8 Best Snorkel Tube – Buyer’s Guide

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There are so many snorkels on the market these days that it is difficult to find the best freediving snorkel among them. Freedivers and spear fishermen rely on snorkels with simple designs because they are the most effective.

Water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and spearfishing have made significant advances in snorkel technology. Even the most basic snorkels today are technological wonders compared to predecessors’ hollow reed tubes.

In the absence of a snorkel tube, a dry top can be attached to a snorkel tube that has a purge valve that prevents water from entering. However nice these features may seem to freedivers, they are of no benefit to them.

As freedivers, we need the same type of snorkel. So, we’re left with our classic J-type snorkel, which doesn’t have either a dry-top or purge valve. The features we are looking for include a comfortable mouthpiece, as well as some extra features not found on most snorkels.

In spite of the fact that a traditional snorkel may seem a bit lacking in features, it is actually equipped with everything you require without any unnecessary fluff. This means you will be able to shop for them easily and save a lot of money. The top snorkel tube is the one that meets your specific needs. Let’s discuss what you need to look for.

8 Best Snorkel Tube

1. Aqua Lung Impulse 3 2-Valve Flex Snorkel

In addition to being a semi-dry snorkel, the Aqualung Impulse 3 has an easy-to-use seal mechanism that makes getting rid of excess water a breeze.

Most water escapes the tube through its annular valve before it reaches the mouthpiece, which protects the machine from water intake. A second valve on the snorkel’s base will automatically drain any splashes that do not pass this valve.

Besides the large reservoir, we also like the extra-large breathing path that catches accumulated water at the bottom of the snorkel. It doesn’t matter when the water needs to be purged: the awesome purge system allows for gentle exhalation.

In addition to its comfort, the Impulse 3’s mouthpiece is also available in two sizes and can even be replaced, meaning you don’t have to buy a brand-new snorkel every time the mouthpiece wears out (which is common as a result of clenching your teeth if you are snorkeling in rough water).

These snorkels are available in rigid and flexible models (with corrugated tube sections). You can find a rigid snorkel that won’t ‘wobble’ here, so you can choose a mouthpiece that falls away or a rigid mouthpiece that won’t fall away.

While it might not be the most affordable snorkel out there, the Aqua Lung Impulse 3 could be just what you’re looking for if you want a comfortable snorkel that is durable and works well in rough waters.

Features

• Replacement mouthpieces are available for Comfort-Bite.
• Two valves are used in Impulse 3. Waves breaking over the snorkel are generally channeled out of its mouthpiece before it even reaches the annular upper valve. 
• The reservoir located below the mouthpiece keeps excess water clear of the breathing path when excess water does get past the annular valve.
•  A single puff of air is all it takes to clear the Impulse 3 Snorkel in the rare event that you need to do so.
• Comfo-bite is available in a smaller size as an option.
• Comfo-bite mouthpieces, which prevent jaw fatigue by eliminating the need to clench teeth, are patented.
• For use with a regulator, the lower unit can be dropped off the flex model.

2. Cressi America and Gringo Snorkels – Comfort During Extended Use – Cressi: Quality Since 1946

There are many similarities between freediving and scuba diving, except that you don’t need an oxygen tank. Instead of taking a breath underwater, you have to hold it. 

There is nothing better than pushing yourself physically and mentally without taking a breath for several minutes without taking a breath. If that is the case, then why do freedivers need snorkels? Diving, after all, is all about maintaining air pressure as long as possible?

For those of you who are freedivers, the answer is obvious. However, snorkels help those who are new to diving breathe up smoothly when they finally reach the surface, especially when the water is rough and wavy. In addition to freediving, freedivers also like to watch marine life from the surface of the water.

Any avid freediver will appreciate the Cressi Standard Bore Tube. It features a multipositional mouthpiece that is exceptionally comfortable, even while being used for extended periods of time. A large breathing tube allows for unobstructed breathing when it’s time to get up for air.

There is a rubber loop attached to the side of the backpack that can be hooked onto a mask strap, even though it doesn’t come with one. This particular snorkel goes straight up instead of bending around the head, making it a lot easier for you to clear water from your breathing tube when it gets filled with water.

Features

• In addition to providing maximum comfort during prolonged use, the silicone soft mouthpiece can be adjusted to a variety of positions.
• For diving and freediving, this standard snorkel is designed for adults.
• Snorkel tubes with large diameters allow for unobstructed breathing.
• Cressi has been manufacturing diving equipment, snorkeling equipment, and swimming equipment since 1946, including the Gringo.
• An easier clearing capability is provided by a minimal tube bend and a minimal mouthpiece bend.

3. Phantom Aquatics Scuba Snorkeling Dry Snorkel Tube

We recommend the Phantom Aquatics Dry Snorkel if you’re looking for a snorkel with features that are suitable for beginners at an affordable price. A seal at the top of the snorkel tube engages whenever the snorkeler dips beneath the surface, ensuring that very little water can enter and that breathing is easy. 

Moreover, the snorkel has a self-draining purge valve, which means most of the water that makes its way inside will easily drain away. Due to the highly functional purge valve, clearing the snorkel yourself is a breeze in the rare instance that it needs to be done.

As well as these features making it an excellent snorkel for snorkelers, its corrugation makes it ideal for divers as well; the mouthpiece won’t irritate the diver’s face on the dive due to the corrugation. Having a replaceable mouthpiece is one of the great features of this snorkel.

Even with gloves on, it is very easy to remove your snorkel from your mask but be warned that the attachment isn’t as sturdy as it should be. If you dive in very strong currents, your snorkel may be swept away. 

Also, the tube is primarily rigid and the added features add to the weight and bulk, making it less travel-friendly. It’s definitely worth considering Phantom Aquatics Dry Snorkel if you’re a beginner who hates cleaning your snorkel.

Features

• With a single hand, the quick-release buckle can be detached
• The bore is streamlined with an oval shape, and there is an angled mouthpiece for convenience.
• A self-draining chamber with an easy purge system.
• A flexible tube snorkel with a replaceable mouthpiece.
• The Dry Top Tube virtually eliminates the possibility of water entering the tube while underwater.

4. ZIONOR Snorkel Lap Swimming Swimmer Training Diving Snorkeling Comfortable Mouthpiece One-Way Purge Valve for Pool Open Water

Several benefits can be achieved by lap swimming while wearing a snorkel. In freestyle swimming, most swimmers pick up their heads naturally. You will be forced to keep your eyes fixed on the bottom of the pool while you use a snorkel, which is contrary to how your brain naturally understands the environment.

Additionally, it reinforces a straight line from your head to your ankles by keeping your head from wandering. Swimming technique is improved as a result.

The ZIONOR Lap Swimming Snorkel has a wide range of features that are perfect for anyone looking to swim laps. The spout provides a generous amount of oxygen while allowing air to flow smoothly into and out of the tube when exercising. The spout provides a generous amount of oxygen while allowing air to flow smoothly into and out of the tube when exercising.

It also features a thick, specially designed head pad designed to keep the snorkel firmly on your head for extended periods of time, whether you are swimming all four strokes or flipping turns. With frequent use, the mouthpiece remains odorless even when made of food-grade material. Jaw fatigue is minimized by the design of the product, which fits perfectly in the mouth.

With a single exhalation, water can be purged from the tube and prevented from getting into the mouth when inhaling. With its center-mount design, the swimmer is able to maintain proper form and alignment without being limited in the ability to rotate their arms. In general, the ZIONOR snorkel does an excellent job of making strokes more efficient.

Features

• Designed with thick pads that sit firmly on the head and eliminate movement while flipping turns and performing all four strokes
• Swimmers will be able to swim effortlessly with this pool snorkel due to its sleek hydrodynamic design, which ensures minimal resistance from the water
• An optimized mouthpiece made of food-grade and odorless materials ensures the front snorkel remains in place during exhalation and enables a water-draining one-way purge completely.
• Swimming Snorkel with Spout – This swimming snorkel maximizes speed by 30% while swimming laps and during triathlons while offering adequate oxygen flow.
• The design of the center mount with snorkel makes it possible for the arms to rotate smoothly and the body to remain aligned while improving stroke efficiency

5. Riffe Stable Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Snorkel

A flexible snorkel that can withstand the test of time is the Riffe Stable, which concludes our list of the best snorkels. It is surprisingly tough and will not buckle under pressure because of its corrugated surface. 

As a result of its flexibility, the corrugated portion of the tube provides great flexibility as well. You can fold and unfold the snorkel repeatedly without any sign of wear and tear (great for storing it in the pocket of your BCD).

As the top of the tube resembles the fin of a shark (so it’s perfect for pranks! ), it keeps seagrass from getting stuck in it and keeps it clean. A dry-top design prevents water from entering the tube, which is also super efficient at cutting through the water.

Additionally, the snorkel features a highly effective purge valve at the base, which is great since it’s not too bulky. This sleek design makes the Riffe Stable one of the most popular choices among freedivers, snorkelers, and divers as well as scuba divers. 

This snorkel only requires a quick freshwater rinse after each session due to its simple design. It doesn’t have a seal mechanism, so it requires very little maintenance. In terms of value, the Riffe Stable will most likely never be the cheapest snorkel, but if you’re looking for a snorkel that is both functional and durable, then this is the snorkel for you.

Features

• Low profile Hinged snorkel keeper for easy attaching to mask Comfortable mouthpiece Purge on the bottom for easy clearing.
• Stable Snorkels from RIFFE feature a flexible vinyl tube that allows them to fold up for storage in BC. 
• The dry top’s shark-fin shape prevents line, seaweed, and floating materials from getting caught. 
• The manufacturer has tested a number of snorkels in the industry, and the Stable is the easiest to clear. 
• In addition to being a true fresh-air snorkel for freedivers, it also comes with a high-quality hinged snorkel keeper.

6. Cressi Foldable Adult Dry Snorkel for Scuba Diving, Snorkeling | Alpha Ultra Dry Made in Italy

Buying cheap is expensive, as the old saying goes. We won’t argue with you if you think snorkels shouldn’t cost more than ten dollars. They are what they are, but they are still good.

There is no doubt that Cressi produces the best dive and snorkel gear on the market. One of the best-selling top-of-the-line snorkels out there is their Alpha Ultra Dry Snorkel.

It’s a dry-top snorkel that uses the latest technology, unlike other brands you might encounter. Despite any angle you swim at, your tube is effectively sealed off from water by a small valve. A unique float mechanism ensures that water will not enter the hose, whether you are submerged intentionally or accidentally.

The snorkel has a very flexible design, a feature that makes it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving for an extended period of time without causing jaw fatigue. Additionally, its flexibility allows it to be conveniently stored in a travel pack or BC pocket without being damaged.

Air flows more naturally and comfortably within the tube because of its wide, elliptical bore. Water can be expelled through the purge valve if it gets into the hose by blowing it out.

Generally, the Alpha has a sleek and intuitive design that offers the best comfort and hydrodynamics of any snorkel we have tried. Do you think it’s worth the price? That’s certainly what we think.

Features

• With its several features that keep water out, the Alpha Ultra Dry is the perfect snorkeling tube to pull out for any snorkeling activity.
• Cressi, a leading brand of scuba, snorkeling, and swimming equipment since 1946, designed and built the Alpha Ultra Dry in Italy.
• It folds compactly so it can be stored in a BC pocket or travel bag, and its flexible tube reduces jaw fatigue.
• Water cannot enter the snorkel if it is accidentally submerged or purposely submerged because of the float mechanism.
• With a wider, elliptical bore, more air is released to provide you with more comfortable breaths. A purge valve enables immediate clearing when needed. 
• High-quality silicone, instead of plastic PVC, is used in the manufacture of this product in Italy.

7. Mares Dual Snorkel for Spearfishing and Freediving

Because it’s angled so that it stays out of your way and lets you feel comfortable underwater, Mares Dual Snorkels are perfect for freediving and spearfishing. Bi-materials with contrasting textures prevent irritation at the nape of the neck while ensuring that the product remains flexible.

In addition to its hydrodynamic design, it features vibration resistance, quietness, and flexibility without interrupting airflow. When spearfishing, can be extremely useful for sneaking up on fish.

Silicone mouthpieces provide clear, comfortable breathing and are hypoallergenic. They can be worn for prolonged periods with no discomfort. There is a very simple design with the Mares Dual Snorkel that does what it is supposed to do very well.

Features

• Air turbulence caused by emptying is reduced by optimizing diameter and length
• A bi-material construction provides flexibility without interrupting airflow and prevents irritation at the nape of the neck
• Underwater movements are made quieter and more comfortable by hydrodynamic design
• Breathing is unparalleled
• Hydraulic Snorkel Keeper with Low Profile

8. WACOOL Training Headstrap Support Dry Top Snorkel Tube Comfortable Mouthpiece One-Way Purge Valve for Pool Open Water Scuba Lap Swimming Swimmer Diving Snorkeling

If you’re new to snorkeling, let me tell you it’s one of the best ways to see the incredible sea life underneath the surface of the water. It does not even require formal training, but it does require you to be able to swim in order to get started.

While snorkeling for the first time, many novices wind up with an unpleasant experience when they inhale large amounts of water through their snorkels. Designed with beginners in mind, the WACOOL Dry Top Snorkel has a wide range of features.

Whether you’re snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming laps, this top-dry suit keeps the water out. You won’t choke on the water when you breathe through the tube, so you don’t need to worry about choking. In the rare case that water gets into the hose, you can blow through the mouthpiece to expel it with minimal resistance.

Upon diving into the ocean, this mask is equipped with a head pad that keeps it in place. In addition to its ergonomic design, it offers great comfort when worn for prolonged periods of time, reducing headaches.

A durable food-grade silicone mouthpiece is attached to the hose, which is made from high-quality material. This snorkel holds the snorkel firmly in place in your mouth thanks to its streamlined design. Despite its length, you won’t experience any jaw fatigue after wearing it for a long time. No lingering odor persists even after frequent use, and it is easy to clean.

There is also a flexible tube included with it, which is another wonderful feature. A compact fit can be achieved for both adults and teenagers by folding it around the head. Swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all possible with this product. Ultimately, this is the snorkel you should choose if you are a beginner.

Features

• Silicone Mouthpiece: Made from food-grade silicone, this mouthpiece provides a good seal and is very comfortable in the mouth. In case of need, it can be removed and replaced.
• Easily attachment: The tube clip is easily attached to any brand of standard dive snorkel mask. Easy to clip on and off a diving mask with its quick-release adjustment clip.
• Allows you to move your snorkel tube up and down to find the most comfortable position. An easy-to-install and easy-to-remove clip.
• An oval-shaped tube with a larger diameter will allow you to take deep breaths without having to work hard for it. A curved upper tube prevents the mouth from dragging as it comes close to your head.
• Dry top valve with lever: When submerged under water, WACOOL dry snorkels flip over and automatically close the air entrance. Splash guards prevent water from entering snorkels even when waves crash overhead.
• This design paddle won’t get stuck like other float ball valves that can easily get lodged by sand.
• With the one-way purge valve, you can easily clear water from underwater when using the snorkel tube. It will come out if you blow on it.

How To Choose The Best Snorkel Tube?

1. Types of Snorkels

Semi-Dry 

This type of snorkel is similar to a classic snorkel that has been improved. Water cannot enter its tube because this snorkel features a splash guard at the top. You should note that this device only prevents splashes of water from entering.

The tube will flood when submerged, just as it does when submerged in water. There are two types of semi-dry snorkels: rigid and flexible. A purge valve is sometimes included with this model. Although, semi-dry is different from dry snorkels.

Classic 

A “J”-shaped snorkel is another name for this model. A simple curved tube sits at the bottom of the apparatus, while a mouthpiece is placed at the top. There is no limit to how flexible the tube can be. It always has an open upper portion, protected by nothing.

This product has been around for a long time and despite not offering much protection from water entry, it remains a favorite with scuba divers and snorkelers. Due to its simple construction, this type of snorkel is the cheapest. It does not have a dry mechanism or a valve. There is one major disadvantage of the tube during descent: it completely fills with water. It’ll take some time for you to be able to breathe again once you’ve cleared out the water.

This is a good option for those who want to get started and learn how to get rid of water from their tubes. Travelers may find some models convenient because they are demountable. There is, however, a possibility of leaks due to the removable parts. There are also some people who have trouble expelling all of the water from the interior, which increases the risk of swallowing water.

Full Face Mask

A full-face mask prevents water from entering the face area by creating a seal around the face. With air being allowed into the mask through its built-in dry snorkel, this mask is suitable for water sports. Due to the fact that the air circulates across your entire face, you can breathe through your mouth and nose.

A 180-degree view is also provided by this type of mask, which is much more comfortable to wear for those who prefer not to wear traditional masks.

Diving deeper than the surface is not recommended with this type of mask because it makes equalizing your ears more difficult. As a result of its large volume of air, the mask also provides positive buoyancy.

Dry 

It is recommended to use dry snorkels because they have the best performance and the most advanced features. In the top of the tube, there is a dry valve that prevents water from entering. Water is usually pushed into the valve by a ball-shaped buoy, which then closes the valve. Purge valves are typically included at the base, making it easy to empty the water.

Using this type of snorkel will save you time by not having to constantly clear the tube because less water gets into the snorkel. If you enjoy diving deep, this is the perfect product for you.

2. Rigid or Flexible Tube

There are a variety of dry snorkels available today, most of which have flexible tubes. Biting the mouthpiece from these tubes is made easier due to the ability to find the right position. Diving tubes that are flexible are preferred over rigid ones by most divers.

It is important to remember that rigid tubes cannot be adjusted to your preferred position, as their name implies. They have a curved shape that is specifically designed to improve bites but is uncomfortable to wear in the mouth. The advantages of each, however, outweigh the disadvantages. The surface keeps them more stable, for example, as swimmers stay in place when they’re on the surface.

3. Materials

There are various plastic alloys used in the manufacture of tubes and valves. Silicone, which provides great durability and flexibility, is a popular material for mouthpieces. The use of other materials can make some mouthpieces more comfortable or durable, but they tend to be less durable and comfortable.

Flex Tube

A snorkel may have a flex tube, which is an interesting feature. As opposed to one continuous tube, the flex tube joins the mouthpiece and the main breathing tube at the bottom.

Flex tubes offer the benefit of letting you speak to your buddy when you’re on the surface because when the mouthpiece is removed, you can leave it hanging away from your mouth.

The benefits of this are completely lost on freedivers and SCUBA divers. In general, the flex tube is an inconvenience when diving underwater, as it flaps around, gets in the way, increases drag and creates a lot of disturbance.

It may be beneficial to have a foldable snorkel when diving with a BCD that can store the snorkel. It is regrettable that freedivers are once again unaffected, especially those who tend to keep their snorkel under their mask.

4. Mouthpiece Design

There is no doubt that the mouthpiece is an important part of a snorkel. If you are going to bite on a mouthpiece, it needs to be comfortable. You should be able to comfortably hold the piece in your mouth without having to bite too hard. In other words, you may end up with a tight and sour jaw at the end of the day.

A model with replaceable mouthpieces is what you should consider. It will be only the mouthpiece that needs to be replaced if it becomes damaged, not the snorkel itself.

5. Purge Valve

It is often possible to clear the tube using a purge valve included in most models. If you blow, any water accumulated at the base is expended through a valve and collected in a small tank. Snorkels of all types are equipped with these valves today.

6. Design

Additionally, the design is important when it comes to determining the comfort of a bite. You don’t want to feel that your mouth is being pulled by the mouthpiece as you swim, so the shape of the tube shouldn’t create resistance against the water. A dive with a model that isn’t ergonomic can leave you feeling exhausted afterward.

7. Colors

On the market, there is a wide variety of colors to choose from. Although you can pick any color you like best, some colors are better suited for specific activities. Colors that are bright can be seen by ships at a distance, for instance, while snorkeling. While dark colors are best for free diving and spearfishing due to the fact they will not scare the fish away.

8. Mask Attachment

Plastic clips or figure-eight attachments are common on snorkels that enable them to attach securely to the snorkel mask. There are two types of mask clips: quick-release clips and lift-to-attach clips.

Those snorkels with round tubes will benefit from the figure-eight silicone keeper. Mask clips, on the other hand, are typically used with squarish or oval snorkels. Although it is slightly more difficult to attach to your mask than hard plastic clips, the former is extremely cheap and easy to replace.

Snorkels are sometimes attached to freedivers’ masks so that they can dive with them. Freedivers may, however, leave their snorkels floating above the water so that they don’t burden themselves with them while diving. You can either use a floating snorkel or attach a snorkel to a freediving float with a string if you want someone to hold onto it for you.

What Is The Purpose Of Snorkel Tube?

Now that we know what each of those terms means, let’s move on to the next step. Choosing the right snorkel means knowing which features you want (or do not want). As far as purpose is concerned, it really comes down to that!

Scuba Diving: 

You can stash a flexible snorkel in your BCD pocket and pull it out during an emergency if you hate snorkels (like many divers do). The best course of action is to be safe than sorry. For those who prefer keeping their snorkel attached, try playing with non-flexible and flexible tubes. Some divers prefer nosepieces that fall away, while others prefer flexible tubes that hold the nosepiece in place.

Snorkeling: 

In addition to splash guards, seal mechanisms, and purge valves, beginner snorkels generally offer a variety of features. Water is minimized from entering the snorkel tube with these features, and cleaning the snorkel is easy, so you can concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than cleaning it.

Advanced snorkelers might find feature-packed snorkels too bulky (and maintenance a pain), so they’ll likely prefer something more streamlined and lighter but be aware that their tubes may get fuller quicker!

Freediving:

When diving down into the depths, you’ll need a lightweight, streamlined snorkel to minimize drag. In other words, they are usually classic J-shaped snorkels without much in the way of features. In addition to advanced snorkelers, divers, and spearfishers, this type of snorkel is also very popular with those who spend a great deal of time underwater.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There are a number of advanced features on modern snorkels, but they aren’t necessary or even harmful to freedivers. You actually won’t be able to dive with snorkels with dry tops or flex tubes. Freedivers should always look for traditional J-type snorkels that can be easily cleaned.

But, Overall my top pick is Aqua Lung Impulse 3 2-Valve Flex Snorkel due to its outstanding features, dual valve, comfortable replaceable mouthpiece, quality, and long-lasting use making it the best one.

While my 2nd recommended product is Cressi America and Gringo Snorkels. It is the best budget-friendly option for those who want the best performing tube at a low price.

Material plays an important role. Soft plastic is what you’re looking for in a snorkel. The flexibility of soft plastic makes it more resistant to movement. In addition to being more comfortable to wear, they are also more durable. It is easy for hard plastic to break, especially if a strong wave or something catches it. To find the perfect snorkel, you must find one that is flexible and rigid at the same time.

Last but not least, you should consider how you intend to use the snorkel. Snorkels should not be worn in the mouth when diving underwater. You will almost certainly drown during a shallow water blackout while wearing a snorkel because water will flow into your lungs and into your lungs.

When diving, you may even want to avoid having a snorkel on hand. The snorkel can be attached to a freediving float, or a buddy can grab it, so you don’t have to worry about finding it later on.