How to Compare Snorkeling Equipment

Find a mask that fits well. A good quality mask will fit snugly to your face and won't leak. Try on several different masks, placing the mask against your face. Breathe in through your nose and hold your breath. How does the mask feel? Does it feel secure or like it's about to fall off? When removing the mask, it should make a good popping noise to show that there's a good seal. If it comes off too easily, the mask may be too large for you. If you plan to use the mask for scuba as well, make sure to check the nose pockets to see if you can easily pinch your nose. Consider other features such as the shape of the mask; some allow peripheral vision, while others like the Cressi have a teardrop shape for downward vision. Masks come with a black or clear skirt. Black helps to block out unwanted reflection, but can feel strange if you've never used it before.

Choose the right snorkel for you. Snorkels come in dry, semi-dry, standard or with a purge valve. A semi-dry snorkel has a deflector on top of the tube, which helps deflect water from getting inside the tube. A dry snorkel has a float valve on top of the tube so that if a wave crashes over you, the valve will close the tube and stop water from coming in. Standard snorkels have an open tube, while a snorkel with a purge has a purge valve near the mouthpiece to make it easier to blast water out of the tube. Also consider mouthpiece size. Some snorkels come with different mouthpiece sizes to reduce fatigue. The snorkel should also have a flexible section of tube near the mouthpiece to give a better fit.

Select the best pair of fins for you. Fins generally come in either open heel or full foot. Fins should fit comfortably, not too tight to cause rubbing and chafing, and not so loose that the fin falls off in the water. Full foot fins cover the entire foot, offering full foot protection, but they can't be adjusted. Open heel fins can be adjusted and are easy to take on and off, but they leave the heel exposed. If you buy open heel fins, consider purchasing a pair of neoprene booties as well.

Consider any other snorkeling accessories you might need. Dive booties come in sizes similar to shoe size. Choose the bootie thickness according to the temperature of the water in which you will be snorkeling. Decide whether you prefer booties you pull on, like socks, or booties with a zipper. Decide if you will need a wetsuit. This will depend on the type of waters you're snorkeling in. You can purchase a wetsuit top, a shortie suit or a full suit. Wet suits come in a variety of thicknesses.