The underwater world is full of wildlife and things to explore, and snorkeling allows you to explore and experience this breathtaking world for yourself. Before you decide to go snorkeling, you need to be properly prepared. Snorkeling requires some gear in advance, but one of the hardest decisions can be choosing between a snorkel mask and swimming goggles. In this tex, we will discuss how snorkeling masks differ from swimming goggles? When should it be used? How do you know which style is right for you?
- Price comparison
The most intuitive difference between snorkeling masks and swimming goggles can be seen directly from the price.
Generally, the price of snorkeling masks on the market ranges from $20 to $50, or even hundreds or more. It depends on the options available and whether they include prescription lenses. Snorkeling masks can often be purchased online, in pro shop, or rented from stores near the tourist destination.
Compared to snorkeling masks, swimming goggles maybe can cost less, generally ranging from a few dollars to $50, but there may be some differences depending on one's intent.
- About the snorkeling mask
For the first-time snorkelers, snorkel mask may difficult to use, but they are designed to help people swim easily underwater. The common snorkeling mask is used with the snorkel. The snorkel is clamped to the mask. It needs to be adjusted before use, and the snorkel is fixed in a comfortable position on the mask. When snorkeling, people breathe through snorkels that extend from their mouths to the surface.
Generally, a snorkel mask covers your eyes and nose to help drain any leaks and restrict breathing to only the snorkel that used with it. At the same time, the snorkeling mask can prevent some accidents, such as choke water which caused by improper breathing.
Compared to swimming goggles, snorkeling masks are generally designed for recreational use, and most masks contain leak-proof silicone skirts to prevent water from obstructing the snorkeler's vision. As a result, this mask has a wider visual range and a comfortable one-piece construction for optimal support for exploring open water and recreational swimming.
The depth that free snorkelers can enter the water is limited, between 10-20 feet, common snorkeling masks can adapt to the water pressure of this depth, beyond this depth must use a professional scuba mask, otherwise it may be dangerous.
The snorkeling mask is slightly inclined overall. The mask has wide-angle lenses, usually shaped like teardrops, with a tapered bottom, and tilting the lenses forward makes it easier for snorkelers to see the various creatures on the seafloor.
Compared with swimming goggles, the biggest advantage of the snorkeling mask is that the silicone skirt can stick to the edge of your face, so that your eyes will not be closed due to the stimulation of the sea, and you can see better when underwater which in a more comfortable way. At the same time, there is no need to buy additional nose clips when using the snorkeling mask, because the attached nose mask can cover your nose, which can prevent choking and balance the pressure well. In addition, the two-window snorkeling mask can also replace the two lenses with corrective lenses for nearsightedness or farsightedness according to the user's needs.
Whether it is an one piece mask or a two window snorkeling mask, users must develop the habit of breathing through their mouth to prevent sudden suction, mask squeeze and possible leaks. These half masks require snorkelers to put a snorkel in their mouth and can experience jaw fatigue or TMJ pain if not used regularly.
Of course, there is the solution to the annoyance is to use a full face snorkeling mask. As the name suggests, it covers your entire face while letting you see the colorful underwater world through an unsegmented lens. However, if you need to use prescription lenses, this will not be possible. Usually a full face snorkeling mask has a snorkel integrated into the top, so there is no need for snorkelers to breathe through a separate snorkel. Because of this, it can be more comfortable than a traditional half mask, which may be easier for new snorkelers who are not yet used to breathing through a standard snorkel. Getting the right fit for a full face mask can also be more difficult because you have to think about your face as a whole, not just your eyes and nose.
- About swimming goggles
Unlike snorkeling masks, which tend to cover around the outer eyes or even the full face, swimming goggles fit snugly against the skin around the eye sockets and cover the smallest facial contours. They're designed for speed and simplicity, so the goggles have very little space between the eyes and the lenses, don't cover the nose, and don't keep water out of the frame.
Goggles often have very small and somewhat round lenses, clear, tinted, or even prescription lenses that can also be color-corrected to prevent sunlight and glare from obstructing vision. Higher-end goggles even have tempered glass to extend the life of the glasses.
Goggles don't cover the nose, so an adjustable nose clip is usually required, and the extra cost of these accessories negates the price advantage over diving masks.
Compared to snorkeling masks, swimming goggles are lighter and easier to carry around. In fact, some goggles fit easily in your pocket. Their lightweight design also means they are generally more comfortable to wear than masks for longer periods of time, but means they can easily move out of position while snorkeling.
It should be noted that swimming goggles are very advantageous in shallow water, but not very suitable in deep water. When diving in deep water, the pressure in goggles increases because they are sealed around the eyes, which creates squeeze. The pressure will damage the eye and the skin around the eyes, causing bloodshot eyes and bruising of the skin around the eyes.
- Applicable time
Snorkeling is primarily a recreational sport and one of the great ways for people to enjoy marine life. The snorkeling mask is suitable for shallow to moderate swimming, anywhere from a few inches to feet, to find and explore the rich marine life, and if you are preparing for a day at the beach or a few leisurely laps in the pool, the snorkeling mask undoubtedly a good choice. When choosing a snorkeling mask, be sure to look for key features like anti-fog and soft gaskets. Paying attention to these factors will ensure you enjoy the most comfortable snorkeling experience.
Whether you're swimming a few laps for a workout or getting ready for a regular physical activity, goggles are often the better choice. Durability, silhouette, fit, lens function and overall comfort are the specifications you need to consider based on how often you train and whether you're indoors or outdoors.
Unlike snorkeling masks, goggles are not suitable for deep diving. You may already know that children use many goggles in swimming pools and adult shallow swimming environments, but athletes also use them. Many competitive swimmers are looking for ergonomic design elements and comfort without sacrificing the speed of wearing them.
In conclusion
While all snorkel masks and goggles are different, they all serve a similar purpose: to protect your eyes underwater. In some cases, they can also provide protection for your nose or even your entire face. They all have their place, but when it comes to snorkeling, the mask seems to be the best option. Goggles are better for swimming and snorkeling in very shallow areas. It's worth noting that you need to make sure they are kept clean for optimum performance.
When deciding on your purchasing options, remember to review their pricing, features and availability to see which option fits your needs. Or you can also talk to a diving professional to make sure it is right for you.