Snorkeling- full face mask VS traditional mask

[Wdwdreamer101]

Trying to decide between the two types.
The full face mask sounds great, but I want to be able to dive down if I feel like it and have read that the full face mask can limit the ability to do this.
Any advice?
Which do you prefer?

 

[PAGA2003]

Is there a reason you are considering the full face mask? I suggest going to a dive shop and being fitted for a regular mask. Having a properly fitted mask makes all the difference in the world!

 

[mmouse37]

I don't dive but just snorkel and LOVED my new full face mask. Made it a much more pleasant experience. I really liked snorkeling better with the full mask as opposed to the small mask and snorkel.

Here is a friend using at CC last August and turtle pic he took.





MJ

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You can still dive down with the full face mask. There is a float in the tube that comes from the top that will basically float to the top to stop water from coming in when you go under.

I bought my dad one a year and a half ago (when they first came out - had to order from Europe). It is amazing.

 

[mmouse37]

Now you can get them on Amazon...easy peasy!!! I tried going under with the full mask but felt resistance and pressure so did not go very deep at all.

MJ

 

[wjs3]

If you need to dive deep enough where you should grab your nose and clear your ears, then you should NOT use a full mask. Most of what you do in Castaway Cay should be shallow enough that you don't need to clear your ears, but if you do any more advanced snorkeling (greater than 10 feet or so, even), then this is probably not the call for you.

 

[loves to dive]

I wouldn't use it but I'm a diver and I see no way to clear your ears with that thing. Plus i just don't think I'd like have my full face covered. We do own an aqua mask that is full face and you can talk to people through it but we don't use it except when playing in the springs.

 

[Anchors Away 2016]

Trying to decide between the two types.
The full face mask sounds great, but I want to be able to dive down if I feel like it and have read that the full face mask can limit the ability to do this.
Any advice?
Which do you prefer?

How deep do you plan to dive? My sons used them at Castaway Cay at about high tide, so they were easily going down 10 or 15 feet, no problem. the masks they used had a float to close the tube when they went under, then automatically cleared when they surfaced. Likewise, it had a one-way value in the mask to clear water if it leaked in. This made it easier to use than a traditional mask. I was using a traditional mask, because for me clearing these are second nature, but for them, it was easier to use the new masks.

Of course, different people are affected by the water pressure differently, so your mileage may vary.

 

[Wdwdreamer101]

How deep do you plan to dive? My sons used them at Castaway Cay at about high tide, so they were easily going down 10 or 15 feet, no problem. the masks they used had a float to close the tube when they went under, then automatically cleared when they surfaced. Likewise, it had a one-way value in the mask to clear water if it leaked in. This made it easier to use than a traditional mask. I was using a traditional mask, because for me clearing these are second nature, but for them, it was easier to use the new masks.

Of course, different people are affected by the water pressure differently, so your mileage may vary.

I'm wanting to be able to dive down to see the stuff at the bottom of the Lagoon. Sounds like they might work well for me. Thank you for your help!

 

[mmouse37]

I was able to see most everything on the floor of the snorkeling lagoon from the surface. As mentioned your mileage may vary with the pressure. I could hardly dive at all but then again I really didn't need too.

MJ