Snorkel Gear Review

Aqua Gear staff recently returned from the Bahamas where we tried some snorkeling products in the waters off Stuart Coves, Nassau.

The products tested were a Tusa Prescription Mask (call for information on getting one of these for your prescription), the Water Gear Kauai Silicone Snorkel and Tusa Reef Tourer Fins.

For the near-sighted, a prescription mask is a great product. Why spend a large amount of money to go snorkeling or diving, and not have a clear view of the underwater scenery?

The Tusa mask worked very well, didn't fog and was comfortable to wear. With the prescription lenses I was able to clearly see Reef Sharks 40 feet down (unlike past trips where I was squinting to see what was going on).

The Tusa Reef Tourer fins are smaller than typical snorkeling fins and so provide a little less power, but are far more maneuverable in small areas and are definitely easier to handle on the boat and in your gear bag. They are very comfortable with a wide foot pocket and adjustable strap. I was able to make a quick strap adjustment while sitting on the back of the boat just prior to going in.

The Water Gear Kauai Snorkel has a swivel barrel that allows the mouthpiece to be positioned a variety of ways and eliminates the torque that sometimes happens with fixed snorkels. The snorkel remained dry even though the swells were fairly large that day, and I was constantly ducking my head to take some pictures below my position.