For a good while, competitive swimmers swam with lung-fulls of air while snorkels were the thing for newbie swimmers. However, snorkels for competitive swimming are now available and help athletes concentrate on achieving full speed and perfect form without worrying about running out of air. The best snorkels for competitive swimming have a streamlined design to allow smooth movement in the water, ensure the perfect fit, and are great for training the lungs.
Best Snorkels for Competitive Swimming
To aid you in your search for the best snorkels for competitive swimming, our top five products are described below.
1. Speedo Bullet Head Snorkel
Speedo’s snorkel has a remarkable teardrop shape that allows it to be stable when a swimmer is moving fast. The head-strap is comfortable and fits the head properly due to its silicone composition. The low-profile shape of the snorkel reduces drag and allows for a wide range of vision.
- Different color options are available.
- The headband is padded for comfort.
- The outhpiece is removable for easy
2. Kraken Aquatics Swimmer’s Snorkel
This product sports a silicone mouthpiece designed for comfort, and this makes it one of the best snorkels for competitive swimming. It also has a one-way purge valve that expels any water that might affect a swimmer’s breathing. Finally, it has a padded head bracket that is adjustable to give a nice, comfy fit.
- Low profile tube reduces drag.
- Silicone parts are hypoallergenic.
- Purge valve keeps bubbles out of sight.
3. FINIS Swimmer’s Snorkel
The FINIS snorkel features a flexible, comfortable mouthpiece that is made from soft medical grade silicone. It has a hydrodynamic tube and a one-way purge valve that gets rid of the water before it can get into the mouth. Also, it has an adjustable head bracket that helps to give a proper fit around the head.
- More than one color option.
- It stays firmly in place while swimming.
- Adjustments are quick and easy.
4. Michael Phelps Focus Swim Snorkel
Possessing a high efficiency, it allows the swimmer to take a breath without needing to turn their head. The hydrodynamic design of the tube allows the swimmer to move with minimal water resistance. Also, it has an adjustable head bracket with an integrated cushion that increases the overall comfort.
- Low profile reduces drag.
- Breathing is easy.
- Soft silicone mouthpiece.
5. TYR 2.0 Ultralite Snorkel
The TYR snorkel possesses a hydrodynamic tube that remains stable and allows quick movement underwater. The high-grade construction makes it light, weighing just 3.86 lbs. (175 grams), meaning it can be transported easily. It is specially designed for focused body alignment, and it is durable.
- It is available in black and pink.
- Mouthpiece is made from soft silicone.
- Head-strap is adjustable.
Snorkels for Competitive Swimming Buying Guide
Snorkels for competitive swimming are allowing professional swimmers to achieve record-breaking speeds and perfect form in the water. It takes your mind away from the need to breathe and ensures you stay focused on your form and strokes, and yields the added benefit of training your lungs.
Our buying guide reviews the bet snorkels for competitive swimming on the market based on the specified features and customer feedback to give you the best options to choose from. We then take it a step further and outline the things you should look out for in a snorkel for competitive swimming before you make a purchase.
Comfort and Fit
Any snorkel for competitive swimming you go for must be very comfortable and ensure a snug fit. It should not be too tight that it causes discomfort and should not be too loose that it struggles to stay on. It should also be padded for the most comfort and parts like the mouthpiece should be made from soft materials for silicone. The ideal snorkel for competitive should also come with a highly hydrodynamic design so it creates minimal drag as it cuts through the water.
Tube Design; Length, Diameter
The tube of your snorkel is where all the action happens and should be considered. First, the tube should be as long as possible so it protrudes over the water surface to a safe height and minimizes the chances of you inhaling water.
For swimmers who want to train their lungs, the tube diameter is very important. Smaller diameters allow for less airflow and thus help you train your lungs and program your body to run on less air. For relaxed swimming, larger tube diameters are preferred.
Splash Guard
As an extension of tube design, some snorkels for competitive swimming come with splash guards. These are fitted on the end of the tube and prevent water from flowing into the tube should it splash upwards and only allow air to flow in. These are great buys for competitive swimmers who want to do stunts while in the water.
Snorkels With Purge Valves
Some snorkels also come with purge valves that tackle water infiltration. These are one-way valves that allow you to clear your snorkel so you don’t accidentally inhale the water.