Marine

Full-face SV2 snorkel lets you see clearly and breathe easy

Full-face SV2 snorkel lets you see clearly and breathe easy
To prevent the mask fogging up, the Seaview 180 SV2 has separate chambers for breathing and the lens area
To prevent the mask fogging up, the Seaview 180 SV2 has separate chambers for breathing and the lens area
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The Seaview 180 SV2 has a similar overall design to the first iteration
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The Seaview 180 SV2 has a similar overall design to the first iteration
To prevent the mask fogging up, the Seaview 180 SV2 has separate chambers for breathing and the lens area
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To prevent the mask fogging up, the Seaview 180 SV2 has separate chambers for breathing and the lens area
The Seaview 180 SV2 has what Wildhorn calls the "FlowTech system," which allows air to flow in one tube and out another
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The Seaview 180 SV2 has what Wildhorn calls the "FlowTech system," which allows air to flow in one tube and out another
Wildhorn Outfitters has revealed the Seaview 180 SV2, a full-face snorkel mask designed to let you breathe easier
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Wildhorn Outfitters has revealed the Seaview 180 SV2, a full-face snorkel mask designed to let you breathe easier
Wildhorn is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter for the Seaview 180 SV2, with pledges starting at US$79 for the mask
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Wildhorn is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter for the Seaview 180 SV2, with pledges starting at US$79 for the mask
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If snorkeling is a window into a watery world, it's not much good if that window is too small or fogs up all the time. Wildhorn Outfitters is aiming to address those problems with the second iteration of its Seaview 180 full-face snorkel mask, sporting a wide field of vision, an action camera mount and two separate breathing chambers to reduce fogging and let you breathe easier.

The overall design is fairly similar to the original Seaview 180, but that's definitely not a bad thing. Rather than having to clench the pipe in your mouth like a cheap K-Mart snorkel, the SV2 is built to cover the entire face. As the name suggests, the large lens is designed to provide a 180-degree view of the seascape in front of you, and the well-ventilated breathing chamber is separated from the eyes to keep it from fogging up.

A durable silicone insert forms a watertight seal around your face, and if any water does slip past the defenses, it automatically drains out via the one-way chin valve when you lift your head out of the water. There's also a removable mount for action cameras on the side, since nobody's really going to believe you came that close to a sea turtle without video proof.

The Seaview 180 SV2 has what Wildhorn calls the "FlowTech system," which allows air to flow in one tube and out another
The Seaview 180 SV2 has what Wildhorn calls the "FlowTech system," which allows air to flow in one tube and out another

Where the SV2 improves on its predecessor is in the all-important area of breathing. The tube has a new arched design that supposedly provides an "optimal surface breathing angle," and thanks to what Wildhorn calls the "Flowtech System," air is cycled through the mask better. The snorkel tube has two separate passageways to the outside world, so one specializes in bringing air in while the other acts as exhaust. Along with reducing fog, this system keeps CO2 from building up.

Wildhorn is currently looking to fund the Seaview 180 SV2 on Kickstarter, where the mask has smashed its goal of US$20,000, raising almost $120,000. Pledges start at $79 for the mask, with discounts for bulk buys, and if all goes to plan, the company expects shipping to begin in June.

Source: Kickstarter

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5 comments
5 comments
Bob
Looks interesting for beginners that always stay at the surface. But for those of us that like to briefly dive down thirty feet or more to get a better look at something, the extra mask volume and mask squeeze would be terrible to deal with and clearing the snorkel upon surfacing would be difficult. A quality snorkel is a marvel for breathing efficiency and minimum dead space compared to a cheap J shaped one with a splash- proof valve at the top. I think this one would also make me feel very claustrophobic. This may be great for a beginner but a good low volume skin diving mask and quality snorkel easily add to a good scuba diving setup.
notarichman
will it work / seal with beards? the problem i have with kickstarter is their lack of legal assistance when a project ends and the company doesn't come through with the expected item to the investor...zero help from kickstarter out of 3 investments i've made. i'm not talking about when an investor can't complete the project, but when the project is done.
guzmanchinky
I like these, but I threw my original 3 masks away because they fogged up constantly, even in warm Hawaii water. They take a lot of space in luggage as well.
chase
Fogging is not an issue usually with those that snorkel a few times and learn proven methods to prevent it in the first place.
I like the idea of a full face mask. I enjoy them in diving. But there are pros and cons to them.
Facial hair and face shape, etc etc all play into whether or not a full face mask will work for you.
I never found them to be discomfort. Relieving pressure at depth as mentioned by another commenter is easy enough.
Clearing them is a whole nother issue once under water. Partial masks being much easier for obvious reasons.
A 180 fov is nice.
Curious as to whether or not they'll be able to be made for those that wear glasses? Optically correct lenses?
I don't know about it over all. If have to agree.. beginners might find it cool. Or avid snorkelers that don't dive.
Divers usually find a good fitting quality mask. Many now have GoPro mounts. And that's what you use for snorkeling and diving. Most don't have one for each.
Which tells me this is driving at a very select market. And by design has limited itself to a very small market.
It's more of a novelty mask. With some sound features that you can find in other masks and snorkel designs currently on the market.
Nelson Hyde Chick
Give it a decade or two the oceans will be mostly lifeless and there won't be anything worth seeing unless you dig plastic and jellyfish.