Extreme Dolfinism G2

[cdavis]

Good marketing piece that should appeal to the non competitive diver. Combine it with pics like the heart stopping one above of the diver falling down a steep wall and you have got something.

 

[Kars]

I would have a different photo(s), perhaps 3 : DOL-fin, plane taking off, diver in the tropics keeping up with dolphins. Also a picture of the different models, with sizes and weight, and perhaps a picture of how small a case they can fit.
In the text I would have subtitles like: DOL-fin compared to traditional monofins:
I would include the durability aspect; if you feel very confident that is the case even under intense sprint like uses.

About the end slogan, I would remove or replace: 'regardless of skill level', because the word regardless maybe has a negative vibe (indifference), and more importantly the word skill level makes people question if they will be able to enjoy it, bringing up the ability aspect.
Maybe something like this is more suited (said the rambling double Dutch Dutchman...):
However you love to dive, DOL-Fins are the new way to go!
Notice you include every diver, and saying your fin is the NEW way to go/dive. New = good.

I believe your text and sales strategy can benefit from having a marketing person, who has some water affinity, test your product and help you with the marketing/writing would be very helpful, because he/she is an outsider new to your product having a fresh new and educated perspective.

 

[Chipswim]

Consider the words "Which ever" model you choose.... in place of "DESPITE" the model you choose....

 

[Fondueset]

Consider the words "Which ever" model you choose.... in place of "DESPITE" the model you choose....

Aye that - or 'regardless of'.

 

[REVAN]

So many good suggestions! Thanks everyone! For now, I'm just working on the text, and then later, define what pictures to make to go with the text.

Here is the updated text. Please, have a read at this. The goal is to attract new divers to the monofin while still appealing to experienced athletes. Do you think this has the right talking points covered to grab interest of divers and watersports enthusiasts that have not previously considered a monofin?

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Whether you are a seasoned swimmer or embarking on your first diving adventures, you can always use the additional power and performance of a good monofin.

This swimming accessory helps swimmers move through the water with little effort. The high-tech hydrofoil is crafted to mimic the fins of natural marine life, such as tuna or marlin, and DOL-Fin hydrofoils have set multiple records in the competitive sport of freediving. That being said, DOL-Fin monofins are not just for competitive athletes, recreational divers can also benefit from the power and efficiency they provide.

Smith Aerospace’s monofins are some of the best fins you can get. They have been developed and vetted within the rigorous environment of competitive freediving. The DOL-Fin’s patented hydrofoil designs allow for a unique combination of performance and comfort that is not attainable with any other brand or design currently available. You can zip through the water effortlessly without having to sacrifice comfort, and the unique bold look will really catch the eyes of strangers making you the envy of the beach resort.

There are a number of different models to choose from. They differ in buoyancy, performance and cost. You can choose a model based on what you will be using the fin for. The DOL-Fin Pilot2 is designed with a high level of stability and operational flexibility to provide swimmers and divers with the ability to scuba dive, freedive, spear or just surface swim, while the DOL-Fin Orca2 is designed with positive buoyancy and streamlining to provide maximum performance for competitive freediving and those who take the time to train for high-performance freediving beyond the 20m depth range.

Regardless which model you choose, all Smith Aerospace fins are crafted to be comfortable and easy to travel with. The compact hydrofoil folds to fit in a suitcase and can even detach from the support structure for even more flexibility in packing options. This makes traveling a breeze and saves money by eliminating extra luggage expenses for packing your monofin on that exotic diving vacation. One of the biggest complaints about traditional monofins is their awkward and uncomfortable fit. Many monofins will end up hurting your feet with prolonged use, and traditional monofins make you choose between effectiveness and comfort. DOL-Fin monofins differ in their design, allowing for the best of both without compromise.

However you love to dive, DOL-Fins are the new way to go!

 

[REVAN]

On reflection, I think I may like it better with Chip's suggestion:

"Whichever model you choose, all Smith Aerospace fins are crafted to be comfortable and easy to travel with."

It feels a little stronger than "Regardless which model you choose..."

Agree? Disagree? And the big question; will it appeal to divers who are not actively considering a monofin and get them to reconsider? Is there a better way to reach that demographic?

 

[REVAN]

New competition video:



This is the girl from the picture shown previously of the girl free falling on the deep wall. For a new to monofin diver, she's looking very good. If she keeps this up, I may have to consider sponsoring some equipment for her.

 

[Kars]

So many good suggestions! Thanks everyone! For now, I'm just working on the text, and then later, define what pictures to make to go with the text.

Here is the updated text. Please, have a read at this. The goal is to attract new divers to the monofin while still appealing to experienced athletes. Do you think this has the right talking points covered to grab interest of divers and watersports enthusiasts that have not previously considered a monofin?

-------------------------------------------------


Whether you are a seasoned swimmer or embarking on your first diving adventures, you can always use the additional power and performance of a good monofin.

This swimming accessory helps swimmers move through the water with little effort. The high-tech hydrofoil is crafted to mimic the fins of natural marine life, such as tuna or marlin, and DOL-Fin hydrofoils have set multiple records in the competitive sport of freediving. That being said, DOL-Fin monofins are not just for competitive athletes, recreational divers can also benefit from the power and efficiency they provide.

Smith Aerospace’s monofins are some of the best fins you can get. They have been developed and vetted within the rigorous environment of competitive freediving. The DOL-Fin’s patented hydrofoil designs allow for a unique combination of performance and comfort that is not attainable with any other brand or design currently available. You can zip through the water effortlessly without having to sacrifice comfort, and the unique bold look will really catch the eyes of strangers making you the envy of the beach resort.

There are a number of different models to choose from. They differ in buoyancy, performance and cost. You can choose a model based on what you will be using the fin for. The DOL-Fin Pilot2 is designed with a high level of stability and operational flexibility to provide swimmers and divers with the ability to scuba dive, freedive, spear or just surface swim, while the DOL-Fin Orca2 is designed with positive buoyancy and streamlining to provide maximum performance for competitive freediving and those who take the time to train for high-performance freediving beyond the 20m depth range.

Regardless which model you choose, all Smith Aerospace fins are crafted to be comfortable and easy to travel with. The compact hydrofoil folds to fit in a suitcase and can even detach from the support structure for even more flexibility in packing options. This makes traveling a breeze and saves money by eliminating extra luggage expenses for packing your monofin on that exotic diving vacation. One of the biggest complaints about traditional monofins is their awkward and uncomfortable fit. Many monofins will end up hurting your feet with prolonged use, and traditional monofins make you choose between effectiveness and comfort. DOL-Fin monofins differ in their design, allowing for the best of both without compromise.

However you love to dive, DOL-Fins are the new way to go!

Hi Ron, I'll give it a go, whilst feeling inadequate not being a native English speaker

First thing is to know that words carry a sometimes subtle emotional baggage. Example: cost versus price. I think the word price sounds much more rewarding and positive.
Second thing is defining your sales audience, which you define clearly: "divers and water sports enthusiasts that have not previously considered a monofin?", whilst not alienating the athletes.
In order to attract divers and water sports enthusiasts, you'll have to imagine their current worldview, and pleasures they already understand. Talking about CWT does not appeal because they have not experienced anything remotely like it. What they do understand is images of dolphins, mermaids, scuba diving, snorkelling, flying, swimming. Boiling it down what makes using a monofin fun to a beginner? I think: Novelty, pears attention, speed, enjoying exploring a new movement and environment, living out a dream of swimming / dancing like a dolphin. This is what your product gives/offers. Why your product and not a fibreglass model? Comfort, adjustable, transportable, easy, a sturdy, reliable product you can depend on and trust.

Here below I'll attempt to write a piece considering the above.

--------

Have you ever dreamed of speeding through the water like a dolphin?
Do you think it is just a dream?

Now you can wake up and see the fin you have been dreaming about.
The DOL-fin.

Inspired by the tails of dolphins the DOL-fin hydrofoil will enable you to speed through the water like you have never experienced before. Approaching and exceeding speeds of Olympic swimmers that will have you and your friends amazed.
With the uniquely adjustable foot pockets you can share the fun with a wide range of friends.
Scuba diving becomes more efficient, faster and more fun with a DOL-fin extending your abilities.
Snorkel to new distances and find yourselves at new depths doing it like dolphins.
Spice up your pool sessions with a DOL-fin and break some new records, enhancing your core muscles with the powerful monofin kick. The DOL-fin has set multiple national records in freediving and provides a unique combination of Speed, efficiency, durability and comfort.

Smith's Aerospace The DOL-fin comes in two models:
The value priced Pilot 2, providing speed, comfort and durability to everyone who likes to get their feet wed and dive like a dolphin.
The Orca 2, for those who want the very top athletic performance enabled by it's beautifully streamlined body.

All Smith's Aerospace monofins are made of aircraft grade cnc machined aluminium parts that guarantee performance, fit and unmatched durability.

Travel is made easy with the DOL-fin. Thanks to it's unique construction it can easily be taken apart and put into a travel case. It's strong but light weight materials make it ideal for taking it to those tropical blue vacation locations you love to be and dive in.

Swimming with a DOL-fin is experiencing a dream coming true.
You will remember every moment, and your friends will too, as you dive and speed through the water like a DOL-fin!

<insert video clip of Connor with his dolphin friends going crazy about his DOL-fin>

However you love to dive, DOL-Fins are the new way to go!​

-----

This is still a rough unpolished piece of text through which I try to convey much of the same content talking like a friend to 'divers and water sports enthusiasts', though their paradigms and language. Keep the message contrasty, colourful, unambiguous and simple. Like: Enjoy the fun of DOL-fin speed!

Now collect photo's of scuba, snorkel, swimming groups posing, endorsing and enjoying your DOL-fin.
As a starting picture, I suggest a DOL-fin with a mask and snorkel on a nice sandy beach. The mask and snorkel will show it's size and function, the white sand and water it's environment, the morning light it's youth and shape.

Oh bummer I forgot the pilot 2 needs bicyles shoes and has no adjustable straps providing easy access for friends to try out the foil. Well if you want Ron I can rewrite those parts.

 

[Fondueset]

Hi Ron, I'll give it a go, whilst feeling inadequate not being a native English speaker

First thing is to know that words carry a sometimes subtle emotional baggage. Example: cost versus price. I think the word price sounds much more rewarding and positive.
Second thing is defining your sales audience, which you define clearly: "divers and water sports enthusiasts that have not previously considered a monofin?", whilst not alienating the athletes.
In order to attract divers and water sports enthusiasts, you'll have to imagine their current worldview, and pleasures they already understand. Talking about CWT does not appeal because they have not experienced anything remotely like it. What they do understand is images of dolphins, mermaids, scuba diving, snorkelling, flying, swimming. Boiling it down what makes using a monofin fun to a beginner? I think: Novelty, pears attention, speed, enjoying exploring a new movement and environment, living out a dream of swimming / dancing like a dolphin. This is what your product gives/offers. Why your product and not a fibreglass model? Comfort, adjustable, transportable, easy, a sturdy, reliable product you can depend on and trust.

Here below I'll attempt to write a piece considering the above.

--------

Have you ever dreamed of speeding through the water like a dolphin?
Do you think it is just a dream?

Now you can wake up and see the fin you have been dreaming about.
The DOL-fin.

Inspired by the tails of dolphins the DOL-fin hydrofoil will enable you to speed through the water like you have never experienced before. Approaching and exceeding speeds of Olympic swimmers that will have you and your friends amazed.
With the uniquely adjustable foot pockets you can share the fun with a wide range of friends.
Scuba diving becomes more efficient, faster and more fun with a DOL-fin extending your abilities.
Snorkel to new distances and find yourselves at new depths doing it like dolphins.
Spice up your pool sessions with a DOL-fin and break some new records, enhancing your core muscles with the powerful monofin kick. The DOL-fin has set multiple national records in freediving and provides a unique combination of Speed, efficiency, durability and comfort.

Smith's Aerospace The DOL-fin comes in two models:
The value priced Pilot 2, providing speed, comfort and durability to everyone who likes to get their feet wed and dive like a dolphin.
The Orca 2, for those who want the very top athletic performance enabled by it's beautifully streamlined body.

All Smith's Aerospace monofins are made of aircraft grade cnc machined aluminium parts that guarantee performance, fit and unmatched durability.

Travel is made easy with the DOL-fin. Thanks to it's unique construction it can easily be taken apart and put into a travel case. It's strong but light weight materials make it ideal for taking it to those tropical blue vacation locations you love to be and dive in.

Swimming with a DOL-fin is experiencing a dream coming true.
You will remember every moment, and your friends will too, as you dive and speed through the water like a DOL-fin!

<insert video clip of Connor with his dolphin friends going crazy about his DOL-fin>

However you love to dive, DOL-Fins are the new way to go!​

-----

This is still a rough unpolished piece of text through which I try to convey much of the same content talking like a friend to 'divers and water sports enthusiasts', though their paradigms and language. Keep the message contrasty, colourful, unambiguous and simple. Like: Enjoy the fun of DOL-fin speed!

Now collect photo's of scuba, snorkel, swimming groups posing, endorsing and enjoying your DOL-fin.
As a starting picture, I suggest a DOL-fin with a mask and snorkel on a nice sandy beach. The mask and snorkel will show it's size and function, the white sand and water it's environment, the morning light it's youth and shape.

Oh bummer I forgot the pilot 2 needs bicyles shoes and has no adjustable straps providing easy access for friends to try out the foil. Well if you want Ron I can rewrite those parts.

Hey Ron - I know the local scubies were VERY impressed by some of your videos using a dol-fin model with Scuba. When I let them try the Orca they had trouble because it wants a little more technique. I think you should definitely advocate the Pilot as a crossover fin - snorkeling/freediving - scuba. Scuba is a HUGE market - and those guys are gear heads.

 

[cdavis]

Chips is better.

I don't think any mono will appeal to a diver who is not at least considering a mono. I think the goal should be to push over the decision edge those who have thought about a mono but haven't make the leap.

Consider my case. I was looking for a mono, was aware of the common problems with monos as well as some maneuverability issues specific to me. Laminar's review, with its focus on comfort, maneuverability, and durability, pushed me over the edge.

I could be wrong, but I think the much better maneuverability of the Dol-fin and its ability to work well with non-traditional strokes are major factors for those reef crawlers who are not limiting themselves to line diving or the pool. Not sure how to highlight this feature to the right market, since there doesn't seem to be all that much awareness of it, For me, thats what makes it work in an overall sense.

There are several divers here that tried to obtain a luno and finally bit the bullet and got a Dolfin. Picking their brains on their decesion process, especially why the luno, would be useful.

 

[Fondueset]

Chips is better.

I don't think any mono will appeal to a diver who is not at least considering a mono. I think the goal should be to push over the decision edge those who have thought about a mono but haven't make the leap.

Consider my case. I was looking for a mono, was aware of the common problems with monos as well as some maneuverability issues specific to me. Laminar's review, with its focus on comfort, maneuverability, and durability, pushed me over the edge.

I could be wrong, but I think the much better maneuverability of the Dol-fin and its ability to work well with non-traditional strokes are major factors for those reef crawlers who are not limiting themselves to line diving or the pool. Not sure how to highlight this feature to the right market, since there doesn't seem to be all that much awareness of it, For me, thats what makes it work in an overall sense.

There are several divers here that tried to obtain a luno and finally bit the bullet and got a Dolfin. Picking their brains on their decesion process, especially why the luno, would be useful.

Connor - why don't you write up a piece from the perspective of a very experienced spearo? If you can get it to me this week I might be able to roll it into the review I'm writing.

Chip's copy is good, but it reads a little too much like the lunocet ads and, unfortunately, the contrast between the claims in those ads and the reality has created a fair amount of skepticism and background noise.

I'd like to see some more substantive references to the fact that the Dol-fin has been in use by experienced free divers for a few years. It can rightly be claimed that the dol-fin will out-last any current mono fin of any design and that it's performance will not deteriorate over time. Ron - what sort of warranty to you provide?

I now have all the material I need for the review - and will be submitting it to Stephan in the next week or so. It might be a good source for bullet-points in an ad.

 

[cdavis]

Working on it now.

 

[Fondueset]

FYI - The appeal of a mono fin - for people accustomed to bifins, is twofold.

For beginning divers and snorkelers it's going to be a lot about what Chipswim emphasized in his ad and what the lunocet ads emphasize - the coolness factor of swimming like a dolphin. For experienced free divers and snorkelers it's going to be as much or more about efficiency - with comfort and durability major competing points with all other existing designs. For competitive divers - it's going to be entirely about efficiency and they are going to want as much quantification as possible.

 

[REVAN]

... It can rightly be claimed that the dol-fin will out-last any current mono fin of any design and that it's performance will not deteriorate over time. Ron - what sort of warranty to you provide?...

I don't have a written warranty, which is mainly an issue of liability. If you create a setting that establishes a false understanding of reliability, and then something bad happens, you can sometimes be held liable for the outcome. A warranty is diametrically opposed with the concept of 'experimental diving equipment'.

The reality is that if something happens to hardware that I make, I've just been replacing the parts for people. That won't go on forever, but so far, it has included hardware that is now over 4 years old. Repairs have been few and far between. I've sent out 2 replacement fin tips (would have been only one if I wrote this last week), and a replacement string for one that chafed on the edge of the foil and eventually broke the string. The 2 fin tips went to the 2 oldest X fins out there. They were both my personal fins, which makes them the first Xs to go into service (i.e. - they are both older than the product since it was made available to purchase). I used them a lot, and sold them both to others who have continued to use them a lot.

So, I've stood by my products even though I haven't put a defined warranty into writing which reflects that.

 

[REVAN]

...For beginning divers and snorkelers it's going to be a lot about what Chipswim emphasized in his ad....

Do you mean what Kars wrote, or am I missing something?

 

[Chipswim]

Darn! Thought I'd quietly accept credit for his nice work ¡

 

[cdavis]

Fondue and Revan, check your PMs

 

[cdavis]

A warranty comment:

Way to many of them look good, smell good, but aren't worth the paper they are written on, just try to collect something. Ron's approach seems to be based on integrity and he has demonstrated that. Sounds good to me. I'm one of the two fin tip replacers. Mine has something like 250-300 days of my use on it plus Ron's and other reviewers. And he didn't even charge me for the tips even though I tried to pay? Amazing.

Thanks Ron

You really should have charged me, only fair.

 

[REVAN]

Haha! I've only replaced 2 parts with all the fins sold so far. I'll start charging something if have to replace a lot more. We'll see...

 

[REVAN]

The ultimate monofin combo pack! An Orca2 and a Pilot with a large and a medium size fin blade and with the fin blades drilled to fit either frame. Interchangeable fins adds a lot of flexibility to the set. This ultimate monofin combo pack is going to a couple in France.