extralong fins

[hteas]

It appears that there is a growing trend in making longer blades for fins. Some are as long as 100 cm now. Has anybody used them, and is there any point in the extra length?

 

[chrismar]

Yes, I've used a couple of different extended-length fins.

No, they're not better fundamentally. For some things maybe, but I prefer the regular length fins.

 

[Bill]

Hi Howard. Long time no see. Bel asked about you last week.
I'm hooked on the long C4s. They feel like 25s and go like 30s. Better than any other fin on the surface. You have to open up the kick to get the most out of them (Mandy explained that to me long ago) but if you kick them a little faster they react and feel like 30s. I can lend you a pair to try when I see you again. Love or hate, there's no in between with the Mustang pockets. I only wish they were around for those long days of spear fishing.

 

[hteas]

Thanks Bill. I'd be happy to try them out when we get there.

Not sure when we'll make it back. Terri got her new kidney a month ago, and we head back to Anchorage today. She's feeling a lot better now.

Say hi to Bel and Carlos when you see them. We miss you guys and the weather.

My new theme song; from the Cowboy Junkies "Fu*k, I hate the cold"

 

[hteas]

Chrismar,

How did you use them? fun, experiment, depth, spearfishing?

I'm guessing they'd be pretty awkward for spearfishing.

 

[pullbouy]

Hi Bill,

How many cm's on the long C4's?

Thanks.

 

[Bill]

The old version measures 99 cm from the back of the Omer foot pocket (42-44) to the tip. I think that I measured them side to side and there was no difference with the new blades and pockets. If you want some other measurement, I'll look at them later for you, just let me know.

 

[pullbouy]

Hi Bill,

Thanks. That measurement is enough info.

Regards.

 

[Mullins]

I've got a pair of C4 80s. Stiffness is ok but the're too long for me. I don't have a wide enough kick for them. And I'm 200cm tall....

 

[Bill]

@ Mullins ... Thanks for the comment. My legs are 5-10cm shorter than yours and I've often wondered about optimum fin length.

 

[chrismar]

Chrismar,

How did you use them? fun, experiment, depth, spearfishing?

I'm guessing they'd be pretty awkward for spearfishing.

Freediving (depth and pool), safety, photography and spearfishing. Two different brands, two different stiffnesses (soft and medium).

Neither worked very well for me either on the surface or under. I would, if anything, consider working with fins slightly shorter than usual so they can react better to different kick cadence, give better control/maneuverability and deal with current more effectively.

They weren't terrible, but I think they're worse than the standard length fins.

 

[hteas]

Thankis chrismar. it's kind of what I expected, but not having tried any, I wasn't really sure.