ME MARTIAN ELITE Tribord/Subea Easybreath (New Version) Full Face Snorkel Mask with Waterproof earplug, Enhanced Anti-Fog and Anti-Leak

I have snorkeled in both the Caribbean and Hawaii and, until the Subea Tribord, have owned and used traditional mask and snorkel combinations. As I was getting ready for a trip to Maui I researched masks and snorkels and saw the new full face masks. I found a lot of reviews that are positive and a lot discussing whether the model/vendor they bought from was actually selling real "Tribord" masks. My review is based on buying the model in this listing from a vendor called "CLT GEAR." The bag that the mask comes in has an RFID tag on it that says "EASYBREATH" and has a serial number - I bought two - one Atoll color (aqua green) and one Blue color - and the serial numbers were different on each. The mask has no brand name and a nondescript logo and the snorkel says "SUBEA" on it. I hope that helps with any "authentication" questions. Now the fit and function review. My wife has a rounder face and I have a thinner face but our bridge of nose to bottom of chin measurement is about the same and within the dimension that the mfg says is a size S/M. I had trouble believing that the same size mask would seal on our faces given that the widths are so different. I went ahead and ordered and, when they arrived, the fit was good all around for my wife but, without getting in water, I couldn't tell if it was really sealing around my temples. Our flight to Maui was the next morning so we put them in our suitcases - the snorkel detaches so they are fairly flat and compact. In Maui we tried them first at the resort's saltwater pool and found that as soon as you put your face in the water any gaps seal. The amount of air through the snorkel/purge valve is actually pretty decent which some other reviewers say was an issue - for me it was plenty for snorkeling and even enough for light freestyle swimming. We found no problem breathing through either nose or mouth. The visibility is amazing with zero obstruction from the mask and no fogging. That is achieved by the design where there is a seal from the bridge of your nose down the sides of your cheeks which isolates all the breathing and in that breathing chamber is a purge valve that lets air and water out and vents that go through the sides of the mask to the snorkel behind your head. The snorkel attaches to the top of the mask and there is an o-ring that seals them. The next test was diving underwater. In the resort pool we tested to five feet. The snorkel does a PERFECT job sealing out water. We never once had water get in our mouths. We did notice some sheeting of water across the inside of the mask when we dove under but with a little adjustment to the mask it seals and - I can't explain this - the water stops sheeting and it doesn't fill either the viewing area or the breathing compartment - we never had to surface to clear the mask. Impressed with the pool trial we headed out the next day for an open water adventure. We started at the south side of Maui and worked our way North - in all we snorkeled at five different reefs and enjoyed fish, coral, turtles, urchins and much more. Maui no ka oi for sure. My wife stayed on the surface but I dove 20+ feet and did not have a problem popping my ears to relieve pressure - I saw other reviewers had that issue but I didn't. The snorkel effectively blocked any ovwrwash from waves. One other cool feature is the orange top of the snorkel which makes it really easy to see where your partner is if you get separated. As mentioned above, there was no issue with fogging so the anti-fog spray I bought went unopened. The stretch bands that keep the mask on your head take a long time to dry in humid (beach resort) weather and if you don't rinse them thoroughly will trap ocean smell something awful. One concern we have is whether a feeing of seasickness following our big Expedition day was caused by the masks or by spending so much time snorkeling combined with the driving Maui roads between sites and the hula pie capping off our lunch at Kimos. The mask looks different than anything out there - my first impression was that it was a mask for beginner snorkelers - but I can now say that my wife and I are totally sold. A final note: I am writing this poolside back on he mainland and our young teen children just tried them out and they worked great for them, too. The three of them are very happy they don't have to use a snorkel that has been in someone else's mouth. My 55-ish brother-in-law who has a longer bridge to chin measurement tried it on dry land and it didn't reach under his chin so he would have needed the size L. It appears you'll be safe following the size guideline in the product description and ignoring how wide your face is. Remember to use coral-friendly reef-safe sunscreen. I hope this review is helpful and that you have great snorkeling adventures whichever type of mask you use.

These are the name brand Subea masks, not the knock-offs. There are some recent concerns over the safety of this type of mask. Subea has been tested and has many safety features. They are not for free-diving. There is no way to clear your ears if you get pressure. Be very careful if you have asthma or COPD- if you feel short of breath, surface and slip the mask off for a while. Use a flotation device to help with buoyancy. ALWAYS snorkel with a buddy, never snorkel alone. You may want to practice wearing the mask a few times before you actually go in the water. It's a different experience. I love the visibility the mask provides!

I was so hoping that this would be a good product; bought for my wife, primarily, who doesn't swim, I thought I could help her accommodate to the mask, and enjoy some shallow-water snorkeling with me in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, she said she had to "suck hard" and "forcefully exhale" with this mask. And, please, not crude comments in reply - this is my wife. The point is, it was impossible for her to breath comfortably and use this mask.I had the same experience with my mask. I am not a diver but an "experienced snorkeler," having 40+ years snorkeling in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. An experienced swimmer, after 20 or 30 yards of snorkeling, I found myself gasping for breath - I had to suck in air really hard to get any, and forcefully exhale to expel air.. It was extremely uncomfortable, and after several trial sessions to accommodate to the mask, I packed them away and didn't touch them again.Apart from the difficulty in breathing, I found the straps to be really chintzy. Instead of silicone straps like on typical masks, these are fitted with wide fabric elastic straps; while of good quality, they are not intended for underwater use - they are for tent covers and tarp straps, etc. Simple elastic straps - not extreme-use, not for water applications - I could imagine them being frayed after several uses. After going through 4 or 5 quality dive masks in my lifetime, I am shocked that the manufacturers of this product would elements to this mask that are clearly for dry applications only; if it was a car or a plane, it would be criminal to use such inappropriate materials.Overall, I was extremely disappointed by this product - it is not ready for production - this should be considered a prototype, and NEVER sold. And, unfortunately for me, because I live in South America, and missed the return period, I now have spent $140 on masks that we will never use. They are so difficult to breathe with, I don’t even feel good about giving them away. I feel decieved and robbed.

I'm sad to say this is a great fitting product but with dire consequences for use. I bought this at the recommendation of a few people I knew. The reviews were great. Wearing the mask in terms of how it fit on my face is great, however there is a hidden danger in that too much CO2 (carbon dioxide) collects in the mask and can make you pass out and drown. I used the mask three times and all three times I felt that after about 5 minutes of wear I was having to work harder and harder to get a breath. I also began to feel sick to my stomach and dizzy and had to stop snorkeling.We went snorkeling with a couple of different guide companies and several guides cautioned me about the dangers, which I did not know about but it made sense why I was finding it harder and harder to breathe. The concept is so fantastic to have a full view mask and the ease of breathing through your nose. The guides told me about people who have died from wearing these masks as the exchange for fresh air doesn't happen in a safe way. I will not be using this again.