2014 lunocet

[Chipswim]

Poseidon! Welcome to the waiting area next to the delivery room! Your entry enlivened the conversation because we are all right here with you.

Hopefully Ted really CAN'T step out of the delivery room right now because he's in there catching our bundles of joy as they exit the mold.

Just to catch you up. I think there are only three Pro Lunocets actually in use so far. Ted's original test, Apneadict's that is about to spawn the first review and most recently Neurodocs new arrival. Cool descriptions from Neurodoc about his trip to the pool with his son and their Pro. We should all get there soon.

 

[marginatus]

A possible strategy to resolve some issues would be: "Standard delivery time: 2-3 months". There would be a boatload of people being really happy when the fin arrives after six weeks of waiting, rather than being pissed that it took more than a month

If customer satisfaction and sales number go up after this, am I eligible for a serious discount on a fin?

(BTW: Is there any way to test one of the hydrofoils (incl. X-20) somewhere here in Europe?)

If it said 2-3 months I wouldn't order it....

 

[HydroApprentice]

If it said 2-3 months I wouldn't order it....

I see your point, and I know that I'd go totally ballistic if I'd be in your shoes... I just keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

[marginatus]

I see your point, and I know that I'd go totally ballistic if I'd be in your shoes... I just keep my fingers crossed for you!

Even the shoes are delayed

 

[neurodoc]

Poseidon! Welcome to the waiting area next to the delivery room! Your entry enlivened the conversation because we are all right here with you.

Hopefully Ted really CAN'T step out of the delivery room right now because he's in there catching our bundles of joy as they exit the mold.

Just to catch you up. I think there are only three Pro Lunocets actually in use so far. Ted's original test, Apneadict's that is about to spawn the first review and most recently Neurodocs new arrival. Cool descriptions from Neurodoc about his trip to the pool with his son and their Pro. We should all get there soon.

Thanks, Chipswim! but, it's the classic fin he tried and not the Pro model, just to be clear. I will post a message when I get my Pro! I may get some video (of the standard luno) to post this afternoon if my son can stay motivated to swim during spring break. His normal swim practices are 2-3 miles 3-4 times per week so he is enjoying the break right now. He swims incredibly better with the Lunocet than he does with any of my other fins. For reference, he is 69" tall and 145 lbs.

 

[PoseidonSv]

Seems like we all have the same experience, I got an email yesterday that seemed almost automated reply that he will get back to me when he has time. Good to know we are all in the same boat. seems like there is not date he can promise since they are simply not finished or there is some quality problem right now but it is much better to get working products than one not 100% perfect.

 

[Chipswim]

Poseidon,

Here is a photo of the shoes I choose for my Pro. They are similar to the ones on my classic 2014 which are working out very well. I like the road shoe because it is sleek, water resistant, and durable. I like the ratcheting top closure because it can be super tight which I prefer for my monofin. I like the carbon sole because I broke the sole on a shoe that wasn't carbon¡

 

[Chipswim]

Thanks, Chipswim! but, it's the classic fin he tried and not the Pro model, just to be clear. I will post a message when I get my Pro! I may get some video (of the standard luno) to post this afternoon if my son can stay motivated to swim during spring break. His normal swim practices are 2-3 miles 3-4 times per week so he is enjoying the break right now. He swims incredibly better with the Lunocet than he does with any of my other fins. For reference, he is 69" tall and 145 lbs.

Oooops..... Almost created that third Pro out of thin air. Looking forward to the videos of your son.

 

[noa]

I totally agree with you! I can only get some sort of communication (except for 2 emails at first) by phone. The "urgent" thing doesn't work too.... I've gotten the "one more week" a few times (as you can see from one of my previous posts, one of which I was happy my fin would be shipped on Wednesday) and have considered cancelling. I'll see how this cycle works out.
As you, I don't mind waiting (a litle) for a better version but having no estimate of when it will be shipped, or having a very inaccurate estimate doesn't work well for me.

I hear you brother. And I have also considered canceling, more out of principle, but have so far decided to keep giving Ted the benefit of the doubt. Let's see how this all plays out. Always best however to stay positive...

 

[Chipswim]

Hang in there! I for one would Miss you terribly if you were gone!

I'm positive you are contributing to a better result!

 

[cdavis]

Guys, hate to be a poop, but Ted's customer service isn't likely to improve. From what I can tell, its been like this a long time. I work in the marine world, lots of small companies, some of which have extremely good customer service, most do not. A few are awful. In my experience, neither the good ones nor the bad ones EVER change. The bad ones are excellent at making excuses and, I suspect, fool themselves into thinking that their customer service is ok. The really good ones never make excuses. Customer service is a mindset thing, part of a businesses DNA, hard to change.


Good ones also nearly always charge more - because they are worth it. There is almost always a close correlation between extremely good customer service, top quality product and higher price. The bad ones usually have to charge less, which makes it near impossible for them to afford to provide excellent service, even if they really wanted to. Sound familiar?

 

[Ted Ciamillo]

Hi Guys,

I'm sorry for the delays. I will have every order on the books filled by the end of next week. The problem with the Pro was that the core was being pushed to one side of the mold during the molding process. When the pressure was released, not only was the core off center inside the rubber fluke, the springback caused a ripple in the surface. The flukes are functional but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I want the production models perfect. I tried a couple of attempts to solve the problem and then had success with jacking the core in the opposite direction in the mold such that when it does yield to the pressure it ends up on center.

During the debugging of the fluke molding process, I have kept my 6 CNC machines pumping out peduncle parts and I now have close to 200 units waiting for flukes. I will send some process pics shortly. I do everything in house so I have little time to write here or on my own website but I hope to change that soon. I have been CNC machining since the machines were paper tape driven and that's over a quarter century ago... my prices are a result of that experience. I know production and I know machining. I have diverted my 6 CNC machines away from cycling components to a large extent lately with the intent on take over completely at some point to doing all luno work. I have one million dollars of equipment that I have been feverishly setting up for streamlined, efficient production. This is how I get my price down. I built my own custom compression molding presses, machined my own molds, machine all parts but hardware, and anodize in house as well. This is how I get the price down. My shop is like an orchestra ... when all the machines are running I make music.

I sincerely hope that my silence has not come off as being disrespectful. I have been hard at work setting up proper production... tooling, fixturing, building presses, programming and debugging. After April 15, all lunocet orders will have an active tracking number within 48 hours or shipping will be free.

Lastly, there is an adjustable angle kit that will be included with the Pro and a new price of $399 on April 15th. The angle kit may be purchased as an upgrade. The angle kit will allow three different angles 31, 35, and 39 (subject to change by popular demand). The current angle is 31. The Pro solves the need for speed and acceleration so to push the envelope... It is my belief that huge improvements in DYN can be achieved with getting the flukes neutral with a straight and streamlined diver. I see a lot of divers compensating with arch in their backs to make up more angle and get the fin neutral. This arch is creating a lot of drag in glide mode (which is sometimes the majority of the dive). The Pro will allow you to dial in your best angle for your best glide.

I appreciate all the feedback and support.

More to come..

Ted

 

[Ted Ciamillo]

And now some Luno Pro eye candy... first production Luno Pro in use in Hawaii by Kurt Chambers and his mermaids... (photo by Kurt Chambers)

 

[Ted Ciamillo]

 

[Sarcomere]

Thanks for the update Ted, the pics look nice! Btw I prefer the cores in the center of my flukes

Maybe all the early buyers of the pro model should get the adjustable angle foot plate thrown in free for being patient.

 

[noa]

Hi Guys,

I'm sorry for the delays. I will have every order on the books filled by the end of next week. The problem with the Pro was that the core was being pushed to one side of the mold during the molding process. When the pressure was released, not only was the core off center inside the rubber fluke, the springback caused a ripple in the surface. The flukes are functional but I am a bit of a perfectionist and I want the production models perfect. I tried a couple of attempts to solve the problem and then had success with jacking the core in the opposite direction in the mold such that when it does yield to the pressure it ends up on center.

During the debugging of the fluke molding process, I have kept my 6 CNC machines pumping out peduncle parts and I now have close to 200 units waiting for flukes. I will send some process pics shortly. I do everything in house so I have little time to write here or on my own website but I hope to change that soon. I have been CNC machining since the machines were paper tape driven and that's over a quarter century ago... my prices are a result of that experience. I know production and I know machining. I have diverted my 6 CNC machines away from cycling components to a large extent lately with the intent on take over completely at some point to doing all luno work. I have one million dollars of equipment that I have been feverishly setting up for streamlined, efficient production. This is how I get my price down. I built my own custom compression molding presses, machined my own molds, machine all parts but hardware, and anodize in house as well. This is how I get the price down. My shop is like an orchestra ... when all the machines are running I make music.

I sincerely hope that my silence has not come off as being disrespectful. I have been hard at work setting up proper production... tooling, fixturing, building presses, programming and debugging. After April 15, all lunocet orders will have an active tracking number within 48 hours or shipping will be free.

Lastly, there is an adjustable angle kit that will be included with the Pro and a new price of $399 on April 15th. The angle kit may be purchased as an upgrade. The angle kit will allow three different angles 31, 35, and 39 (subject to change by popular demand). The current angle is 31. The Pro solves the need for speed and acceleration so to push the envelope... It is my belief that huge improvements in DYN can be achieved with getting the flukes neutral with a straight and streamlined diver. I see a lot of divers compensating with arch in their backs to make up more angle and get the fin neutral. This arch is creating a lot of drag in glide mode (which is sometimes the majority of the dive). The Pro will allow you to dial in your best angle for your best glide.

I appreciate all the feedback and support.

More to come..

Ted

Hello Ted, thank you very much for posting this and letting us know how things are coming along.
It's been a bit of a wait from us, but I certainly very much appreciate your time for this update.
Well, we now all look forward to getting our fins and diving in, literally.
Very beautiful and inspirational pictures that you posted from Hawaii.

 

[Chipswim]

TED!

THAT was a post to remember!!!!!!

I liked all the details about the shop and the process....... And your history leading to this moment.... And of course your resolve to get fins to the field forevermore!

I had noticed some of the better swimmers glide in that arched position. Thought it looked kind of cool. Also admired their flexibility to glide in that arch..... Hadn't even thought of that as a drag issue but it's apparent now that you point it out. It makes sense that the inefficient position is caused by compensating for fin angle. Once again a clever solution! Could be a big deal. Guess we'll see very soon.

The mermaid photos are truly beautiful in several ways........... And I learned something from that first one: I thought my XXXL shorty swim skin didn't fit........ But it DOES fit!
It fits just like the one in that picture!

 

[noa]

TED!

THAT was a post to remember!!!!!!

I liked all the details about the shop and the process....... And your history leading to this moment.... And of course your resolve to get fins to the field forevermore!

I had noticed some of the better swimmers glide in that arched position. Thought it looked kind of cool. Also admired their flexibility to glide in that arch..... Hadn't even thought of that as a drag issue but it's apparent now that you point it out. It makes sense that the inefficient position is caused by compensating for fin angle. Once again a clever solution! Could be a big deal. Guess we'll see very soon.

The mermaid photos are truly beautiful in several ways........... And I learned something from that first one: I thought my XXXL shorty swim skin didn't fit........ But it DOES fit!
It fits just like the one in that picture!View attachment 38053

Brother, I would kill to see you glide along in that swim skin of yours... : )

 

[neurodoc]

TED!


The mermaid photos are truly beautiful in several ways........... And I learned something from that first one: I thought my XXXL shorty swim skin didn't fit........ But it DOES fit!
It fits just like the one in that picture!View attachment 38053

Chip, somehow I bet the visual effect is quite different even if the fit is the same. I shall really have to work, though, to now separate the two images in my mind so I can enjoy this image without the imagined one of you interfering! LOL ;-) Seriously though, isn't that the most gorgeous fin you've ever seen?

 

[Fondueset]

On the subject of glide position. Mine in my videos is governed by a couple of factors - mostly to do with buoyancy and bad habits
If I don't have the depth just right I raise my legs to keep my head down. I also find the arched position more relaxing - but I think this is just a matter of habituation. Another factor (by way of rationalization ) is that with the fin up theres less need for a wind up for the next downstroke. (that's mostly bullshit though - since the downstroke really begins in the upper body)
That said - humans are a bit complex hydrodynamically. Even with my current form it's no problem to cover 25m with no suit and 1 kick.

Since seeing my videos I have been working on a flatter glide. It needs a little extra tension in the lower abdominals and I'm interested to see the trade off energy-wise - particularly at these lower speeds.

Anyway - the position is not a function of the fin; which has enough blade angle to allow for a pretty flat glide. Note Alexei's in the video>