smartypants71
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Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 17, 2017 21:08:23 GMT
Like this?  If so, do you like it? Was it worth the money? We spend most of our vacations in tropical locations, so we (well mostly DS) snorkel a lot. I was considering this one since it looks so cool! Im wondering if this type wouldn't pull on my hair as much as the traditional mask does. |
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Post by elaine on Jul 17, 2017 21:15:24 GMT
Yes! Well worth the money!
I have been snorkeling since I was 8, but wanted to take my two boys with autism snorkeling on our cruise in April, so invested in these for them and bought one for myself so that I could know how to help them if they were having difficulties.
The excursion we purchased provided masks and snorkels, of course, so everyone on our little boat looked at us like we were strange as we put these on. It was a very choppy day in the water and my boys had never been snorkeling before and have motor skills challenges that would make doing the whole mouth snorkel thing difficult. We had a GREAT time. It was what my boys describe as the best part of the trip.
Everyone else on our boat inhaled a ton of water - as I noted, it was very choppy - we didn't inhale a drop! People were asking us where we got them on the way back to the ship.
I love these masks! No water, no fogging, and so easy to breath.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,745
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 17, 2017 21:15:43 GMT
ginacivey, now you have me paranoid that I am humbly bragging LOL!
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Post by elaine on Jul 17, 2017 21:17:01 GMT
ginacivey , now you have me paranoid that I am humbly bragging LOL! Yikes! Did I do something wrong by answering? Now I'm paranoid. I didn't read the bragging thread. |
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,745
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 17, 2017 21:20:11 GMT
ginacivey , now you have me paranoid that I am humbly bragging LOL! Yikes! Did I do something wrong by answering? Now I'm paranoid. I didn't read the bragging thread. No! Not at all. Go look at gina's thread on humble bragging and you'll see what i mean. And thank you so much for the review! I have been sitting on the fence on buying these, but I think i'll go ahead and get them. Aside from the fact that I'm a little grossed out by using the tour company's snorkel, I really like the idea of being able to breathe more naturally. DS will be so excited!!! |
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by ginacivey on Jul 17, 2017 21:20:15 GMT
ginacivey , now you have me paranoid that I am humbly bragging LOL! i had to call myself out on a accidental humble brag on the camping post! and no - you aren't but it's funny! |
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Post by SockMonkey on Jul 17, 2017 21:21:38 GMT
I have a friend who has these for his kids and he said they're great. Made a huge difference.
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Post by elaine on Jul 17, 2017 21:25:03 GMT
Yikes! Did I do something wrong by answering? Now I'm paranoid. I didn't read the bragging thread. No! Not at all. Go look at gina's thread on humble bragging and you'll see what i mean. And thank you so much for the review! I have been sitting on the fence on buying these, but I think i'll go ahead and get them. Aside from the fact that I'm a little grossed out by using the tour company's snorkel, I really like the idea of being able to breathe more naturally. DS will be so excited!!! Seriously, these are the best thing since sliced bread for snorkeling. If my kids with autism can use them easily, anyone can! I did enjoy being able to breathe through my nose, in addition to my mouth. |
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 17, 2017 21:44:48 GMT
For those who have them, how do you clear the snorkel if you dive down? Or does the snorkel somehow not get water in it? Or do you just float on the surface the whole time?
I'm not in the market for one because I can't 'dual-purpose' it (yes, I'm verbing that) for diving, but I'm curious.
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Post by scrapsuzy on Jul 17, 2017 21:59:44 GMT
I just heard about these not long ago. My dh loves to snorkel, whereas I freak out trying it in a very calm swimming pool. I think this mask would work for me, though.
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Post by jumperhop on Jul 17, 2017 22:18:31 GMT
We bought two for our trip to Maui. My husband liked the old school masks better, less bulk on his face. But the kids enjoyed them.
jen
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Post by elaine on Jul 17, 2017 22:32:17 GMT
For those who have them, how do you clear the snorkel if you dive down? Or does the snorkel somehow not get water in it? Or do you just float on the surface the whole time? I'm not in the market for one because I can't 'dual-purpose' it (yes, I'm verbing that) for diving, but I'm curious. I never dove down with it on. There is a floating ball that prevents water from getting in. I don't know if you would need to breathe out to clear the water after diving down under the surface, but i imagine you might. It is definitely a snorkeling mask, not a diving mask, so meant really to be used on the surface. |
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Post by ahiller on Jul 17, 2017 23:14:13 GMT
We saw a bunch of people using them on our vacation to USVI and BVI a few weeks ago. I wish we had gotten them. They looked really great!
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 17, 2017 23:27:48 GMT
My niece just got back from Cancun and my assistant at work just got back from Maui. Both said these were much better than the traditional style.
DH and I have our own snorkle equipment since it freaks me out to rent them. We'll be upgrading for our next trip. I fail miserably at snorkling so I'm hoping this will help.
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 18, 2017 1:13:14 GMT
For those who have them, how do you clear the snorkel if you dive down? Or does the snorkel somehow not get water in it? Or do you just float on the surface the whole time? I'm not in the market for one because I can't 'dual-purpose' it (yes, I'm verbing that) for diving, but I'm curious. I never dove down with it on. There is a floating ball that prevents water from getting in. I don't know if you would need to breathe out to clear the water after diving down under the surface, but i imagine you might. It is definitely a snorkeling mask, not a diving mask, so meant really to be used on the surface. That's what I figured. My snorkel has a ball in top but it's to prevent it from swamping in high surf and surge - it will still get some water in it when swimming under water. I would think that the mask/snorkel combo would be impossible to clear because trying to force air through either your mouth or nose to clear the tube would just blow it out the apron of the mask. |
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 18, 2017 1:19:46 GMT
My sister has one and loves it.
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Post by PEAcan pie on Jul 18, 2017 1:27:29 GMT
does it leak or fog up? very curious. I bought our entire family snorkel sets from Costco before our trip last month. they were nice. The snorkel did not allow water to enter but the mask did fog up
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 18, 2017 1:32:26 GMT
Okay, I just watched a video and nobody seemed to have issues with clearing the water - I would love to see one in person to see how that actually works, 'cause that's cool! Unfortunately, swimming down to any depth would be out amyway because there's no easy way to clear the pressure on your ears (typically done by holding your nose and gently 'blowing out' to create back pressure).
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Dalai Mama
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Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 18, 2017 1:46:28 GMT
does it leak or fog up? very curious. I bought our entire family snorkel sets from Costco before our trip last month. they were nice. The snorkel did not allow water to enter but the mask did fog up A couple of things - masks develop a layer of silicone on the lens that will cause fogging. You can use toothpaste (the white stuff, not gel) to remove it. Me, I burn it off with a lighter - lots of videos on YouTube to show you how. Then use a spray bottle of 25% baby shampoo, 75% water and spray the lenses every time before you snorkel (or just apply 100% baby shampoo, because I'm too lazy to mix the solution). Ideally, spray it on a dry lens, rub it around with your fingers, then rinse thoroughly without using your fingers. In a pinch, spit will work, just not as well. I've also heard that it helps to put your face in the water to cool it so there isn't as much temperature difference between your mask and your face but I've never felt this was necessary. |
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Post by chrispeas on Jul 18, 2017 3:30:16 GMT
My husband has one and he loves it.
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Post by elaine on Jul 18, 2017 3:43:56 GMT
does it leak or fog up? very curious. I bought our entire family snorkel sets from Costco before our trip last month. they were nice. The snorkel did not allow water to enter but the mask did fog up This is the first mask I've used without a fogging or leaking issue. They also are incredibly comfortable because of the x straps in the back, rather than one band. The bands are made of the material in stretch belts - a nylon/elastic fabric, rather than silicone/rubber. They are just great for snorkeling! |
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Post by corinne11 on Jul 18, 2017 13:11:17 GMT
I am glad to hear some "real life" reviews on these. I have trouble with standard masks and had a bit of a freak out in Fiji- water was really rough, we were out in the middle of the ocean to swim with reef sharks.
My mask kept leaking and I got a bit panicky and was ready to head back to the boat. Luckily my husband is an experienced diver and as always patiently stayed with me until I started to snorkel comfortably.
I will definitely buy one before our next trip- next year!
Corinne
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Post by supersoda on Jul 18, 2017 13:17:14 GMT
I wish I read this thread before ordering snorkels for the kids! Now I may have to to order one just to see how we like it, you dang enablers.
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smartypants71
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Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 18, 2017 13:36:35 GMT
Okay, I just watched a video and nobody seemed to have issues with clearing the water - I would love to see one in person to see how that actually works, 'cause that's cool! Unfortunately, swimming down to any depth would be out amyway because there's no easy way to clear the pressure on your ears (typically done by holding your nose and gently 'blowing out' to create back pressure). We're leaving in a few weeks so I'll let you know. I'm a lazy snorkeler (i put a life vest on and "watch tv" from the surface  ) but DS likes to dive down a bit, so I'll have him test it out. |
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freebird
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Post by freebird on Jul 18, 2017 15:13:15 GMT
I'm a bit claustrophobic and it's making me nervous looking at it, however, I can see it being so much easier.
Snorkeling seems so unnatural to start with though. LOL
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Post by jenr on Jul 18, 2017 16:01:53 GMT
Yes and I LOVE it!! The visibility is so great, it's amazing. And generally when I snorkel with a typical snorkel it takes me about 15-20 minutes to adjust to feeling calm about the breathing, but with the full-face one it was easy right away. I highly recommend them!!
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on Jul 18, 2017 16:13:03 GMT
I've been thinking about getting one because i have a problem with pressure in a regular mask (i have a hard time not breathing through my nose, then i lose suction and start taking on water). We saw a ton of these being used in hawaii in may. I'm glad there are good reviews. And suggestions on sizing?
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smartypants71
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 18, 2017 16:14:54 GMT
I've been thinking about getting one because i have a problem with pressure in a regular mask (i have a hard time not breathing through my nose, then i lose suction and start taking on water). We saw a ton of these being used in hawaii in may. I'm glad there are good reviews. And suggestions on sizing? Per the product information, you need to measure from the bridge of your nose to the bottom of your chin. For me, this came out to a Medium, so I'm guessing that's pretty average for a woman/teenager. |
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Post by birukitty on Jul 18, 2017 18:28:37 GMT
From what I've read on these masks they are intended for snorkeling on the surface of the water. When I snorkel with a traditional mask and snorkel I dive down a bit (about 10 feet or a bit more) to look at the coral and fish holding my breath (obviously). When I come back to the surface I blow out and the snorkel clears the water out so air can get in. I don't think this full face snorkel can accomplish this-am I right?
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Dalai Mama
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 18, 2017 18:43:59 GMT
From what I've read on these masks they are intended for snorkeling on the surface of the water. When I snorkel with a traditional mask and snorkel I dive down a bit (about 10 feet or a bit more) to look at the coral and fish holding my breath (obviously). When I come back to the surface I blow out and the snorkel clears the water out so air can get in. I don't think this full face snorkel can accomplish this-am I right? That was my thought to, but all of the videos that I have watched have indicated that there isn't a need to clear the snorkel - they don't explain why, but no snorkel clearing. What you wouldn't be able to do is equalize because there's no way to pinch your nose for the Valsalva manoeuver. At 10ft, that's going to start to hurt. |
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) but DS likes to dive down a bit, so I'll have him test it out.
