Snorkel stuff
 

Saw something about Snorkel Bob's. Any comments on any island gear providers? Best, Worst? Any one prefer any specific gear? We are thinking of actually buying a little bit of gear this year, so we don't put our mouths where everyone else's has been.

If at all possible buy your gear before you go,that way you can get a mask that fits and a snorkel that is comfy for you. visit your local dive shop try on a few different brands(you can always choose one you like and then go and see if you can get a better price on line)<BR>look after you kit(rinse with fresh water ) and it will last you for years

Thanks, Linda, for telling DK to go to his local dive shop, enlist their professional service and browse their inventory, and then go buy the item on-line.<BR><BR> The way things are going there will soon be nothing but Walmarts in this country- and we will have people like Linda to thank for it.

We rented from Snorkel Bobs on Maui. The gear was 2 sets for $9 for the week. It was perfect for the snorekling we did. The mask fit worked for everyone, no problems. They do have snorkel equipment that you can rent that is an upgrade from the 2 for $9 if you need better stuff. In and out in minutes. Friendly and helpful staff. They give you a bottle of the gel to clear the mask for free, you just need to return the bottle with your equipment. They have an after hours drop off if you need to take the stuff back before they open or after they are closed. We went to the one in Lahaina.<BR><BR>I thought I'd be grossed out using someone else's snorkel but it was fine.

If you wear glasses but your vision is not horrendously bad.... bite the bullet and go to a dive shop to get a mask that has corrective lenses available. It makes a HUGE difference to have a mask that fits your face well and allows you excellent vision. I got a Sub-Cressi because it fit my face really but there are a few other good brands with dioptric lenses available. I also bought dive-skins - the zipup full body lycra suit. Doesn't really keep you warm (not an issue for me anyway) but if you're fair-skinned like I am and burn easily, it enables you to snorkel for hours with nor fear of sunburn. it covers everything except you head, hands and feet.

Snorkel Bob's on Maui was awesome, rented for the week, kept it in the trunk, and we were ready no matter what, they also told us about the best snorkeling spots on the island. Ahihi Bay on Maui was the best!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask a local for directions.

well dive shop if you guys kept your prices keen there would be no need to buy on the net would there.why is it I can buy an item on line(including international shipping) for cheaper than in a dive shop? anyway you guys make your money selling courses and stab jackets so lighten up.

I'll just go to my local dive shop in Ohio. They should have just the right thing. Sorry Linda, had to say it. <BR>Divershop, get an online site so I can buy, give me some advice, then I'll send business your way. Why do you think I'd talk about SB? I don't think his product would go over on the discount stores in Wmart anytime soon. Seriously, the advice is appreciated greatly!! If you have other suggestions please keep sounding off. <BR>I actually was asking about particular brands. When I know nothing, I get online, look at a broad range of reviews and designs, then value the price and how often I would use the product. I think right now, I'd actually be willing to buy a mask and snorkel. Just wondering if all those claims of &quot;dry snorkel&quot; are backed up by you experienced folks out there?

DK,<BR>I bought a dry snorkel(ocean master brand)before we went to hawaii it was superb.my husband took his normal snorkel and when he was fed up with mouthfuls of salt water he decided to rent a dry one(from the Hanauma bay rental place)it was useless,he took it back and changed it but in the end he just went with his normal snorkel.

We rented from Snorkel Bob's. We wanted nice gear, so we rented their nicest sets for two weeks. Upon returning them, we realized that we could have BOUGHT our gear for the amount we paid... my husband joked about this, and the guy at Snorkel Bob's said they apply your rental to any purchase, so we DID end up buying our gear, and had very little to pay. We now own our very own (QUALITY) snorkel gear, and Snorkel Bob's was very nice. I highly recommend them!

Snorkel Bob's also rents prescription goggles. Had always used non-prescription ones, but the corrective lenses sure made a difference!

My eye sight is pretty bad. I don't know if they'll have corrective lenses snorkel gear for me. Is it possible wear your glasses and the goggles?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>JJSoon

Sherry,<BR>Dare I ask how much you paid and what you got? I actually have been in contact with a certain Snorkel Dude, asking why their stuff is so great compared to other's products.<BR>Funny thing, I asked him to compare Moflo snorkel to that same Ocean Master Dry Snorkel (before the email posted above). Apparently, some people are very sensitive to the &quot;dead Zone&quot; carbon dioxide in typical snorkels like the OMDS. After snorkeling for a while, fatigue, dizziness may set in. Wasn't a sales job, cause SB also sells snorkels similar to OMDS, just a different style/techonology for different people.<BR>Been trying to research stuff on the net to get equipment I'll enjoy. Heck, half the fun for a geek like me is to research the thing to death.

I'm glad I found this discussion. I'm taking my family to the Carribean this spring and was going to give them snorkle equipment for Christmas since the trip is their main gift. For the kids and teenagers do you think the &quot;kits&quot; at Sports Authority that have mask, snorkle and fins would be okay? We'll be there for 7 days and I know they'll use them everyday so I think by the time I rent 6 sets for that long I might as well have bought them.

dk,<BR>you should not have a problem with an OMDS unless you have some sort of heart or lung problem(in which case snorkeling should only be done with a physicians advice) the difference is that the snorkel has a very large bore,while this can take a few minutes to get used to it is advantageous as it gives you more time underwater if you like to duck dive.