FINISFreestyle Center-Mount Swimming Snorkel , Yellow, Adult

I am a former competitive swimmer who now swims for fitness. This is the 3rd one I have owned, and I have gifted a couple others. This is a great training tool, it is not really intended as a recreational snorkel as wave action and improper head position will fill the tube with water. It’s best use is in lap pool swimming.This is a long comment but IMO this is the most important training aid in my swim bag.Here is what I love about this snorkel:1. The design forces the user to maintain proper head position for freestyle as there is a natural tendency to look at the wall one is headed towards and this slight movement lifts the chin which causes the hips to sink, making swimming slower and harder. One can concentrate on technique in several areas when unemcumbered by breathing cycle of the stroke. That being said , you should try to synchronize the breathing to where you would normally breathe in the stroke cycle , exhalation and inhalation to avoid bad habits. The only other training aid I have found that reinforces good head position are “prism” style goggles like Speedo Hydralign or better yet Arena Swedix goggles- both of these allow you to look slightly forward while actually keeping head down. As an added benefit , if you have back or neck issues, having proper alignment from this tool minimizes or relieves the stress of hyperextended cervical and lumbar spine in swimming freestyle.2. The snorkel balances out the right and left arm in terms of load distribution and allows you to see things like hand entry ( which should be in front of the shoulder) and to monitor other technique like early vertical forearm ( “ high elbow catch position) which is also crucial for freestyle. Most of us breathe on a favorite side, which is great for races but tends to overuse/overdevelope on side. The freestyle centerline snorkel strengthens your weaker side, and can help you swim straighter. Paddling a surf board has a similar benefit.3. In addition to stroke technique , not having to focus on breathing technique allows you to pay attention to hip rotation and extension as well as proper position for kicking- with or without fins. Some coaches now advocate kicking without kick boards and again, if you have neck or back problems it can be useful to kick with the snorkel instead of a board. It’s also allows you to do flip turns as you reach the wall rather than grabbing the wall when using a board.4. There are additional aerobic benefits too- even without the optional “cardio cap” (which I wouldn’t use until you are completely comfortable with the snorkel).5. It works particularly well when simultaneously using a pull buoy, either traditional or ankle /leg Finis design. I also use it for breast stroke and breast stroke kicking. Synchronization with butterfly a bit trickier but kicking can go fine, esp w/ fins for butterfly.There is a bit of a learning curve for this device but it will become routine after just a few workouts. Start with 200 yds/meters a session then add on more after 5 or so swims. After you get the hang of it you can go any distance.The lack of a purge valve is actually a good thing: it forces proper technique and teaches you to get a good breath heading into the wall if you are doing flip turns. Flips turns require some air to blow out/ purge the snorkel after pushing off the wall underwater just before surfacing.It takes a little practice. Purge valves can start getting a bit nasty after a while and trap a bit of moisture after use.DO NOT try to use the “dry top” with this snorkel model- it doesn’t work( due to the angle of the opening above water).Swimmers and triathletes use and appreciate centerline snorkels, and Finis Freestyle is the best for swimming mainly free IMO. Swimming and triathlete coaches also recommend centerline snorkel use.Sorry for massive comments.Hope this helps.

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! I've swam off and on for fitness my whole life, but as I've gotten older I have found that I can't turn my head enough to get a decent inhale and I tend to get water in my nose. Because of some neck pain I also tend to keep my head up a little. This snorkel is amazing. I had read a review stating that water got into the snorkel (possibly due to loose squeeze on the mouth piece). I kept this in mind for the first use and decided to just practice by putting head in the water and breathing. Within a few minutes I was comfortable and began my laps. For the first time in a long time I was able to do the length of the pool without feeling like I was struggling to breathe. Another review I read stated that using the snorkel helped improve swimming stroke/form and I totally agree. I used it as recommended on the website -that is to warm up with it, then without, the warm down with it. I noticed that I had much better form after using the snorkel.My husband is like me with regard to our swimming for fitness and after he tried my snorkel he came home that night and ordered one for himself. In his words..."this is good stuff!" He is able to inhale through his mouth/snorkel and exhale through his nose, but when I tried it, I sucked in a lot of water -I just couldn't get the rhythm of it. I did fine with inhaling and exhaling via my mouth/snorkel so that's how I'm gonna continue.My only concern is that if the mouth piece breaks or wears out, the company does not seem to offer a replacement piece, which means replacing the whole thing. Hopefully, it will last a while.Keep in mind that my husband and I are your average Joes and it works GREAT for us. I don't know how it will work for better swimmers that do flip turns. The instructions and website give tips for more advanced swimmers.

I purchased this along with an aquatic resistance belt, in order to focus on my workout without having to flip turn all day in a relatively small pool. I also have aWaterproof MP3 Player and Aqua Sphere goggles to complete the set.It was a good purchase and I'm glad to own this but l think I like the Phantom Aquatics Swimmer's Snorkel a little better. This one by FINIS doesn't quite go into my mouth at a right angle. In fact, if you study the picture closely (envisioning the strap going above your ears and clip above your eyes) - you can see how the mouthpiece is angled downward. Therefore it is easy to mismanage and water can seep in your snorkel. Also, I have found water doesn't really clear out of your snorkel like with other snorkels. Overall, it's kind of of a jaw workout but fairly manageable. I will update this review if I find a way to position this that works for me, until then I give it 3.5 stars.Also to the reviewer who said that it hurts their forehead. I think they just have it on too tight. I had the same reaction until I adjusted to a looser setting. The straps are very easy to adjust and this snorkel doesn't need to be tight.