Yep, really bad idea. Especially the cheap knock offs.

I always thought they are a great idea. Thanks for giving all the details and the advice. Really helpful!

It is easy to fix the Carbon dioxide buildup. First put the mask on, second when you breathe out make sure no air is coming past your face that you can feel if so that means it’s sealed properly and you will not have a carbon dioxide buildup.

@WaterlineShorts

2 жыл бұрын

The problem is not so much for people who are comfortable in the water and cognisant of air passing by their face. The problem is that people who don’t have that awareness and aren’t comfortable in the water put something on that is supposed to be easy but could put them in harms way. It’s a false sense of security for the people most at risk.

Good vid

I bought an Aria full face snorkel mask by Ocean Reef, chosen because I needed the Optical Support System to hold my prescription lenses as I am short sighted. I took this mask on an organised 2 weeks snorkelling holiday to Galapagos in February 2020. Once there, despite fitting perfectly and not leaking, it continually misted up. I used defog products, equalised temperature, took steps to keep it dry by preventing sea water splash wetting the inside, tried every bit of advice given to me by the very experienced holiday guide and the 16 other experienced snorkellers on holiday. The snorkelling was ruined, I couldn’t see anything, at one point at Kickers Rock I was in such severe danger because I couldn’t see I was swimming into the open ocean, the guide had to dive in and pull me back. On my return home I discovered the seal between the two compartments inside the mask was dislodged and immediately returned to the supplier Mike’s Dive Store, 113 Power Rd, Chiswick, London W4 5PY. I am astounded at their response, received today 7th July 2020, they say there is nothing wrong with the mask - I am being called a liar, along with the tour company guide and 16 fellow members of my group. They are suggesting returning the mask to me. What on earth is the point of returning a faulty mask for me take on another holiday and ruin that too. I am extremely unhappy, very disappointed in the Customer Service of Mike’s Dive Store. I had been extremely polite in my correspondence to them and asked them to propose a solution here that would give me happy snorkelling in the future and this is how I am treated. I am happy to give my full contact details to anyone who wants more information. WARNING DO NOT BUY THIS MASK AND DO NOT DEAL WITH MIKE’S DIVE STORE.

@WaterlineShorts

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Kathy. Difficulty to give any meaningful comment without seeing the mask so I will hold off on that. It sounds like you want to get the most out of your snorkeling experience. I think the best solution of that is the case is to find a mask and snorkel that work for you and your lenses and to avoid using a full face mask. With just a little practice a mask and snorkel combination will give you a far better experience.

0:17 "You can't equalize your ears if you try to dive down under the water." Sure you can. Pinching your nostrils closed while trying to blow out through your nose (the Valsalva method) isn't the only way to equalize, and most people can learn optional methods with a little training and practice. *That* is not the issue with these masks; *CO2 buildup* from short-stroking the movement of the air column in the snorkel tube is the issue. The only practical solution is to use two snorkel tubes, each equipped with a one-way valve so that fresh air only comes in through one tube and stale air only exits through the other, as shown in the model you show in this video.

I have one and it's safe

@WaterlineShorts

3 жыл бұрын

I think it’s up to the user to be safe. Understanding how to use it safely is the key. Happy snorkelling

It gives newbies a sense of security. Dangerous combination.

@WaterlineShorts

3 жыл бұрын

True. And they really don't give you much freedom.

Full face snorkel masks are mainly used by beginners and those are the people who can‘t tell which mask is safe and which isn’t. There should be a ban on FFSMs without separated channels for in and out breathing.

@WaterlineShorts

3 жыл бұрын

Good point

👊🏻

regular masks use less material and should be cheaper to produce...why did they invent that one