From U.S. Divers comes the U.S. Divers Panoramic View Lux Platinum Snorkel Set. For one who is looking for a all-in-one set that is affordable, one will know that you do get quality pieces in this set but are they great?
I’m going to review each piece, one by one. But I want to emphasize that not all these are the same. What I am reviewing is the Gunmetal Version Premium with the GoPro Mount. There is no whistle.
I. SNORKEL – Let’s start off with the snorkel. This is a basic side snorkel but it has a close valve. This is very important for keeping water out when you go up out of the water. Because the GoPro mount is on the other end of the mouthpiece, the purge is on the side. The snorkel uses a two-inch flexible silicon tube and is not a fixed-one piece snorkel. While there is a clasp for the face mask, there are snorkels out there that make for easier way to clasp your mask on and off. There are also snorkels that offer no-splash resistance. This is pretty much a basic, yet solid snorkel and great for this set.
II. MASK – First, the good…this is a hypoallergenic silicon face mask and it has a Panoramic lens. These lenses do fog up, so I do recommend purchasing this… McNett M Essentials Sea QuickTM Anti-Fog Spray. OK, with that out of the way, the mask is not top of the line, it will leak in water, the bands are not highest of quality and of this set, the mask is not my favorite partly due to the straps.
The thing is sets are offered for beginners for solid value and that’s perfectly fine. But later down the line or if you want quality when you begin, you will want a mask like a Cressi. Quality mask, quality straps. So, I recommend the Cressi Pano 4 (black-silver). Otherwise, know that while a mask does come with this set, it’s good for a basic mask. But if you enjoy scuba diving and want a better mask that will last you, definitely check out a Cressi Scuba mask.
For GoPro users, the camera goes upside down and will accommodate the GoPro hero 2,3 and 4. So, just select upside down shooting in your GoPro settings and you are good to go.
III. Fins – If I were a size 11 wide and these adult fins work very well. Like the Pivot Flex Technology and felt no cramping. The fins have dual composite vented blades and the heel strap did not cause any irritation. They fit snug and definitely the better piece in this set.
The problem I have with the fins is that while I like the open heel, I don’t like how it the foot pocket is held to the fin by two small plastic notches. Those little holder notches break, your fins are toast.
The Fin Sizes for LG/XL is Men 9-13 and Women 10-14.
And these are great starter fins, but the more you want to scuba dive, I do recommend the Cressi Frog Plus Open Heel Scuba Diving Fins.
IV. Bag – The bag is large enough to hold your fins, goggle on the front pocket. You also have another zipped pocket in front to keep your keys and other belongings. I do recommend getting this for your smartphone and other important things to keep water proof… Lewis N Clark Waterseals Magnetic Self-Sealing Waterproof Pouch.
And the bag is also large enough to carry another another snorkel and mask (another pair of fins won’t work). Or to keep a thin towel as the bag will fit a few more things including the fins, snorkel and mask.
For the most part, It’s a solid bag, with ventilation.
JUDGMENT CALL:
I feel that anyone looking for a solid value and all-in-one set for Scuba Diving, U.S. Divers Lux is a great set for those who are in it to experience snorkeling for the first time and see themselves doing it maybe once every year or few years.
But for those who want to scuba dive even more or want better quality, I do recommend purchasing snorkeling equipment separately. And I do recommend the Cressi mask, fins and snorkel.
For those who just want to get out there and need the basics and don’t want to spend all that much, then the U.S. Divers Lux Mask Snorkel Set is for you.
