TUSA Platina Snorkel

For the California scuba diver, snorkels are a curse and a blessing. On one hand they are notorious for getting in the way. The water drag can be dramatic on the head, and they are, at best, used only part of the time you are in the water. The blessing is for surface swimming. Its easy to think you could get by without a snorkel by swimming on your back but you'll be missing so much underwater and in heavy surface kelp, this is not an option. Clearly for California scuba divers, a snorkel is a must. So why not eliminate many of the aggravating aspects of the common snorkel? TUSA has done just that with their Platina snorkel. At the same time they have added unique features that make this snorkel a pleasure to dive.

It's most significant improvement from its popular Imprex II Hyperdry snorkel is actually subtle yet significant. The tube has a three-dimensional pipe curve. At first glance, the new angle may not be apparent unless viewed at just the right angle. For many years snorkels have been contoured to fit close to the head (an innovation, by the way, pushed through by California divers to avoid kelp entanglement). The Platina snorkel also has a slight angle backward. This allows for an ideal upright position of the snorkel tube when the diver is in the face-down snorkeling position. In my water tests, I never realized how much jockeying and adjusting I had to do of my snorkel to get it in position for breathing, then again to get it out of the way for scuba. With the Platina, this was eliminated. Once I had it attached to my mask and adjusted to my face, I was able to switch between regulator and snorkel and back again without further adjustment. The flexible joint allowed the mouthpiece to fall away clear of the regulator, yet always readily available for a surface switch-over.

Further streamlining on the Platina snorkel is provided by an oval shaped tube. This feature was introduced with the Imprex II Hyperdry snorkel and further improved on the Platina. A smaller profile is on the leading edge of the snorkel tube offering less water resistance.

The Platina is a remarkable dry snorkel. This owed to an improved Hyperdry System (PAT.). A compact, streamlined and lightweight device at the top of the snorkel diverts most of the water away from the tube before it ever has a chance of entering. The three blade current rectifying plate is a new function that guides the water effectively for ejection.

Should any water enter the snorkel, or to assist in clearing the snorkel when switching over from regulator use, a large oval purge valve and chamber are at the bottom of the mouthpiece. I like the fact the purge valve is well protected behind a heavy duty plastic cap.

TUSA is noted for their use of high-quality crystal silicone in their masks. They do not spare its use in this snorkel. Soft and supple, yet tough, the crystal silicone is used in a comfortable mouthpiece and durable flexible joint.

TUSA gave attention to every detail on this snorkel. The adaptor for attaching to the mask is "one-touch" allowing for easy mask attachment and removal. Inside the clip are two pillars to better center the mask strap preventing snorkel pipe movement and slipping. The snorkel's most powerful feature is its angle on the head. This simple little clip insures you get the most out of that feature.

The TUSA Platina snorkel is available in 9 colors matching TUSA's full line of masks, fins, regulators, consoles and more. Many of the colors also match colors from other gear manufacturers and exposure suit makers. See your near by TUSA dealer (indicated in the Dive Store Directory in this issue) or for a TUSA dealer near you call (562) 498-3708.