A better Snorkel for UK spearo?

[Mr. X]

Hi,
I am currently using a clear Typhoon silicone snorkel, with semi-dry top (the common 2 slit design) with a purge valve directly below the mouth piece. While it works well at the surface -- after diving the purge valve actually makes it harder (2 puffs vs. 1 puff) to clear the snorkel. Also, I don't like the hard strap clip nor its moulded-in holding bracket, as it cuts into my mask strap and hurts the side of my head -- I actually use a homemade bungee double-loop to hold the snorkel (the ultimate snorkel holder ).

Years ago, they always recommended divers avoid valves & go for a plain simple snorkel. That seems to be the preference for most spearos too. I have also learnt from this forum that most spearos spit the snorkel out for deep dives, to prevent noisy bubbles, ease breathing on return to surface ....& a few less clear reasons (to avoid interfering with protective drowning relexes?)!. So I am thinking I might get a simple, inexpensive snorkel. I used to have a nice simple black Typhoon snorkel, stiff tube with soft, flexible mouth-piece & U-bend (the U-bend , being soft, distorted on descent) -- not sure what happened to that -- but it worked well.

I wonder if people had recommendation (or warnings) about popular brands & models or features (clear/black/camo, flexible, etc.). I am open to suggestions, these are some that I am considering (but might just pick up a cheap no-brand one). I have starred a couple that particularly interest me:

- Omer Zoom Pro clear* (clear is camo isn't it?!)http://www.omersub.com/catalog/snorkels/p3.htm

- Omer Zoom Pro Soft* (black -- no clear available?) http://www.omersub.com/catalog/snorkels/p2.htm

- Sporasub Samurai **(camo) http://www.scubastore.com/shop.asp?id_familia=14&id_subfamilia=44

- Spetton Flexiplush/ Spetton Flexa http://www.scubastore.com/shop.asp?id_familia=14&id_subfamilia=44

- Picasso Nodo (flexible, clear & black!) Seems like this is a controversial one (v. small, soft mouthpiece). http://www.scubastore.com/shop.asp?id_familia=14&id_subfamilia=44

- Vortice Snorkel (flexible, clear & black too!) http://www.picassoamerica.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=82

- Air Snorkel (same as above?)http://www.picassoamerica.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=33&products_id=81

I have also seen some very cheap (3GP-5GBP) snorkels which actually look good (they are all just an easily mass produced plastic mouth piece & tube at the end of the day).

 

[borquaoar]

"beuchat activa tubair"

 

[OregonSpearo]

I own both the Omer Zoom Pro and the Beuchat Tubair. I recommend the Beuchat Tubair, much easier to clean.

 

[Huan]

Activair is nice and soft.
Colour don't matter, keep the orange bit on top , helps people see you.
Spora samurai is good too, large bore.

 

[Mr. X]

I own both the Omer Zoom Pro and the Beuchat Tubair. I recommend the Beuchat Tubair, much easier to clean.

Is that the original one:
http://www.azzisport.com/DivingListing.asp?qCategory=Snorkels&qProdName=Tubair
or the flexible Activa version (design looks quite different):
http://www.sportextreme.com/pz200x20001yEUR/
http://www.azzisport.com/DisplayProductDetails.asp?PiD=3124

 

[miles]

Hiya

I use a Omer Zoom Pro clear and can also HIGHLY recommend them.

The clear tube does how-ever become slightly yellow/brown after some time, so even the normal black Omer Zoom will be the same. No real camo advantage!!

Regards
miles

 

[guide1]

ive got a spetton flexi push, i like it alot it has a fairley small bore (i tthink the ones with large bore require to much effort to clear) i reckon its pretty streamlined aswell, my brother has a picasso nodo its has a very nice comfy mouth piece but its just to flexible for our conditions.

 

[portinfer]

I use the Picasso "love-hate" Nodo... and really like it - other mates have bought it and like it too.

Easy to use - simple - soft - soft in the mouth - soft against the side of the head - won't crack when you step on it in carparks/car-doors etc

I like it

Ed

 

[Mr. X]

I picked up a very cheap, simple snorkel recently (99p from Procella!)...and tried it in the pool today. Black, with a clear curve & mouth piece, orange safety tip -- similar to the the snorkel I learnt with years ago, although not as well curved. Shockingly, I found it better in most regards than my fancy clear Typhoon, flexi-curve, semi-dry, purge-valved main snorkel.

- significantly easier & quicker to clear
- snorkel usually cleared on the first puff & usually required only half the breath
- less likelyhood of a partial clear (purge valves obviously take some oomph out of the clearing blast)
- would be fine for a child too (a little shorter & narrower too).

Only down sides:
- mouth piece not as comfortable -- a bit thick/big, pity.
- mouth piece torques in the mouth as the soft, clear bend is not as giving as the flexi-curve on my main snorkel. [Note to self: flexi-curves good]
- lack of dry top might prove less desirable in at sea, esp. in a swell?
- a little short for big guy - but quite useable & very easy to clear

I am now considering blocking up the purge valve on my main snorkel!

BTW I noticed some interesting looking dry & semi-dry top snorkels in the small scuba store in York over Christmas -- a different design to those I have seen on the web recently, & prices weren't too outrageous ... should probably have got one to try out for swells:yack .

 

[KWM]

whilst it must be your own choice, I have never met a spearo who used the dry/semi dry type of snorkle. You should be looking for quick and easy purging and most importantly quiteness,you dont want trapped air caught in the snorkle being released just as you are going to shoot your biggest ever Bass.You will also find that the closed /semi closed type, because of the valve on top will lead to your bouy line getting caught up. Stick with the simple open design you will not go wrong.

 

[deep thinker]

Ive also found that the plain 'cheapo' snorkels worked best, for clearing and they are easier to breathe through than those with the valves and all attachments. I had one of both and on my first dive in the swell the valve snorkel gave me so much trouble I had to take it off and go get the 'cheapo'. I must also add that I had the flu till just a few days before so my lungs were straining for oxygen through the valve and on my way out as I took off my mask and snorkel a wave came through and thankfully took the valve snorkel to a watery grave. I now dive only with a plain snorkel and find it much more effective even in a swell.:t :t

 

[Flying Bajan]

Riffe Stable.. best I've ever used, by far !

 

[Mr. X]

Riffe Stable.. best I've ever used, by far !

http://www.speargun.com/mask-snorke...een=PROD&Product_Code=SN020&Category_Code=SS4

http://www.spearfishinggear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=SG/CTGY/S2
[Perhaps they should call it the Phallus?rofl]

 

[Fondueset]

I've been using an impulse II. It's big and draggy but stays wonderfully clear - no little bit of water rattling around in there. It is a great snork for working in chop and wind - which I frequently encounter. The Riffe looks pretty cool to. I used to think purge valves were total crap.

 

[Flying Bajan]

The Riffe is very dry (no water "rattling" as you say), very easy to clear and doesn't wobble around.

Really cannot recommend it highly enough.

 

[rcerdena]

Omer Zoom Pro, the best choice!

Cheers,

Roberto

 

[Fondueset]

Yes, low profile - but a bit of a problem in heavy chop

 

[spaghetti]

I used to have a Cressi of very elegant design, but the valve under the mouth was very noisy: gurgle gurgle all the time. So, no more valves for me. And no red stripes on the top: I think it's useless for safety purposes (a swiftboat driver wouldn't notice) and might scare the fishes. Now i'm using a very simple black Whatsitsname snorkel, wide and curve-shaped...

 

[Mr. X]

I've been using an impulse II. It's big and draggy but stays wonderfully clear - no little bit of water rattling around in there. It is a great snork for working in chop and wind - which I frequently encounter. The Riffe looks pretty cool to. I used to think purge valves were total crap.

http://www.deepsixintl.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=58&cat=SNORKELS

Anybody try this one:

 

[Mr. X]

I used to have a Cressi of very elegant design, but the valve under the mouth was very noisy: gurgle gurgle all the time. So, no more valves for me. And no red stripes on the top: I think it's useless for safety purposes (a swiftboat driver wouldn't notice) and might scare the fishes. Now i'm using a very simple black Whatsitsname snorkel, wide and curve-shaped...

I'm moving toward the orange band -- although I guess I almost always have my big orange dive float. It is not just power boats (the float is for them) -- I have encountered kayaks, dingy's & scuba divers. I watched some scuba divers surfacing one day & that little bit of orange does make them much more noticeable .