Awhile back someone was asking about these - so I thought I'd post a review.
I've used an Impulse 2 for quite some time. The primary feature I like about it is the diameter of the barrel - there is almost no resistance to breathing. I have some smaller, more streamlined snorkels - such as the Omer Zoom and Riffe Stable. The Riffe is also quite good - but you can feel resistance in both of these. The Omer is quite low profile - but it comes at the cost of breathing diameter. The Riffe is probably the best compromize of low-profile and self clearing.
Obviously the impulse snorks are pretty bulky. I took the Impulse 3 out today for the first time. It is lower profile in the forward dimension, with improved space under the upper drain valve - it tapers now - and also does not allow water to directly impact the soft valve - which could possibly cause it to fold up over the vents it covers - though I havent' had this happen. Another nice thing about the change in the upper valve is it no longer captures my floatline - which can be crazy making.
While I was out today a strong north wind kicked up and, combined with boat wakes and reflection off the breakwall , made for the kind of abrupt chop that allways sends water down any snorkel. Like the impulse 2 the 3 is pretty much immune to that - which is the other thing I like about it. It is a great snork for relaxed breathe-ups because it is very rare that water breaks the rythm of your breathe-up.
I've heard others complain about the bulk of these snorkels - for me it has not been an issue - but I generally am either motionless, or swimming in such a way as to blend as much as possible with the environment. The Impulse 3 is definitely lower drag than the Impulse 2 - it retains the same ease of breathing and ability to shed water - making for very nice, uninterrupted breath ups. I like to be able to take my time and slow my breathing way down; relaxing deeply - and a sudden gak of water can really throw the whole thing off.
Summary:
The Impulse 3 retains the same ease of breathing, is more streamlined and the upper valve is better protected. The upper valve is flattened in the front/back dimension, and the wide flat area has been eliminated. It's a solid improvement with no negatives if you are into these kinds of snorkels.
I've used an Impulse 2 for quite some time. The primary feature I like about it is the diameter of the barrel - there is almost no resistance to breathing. I have some smaller, more streamlined snorkels - such as the Omer Zoom and Riffe Stable. The Riffe is also quite good - but you can feel resistance in both of these. The Omer is quite low profile - but it comes at the cost of breathing diameter. The Riffe is probably the best compromize of low-profile and self clearing.
Obviously the impulse snorks are pretty bulky. I took the Impulse 3 out today for the first time. It is lower profile in the forward dimension, with improved space under the upper drain valve - it tapers now - and also does not allow water to directly impact the soft valve - which could possibly cause it to fold up over the vents it covers - though I havent' had this happen. Another nice thing about the change in the upper valve is it no longer captures my floatline - which can be crazy making.
While I was out today a strong north wind kicked up and, combined with boat wakes and reflection off the breakwall , made for the kind of abrupt chop that allways sends water down any snorkel. Like the impulse 2 the 3 is pretty much immune to that - which is the other thing I like about it. It is a great snork for relaxed breathe-ups because it is very rare that water breaks the rythm of your breathe-up.
I've heard others complain about the bulk of these snorkels - for me it has not been an issue - but I generally am either motionless, or swimming in such a way as to blend as much as possible with the environment. The Impulse 3 is definitely lower drag than the Impulse 2 - it retains the same ease of breathing and ability to shed water - making for very nice, uninterrupted breath ups. I like to be able to take my time and slow my breathing way down; relaxing deeply - and a sudden gak of water can really throw the whole thing off.
Summary:
The Impulse 3 retains the same ease of breathing, is more streamlined and the upper valve is better protected. The upper valve is flattened in the front/back dimension, and the wide flat area has been eliminated. It's a solid improvement with no negatives if you are into these kinds of snorkels.
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