The "mechanical" nose clip, born with the records of the 90s (the precursor was the excellent French Paradisia, now surpassed in volumes and ergonomics, although still valid in functionality, but now unobtainable), has now become an object widely used among freedivers worldwide, both for training and competitions in the pool and for depth. 

We have analyzed some of the most used and valid models, highlighting their characteristics and peculiarities of use. We have also introduced some simple concluding identifications, which can be useful in the choice: Pro's Choice (for experienced and demanding users, sometimes with a significant price); People's Choice (the most used choice, often the simplest and easiest to find while maintaining a valid quality/price ratio); News Choice (a novelty product, or little known, which for its characteristics highlights interesting technical contents). 

Octopus www.octopusfreediving.com 

Swiss brand from Geneva, created by designer and freediver Pascal Berger. After the first appearance of the Classic model, there are now 4 models in the catalog. 

Classic: made of durable technopolymer with easily replaceable elastomer pads +functional and widely used +affordable +wide range of colors (10 colors) -the well-sized and rounded shape may not fit small or female noses (fits from medium to extra large) 

Carbon: made of carbon-reinforced technopolymer with easily replaceable elastomer pads +functional and ergonomic (smaller and with elliptical pads) +extremely lightweight, with minimalist and hydrodynamic design +rigid structure +higher price than the Classic, but still justified +5 available colors -"more precise" fit; requires accurate positioning, especially for use in compensation (fits from extra-small to medium-large) 

Aluminum: the latest addition, the top of the range! Completely made of "aeronautical" aluminum alloy with super-grippy natural suede leather pads +high level of construction and super sturdy product +functional, compact, ergonomic, precise, and strong in closure +extremely lightweight, with minimalist and hydrodynamic design +rigid structure +5 available colors -higher price, although justified, due to the type of construction and if compared to similar products from competitors -medium fit really precise, which may not fit everyone 

Fakir: "particular" nose clip, suitable exclusively to be worn over the mask to allow hands-free compensation. Little used precisely because of its specificity. 

 Molchanovs www.molchanovs.com  
Brand created and managed by champion Alexey Molchanov using experience and know-how acquired in freediving and fin swimming. 

A6063 Nose Clip: the "basic" nose clip and the first born of the line; entirely made of "aeronautical" aluminum alloy with anodized surface and with adhesive felt pads, supplied in an additional replacement set together with the nose clip +high-level construction and robust product +functional and compact, very ergonomic, precise, and strong in closure +extremely lightweight, with minimalist and hydrodynamic design +rigid structure +choice of two sizes based on nose shape (S/M: 23x45x29.5mm and M/L: 26x47x29.5mm) +4 available colors -price significantly higher than the competition although justified by the construction level, functionality, ergonomics, and the choice of two different sizes. 

A6063X Nose Clip: new model that proposes itself as an updated version of the A6063, still in production; in "aeronautical" aluminum alloy with anodized surface and with adhesive felt pads, supplied in an additional replacement set together with the nose clip, while small changes concern the different positioning of the cord to be fixed to the neck and a more precise and strong grip on the nose +high-level construction and robust product, slightly improved compared to the A6063 +functional and compact, very ergonomic, precise, and strong in closure +extremely lightweight, with minimalist and hydrodynamic design +rigid structure +choice of two sizes based on nose shape (S/M: 23x45x29.5mm and M/L: 26x47x29.5mm) +3 available colors -price higher than the A6063 and only partially justified by the highlighted technical improvements. 

Apneaman Noseclip www.apneaman.cz  
A single model in plastic material, simple, marketed by the Apneaman shop, +simple and functional, available in different colors +widely marketed -not very ergonomic and not particularly robust compared to similar products from the competition (Octopus Classic) -non-competitive price compared to the type of product 

Mares www.mares.com  
Nose Clip: the company's only model, which is produced in sturdy and functional plastic material +simple and functional +good robustness +excellent quality/price ratio (price among the best on the market) +good ergonomics thanks to the particular asymmetrical shape -pads in soft rubbery material overprinted that improves grip on the nose but can cause discomfort due to excessive grip -also proposed as a nose clip to be worn over the mask for "hands-free" use, but not very functional in this sense 

Freexperience www.freexperience.com  
Young Finnish brand with bases also in Belgium and managed by freediver Kimmo Lahtinen. 

Polyamide Noseclip: construction in a particular mixed latex technopolymer with micro-hole pads area particularly functional; cord equipped with safety clip to release the nose clip in case it accidentally gets entangled; supplied with mini case with small carabiner +simple, robust, and functional; ingenious construction system that would prevent the nose clip from moving even when sunscreen is used +affordable (price in line with valid and cheaper products, including Octopus Classic) +availability in 4 sizes (Oval/Small/Large/XLarge), which satisfies any freediver +wide range of colors (10 colors) -no critical issues. While remaining an affordable product, the possibility of choosing between various sizes allows for no problems in terms of ergonomics 

Premium Titanium Noseclip: construction in Eos Titanium Ti64, a material with characteristics of rigidity and robustness even in the presence of reduced thicknesses; micro-hole pads area particularly functional; cord equipped with safety clip to release the nose clip in case it accidentally gets entangled; supplied with mini case with small carabiner +high-level construction product, super robust and with rigid structure +functional and very compact, precise and strong in closure +extremely lightweight, with minimalist and hydrodynamic design +availability in 4 models sizes (Oval/Small/Large/XLarge) that satisfies any freediver +4 available colors +price adequate to the construction level and know-how of the product and lower than the competition in relation to similar products -no critical issues 

Mini Noseclip: particular nose clip, worthy of mention for characteristics and ingenuity; very small, made of stainless steel, to be positioned under the mask for hands-free use in freediving and during fishing, synchronized swimming, fin swimming, mermaiding, diving with the use of scooters...) +ingenious and very compact and functional shape +indestructible stainless steel and adaptable to the nose as it is foldable +availability in 2 sizes (Small/Large) that satisfies any user -particular product, which requires practice and compensatory sensitivity in use -non-competitive price, although it is an exclusive model