Spearfishing masks, snorkels and fins

How to choose a spearfishing mask, snorkel and fin 

A spearfishing mask differs from a scuba mask in three ways. Internal volume is lower so equalisation is easier at depth and you use less air clearing the mask. The lens is often dark or mirrored to keep your face from spooking fish. There is less metal in the frame to avoid sun glint underwater. Single-lens and twin-lens both work; what matters is that the silicone skirt seals on your specific face shape. 

Snorkel selection is the simplest call. Soft silicone, J-tube shape, no purge valve, no dry-top mechanism. The reason: a spearfishing snorkel needs to drop away cleanly when you duck-dive and not rattle against your gun when you surface. Hard plastic snorkels and dry-top snorkels both fail the rattle test. 

Long-blade fins are universal for spearfishing. The blade material decision (plastic, fibreglass or carbon) is covered on the spearfishing fins page in more detail. For the head-and-foot kit specifically, the rule of thumb is to match the foot pocket size to your wetsuit boot, not your shoe. 

Mask fit is the part you cannot get right from a sizing chart. Hold the mask against your face without the strap, breathe in lightly through your nose, and let go. If it stays put under suction, you have a seal. If you would prefer to do this with two or three masks side by side, come into the Gladesville shop and we will run through the range with you. Call us on (02) 9958 5699 for advice if you are buying remotely.