I bought my set directly at a dive shop. I have no idea really how varied the masks can be but I think price may make a difference. I think I spent about $80 for the fins and mask then spent $60 on a snorkle vest (I'm a bad swimmer) and have zero regrets. We have gone snorkling many times so we know we will make good use of what we've bought. If you think you plan to snorkle on a regular basis, buy quality, otherwise, maybe you should rent on the island for a while. I wouldn't buy on line since the mask may feel just plain uncomfortable and you spend more money sending it back and starting over.

I'd like to know how one determines what a "quality" mask is. I know the ones you rent are "quality", but they look/feel like they're almost indestructible, and are used probably almost every day for months or more. Is that what an average snorkeler should buy or is there something a notch below that standard of quality?

I strongly suggest that anyone who wants to buy snorkel equipment buy it from a dive shop where they can help you get properly fitted. Your fit is very important and any dive shop should sell good equipment (not the junk that you'll find in a sports equipment store or someplace like Wal-Mart or the like.

It's like anything else that you buy only more so. You get what you pay for. I'm still using my first maskl and it's over 15 years old. My fins lasted me about 10 years and in 15 years I've only bought 3 snorkel tubes. Get good quality equipment and you won't be sorry.

I'd have to disagree here. For someone that is going to use the mask/snorkel only a few times, I don't think you need to go and spend a lot of money at a dive shop. Sports Authority has a wide selection from different brands and prices. As long as you go there in person and can try on some different styles, I think you will be happy. You may want to buy a few of them and try them at home, then return the ones that you don't like. If you can, try to fill up the kitchen sink with water and dunk your head in there. Try to move your head around in there and see if it leaks.

Put a mask on Without! the strap -- breathe in through your nose - if it gets good suction -- Buy IT. If it does not leak air -- it will not leak water!.

We bought the US Divers set, mask,fins,snorkle, bag, through Overtons (just checked Overton's web site...snorkle set $29.99, bag...$12.99), we've very pleased with the equipment.

You want to make sure the 'skirt' of the mask is a flexible vinyl/polymer. Most reasonable quality and higher masks are but the Walmart type backyard units are not as flexible. If storing for a long time make sure you keep the mask in its original package or some container that does not press against the skirt. If you don't, anything laying against it will deform the skirt over time and create a leak path. Sometimes you can work that out but it is a real drag to find out about it when you start your vacation. Also need to avoid facial hair.

Exit zero's instruction is correct. Press the mask to your face, close your mouth and breathe in through your nose to create the vacuum. Let go of the mask and see if it holds vacuum.

speedr1023
Perhaps my sink is too small or my head to big but I LMAO with visions of trying your mask test. Thanks for the moment.

I bought two sets at dick's sporting goods 9 years ago and use them a couple of times per year. I have had no regrets. The main suggestion that I have is to make sure it is a dry snorkel. This means that at the top of the snorkel there is a device that keeps water from getting into the tube.

If you have not snorkeled before my advice is to go with a set much like this

The mask has a soft skirt as Chris described, a decent quality snorkel, and for snorkeling I like the small fins.

The fins are easy to get on! They can be worn with or without booties, but most importantly are easy to control in the water. When you first get started snorkeling most folks have a tendency to over kick and then if a problem arises, like a leaky mask, you want to try to stand up. When you do either of those things, large fins have a higher probablity of damaging the coral and the fragile marine habitat around you. When there is 24" of extra feet it makes it hard to know where the end of them really are.

Know where your feet are!

The short fins work great and really all you need. Lighter to carry and this package comes with a nice carry bag for about $75. It is a US Divers Set and I order off Amazon. I used to live in the Caribbean and snorkeled often. Then I did have the high end stuff. Now with just a trip or two a year and airplanes involved this has been a great investment.

A small suitcase and this snorkel set and there is no reason to check luggage.

Oh yeah - if you have problems like that mask. Just roll over on your back. Lots of Salt in the Water you will float like a buoy. Drain the water - get it refitted and off you go.