FINIS snorkels

I've never used the freestyle model, but the normal one works fine once you get used to it. I wouldn't buy a nose plug right away. Try it without first. I'm not going to lie, it did take me a while to get the hang of swimming with the snorkel, but getting water up my nose was never the problem. Just don't get discouraged if at first you feel like you're going to drown. It happens to the best of us! :)

While it may be the best training aid for some, I've found others far easier to use. And if you can't use it, it holds little value. It does take getting used to. You just have to be diligent and learn. But, it is not impossible.

I have the regular model and it works fine. When I was "getting used to it" I did nothing further than 25's and drills and only used it for 10-15 minutes. After a couple weeks I started trying flip turns. Nose plugs bother me, I don't want to end up as an old lady with a cauliflower nose so I just forced my self to get used to flipping and blowing through my nose. Just be patient with yourself for a month(no matter which model you choose) and you won't even have to think about using it.

After a couple weeks I started trying flip turns. Nose plugs bother me...so I just forced my self to get used to flipping and blowing through my nose. Just be patient with yourself for a month(no matter which model you choose) and you won't even have to think about using it. I agree with the Bobinator. I started out with 50s but the concept was similar: just get used to them, don't worry about speed. After a while it just clicks; at this point the turns are the main thing slowing me down. If/when you have access to a long course pool, that would be even better. The snorkel is a lot more fun LCM, you can just zone out and concentrate on your technique. (I still don't much worry about times when I use the snorkel, though I know some swimmers who are actually faster when wearing the thing.) My main piece of advice, take it or leave it: when blowing out the water after a turn, don't exhale too forcefully. If you do and still you haven't fully cleared the snorkel, well that can be a problem. :) It doesn't take much to clear the snorkel of water, in my experience. I never tried it with nose plugs, I don't think I had an issue with that aspect. For me the main problem was access to oxygen, I had 1-2 panic attacks when I thought I wasn't getting enough. Then suddenly it clicks and everything is fine. I use the regular model and unfortunately I think it teaches you to push off with your head raised a bit. If I use my regular streamline position and push off with any kind of force, the thing flies off or gets wrenched around. So I take it easy on the turns when I use the snorkel.

I have been using the freestyle snorkel for about a month. A couple of observations. First is that it did take a bit of time for me to be able to flip without getting water up my nose, but once you figure it out it is a non-issue. I was never satisfied with how my snorkel would clear so when I go to do it I lift my head slightly when I blow. it seems to help a lot. Other than that I think it's been great. It has made a significant change in my stroke.

I too just got the 'regular' Finis snorkel - I've only used it a few times (not at master's workouts, just on my own). I have had many of the issues that have been mentioned -- water in the tube (trying to expel it), moving (wiggling) around on push-off glide, needing to blow nose, but also the feeling of the 'bit' in my mouth. It's been many years since I used a snorkel (and mask) set, maybe as many say I just need to use it more (& follow the tips some of you gave). I thought at first it was just 'me' having these issues, apparently not :). Thanks everyone!

After months of benign neglect in my swim bag (despite regular use), the greenish spores in the mouthpiece have increased to the point where I'm thinking I may actually have to clean the damn thing. A bleach bath doesn't seem right somehow. Anyone got any advice on what to use to clean out the mouthpiece?

I have the freestyle snorkel. It was difficult to get used to at first. If you like the sensation of drowning, you'll enjoy the snorkel. For a week I wanted to return it. Now I use it regularly, ever practice as my main warm-up set. I have been using it for two years now. It helps me see my hand and arm positions and work on my stroke. I normally do a 600 warm up (200 swim, 200 pull, 200 kick), then do the main warm-up set, which is usually another 500-800 depending. I use the snorkel in these sets to work on head position and technique. I can swim at 80%, and I can feel the restriction on breathing. I do not use a nose plug because I breathe out of my nose on flip turns. I vote to add this to your daily swim bag. The snorkel is daily for me, paddles 90% of my workouts I will do some paddling.