Scubapro Shotgun 2 (twinvalve) Snorkel Question???????????

[skids929]

Hello, My wife and are traveling to Hawaii soon and decided to buy our own mask, snorkel and fin equipment instead of dealing with rental equipment. The question I had is related particularly to the Snorkel I bought for both of us.

I bought a Scubapro Shotgun 2 snorkel for us both under advisement from a LDS that is was one of the better choices for someone who will be strictly snorkeling and/or freediving. The snorkel feels a little more rigid than most because it does not have a flexible portion on the bottom part of the shaft. It seems like you have to be a little more finicky with how you set it up on your head with your mask. Does anyone have any experience with this snorkel with recreational use, if so can you tell me about your experiences with it? Is it a truly "Dry" snorkel? I am a true beginner and this is my first experience with any dive equipment so any insight will be much appreciated. THX!

 

[JeffAustin]

the scubapro shotgun 2 has a purge valve to drain the tube so it is easier to clear the remaining water left in the tube when you surface, but water will come in the top of the tube if it goes below the surface of the water. A dry snorkel, on the other hand, has a flap valve or a check ball or some other BS set up on the top of the snorkel tube so water supposedly won't come in. a gimmick that surely is not needed. a rigid snorkel does take a little time to adjust on the mask strap so it doesn't feel like it is pulling one way or the other, but it shouldn't be a big deal.

the shotgun 2 snorkel will be fine for your needs, it is a good product. A flexible, corrugated snorkel is good if you need a snorkel when SCUBA diving because it will stay out of the way until you need it, but you really don't need a snorkel when SCUBA diving anyway! Go figure!!

 

[MMMerritt]

I use a SP Shotgun 2 and like it very much!
My buddy begged to borrow my mask & SP Shotgun 2 snorkel for free diving at the beach one day, then lost it in the surf. I replaced the snorkel with a SP Shotgun 2 model just like the one I had before, which should tell you I liked it! The snorkel is simi-rigid for a good reason. Many flexable snorkels have smaller tubes more bends, twists or other obstructions traping water and disrupting air flow increasing breathing resistance and more difficult to clear & keep dry. With the SP Shotgun 2 Snorkel (or similar designs) you twist the mouth piece and make other mask adjustments before entering the water, just set it & forget it, it's dry, easier to clear, breath with less jaw fatigue compared to most flexable snorkel designs, making your dives enjoyable.

 

[Walter]

As fancy snorkels go, it's pretty good. Your best bet is a plain J snorkel.

 

[ScoobieDooo]

I have one and its nice, but I'd vote for the Ocean Master Dry snorkel with the flex connection as my #1 choice.

 

[scubajoe]

I got a Shot Gun 2 this spring. Best breathing snorkle I have ever used. But it is a little uncomfortable when not in use. It really is a dry snorkel. SP uses a different method to keep it dry then other manufacturers. And it works