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Cressi Gara Modular Foopockets

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.

William Freeman

Active Member
Dec 21, 2014
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Hi all,
anyone here who has these FP's and put blades on them other than Cressi?
I have the green LD's on them now and they're ok, bit I'd like something a bit more flexible and softer. I'd like to upgrade them...without glueing or other permanent measures and without spending a small fortune on Cressi Carbons.
Has anyone fixed Leaderfin blades on them? If so, how?
I'd greatly appreciate any input.
Cheers
 
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Hey Will,

Sorry, no answer to your question, but have you had the chance to compare the modular to the Gara 3000?
Right now I have to make the choice between the two "blind" (ordering online) and every bit of info is highly appreciated!

All the best
Tim
 
Tim, I have both. The very main difference is the detachable blade of the Gara Modulars, which is practicable if you're travelling with limited space. Also, you can fit other blades. I recently met a guy in Egypt who had Leaderfin blades fitted into the modular fp's, who answered all my questions.
There's also a difference in foot pocket. The modular fp's are a measure broader and larger than the 3000LD's and also a bit stiffer. The 3000LD's are slightly more true to size, where the modulars are meant to be worn with 5mm socks. I went a size down with the modulars so I could wear 2mm socks or even none at all.
As far as flexibility goes, the LD's are both similar. The regular Gara Modulars are quite a bit stiffer, more like the 2000HF's. There is a new model, the Gara Modular Nery, which are even softer than the LD's. If I bought them again, that's the model I would buy.
The 3000LD's are a bit tougher due to the materials and the fixed blade, which maybe should be your choice if you do a lot of diving around rocks and rocky shore entries. They can take a beating. I've seen some covered in deep scratches and corners missing but they still do the job.
Either way, both fins are good.
 
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Thank you so much! That might be the most comprehensive answer to my question that I could hope for.

I can get both right now for about 60 euros but the nery edition would set me back 110, which is a little too much at the moment.

I have no regular spot where I am diving, so durability is kind of neglectable.

I always read that softer blades are the way to go, which would point to the 3000 if I got you right.
But the option to change to fiberglass blades later on is nice. Aaaand I really like the color and look of the modulars.

Well, I guess it's settled. Modulars one size smaller than shoes it is.

Thank you!
 
Thank you so much! That might be the most comprehensive answer to my question that I could hope for.

I can get both right now for about 60 euros but the nery edition would set me back 110, which is a little too much at the moment.

I have no regular spot where I am diving, so durability is kind of neglectable.

I always read that softer blades are the way to go, which would point to the 3000 if I got you right.
But the option to change to fiberglass blades later on is nice. Aaaand I really like the color and look of the modulars.

Well, I guess it's settled. Modulars one size smaller than shoes it is.

Thank you!

Tim, what I forgot to say is; if I do wear them without socks, I need fin keepers. Only because they then feel a bit loose and I've lost a fin before so I've become slightly nervy in that regard.
 
Tim, I have both. The very main difference is the detachable blade of the Gara Modulars, which is practicable if you're travelling with limited space. Also, you can fit other blades. I recently met a guy in Egypt who had Leaderfin blades fitted into the modular fp's, who answered all my questions.
There's also a difference in foot pocket. The modular fp's are a measure broader and larger than the 3000LD's and also a bit stiffer. The 3000LD's are slightly more true to size, where the modulars are meant to be worn with 5mm socks. I went a size down with the modulars so I could wear 2mm socks or even none at all.
As far as flexibility goes, the LD's are both similar. The regular Gara Modulars are quite a bit stiffer, more like the 2000HF's. There is a new model, the Gara Modular Nery, which are even softer than the LD's. If I bought them again, that's the model I would buy.
The 3000LD's are a bit tougher due to the materials and the fixed blade, which maybe should be your choice if you do a lot of diving around rocks and rocky shore entries. They can take a beating. I've seen some covered in deep scratches and corners missing but they still do the job.
Either way, both fins are good.

If you want please share what had to be done to mount leaderfins blades on the gara modular fp's.

I want to upgrade to some carbon fins but havent been sure wether it's too much hassle to just mount LF blades on my footpockets or if i should the conplete fins from leaderfins. I'm pretty happy with the current modular footpockets actually.
 
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After what felt like ages, I finally received my Gara Modular LD fins in awesome green.

I have shoe size 44/45 regularly and ordered them in 42/43 just as advised here.
Would wear them in a warm pool like that but for the sea, socks are definitely recommended.

Problem is: I now am in New Zealand (rural area, not even a pool) and don't own a Wetsuit, so no luck in getting them wet anytime soon.

Thanks again for everybodys help!
 
Please someone give some idea how fitting leaderfins to gara modular foot pocket works ? Can I do it myself? If it is the typical procedure and nothing special for this combination tell so that I check for older posts on the topic
 
Hey xristos,

sorry to hear that you are still looking for an answer almost 3 years later :-/
What I could gather from several threads was that either blades fit pockets from other manufacturers with little to no trimming or they do not fit at all.
Maybe you'd be better of just ordering a pair of blades and try it. If they don't even fit the pocket, you send them back and have lost the postage. But if not, the fitting process should be easy, as it is just sanding down or trimming the edges a little.

Only thing I would worry about is drilling new holes in Carbon fiber blades. That might be something for someone with a deeper knowledge of material manipulation and specialised tools, because carbon fiber splits very easily along the single strands. Trying that with a common powerdrill might kill the blades in an instant.

I really hope that you'll find a solution for your desired blade pocket combo!
 
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Reactions: xristos
Hey xristos,

sorry to hear that you are still looking for an answer almost 3 years later :-/
What I could gather from several threads was that either blades fit pockets from other manufacturers with little to no trimming or they do not fit at all.
Maybe you'd be better of just ordering a pair of blades and try it. If they don't even fit the pocket, you send them back and have lost the postage. But if not, the fitting process should be easy, as it is just sanding down or trimming the edges a little.

Only thing I would worry about is drilling new holes in Carbon fiber blades. That might be something for someone with a deeper knowledge of material manipulation and specialised tools, because carbon fiber splits very easily along the single strands. Trying that with a common powerdrill might kill the blades in an instant.

I really hope that you'll find a solution for your desired blade pocket combo!
Thanks a lot :) Didn't realize it was 3 years, but I am not in a hurry, I have been using the modulars for around 4 years so they are ok . A lot of scars on them but working alright. Problem is they are stiff(I'm around 66 kg 1 78cm , i think the achilles tendonitis i developed 2 years ago was because of that).Also, I read here that there is some performance benefit to composite blades.

Bottom Line I will get them after contacting my local shop about the gluing - drilling job. Now I have to decide on material, softness and specific model . Something on softer side of things maybe fiberglass.
 
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Reactions: Tim B.
Gara Modulars black are an absolute pain in the ass, or rather ankles... I bought them online since here in BC freediving is as rare as pigs watching stars. Sizing is arseways, (I'm 42eu, fins are 40 -41, 3mm socks, mares insoles... still on the loose side) and they are stiff as hell, like kicking a brick wall! I'm going to contact leaderfins and find out waht it takes to fit their blades into Gara foot pockets, but I'm pretty sure it's all about drilling 4 holes. The only concern I have would be fp tendons stiffness combined with soft blade... Anyone any thoughts about it??
 
Gara Modulars black are an absolute pain in the ass, or rather ankles... I bought them online since here in BC freediving is as rare as pigs watching stars. Sizing is arseways, (I'm 42eu, fins are 40 -41, 3mm socks, mares insoles... still on the loose side) and they are stiff as hell, like kicking a brick wall! I'm going to contact leaderfins and find out waht it takes to fit their blades into Gara foot pockets, but I'm pretty sure it's all about drilling 4 holes. The only concern I have would be fp tendons stiffness combined with soft blade... Anyone any thoughts about it??

Yeah, sounds like you got the completely wrong fins mate!
Maybe you should just write them off and start from scratch with another brand. If you don't like the pockets nor the blades, what's the point in tinkering with them any further?

Go order some different pairs from a nice shop with a good return policy, try the fits and maybe even the kick in the pool and be happier with your new choice. :)
 
Stiff tendons with a soft fiberglass blade is a nice combination. You get easy flex from the blade tips when kicking soft, but power from the tendons when you need it.

The footpocket needs to fit well and be comfortable no mater what.

Leaderfins older footpocket were all rubber and the tendons were too soft. Their newer footpockets are TPR thermoplastic rubber and are much better. Stiff where they need to be, but still comfortable.
 
Last edited:
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Reactions: Pawel Dziadura
Hi, greetings from Malaysia! I have a Cressi Gara modular footpocket combine with Leaderfin Carbon blades (not pure carbon). It will fit but not plug & play. I'm not very good in explaining, so i will highlight some of the concern area;

- The rubber side rails will need to be trim. I tried to shaped it to fit Gara's "T-shape" groove inside the tendons, but just too much work. So i glue it instead.
- The bend on the blade is at different length. This means i can't fully push the blade all the way in the f/p. But if you align the bend to the f/p, you can drill the holes right below the bend.
- The original plastic blade is thicker, so there will be gap. I insert some rubber sheet on top of the blade to prevent it from moving when i insert the blade to the f/p.

So far i've used it for +-10 dives in pool & open water, everything is still good. I will try to post some pics if it helps.
 
Hi, greetings from Malaysia! I have a Cressi Gara modular footpocket combine with Leaderfin Carbon blades (not pure carbon). It will fit but not plug & play. I'm not very good in explaining, so i will highlight some of the concern area;

- The rubber side rails will need to be trim. I tried to shaped it to fit Gara's "T-shape" groove inside the tendons, but just too much work. So i glue it instead.
- The bend on the blade is at different length. This means i can't fully push the blade all the way in the f/p. But if you align the bend to the f/p, you can drill the holes right below the bend.
- The original plastic blade is thicker, so there will be gap. I insert some rubber sheet on top of the blade to prevent it from moving when i insert the blade to the f/p.

So far i've used it for +-10 dives in pool & open water, everything is still good. I will try to post some pics if it helps.
Regards from cold Canada!
Thanks for your imput. Looks like too much hassle... I have enough of wrenching every day at work to spend my free time working on my fins ;) Gluing is not an option as I need to be able to disassemble them for travel. I'm looking for plug&play solution or... new set of fins.
 
Yeah, sounds like you got the completely wrong fins mate!
Maybe you should just write them off and start from scratch with another brand. If you don't like the pockets nor the blades, what's the point in tinkering with them any further?

Go order some different pairs from a nice shop with a good return policy, try the fits and maybe even the kick in the pool and be happier with your new choice. :)
Nice shops with good return policies are in Europe ;) I might get new a new set while I'm there in the winter.
It's not like Modulars slipping off my feet while diving. I think I just prefer really firm, snug fit with thin sock.
If I could lay my hands on cheap and easy soft blade option I'll go ahead and try otherwise I'm getting new ones.
You have LD green version right? How are they? Are the blades really soft?
 
Nice shops with good return policies are in Europe ;) I might get new a new set while I'm there in the winter.
It's not like Modulars slipping off my feet while diving. I think I just prefer really firm, snug fit with thin sock.
If I could lay my hands on cheap and easy soft blade option I'll go ahead and try otherwise I'm getting new ones.
You have LD green version right? How are they? Are the blades really soft?

I have to admit, that I lack the data to compare. These are my first FD fins and I don't really know what classifies as 'really soft'. I think William Freeman (some posts above) could have some valuable insights on that.
From what I read they are reasonably soft but no comparison to glass or carbon fiber blades, especially regarding the rebound factor.
Thing is, if you're already looking to spend for carbon blades, maybe the plastic blades don't satisfy your needs anyways.

Can't you order from the new Empire (USA) or are there taxes involved?
Maybe try those mako fins.

Or just scubastore. Not cheap postage but affordable.
Or just move to a warmer country, goddammit! What are you doing in those freezing Waters anyways?! :LOL:
 
I have to admit, that I lack the data to compare. These are my first FD fins and I don't really know what classifies as 'really soft'. I think William Freeman (some posts above) could have some valuable insights on that.
From what I read they are reasonably soft but no comparison to glass or carbon fiber blades, especially regarding the rebound factor.
Thing is, if you're already looking to spend for carbon blades, maybe the plastic blades don't satisfy your needs anyways.

Can't you order from the new Empire (USA) or are there taxes involved?
Maybe try those mako fins.

Or just scubastore. Not cheap postage but affordable.
Or just move to a warmer country, goddammit! What are you doing in those freezing Waters anyways?! :LOL:
My girlfriend forced me to come here!!
But... It turns out she's no the biggest fan of winter and we're moving to Queensland :D

I'm not looking for composite blades yet, I really like how durable and cheap plastic fins are I'm not that advanced anyway.
Postage to Canada from either Europe and States, and all the taxes and duties are the killers, so if I'm getting anything it will be Scubastore or Planet Multi Store back in Europe.
Did you get a chance to check/try Nery edition? I wonder is that even softer blade than LD or just a marketing trick.
Thanks.
 
My girlfriend forced me to come here!!
But... It turns out she's no the biggest fan of winter and we're moving to Queensland :D

I'm not looking for composite blades yet, I really like how durable and cheap plastic fins are I'm not that advanced anyway.
Postage to Canada from either Europe and States, and all the taxes and duties are the killers, so if I'm getting anything it will be Scubastore or Planet Multi Store back in Europe.
Did you get a chance to check/try Nery edition? I wonder is that even softer blade than LD or just a marketing trick.
Thanks.
Hey
No first hand info on the nery edition.
But someone here in one of the gara threads mentioned that he would take those instead because they are even softer than the LDs.

Can't find it right now, sorry.

On you moving: great! Way less cold killing you slowly but way more great whites. Hahaha
Good luck mate! ;-)
 
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