Advantages of a full face snorkel vs traditional

Full face snorkel masks had a meteoric rise in popularity in the last few years. People started talking about it due to its design that seems so convenient and useful. You will also find a lot of posts raving about a full face snorkel mask. But, is full face mask something that truly revolutionized snorkeling design, or is it just a gimmick?

 

In this article, we would like to make things clear and help you get started on your snorkeling adventure by talking about full face snorkel mask vs traditional snorkel and mask. We will also give you a rundown of the pros and cons of each of these snorkeling gears.

 

Traditional Snorkel and Mask

The "traditional" snorkel and mask has two components: the mask and the snorkel tube. This basic design is what most people use for snorkeling, free diving, and scuba diving. The concept is simple, the mask covers the eyes and nose, and the snorkel with a mouthpiece helps you breathe.

 

This traditional snorkeling gear also received significant upgrades in the past few years. The dry and semi-dry snorkels now replaced the classic wet snorkels. These designs come with a splash guard on the tube opening to help reduce the amount of water that enters.

 

In addition to this, the new designs of traditional snorkel and mask already come with an automatic tube sealing mechanism that prevents water from entering whenever the user submerges the tube in water or if an unexpected wave splashes onto it.

 

Snorkel masks nowadays also come in different sizes. There are even those which are explicitly designed for small faces to fit teenagers, women, or small adults.

 

Due to its design, traditional masks are used by seasoned snorkelers and those who love freediving. It can even be used for scuba diving.

 

Pros of Traditional Snorkel and Mask:

  • Can be used even in rough waters
  • It can be used for scuba diving, free diving, and snorkeling.
  • It comes in different sizes that can fit wide faces, narrow faces, and kids.
  • Seals easily against the face.
  • It can be used even in rough waters.
  • Easy to transition to breathing above water.

 

Cons of Traditional Snorkel and Mask:

  • Have a learning curve, and take some getting used to.
  • The mouthpiece can get dirty if not cleaned properly.
  • It needs both a snorkel and a snorkel mask.

 

Full Face Snorkel and Mask

Full face snorkel mask is a mask and snorkel combined into one piece. It is one of the coolest snorkeling gear that is out in the market due to its innovative design. Full face mask, integrated the snorkel into the mask so you no longer have to hold it in your mouth. It has no mouthpiece which is an interesting advantage.Compared to the traditional snorkel and mask, a full face mask will allow you to breathe out of your nose and mouth.

 

The convenience of seeing the things underwater is what made this one famous. The larger lens will let you see beneath much more better too. It allows 180 degree view, and opens your peripheral vision so you can see things around you. It also has a fog-free design and broader range of sight, which made it popular with casual snorkelers.

 

The convenience of seeing the things underwater is what made this one famous. However, it is yet to catch on with more seasoned snorkelers because the uses of full-face snorkel masks are somewhat limited, and it cannot be used for free diving or scuba.

 

Pros Of The Full Face Snorkel and Mask

  • You can breathe out of the mouth and nose easily
  • Hygienic as it has no mouthpiece
  • Fog-free
  • 180 degrees wide viewing ability
  • Can be easily used by beginners

 

Cons Of The Full Face Snorkel Mask

  • It is harder to transition to regular breathing above water
  • Not suitable for freediving

 

Conclusion

Full face snorkel mask is a novelty and something new to try. Not only that, it provides a unique perspective for viewing marine life underwater, it also provides a widescreen view while snorkeling. If you are going on a vacation and the only snorkel occasionally, a full face mask might be a perfect option for you. You will love how it can give a panoramic view of the ocean.

Also, full face masks will let you breathe out of the mouth and nose easily. You do not have to deal with the hassle of holding the snorkel in your mouth. This feature also made it hygienic and convenient to use.

 

For these reasons, I have to go with a full face mask! So there you have it, full face snorkel mask vs traditional snorkel and mask.

 

 

Author Bio:

John - Manager at Reef Mask 

Passionate about the ocean & its beauty, John has been a passionate Snorkeler for over 10 years. Educating people on snorkelling techniques and equipment.