How we pick our products
Snorkels allow us humans to swim on the surface of the water while breathing underwater. It is an important part of both snorkelling and diving.
With our snorkel test 2023 we want to help you find your perfect snorkel. To make your purchase decision easier, we have taken the time to summarise the most important facts. After all, you should feel safe and comfortable during your adventures under the water surface.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 The Best Snorkel: Our Picks
- 3 Buying and evaluation criteria for snorkels
- 4 Decision: What types of snorkels are there and which one is right for me?
- 5 Guide: Frequently asked questions about snorkelling answered in detail
- 5.1 Who is a snorkel suitable for?
- 5.2 How does a snorkel work?
- 5.3 What is included in snorkelling equipment?
- 5.4 Which snorkels are suitable for diving?
- 5.5 How much does a snorkel cost?
- 5.6 What are the alternatives to a snorkel?
- 5.7 What do people who wear glasses need to bear in mind when snorkelling?
- 5.8 Which areas are suitable for snorkelling?
- 5.9 How do I use my snorkel properly?
- 5.10 How does diving with a snorkel work?
- 5.11 How do I clean my snorkel?
Summary
- The snorkel, assembled from a plastic tube and a silicone mouthpiece, ensures free breathing underwater.
- A basic distinction is made between the classic snorkel and the newer models, such as the dry snorkel and the full-face mask. All of which are available in different colours, combinations and price ranges.
- Snorkelling is suitable for anyone who has learned to swim and has studied snorkelling.
The Best Snorkel: Our Picks
Buying and evaluation criteria for snorkels
In this section, we will show you how to make your snorkel purchase easier and what you should consider before making your decision.
The most important criteria to help you find your perfect snorkel:
In the following paragraphs you will find out what the individual criteria are.
Construction / Material
A snorkel is made up of several components:
- Mouthpiece: It is made of soft silicone with bite warts and should fit comfortably between your teeth. The mouthpiece is already fitted to most snorkels. If you experience uncomfortable pressure points while snorkelling, you should look for another one.
- Tube: A flexible tube gives you a comfortable snorkelling experience. The flexibility of the tube and a corrugated tube at the end of the snorkel allow it to adapt very well to the shape of your head.
- Blow-out valve: Can be located at the top or directly on the mouthpiece. If the blow-out valve is attached to the bottom, the water that has flowed in can be collected and most of it can be released through the valve again. It also makes it easier to blow out the remaining water. The valve is practical but not absolutely necessary if you know the correct blow-out technique.
- Mask holder: This is used to attach the snorkel to the diving mask.
- Tip water guard: This is usually found on high quality snorkels, at the end of the tube. It makes it more difficult for water to penetrate in choppy waters or in high waves.
Size / Length
When buying your snorkel, pay attention to the length and diameter. If certain dimensions are exceeded, this makes breathing underwater more difficult. It can lead to pendulum breathing, which means that the exhaled air is inhaled again and again.
A snorkel should have a maximum diameter of about 2 centimetres and not exceed a length of 35 centimetres!
Of course, the right size should also be considered for children. There are special snorkels for children, as their lungs are smaller and would keep breathing in used air with a normal snorkel. The mouthpiece and the cross-section of the tube are smaller in a child’s snorkel.
Transport
To protect your snorkelling equipment you should have suitable storage facilities. When you buy a diving mask or snorkel, a small transport box is usually included. To avoid damage to the snorkel, the tube should be prevented from being pushed in. Some snorkels can be disassembled for easier transport.
Colour
Snorkels come in many different colours, from black to green to yellow. However, the end of the tube should always stand out in colour, so that you can be seen in time by boats and other watercraft
Decision: What types of snorkels are there and which one is right for me?
Before you decide on a snorkel, you should know the different alternatives.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Classic snorkel | Low price
Breathe underwater |
Only suitable for calm waters |
| Dry snorkel | Undisturbed snorkelling
Valve prevents water from entering |
Clunky |
| Snorkel mask | No mouthpiece
free breathing without goggle fogging |
Clunky |
If this information is not enough, you can read more about the different types of snorkels in the following three paragraphs.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about snorkelling answered in detail
We have then answered the most important questions about snorkelling in brief.
Who is a snorkel suitable for?
(Image source: Chotikapakorn / 123rf.com)
Snorkelling alone is not recommended for adults either. Before snorkelling, the ability to swim should be present and the correct handling of a snorkel should be clear.
How does a snorkel work?
Briefly blow out the rest of the water: surface so that the top of the snorkel is above the water. Now blow briefly and forcefully into the mouthpiece.
Make sure you have enough air left when you surface. The high air pressure will force the remaining water out of the blow-out valve.
What is included in snorkelling equipment?
| ABC equipment | utility |
|---|---|
| Diving goggles / mask | Good underwater visibility |
| Snorkel | Breathing underwater |
| Fins | Faster and easier swimming |
The basic or ABC equipment for snorkelling consists of a snorkel, mask and fins. The snorkel is for breathing underwater, while the goggles give our eyes a sharper view underwater. Fins help the snorkeller to swim faster, to focus more on their breathing and things underwater.
Which snorkels are suitable for diving?
- Flexible snorkel
- Dry snorkel
You can dive with almost any type of snorkel. However, you must expect the tube to fill with water immediately. The best snorkels for this are the dry snorkels. These models have a device that prevents water from entering while diving.
How much does a snorkel cost?
| Type | Price range |
|---|---|
| Classic snorkel | approx. 10-20 € |
| Dry snorkel | approx. 20-100 € |
| Snorkel mask | approx. 10-80 € |
The classic snorkel is one of the cheaper models and is available from around 10 euros.
Dry snorkels and snorkel masks are more expensive because of their special extras. Their special features make snorkelling much easier and seem to us to be reasonably priced.
What are the alternatives to a snorkel?
What do people who wear glasses need to bear in mind when snorkelling?
(Image source: Bawah Reserve / unsplash)
Contact lens wearers, may not need an optical diving mask, but should make sure it is absolutely tight.
Which areas are suitable for snorkelling?
How do I use my snorkel properly?
The most important behaviour is to breathe evenly and stay calm.
The snorkel is attached to the strap of the diving goggles using the mask holder provided. Rubbing the goggle lenses with an anti-fogging agent can prevent the lenses from tarnishing and thus disturbing the snorkelling. Put on your fins – and let’s go!
How does diving with a snorkel work?
During the descent, avoid uncomfortable pressure in your ears and possible injury. Equalise the pressure by holding your nose and exhaling against it. The deeper it gets, the more pressure equalisation is necessary.
How do I clean my snorkel?
Once the equipment has dried, it should be stored at room temperature and in the storage boxes provided.
Image source: dmosreg/ 123rf.com
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