I don’t know how many times we have gone to a great snorkelling spot with the kids and all we hear is “This doesn’t work! I can’t see anything! Water is getting in! I can’t breath! These are too tight! and this is all through the mumbles as they have the breathing part of the snorkel in their mouth.
This really does put a dampener on a day that should be full fun and joy.
Luckily for us Santa had the answer and delivered two Full Face Snorkels Mask for my two kids. At the time of writing this review in 2020, one is 11 and the other is 9.
The Full Face Snorkels Masks are amazing to the point that my wife and I grab them and go on our own little adventure.
This is my Full Face Snorkel Mask Review – So lets jump in!
Kids Enjoying their first goes with their Full Face Snorkel Masks
How the Full Face Snorkel Mask Works!
The mask has two areas, one is the viewing area and the other is the breathing area which are separated by the durable soft silicone seal that goes over your mouth and nose. This is why it is important to get the correct size and measure your face so this area seals how it is designed to seal. (I have “How do you measure for a Full Face Snorkel Mask?” below).
This allows you to breath naturally through your mouth and nose.
If the tip of the snorkel happens to go below the surface there is a floating ball that seals off the airway to prevent water from entering the breathing area. This allows you to dive under water and come up without having to blow hard out to clear the breathing tube.
The separation of the two areas aid in the prevention of the viewing screen from fogging up.
How to use the Full Face Snorkel Mask!
Most Full face Snorkel Masks come with a carry bag for storing when not in use. So when you get the Snorkel out of the bag, depending on the style you get (and again I highly recommend one that has the fold-able tube for ease), set up the Snorkel Breathing Tube and simply slip the Full Face Snorkel Mask on. Use the easy adjustable straps to tighten comfortably.
Quick tip – I found the best way to tighten the mask was to hold the mask with one hand along the front about mouth height and pull on the straps, pulling backward.
Now your ready to enter the water.
How do you measure for a Full Face Snorkel Mask?
Measuring up for the Full Face Snorkel Mask is easy and as the diagram shows below you measure between the bridge of the nose and the chin.
This is where the breathing area of the mask fits over so you breath naturally through your mouth and nose.
Which Full Face Snorkel Masks are the best?
A lot of the Full Face Snorkel Mask you get are very similar and generally manufactured by different companies but with the same design and function in mind.
The main difference between the two that we received, and these where from the same supplier, was the fact that the snorkel breathing tube can fold down on one and the other you have to clip it into the mask part. Although we have not had it long, I believe that this could be a point of weakness over time, so I highly recommend that if you can, purchase one where the snorkel part folds down when you store it.
I have also done some research on the Australian company Ninja Shark who have a Full Face Snorkel Mask that has a flatter viewing screen. The reports advise that this is better than the curved viewing screen as it does not distort the view along the sides.
I believe this would be a great feature although I didn’t find that the view through the curved viewing screen to be that bad at all.
I will be definitely looking at purchasing one from Ninja Shark when I look to get one for myself.
We purchased the below one from Amazon.com.au and a white one that does not have the fold down breathing tube.
Click Here to get Price form Amazon
Click Here to Check Price on Ninja Shark
Are Full Face Snorkels Masks for Free Diving?
How deep can you go with a full face snorkel mask?
The Full Face Snorkel Mask is not designed for free diving over about 4m deep.
The masks we have do not allow you to equalise however, Ninja Shark does have a Full Face Snorkel Mask that enables you to pinch your nose to equalise allowing you to dive deeper.
We are quite satisfied to snorkel at the surface so not being able to equalise is not an issue for us. If you feel that you would prefer to be able to dive well below the surface then check out what Ninja Shark has to offer with their Full Face Snorkel Mask Equaliser below.
Click Here to Check Price on Ninja Shark
Is The Full Face Snorkels better?
The Full Face Snorkel Mask is better than your conventional snorkel due to the following features;
- Less Prone to viewing screen fogging up – As mentioned above with the separate breathing area this reduces the the viewing screen from fogging than the traditional mask,
- Improved Visibility – A lot of the masks have a curved viewing screen that extends behind your eye line, giving an uninterrupted 180 degree view. As I mentioned before with the curve it can distort the view slightly but I did not find this an issue. Additional to this the frame sits behind your line of vision, which means you don’t have a frame that alters your view. If you purchase the flatter mask that Ninja Shark has on offer this would reduce the distortion considerably,
- Accessories – The Mask has a Go Pro attachment point so you can capture your adventure and the masks we received had ear plugs and a water proof phone holder as an added bonus,
- Less Chance for Water Entry – the fitting of the mask seals around your entire face, which decreases the chance of water getting into the mask. The inner mouth and nose section seals your airways. The rear strap holds the mask in place on your head and can be easily adjusted,
- No Mouth Piece – While using a Full Face Snorkel Mask you can inhale and exhale through either your mouth or nose naturally. This type of breathing helps keep you more relaxed, calm and your mind free while in the water. There has been some reviews indicating that the breathing can be a little difficult. I found that full, calm deep breaths enabled me to enjoy snorkelling for a long time compared to having a mouth piece the conventional snorkels have. PLEASE NOTE if you do find it difficult to breath, remove the mask immediately,
- Communicating – You can easily talk without something in your mouth which allows you to tell your friend of the amazing things your seeing.
Are Full Face Snorkels worth it?
In my opinion these are definitely worth it. These snorkels should be at the top of your list if you want to enjoy what the under water world has to offer.
This is what my family thinks of them;
Wife – Comfortable, easy to use, easy to breathe, has allowed me to fully experience the magic of snorkelling and discovering the under water world. Would highly recommend. A must for for kids and those who find traditional snorkels fiddly.
Daughter – It covers your whole face,you can breath through your mouth and nose and it’s heaps easier to attach breathing tube. It is convenient because you can keep it in the bag and when you want to use it you can just take it out, put it on and go.
Son – I like it that you can breath, it keeps you afloat, easy to put on, it’s full which makes me see better, have fun and good for snorkelling.
Where to bye Full Face Snorkels?
As Full Face Snorkel Masks are not common in the Bricks and Mortar stores, not that I have seen anyway, the best place to get these would be on-line. However, if you where wanting to get your hands on them and try them before you purchase then you would have to look at your local sports or specialist dive shop.
If you really want value for money check out Amazon.com.au where we purchase ours for the kids and do highly recommend them.
If you are after the top of the range and leaders in the Full Face Snorkel Mask then take a look at Ninja Shark. Ninja Shark is an Australian family owned business if that is something that will sway your buying choice.
They have a range of Masks and packages to choose from.
Check out my Ninja Shark Mask Review that was done after getting the Full Face Air Mask from Ninja Shark some 8 months after this review.
How do I stop my snorkel mask fogging up?
Not that I have tried this but they say to use toothpaste on the inside of your goggle to prevent the fogging.
It only requires a small dot to be wiped on the inside and then removed with a soft cloth so as you don’t scratch the goggle.
Clean your mask often and try not to touch the goggles as the grease from your fingers will affect them.
Finally always wash them with clean water after ever use and store them in a well ventilated area in the bag provided.
Full Face Snorkel Mask Dangers
When breathing into a full face mask we produce carbon dioxide which can get trapped within the masks. Breathing the air with higher levels of CO2 can lead to dizziness, headaches, short of breath and in severe cases can cause you to become unconsciousness. Although this may not be too common it is important that if you feel any of these symptoms that you stop immediately.
The full face mask snorkels are evolving and they are now improving the air quality that gets into the full face mask snorkel to provide great experience for all.
Conclusion
We (Santa) chose the best value Full Face Snorkel Mask from Amazon as we are not ones that are doing this for anything more than just a nice way to experience the wonderful water and reefs we have at our door step. It was also a good option for the delivery time through what Amazon has to offer.
We highly recommend the Masks we purchased and also recommend checking out the Full Face Snorkels Masks that Ninja Shark have to offer.
Check out the reviews from Ninja Shark, they speak for themselves.
Happy exploring the beautiful reefs we have here in Australia and anywhere in the world you choose to explore the under water world.
Be safe and Happy adventures
Ben
Beka Products
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