Seabeast AF90 – The full face snorkel mask that doesn’t fog or leak!
Seabeast AF90 is a new full face snorkel mask with a pre-applied anti-fog coating that sits in the mid-price range. Below is a review of this mask, and it's advantages over its competitors.
As well as testing the Seabeast AF90, we also cover other questions you may have about full face snorkel masks. We look at how these masks work and how to pick the correct size. There are also recommendations for other snorkeling gear you may be interested in, including fins, and snorkel vests.
If you already know that the Seabeast AF90 full face snorkel mask is for you, click on the button to see current pricing and any discounts that may apply on Amazon.
Click on the link in the table below to go straight to the answers of your most pressing question, or continue to scroll for the entire review.
The Best Things about Full Face Snorkel Masks
More snorkelers are switching to new full face snorkel masks than ever before. As more full face snorkel mask brands enter the market, these have become more affordable, and the quality and functionality keeps getting better.
There are many good reasons to love full face snorkel masks. For many people, a full face snorkel mask provides the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling again.
great field of vision
The field of vision in new full face masks is unequalled. Some people feel claustrophobic with traditional masks, especially the ones with black silicone skirts. The viewing area (including the peripheral field of view) is opened right up with full face snorkel masks.
No Gagging
There's no bulky mouthpiece or gagging with the full face masks. Their design makes it easy and natural to breathe through both the nose and mouth. This is a very natural way of breathing for most people.
No water enters the tube
Water doesn't enter the snorkel due to a ball float system inside the snorkel. The float rises up inside the snorkel as you go underwater which stops water from getting in.
no more jaw fatigue
If you suffer from jaw fatigue or have problems with your teeth, you'll know the pain that comes after clamping down on a mouthpiece. There is no jaw fatigue (or sore teeth) even after hours of snorkeling with a full-face snorkel mask.
Sometimes, it's not even about full-on snorkeling, just enjoying the shallows in a full face snorkel mask is a liberating and fun experience.
How does a full face snorkel work?
Full face snorkels use a dry top system to keep water from entering the main section of the mask.
These snorkels are able to channel any water that enters the snorkel through channels on each side of the mask, and out through a valve in the chin area. These channels are separate to the areas that cover your mouth, nose and eyes.
The dry top system has a hollow ball in the top of the snorkel piece. As the snorkel is lowered into the water, the ball moves up and covers the vent that lets air into the mask when above water.
You need to take a breath and hold it before submerging, just as you would a traditional snorkel mask. Once you get back to the surface, you can start to breath normally again. You don't need to blast clear the air from the tube with a big blow of air when resurfacing.
The masks may look difficult to get on initially, but after a couple of goes, you'll realize how easy it is to put on and adjust. The straps are elastic and won't get caught on your hair. It's very comfortable once in position.
How does the Seabeast AF90 compare against its competitors?
One of the first things I noticed about the Seabeast AF90 is that a large portion of the mask lens is opaque. I initially thought this was going to obscure the view to some extent but I was wrong!
In direct comparison to the Tribord Easybreath mask and the other full face snorkels, the Seabeast AF90 has exactly the same field of view.
The opaque section of the mask is peripheral vision, and as this allows light in, nothing is lost for the wearer.
The Seabeast AF90 has a foldable snorkel making it really easy to connect for snorkeling, and pack away later for storage or travel.
This is a big plus over other snorkels that completely detach as these can sometimes become brittle and break over time. The clip on the Seabeast snorkel is very easy to use.
Seabeast AF90 full face snorkel mask - Sizing Guide
The Sizing Guide below will help you to select the correct size for you. Seabeast AF90 comes in two adult sizes - S/M and L/XL. You'll find these sizes are good for teenagers but not younger children.
If you're unsure, always go DOWN a size.
As soon as your mask arrives, put it on to check that there's no gap between the bottom of the mask and your chin. If you feel a gap with your finger, then the mask is too big and it won't be able to form a good seal. This is the reason most masks leak.
Seabeast Sizing
What I found with the Seabeast AF90 mask is that there is a lot more 'give' in sizes compared to other masks. This gives it a big advantage over other masks.
I can almost get away with wearing Seabeast L/XL size even though I'm usually in the S/M size range.
By 'almost get away with' I mean, there was a very slow leak which happens when the mask isn't the correct size. I already knew the L/XL was too big according to the size chart, but what I found interesting is that the shape and flexibility of the silicone skirt allowed for this.
Many other masks have shapes that require more exact measurements and fits. For example, I can't wear a M/L Tribord mask without it leaking. I can't even entertain the thought of using it.
My point is, I've tried the Seabeast AF90 in a size that I knew was too big but it had a good silicone skirt so even though it slowly leaked, it was more flexible and forgiving than other masks.
Seabeast AF90 Snorkel Mask Colors
The Seabeast AF90 mask comes in 2 colors, Blue/Black and Red/Black.
Things you need to know before buying any full face mask
If you're switching from a traditional style mask and snorkel, then full face masks can take a little adjusting. Feeling relaxed with a full face masks will make a big difference to your level of enjoyment.
Take some time when using any full face mask for the first time. Go slow and breathe calmly until you feel comfortable with it.
These are not designed for Free Diving or Scuba diving. You can't equalize with a full face snorkel mask. These are not designed for diving below 10 feet (3 meters). The volume of air in the chamber makes these feel uncomfortable below this depth.
The float system only works when the snorkel is in a vertical position. Just like with conventional style masks, some water will enter the snorkel if you lean your head too far forward. Water could enter the snorkel when attempting to duck dive.
Beards create tiny spaces that cause water to slow leak into the mask. This applies to both traditional masks and full face snorkel masks.
Full face snorkels are not for swimming laps, or fast paced snorkeling. They are for leisurely snorkeling in relatively calm water on or near the waters surface.
If you're looking for a swimming snorkel, then take a look at these.
Any long hair or fringe trapped between the silicone of the mask and your skin will let water slowly seep into the mask.
Make sure long hair is completely cleared from your face before putting on the mask.
When putting on the mask, pull the straps out of the way, and put it on chin first. This should push any fringe or hair out of the way so that a good seal is created.
Maintenance and general care of full face snorkel masks
Why getting the size right is so important
The best snorkel mask is the one that fits you properly. Even the highest priced, best quality full face snorkel mask isn't any good if it's the wrong size. Masks that doesn't fit properly feel uncomfortable, and ones that too big for your face will leak.
Always check the size chart of each mask brand as there are slight variations in sizing. Make sure the supplier of the brand you intend to buy has a good customer service reputation as well as a good Returns Policy.
Regardless of which snorkel mask you look at, while there are plenty of positive reviews on Amazon, there's also a few complaints and 1-star reviews about leaking. The main reason most full face snorkel masks leak is because they are not the correct size for the person wearing them.
The Verdict - How does Seabeast AF90 compare?
Pros - What we liked
The Seabeast AF90 is a great mid-priced mask for adults and teens. The snorkel mask comes in 2 colors in two adult sizes, and it also comes with a spare valve, o-ring seal and camera mount accessories.
To see the latest price on the Seabeast AF90 Full-Face Snorkel Mask including any discounts that may apply, click the button below.
