AndyOz
30-08-2011, 21:39
Kit review : Mares Dual snorkel, more than just and expensive bit of pipe?
Until recently I’ve been using a SCUBA snorkel with splash guard, purge valve and flexible section. As I’m doing more snorkelling and aim to try to go through the OW Snorkelling syllabus I thought I’d try a dedicated snorkelling/spearo model.
The testing took place over four days of the August bank holiday in open water dives around Swanage/Kimmeridge/Studand.
Description:
Two part “simple” snorkel made from semi-flexible plastic. The main tube is partly flexible with a stiffer region on the outside face that runs ¾ of the length, the top ¼ is not reinforced. Cross section is a slightly rounded “D”. Mouth piece and elongated U-bend are a single soft part that just plugs on to the bottom of the tube and grips a couple of raised rings. The snorkel comes with a hook type keeper/clip.
In use:
The clip was pretty useless and not secure, binned it after second dive in the sea, it’s in the bits box now. The profile of the tube means it’s not too noticeable tucked under the mask strap however. The tube is surprisingly robust. I dropped it when kitting up for a night dive, it ended up getting kicked under some parked cars. I only found it after the dive and it had been run over (thanks Tim for use of a spare). Cosmetic damage only and I used it for the next two days diving without issues.
The mouth piece is very comfy but it doesn’t take much to pull this section off the tube. I might add a cable tie but taking a bit of care prevents it happening and isn’t that much effort. As I’m used to a purge valve and splash guard clearing seemed to need to be done more often and more positively. But again you become familiar with use. I also started moving the position on my head depending on my direction relative to waves which solved most of the issues of water ingress. The streamlined shape made it easy to slide around and adjust the angle. The finish on the plastic isn’t totally smooth so it will stay under the strap where it is placed, of course on mine this could be tyre marks.
There was some vibration on ascent from dives. It wasn’t enough to bother me. I keep the snorkel in my mouth and don’t put it behind my head as some suggest.
Pro’s:
• Deceptively simple design – not much to fail
• Mouth piece and lower pipe rotate so making it adjustable to a degree
• Streamlined
Con’s:
• Two piece design potential weak point
• Requires a little more work if you are used to more featured models
In summary:
Overall I liked Dual and will continue to use it for snorkelling but probably will not carry it for use with SCUBA, I can’t help thinking I will lose the mouth piece. I would recommend it to someone who is after a no frills design, budget dependant of course.
Until recently I’ve been using a SCUBA snorkel with splash guard, purge valve and flexible section. As I’m doing more snorkelling and aim to try to go through the OW Snorkelling syllabus I thought I’d try a dedicated snorkelling/spearo model.
The testing took place over four days of the August bank holiday in open water dives around Swanage/Kimmeridge/Studand.
Description:
Two part “simple” snorkel made from semi-flexible plastic. The main tube is partly flexible with a stiffer region on the outside face that runs ¾ of the length, the top ¼ is not reinforced. Cross section is a slightly rounded “D”. Mouth piece and elongated U-bend are a single soft part that just plugs on to the bottom of the tube and grips a couple of raised rings. The snorkel comes with a hook type keeper/clip.
In use:
The clip was pretty useless and not secure, binned it after second dive in the sea, it’s in the bits box now. The profile of the tube means it’s not too noticeable tucked under the mask strap however. The tube is surprisingly robust. I dropped it when kitting up for a night dive, it ended up getting kicked under some parked cars. I only found it after the dive and it had been run over (thanks Tim for use of a spare). Cosmetic damage only and I used it for the next two days diving without issues.
The mouth piece is very comfy but it doesn’t take much to pull this section off the tube. I might add a cable tie but taking a bit of care prevents it happening and isn’t that much effort. As I’m used to a purge valve and splash guard clearing seemed to need to be done more often and more positively. But again you become familiar with use. I also started moving the position on my head depending on my direction relative to waves which solved most of the issues of water ingress. The streamlined shape made it easy to slide around and adjust the angle. The finish on the plastic isn’t totally smooth so it will stay under the strap where it is placed, of course on mine this could be tyre marks.
There was some vibration on ascent from dives. It wasn’t enough to bother me. I keep the snorkel in my mouth and don’t put it behind my head as some suggest.
Pro’s:
• Deceptively simple design – not much to fail
• Mouth piece and lower pipe rotate so making it adjustable to a degree
• Streamlined
Con’s:
• Two piece design potential weak point
• Requires a little more work if you are used to more featured models
In summary:
Overall I liked Dual and will continue to use it for snorkelling but probably will not carry it for use with SCUBA, I can’t help thinking I will lose the mouth piece. I would recommend it to someone who is after a no frills design, budget dependant of course.