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Best Swim Snorkel: OMID SN1 vs Center-Mount Lap Snorkel

Find the best swim snorkel for lap training: OMID SN1 and the center-mount lap snorkel compared by tube length, valve, head bracket, colors and warranty.

OMID buyer’s guideUpdated October 2026Specs from maker listings

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Quick answer
  • Best overall: OMID SN1 (Royal Blue), with a 17.72 in tube, wider bore, splash guard and a 5-year manufacturer warranty listed.
  • Best for drills with a head bracket: OMID center-mount lap snorkel (Blue), with an adjustable bracket and padded head pads.
  • Best low-key color: the lap snorkel in Black.
  • Best bright SN1: SN1 in Green; the SN1 also comes in Black.
  • Both models use a food-grade silicone mouthpiece and a one-way purge valve, per the listings.

The best swim snorkel lets you breathe with your face in the water, so you can work on stroke, body position and kick without turning your head. That is why center-mount training snorkels are now standard kit for lap swimmers and triathletes.

OMID makes two swim snorkels: the SN1 and an older center-mount lap snorkel with a head bracket. This guide compares them, and their color options, using only what each listing states. Browse the snorkels page for every color, and pick up swim goggles to go with it.

Our picks

1OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth
Best swim snorkel overall

OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth

The SN1 is OMID's newer snorkel and the only one with a listed tube length, 17.72 in, which the maker says adds lap-swimming compatibility. The listing describes a splash guard system to limit water intake, a wider bore for airflow, a soft angled mouthpiece to reduce jaw fatigue, and a one-way valve for draining. It carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty, the longest here.

Best forLap swimmers who want a long tube, easy airflow and a long warranty
Skip it ifYou specifically want a padded, button-adjust head bracket
Pros
  • 17.72 in tube, per the listing
  • Splash guard and wider bore
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty listed
Cons
  • Bullets do not describe the head strap or bracket; check the photos
2OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training
Best for technique drills

OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training

This center-mount lap snorkel is built around an adjustable, lightweight head bracket that changes size with a button, plus thickened padding for comfort. The listing describes a hydrodynamic tube to reduce drag, a food-grade silicone mouthpiece and an upgraded one-way purge valve with a protective part. It is aimed at swimmers drilling technique, body position and competition strokes.

Best forSwim-team drills and adults working on freestyle form
Skip it ifA long warranty matters most to you
Pros
  • Button-adjust head bracket with padding
  • Hydrodynamic tube shape
  • Upgraded one-way purge valve
Cons
  • 1-year warranty
  • No tube length in the listing
3OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training
Best low-key color

OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training

This is the same center-mount lap snorkel in Black. Bracket, head pads, mouthpiece and purge valve match the Blue version, per the listing. Choose it if you prefer gear that blends in with a dark cap and goggles.

Best forSwimmers who want a plain black training snorkel
Skip it ifYou want to spot your snorkel easily in a gear bag
Pros
  • Same bracket and padding as the Blue
  • Food-grade silicone mouthpiece
  • Neutral color
Cons
  • 1-year warranty
4OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth
Best bright SN1 color

OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth

The SN1 in Green has the same 17.72 in tube, splash guard, wider bore and one-way valve as the Royal Blue. The color is the only difference, and the 5-year warranty applies here too. It is the most vivid of the three SN1 colors listed.

Best forSwimmers who like bright, easy-to-find gear
Skip it ifYou want a subtle look; the SN1 also comes in Black
Pros
  • Same SN1 specs as Royal Blue
  • 5-year manufacturer warranty listed
  • Bright, distinct color
Cons
  • Head strap details not described in the bullets

How we picked the best swim snorkel

OMID sells two snorkel models, so we kept both and added color variants because color is the main choice inside each model. We compared what the listings say on:

  • Tube: listed length and shape.
  • Breathing: splash guard, bore and purge valve.
  • Fit: head bracket, padding and mouthpiece material.
  • Warranty and colors: from the product attributes.

No prices or ratings are used. Where a listing does not give a number, such as tube length on the lap snorkel, the table says so.

SN1 vs center-mount lap snorkel: specs side by side

FeatureOMID SN1OMID lap snorkel
MountCenter-mount, per the bulletsCenter-mount
Tube length17.72 in~ Not listed
Head bracket~ Not described✓ Adjustable, button release, padded
Mouthpiece✓ Food-grade silicone, soft angled✓ Food-grade silicone, ergonomic
Purge valve✓ One-way✓ Upgraded one-way
Splash guard✓ Yes~ Not stated
ColorsRoyal Blue, Green, BlackBlue, Black
Warranty5 years1 year

Listed manufacturer warranty

From each product's warranty attribute

SN1: 5years5yearsSN1Lap snorkel: 1years1yearsLap snorkel

Color options per model

Colors listed in the OMID catalog

SN1: 3colorsLap snorkel: 2colors
SN1 · 60%Lap snorkel · 40%

OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth

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OMID SN1 Snorkel for Adult Youth

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OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training

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OMID Swim Snorkel for Lap Swimming Swimmer Training

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What to look for in a swim snorkel

A training snorkel sits on your forehead and runs down the center of your face, so fit and breathing matter more than looks. Check these points:

  1. Center mount. Both OMID snorkels are center-mount, so the tube stays out of your stroke on both sides.
  2. Tube length and bore. A longer tube keeps the top clear of chop; a wider bore moves more air. The SN1 lists both.
  3. Purge valve. A one-way valve lets water drain without you swallowing it. Both models have one.
  4. Mouthpiece. Soft silicone reduces jaw fatigue on long sets. Both listings say food-grade silicone.
  5. Head fit. A padded, adjustable bracket, like the lap snorkel's, is quick to set for different head sizes.
Pool, not reefBoth models are described as training snorkels. The SN1 listing also mentions sea diving, but neither is presented as a full snorkel-and-mask set for reef trips.

Which is the best swim snorkel for you?

Pick the SN1 if you want the longest listed warranty, a splash guard and a known 17.72 in tube. It is the best swim snorkel for most adult lap swimmers who plan to use it for years.

Pick the center-mount lap snorkel if a padded, button-adjust head bracket is the priority, for example on a swim team where gear gets shared and resized often.

Within each model, color is the only difference. The SN1 comes in Royal Blue, Green and Black; the lap snorkel in Blue and Black.

Clear vision matters as much as easy breathing on long sets. See our guides to the best anti-fog swim goggles and the OMID P2 swim goggles review, and if you have long hair, the best swim cap for long hair.

Tips for your first sets with a swim snorkel

Center-mount snorkels take a few sessions to get used to. Start with easy freestyle at a relaxed pace and exhale firmly through the tube to clear it.

  • Set the bracket so the tube sits straight up when your face is down, not tilted forward.
  • Breathe a little slower and deeper than usual; the tube adds a short dead-air space.
  • On flip turns, exhale through your nose to keep water out of the tube.
  • Rinse with fresh water after use and let the mouthpiece air-dry.

Kick sets with a board are a good first drill. Your head stays still, so you can focus on breathing rhythm before adding full strokes. Find every color on the snorkels page.

FAQ

What is the best swim snorkel for lap swimming?

A center-mount snorkel with a one-way purge valve and a soft mouthpiece. In the OMID range, the SN1 is the best swim snorkel for most lap swimmers thanks to its 17.72 in tube, splash guard and 5-year warranty, while the lap snorkel stands out for its adjustable head bracket.

What is a center-mount snorkel?

A center-mount snorkel runs up the middle of your face and attaches at the forehead, so you can breathe with your face down without turning your head. It is designed for lap swimming and technique work.

Does a swim snorkel help with technique?

Yes. OMID's listings say the training snorkel helps swimmers focus on technique, body position, competition strokes and efficiency, because you do not have to turn your head to breathe.

What does a purge valve do on a snorkel?

A one-way purge valve lets water that enters the tube drain out when you exhale, so it does not reach your mouth. Both OMID snorkels have one.

Can I use a lap swimming snorkel in the ocean?

The SN1 listing mentions sea diving use, but both OMID models are built for swim training. For reef snorkeling, a dedicated mask-and-snorkel set is a better fit.

Can kids use the OMID swim snorkel?

The SN1 title says it is for adults and youth. The center-mount lap snorkel is titled for adults.

Gear up for the pool and the slopes

Polarized and anti-fog swim goggles, silicone swim caps, snorkels, OTG ski goggles, merino ski socks and insulated gloves. Check colors and today’s price on Amazon.