro Nexus
- Mojave Genesis
- Akona Abaco

Anyone try (recommend) these over the ones I listed?: Totally Dry, Tusa Planina Hyperdry, Aeris Cuda Ultradry

[DivingCRNA]

I would personally skip the purge mask. Also, do not spend a ton on a snorkel. It is just a tube going to the surface. Nothing more.

My free advice. Worth every cent!

[rox@ucf11]

you need to find the mask that fits you the best it does not matter so much the mask, or manufaturer just try on different ones until you can put it to your face suck in air thru your nose and take your hands off. providing the mask fits well it should stick/seal to your face without you holding it there. This is what you need to look for in a mask. as for the booties I have 5mils and my feet never get hot no matter the temperature so I might look for something a little thicker than the 3 mill. just my .02 cents

[phungy]

Originally Posted by rox@ucf11

you need to find the mask that fits you the best it does not matter so much the mask, or manufaturer just try on different ones until you can put it to your face suck in air thru your nose and take your hands off. providing the mask fits well it should stick/seal to your face without you holding it there. This is what you need to look for in a mask. as for the booties I have 5mils and my feet never get hot no matter the temperature so I might look for something a little thicker than the 3 mill. just my .02 cents

True. The masks I listed all fit comfortably. I looked down, shook my head and the mask didn't fall. I'll look into the 5mm booties.

Originally Posted by DivingCRNA

I would personally skip the purge mask. Also, do not spend a ton on a snorkel. It is just a tube going to the surface. Nothing more.

My free advice. Worth every cent!

You're right, I'll only be using the snorkel for one more week before switching to the regulator. Thanks!

[Damselfish]

fit the mask with a snorkel or regulator in your mouth. It changes the shape of your face a little and the way it may fit.

[mitsuguy]

As everyone said, make sure the mask fits, try with a reg / snorkel in your mouth, and also try smiling - some are more compliant and less likely to leak when you smile... get the cheapest semi-dry snorkel with a purge you can find... I spent a little more and got the Tusa Hyperdry, which I love, but I only really use it for swimming in the pool...

[WAHMof2]

Besides mask fit, also consider field of vision. We recently got new masks (Tilos frameless) and the view is a huge difference over our old ones.

[phungy]

Thanks for the suggestions/advice. I went for the Tusa Platina

[PoseidonDiver]

Return it and get the Tilos Excel!

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