It's rare for me to see such pronounced innovation in the field of snorkeling. So often is it merely treated as a lesser form of SCUBA. When I first found out about the Powerbreather in 2021, I had to research and try it.

My unit had an unlikely issue--I accidentally poked a water-blocking membrane out of one of the detachable tube vents while cutting into the inner package. The kindly company staff were willing to help, but neither of us could diagnose the fault for a while. It wasn't until I tried both pairs of breathing caps that I realized the issue. Thankfully, by then, stores like this had begun to stock replacement parts.

The Powerbreather's daunting cost and unique fit may make it inappropriate for uninitiated swimmers/snorkelers. But this device readily proved its worth to me.

- Basics of Use: When it comes to lap or long distance surface swimming, the Powerbreather has been peerless. It's really comfortable to breathe through, yet offers a bit of resistance that helps train your lungs. The one-way double air intake makes me feel quite energized and vigorous. Just mind your strokes if you swim front crawl so you don't hit it. It includes a great zippered carrying case with drainage holes and loops for any vents you take along.

The Powerbreather is quite adjustable, but doesn't affix to your mask/goggles. It can occasionally be tough to fit over especially wide masks since it doesn't open horizontally much. Test the fit for a few breaths in shallow water before you head out. You know you have the removable vents on properly if the labels are outward and right-side up when you hold the device horizontally. Unlike other snorkels, the air you expire into the Powerbreather bubbles out through the valve in front. It may be visible to nearby watchers, audible to your submerged ears, and worrisome to fishermen, but doesn't annoy me. It can initially startle some small wildlife, though. I find that the bubbling helps me coordinate a good rhythm between breathing and swimming. Try to angle the device and your head so the bubbles flow beneath and behind you.

- A Surprising Benefit: Breathing through the Powerbreather feels much like using a SCUBA regulator, so frequent swims and drills with it could be fine preparation for anyone who fancies learning SCUBA.

- If Only: If the Powerbreather were more convenient for breath hold diving, it'd always be in my outdoor kit. But it isn't secure out of your mouth unless you tighten it against your chin. Even if you use your tongue to guard your airway, I wouldn't recommend prolonged breath hold diving with the Powerbreather in your mouth, especially outdoors. But if AMEO ever designs a variant for it, I'd love to try it.

- Clearing: You can't purge water from the top of this snorkel since the tubes are one-way, but it will drain as you exhale gently. Either take it off or breathe out for a while when you surface after submerging it.

- The Different Packages: I believe the current models available vary simply by color and which tube vents and accessories they're bundled with. For instance, there are short tubes for calm water or pools, long ones and splash caps for the outdoors, and caps for athletic swimmers who flip turn.

I adore this device; it was clearly planned and tested passionately. I feel the design may have yet to reach the pinnacle of its capability, and I'd love to see if and how Ameo varies or refines it. I only wish I could give them these words directly. Thanks for the extra vents, Freedivershop!