Full face snorkels

[popgun pete]

When in the interests of science I ordered one of these full face masks with a “reverse unicorn” snorkel I ordered a black one, but it never showed up, so I ordered the green and white one from another supplier and another brand name. That is the mask which I reported on earlier.

Well today completely out of the blue the black one arrived after spending some time orbiting the planet, so now I can compare the two of them.

At a quick glance they look like two peas in a pod, but they are different plastic moldings as the reinforcing struts on the rear of the mask frames and the rubber face sealing flanges are similar, but different in each case. The clear lenses on the front of the masks are virtually identical as are the protective stickers which you peel off before use. On this black version I can stick my little finger into the clear tube that runs between your eyes and forms the front snorkel, but only just as the entry clip holding their respective frames together is different and the black one does not have that minor extra restriction to its airflow. This black one also has a different shape to its snorkel, but they both use a ball valve to cut the airflow. Performance-wise there will not be much difference as the dimensions that count are much the same in both of them and the other differences are mainly stylistic.

Just found the web page that it came from, there are many different versions of them, but this one had a deeper front to rear top on its snorkel instead of being wider at the top from side to side as many others are.
http://diveswim.com/en/product/Lates...gn-MC6108.html

Some have a colored top on their snorkels, not necessarily a high viz color, but this one is just jet black.
Now I see the advert again I cannot think why it slipped my mind!

[popgun pete]

I guess this image sums up the full face snorkel mask phenomena. Note the pink ear plugs dangling on either side of the mask on their pink monofilaments, that tells you that this mask is not a serious dive mask as ear plugs are a big no-no in diving.

[popgun pete]

When sales need a boost, add a "carbon fiber" version to the mix!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Diving-Mask....c100008.m2219

[Mana'squal]

Hahahaha $70 death trap

[popgun pete]

Here is a bit of a surprise, the well-known Italian company Seac Sub are making these snorkel equipped full face masks. Hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like the snorkel (transparent tube section) does not run down the bridge of the nose as it does on the Asian masks, hence breathing may not be so restricted. As to where the air flows into the mask is not apparent from the images. Even so combining breathing and seeing is basically placing all your eggs in one basket and if kids use these things then they need to be under close supervision and that means in the water with them. Evidently the market for these gadgets is not going away any time soon!

[virgili]

My ancestors who were pionneering spearfishing in the early thirtees on the french Riviera were using this home made"full face mask" mask....

[popgun pete]

Originally Posted by virgili

My ancestors who were pionneering spearfishing in the early thirtees on the french Riviera were using this home made"full face mask" mask....

Judging by the pursed lips that front mounted snorkel has a mouthpiece.

[popgun pete]

Nearly fell off my chair when this popped up on my screen today, a new high, or low depending on your perspective, from dive gear manufacturers in China.
https://www.gearbest.com/diving/pp_0...ml?wid=1433363
The text is as follows: (the masks are supplied in a range of colors)

K2 Circulation Breathing Separation Snorkeling Mask - Pink

Main Features:
● 180-degree wonderful sea view
You will see more beautiful scenery than ever before. The well-designed and improved HJKB mirror gives you the best distortion-free visibility and maximum visibility.
● Respiratory system
Our K2 recirculating breathing snorkeling mask mechanically isolates exhalation and inhalation, inhalation from the double breathing tube, exhaled carbon dioxide and the remaining oxygen that is not drawn into the body, respectively, from the mask the outside flows out, thereby isolating accidents such as carbon dioxide entering the human body and causing danger to life.
● ( outer ) Circulating natural breathing
The snorkel mask allows you to breathe through the nose or mouth in the water. Breathing is smooth, ( independent exhaust check digital ensures no exhaust gas, sufficient oxygen ).
● Leakproof
The product is durable and provides a comfortable waterproof seal, no water leakage, and three waterproof mechanisms for safer wear.
● 100 percent anti-fog
The latest design of snorkeling mask anti-fog film: can last up to 15,000 hours of anti-fog effect, and there is no fog to hinder the exploration of the underwater world.
● Adjustable
The advanced adjustable double-elastic comfort belt system guarantees you the best fit and comfort while enjoying hours of snorkeling.

I will let the above speak for itself.

[popgun pete]

If the kids are pestering you to buy them one of the full face masks like all their friends have then buy one of these as Seac-Sub have a reputation to keep. Unlike the no-name stuff or brand that you never heard of from Asia, they have actually done some homework. Introduce them to a proper mask and snorkel once the novelty wears off.

https://www.scubastore.com/scuba-div...2hfY2noHiJ8%3D

https://youtu.be/WyCVh3qj9sQ