All good things in life must be built on a solid foundation and your dive equipment is no exception. The first gear any diver purchases are their mask, snorkel, and fins. This gear foundation is only made strong by investing in the best of the best. The worst thing you could do as a diver is investing thousands of dollars on top of the line BCD's, computers and wetsuits only to ruin it all by buying a cheap snorkeling set.
We know that choosing the right basic dive gear that's perfect for you can be overwhelming. Walk into any dive center and you will see walls full of different colors and shaped masks, tons of different snorkels and rows upon rows of all different looking fins. With SO many options you may wonder how in the world will you narrow it down to just one?!? That's where our experts here at Underseas Scuba Center come in. Check out our recommendations on how to choose the best basic gear out there.
THE THREE BASICS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THEM:
BASIC #1: MASK
A mask is one of the most important pieces of scuba gear for any diver. It is the window to the underwater world and without it diving would not be possible. The most important aspect in choosing a good mask is that it should fit your face well. Masks can be more narrow or wider in their build so choose one according to the shape of your face. Also, for it to fit well it must have as soft silicone skirt. Do the suction test to see if your mask is a good fit: (1) place the mask on your face without the strap behind your head, (2) suck in and hold your breath, (3) see if the mask suctions and sticks to your face for at least a few seconds. If it passes this test then choose your favorite color and you're good to go. Lastly, make sure the lens is made with tempered-glass for safety.
BASIC #2: SNORKEL
A snorkel is a very personal piece of equipment. It may spend a lot of time in your mouth so you want one that has a very comfortable mouth piece. This is usually achieved by being made from a softer silicone and the shape it is molded to. Next, you need to chose whether or not you want a "dry" snorkel. These snorkels theoretically, do not let any water into the snorkel chamber when you dive down, therefore, making it easier to clear and resume breathing from. However, they are a bit bulkier due to the "dry" chamber. If you don't mind clearing a little water out of the snorkel then just opt for the kind with a purge valve at the bottom of the snorkel. You also want to make sure that it rests comfortably along side your face so you may want to choose a "flex" snorkel. This kind of snorkel has a flexible portion of the snorkel near the mouthpiece so that when it is not in your mouth it hangs straight instead of curved up toward your mouth. We suggest that before you leave the store, attach the snorkel to the mask you chose and make sure it rests comfortably along side your face.
BASIC #3: FINS
A good pair of fins is essential to being able to move through the water with ease. Make sure you invest in a comfortable pair of fins that match up with the type of diving you will be doing the most. There are basically three different kinds of fins to choose from:
- "Paddle" Fins - Paddle fins are your traditional stiff bladed fins. They require more leg muscle to get you going but offer more thrust for your kick and are the only reliable fin in a current or under a load.
"Split" Fins - Split fins entered the diving scene in the late 90's. They slice through the water with minimal resistance and are great for divers who may not have as strong a kick. This fin gets its propulsion from the speed of the kick rather than the force.- Full-Foot Fins - Whereas traditional fins have an open foot pocket and buckle to keep your foot secure, a full-foot fin allows you to slip your bare foot into a foot pocket and go. When choosing a full-foot fin, make sure you pick one with a soft rubber foot pocket. These fins are great for travelers as they are typically smaller and lighter weight than traditional and split fins.
We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices in basic dive gear those that fit within your body type, budget, and activity level. However, there is no substitute for touching, feeling, and trying on the gear in person, especially your mask. So, come on down to Underseas Scuba Center and we will help get you into the best basic gear for you and your wallet in no time!
