Anyone able to recommend these for adults/teenagers, including brand, model and supplier? Entry level would be ok, but would rather pay once for quality that will last, rather than cheap that won't.
Mask, Snorkel and Fins
RangaWal on 20/01/2023 - 00:08
Comments
Decathlon is the go-to for such items. Lots of people seem to prefer full face ones nowadays, see them plenty around but haven't tried it yet.
The full face mask are useless if diving below the surface to have a look around or retrieve something. Also they tend to build up CO2 if working hard due to current.
They're fine if just surface viewing in fairly calm conditions.
Can't remember the brand but got mine at rebel. Fins came in a blue mesh bag and fit well. Around $70 from memory. Still going strong but I only use them sporadically.
Are you in Melbourne?
After reading this thread I want to go snorkelling again.
Fit of the mask is most important. Hold it on without putting on the strap, inhale through your nose, let go of the mask. If it doesn't stay in place, it's not a good fit for you.
Great advice
snorkelling and scuba have different requirements when it comes to fins
also you might want to consider fins with dive boots if using it in rocky areas
If you happen to have flippers I recommend this https://www.onlinedivegear.com.au/products/odg-frameless-sup…
You technically can use any flippers depending on how you intend to snorkel. I do a lot of drift snorkelling so I just use some old bodyboard flippers and the kids use swimming flippers. I find smaller flippers much more maneuvrable.
Honestly, I think you'd get the best service and advice at your local scuba or dive shop. Usually always a small business.
You 100% want a silicon mask.
The bigger the fins the better for efficiency but all depends on your confidence
Decathalon and Aldi ones are fine for entry level. They're not complicated pieces of gear and not hard to make durable.
I had a good experience visiting Wetsuit Warehouse (stores in capital cities).
Large range of masks, was able to try on and find the right sizing, fit and field of view.
When at the register, prices were the same as online (often hefty discounts. Cressi have a good reputation for masks
I'm less critical about the snorkel, but I like ones with a purge valve at the mouth piece and wave protector at the top end.
I think they offer $20 off $100 first spend toowetsuit warehouse in Botany
If the mask skirt is not made from silicone, it will seize up and make it very hard to seal, making it useless. Snorkels have added features that can make them really nice to use (like a dry top!) but as long as theyre made with silicone too anything will work.
Masks are hard as they need to seal otherwise they arent worth the money. As for fins, I'd suggest something like this for teenagers as the back is adjustable meaning their feet can still grow!
https://jettydive.com.au/product/cressi-palau-adjustable-fin…
Depending on whether you are scuba diving, snorkelling, freediving etc. Masks can be used for anything (Freediving masks are made with lower volume however, which is very nice if you are spearing/freediving but not essential) but if you use a snorkelling fin while scuba diving you'll exhaust yourself without getting very far - there's just not enough power.
If you are doing both scuba and snorkelling, I love these fins, they're rigid enough to give good power scuba diving but still a perfect size to snorkel with.
https://jettydive.com.au/product/cressi-freefrog-full-foot-f…I really like cressi gear for mask snorkel fins, good quality and lasts forever!
Avoid the K-Mart Anko ones (I know you said no cheap ones).
The locking mechanism on the fins break so easily.