USVI-On-Line

Looking to buy just a couple cheap sets of snorkel gear from a sporting goods store. Does "anti-fog" make a big difference?

Hi arenee,

With super-cheap sets, you'll often get what you pay for, and spend the vacation cursing your leaky mask. I think that the mask is the most important part of the set, and it's worth paying a bit more for (silicone is better than rubber for the part of the mask that sticks to your face). After a frustrating trip with "basic" masks, we went to a local shop and tried on a few masks to see what worked for us. We ended up buying online because we needed several other things as well.

If you think you'll be going snorkeling on more than one trip, purchasing a decent mask & snorkel can cost the same as renting two times.

If you do go with the basic masks, I don't know if the "anti-fog" feature helps or not, but I have found this stuff to be essential (I carry it with me while snorkeling):
http://www.diveprodivegear.com/m8_view_ ... item=14201

I have tried the anti fog masks. I did not notice a difference. I usually don't have a fog problem with my mask though. A little spit on the inside of the mask rinsed with very little water will keep your mask clear. I agree that mask fit is most important. Also look for a easy clearing snorkel (clears water through the bottom).

diluted baby shampoo works as anti-fog

A little dab of toothpaste shmeared over the inside of the lens (rinsed when you go in) works as an anti-fog too (that tip from Capt Clark of Whitewing).

If you mask fogs up a lot, that means you are exhaling out of your nose too much. Try to control that better and your fogging issues will be much reduced.

Costco has a nice little starter set right now that's good quality. It's the best I've found for the price.

I just use that mask goo for anti fog and never had a problem. But like others have said spit and tootpaste also work well.

As others know I'm not a big fan of renting equipment. I kinda feel like I'm using someone else's straw.

Our gear fits in a large bag, and there's room for books, swim trunks, tshirts, sandals, and the soft-sided cooler. It maxes out for carry on size limitation.

Don't go cheap on the snorkle gear. Get a good set and it will last for many years. Always rinse the gear. When storing at home, clean the mask with silicone spray and wipe clean. Use Armour All on the rubber parts of the fins. Keep the masks in plastic bags to prevent scratching.

It is a huge benefit to be able to grab the gear and head for the beach. No adjusting, no problem. Spit. Rinse. Fins. Mask. Camera. Go.

Check out the US Diver Adult Grande Snorkeling Set from Dick's. I like the one-piece lens: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/produ ... Id=2995844

I bought my snorkel from the local dive shop for about $50 when I bought my mask, because the guy spent quite a lot of time fitting me with a mask and making suggestions. But then I googled around and found the same snorkel online for about $18 and free shipping and bought three more for the rest of the family. Gratitude only goes so far.

The snorkels are the dry type, I have been using mine in the pool and cannot flood it no matter how hard I try. Also if I take it out of my mouth and fill it with water, it has one of those purge valves at the bottom that clears with a quick breath out the mouthpiece. Not bad for $18. The quick connect is a little hard to hook up while in the water though. Online I got 2 ScubaMax Seal Dry Pro II 's and for some reason they sent me a XS Scuba Sedona Elite Dry Snorkel for the third one, which is much the same design so I didn't complain.

The other members of my family are buying their masks locally also, because fit is so important. And if I take the time of the salesperson, I usually buy locally unless the salesman is a jerk.

We are just going to rent fins in STJ

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/naviga ... tem=166112

That US Divers set is about $30 cheaper at Sam's.

Mask fit is the most important thing. Spit,toothpaste ,baby shampooand anti-fog all work to clear it and if you get in the water and still have a problem,do what a scuba diver would do. Let a little bit of ocean water in the mask, and then clear it by putting a little pressure on the mask at the top between your eye and blow GENTLY through you nose. This will clear the water and the lense will be clear since both sides of the lense are now the same temperature. US diver makes some good reasonably price gear and you can find it at many places online, just google snorkel or scuba gear.

Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much. I was looking for a less expensive- basic set for my two kids. They are just 6 and 10 and are growing like weeds. Once they are a little older I will have no problem purchasing a "good" set for each of them. They have both been snorkeling sinc they were 4 years old and are quite good at it. They saw a set that said "anti fog" on the packaging so they think that is the way to go. I told them I would check with the experts. Thanks for all the great tips.

If your trying to save space consider bring masks and snorkels and renting fins when you get there. I think it was about $20-30 for the week.