Extreme Dolfinism G2

[Kars]

Nery?

 

[REVAN]

Oh, I forgot that I also replaced a frame part on an Orca1. It was a fatigue crack that formed on a metal bend. I sent out an inspection notice to the other Orca1 owners. It seemed to be a single incident. I've eliminated that feature where the crack formed on the Orca2.

 

[finSailor]

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.

Amen to that. I probably have the only Lunocet in my diving circles, and get LOTS of questions about it, where to buy etc. Can I recommend them to order one? I just do not have heart to do that, allthough I am happy with mine. Why? Please read the Lunocet Pro 2015 thread. My point is that there are divers who like the idea of foil fin, and they consider between Luno and Dolfin. Target that group, you still have a window of opportunity.

 

[divebike]

Very good spiel
either way

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?

 

[divebike]

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.

a

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.

Above and beyond what should be expected,but since so little has gone wrong it's understandable to do this to keep customers happy.

 

[REVAN]

You'll probably be reading your fair share of fake headlines on April 1, but phony tech news - both for scams and humor - aren't anything new. The history of science and technology is rife with cons, false conclusions, and outrageous claims.

John Ernst Worrell Keely, a carnival barker turned inventor, claimed to have invented a motor capable of sending a train from Philadelphia to San Francisco on just one quart of water.

His vibratory-generator" or "hydro-pneumatic-pulsating-vacu-engine" attracted a lot of investor attention and Keely was able to start a company, Keely Motors, around it. He continuously stalled on delivering a final product and in 1899, a year after Keely's death, The Philadelphia Press did some sleuthing and exposed the truth behind Keely's magical motor. Investigators discovered a series of machines two stories underneath the floorboards of Keely's workshop that were actually powering his engine. To this day however, some circles maintain that Keely was framed. [credit of Design News]

Boy that Michael Phelps is fast. No one can argue it, he can dominate in almost any style of swim and possesses one of the best dolphin kicks in the world. That is, one of the best kicks aside from some random guy using the Lunocet monofin. Because while Phelps is able to swim at an inhuman 5 miles per hour, the average swimmer using the carbon fiber Lunocet will routinely hit about 8mph. [gizmodo.com - 8/18/08]

Also, I've had a breakthrough here and have developed some new enhancements to my technology that is sure to break the 300m Dynamic barrier! I'll have to keep this one close to the vest until further developed. So you'll have to speculate amongst yourselves on the record breaking technology! [April 1, 2015]

Cheers,
Ron

 

[Chipswim]

I think you accidentally typed "rife" instead of "ripe" but it fits perfectly!

Royal Rife an early inventor born in Nebraska by the way created some spectacular devices controversial to this day. Some of them were in the fields of physical performance and natural health care which interest me and ties into fin swimming.

I DO recall the 8 mph piece! Think it was the first one I saw so it was successful as an ad.... Maybe Michael with the Luno could hit 8? Would be fun to see! Bet that would be an event that would draw a crowd!

I'm not that fast but according to the stop watch and the records posted on the wall at 64 years old I am now the fastest woman ever in my home pool.... For the record to count we'd have to disregard one small detail...

 

[REVAN]

View attachment 40510

I think you accidentally typed "rife" instead of "ripe" but it fits perfectly!...

No accident, and I never joke around.

rife
rīf/
adjective

1. 1.
   (especially of something undesirable or harmful) of common occurrence; widespread.
   "male chauvinism was rife in medicine in those days"
   synonyms: widespread, general, common, universal, extensive, ubiquitous,omnipresent, endemic, inescapable, insidious, prevalent
   "violence is rife"

adverb

1. 1.
   in an unchecked or widespread manner.
   "speculation ran rife that he was an arms dealer"

 

[REVAN]

I'm used to seeing some April Foolery here on DB. This year appears to be the year of disappearing content: Several posts on the Lunocet thread and now this also...

https://forums.deeperblue.com/threa...lease-look-and-vote-to-make-it-happen.103107/

What's happening? @Stephan Whelan

 

[REVAN]

@Kars, In general most people seemed to like the format I had originally written, but there were parts of your write-up that I liked and have incorporated those parts here. Thank you for taking to time to contribute. Please let me know your thoughts and if you approve of me using this draft.

Also, thanks to everyone else who has contributed, and does anyone else see any problems or have any issues with moving forward with this revision?
_________________________

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

This swimming accessory helps swimmers move through the water with little effort. Inspired by the tails of marine animals, such as dolphins, tuna and marlin, the DOL-Fin’s hydrofoil fin has 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 this awesome monofin provides.

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 design 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 from which to choose. They differ in buoyancy, performance and price. You can choose a model based on how you will be using the fin. The value priced DOL-Fin Pilot2 is designed with easy stability and operational flexibility to provide swimmers and divers with the ability to scuba dive, freedive, spear or just surface swim. The DOL-Fin Orca2 requires a bit more skill and is designed with positive buoyancy and streamlining to provide maximum performance for competitive freediving and for those who take the time to train for high-performance freediving beyond the 20m depth range.

Whichever model you choose, all Smith Aerospace fins are crafted to be comfortable, durable, and to travel easily. The compact hydrofoil folds to fit in a suitcase and can even detach from the support structure for 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.

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.

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

 

[Kars]

Hi Ron,

Sure you've my permission to use the sentences I've formulated in this thread. I can imagine that my old English teacher would be enamoured to see one of her poor English students be of service to a native English speaking person. A big compliment, thank you.

Besides I would seriously consider having a chat with a proficient marketeer, because I believe your professional quality product should have a professional quality advertisement as well.
Just consider you'll have a first impression meeting with a room full of prospect clients, you don't want to give them a mediocre impression. This would not match your product, your quality of business or your character.

I think the audience here is very polite and positively minded being happy you are delivering new, exiting products to a small market, which makes it hard to 'complain' to your efforts. As an amateur I could shoot some holes in your add, but I believe you're better off hearing that from an advertisement specialist.

Your excellent product deserves an excellent advertisement.

 

[REVAN]

I was just thinking about how much easier it would be to turn a profit when you leverage a years worth of advertising that you don't pay for to generate sales for products that you don't make.

- Feeling a bit frustrated with a situation I can't do anything about...

 

[HydroApprentice]

Hi Ron,

don't worry too much. My gut feeling tells me that you're on the right track. I was following DB now actively for only a bit more than a year, but one thing which always impressed me were the recommendations people gave each other for certain products. When talking about the "classical" monofins, word got around which brands or suppliers were good and reliable, and people followed these recommendations. I never came across those names except here, but the products were bought based on good referrals.
I stumbled over an interesting number recently, that up to 60% of the new business of a company can come from positive referrals. Also, if the quality of a said product dropped or was not satisfactory for any reason, word also spread pretty quickly.
Which in turn means, that a quality product and happy customers will make sure that the business will grow.

Hang in there Ron, I'd be surprised if the community would let you down. There's always a quick and easy way to make a profit, but running a "sustainable" business is an entirely different story. I think you have it pretty much figured out, and I definitely don't want to believe that your efforts won't go unrewarded!

 

[noa]

Hi Ron,

don't worry too much. My gut feeling tells me that you're on the right track. I was following DB now actively for only a bit more than a year, but one thing which always impressed me were the recommendations people gave each other for certain products. When talking about the "classical" monofins, word got around which brands or suppliers were good and reliable, and people followed these recommendations. I never came across those names except here, but the products were bought based on good referrals.
I stumbled over an interesting number recently, that up to 60% of the new business of a company can come from positive referrals. Also, if the quality of a said product dropped or was not satisfactory for any reason, word also spread pretty quickly.
Which in turn means, that a quality product and happy customers will make sure that the business will grow.

Hang in there Ron, I'd be surprised if the community would let you down. There's always a quick and easy way to make a profit, but running a "sustainable" business is an entirely different story. I think you have it pretty much figured out, and I definitely don't want to believe that your efforts won't go unrewarded!

+10..,

 

[baiyoke]

I was just thinking about how much easier it would be to turn a profit when you leverage a years worth of advertising that you don't pay for to generate sales for products that you don't make.

- Feeling a bit frustrated with a situation I can't do anything about...

I tried to raise awareness about something related to that some 9 months ago: The ethics in very aggressive advertisement all over DB, despite well known lack of delivery, because that I thought it was something DB had to somehow relate to. But it didn't raise eyebrows apparently despite the bizare situation (we now know why I guess):

https://forums.deeperblue.com/threads/lunocet-advertisement-on-deeperblue.101419/

Add to that that it is damaging your product and your sales, not only from taking a market share, but also because people confuse your fin with another brand and associate it with negative things because of that, despite your excellent reputation in smaller circles and excellent products.

In the long run I agree that your open and solid business ethics (as well as your good products) will come back to you... And now you got a product in a different and much more competitive pricerange in the "Pilot". On top of that, it seems most of your troublesome research and development has found a solid base of products, knowledge, knowhow an skills that you can build your business on for years to come...

 

[Triton1715]

Hey guys, let me know what you think of this write-up (the picture is just for fun):

View attachment 40503

Whether you are a seasoned swimmer or taking your first dip in the water, you could always use a bit of help. Most guys do fine swimming on their own, but those who want a bit more power and performance can invest in a 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 fins 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 more 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.

Despite the 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.

Regardless of your skill level, DOL-Fin monofins are the way to go.

You mentioned this is for advertising. It all depends on what your target and intended usage is. As Fondue stated, for the "community", I can understand more detail. However, the "community" is quite small and there isn't much of a need to advertise within it as I can't imagine how any freediver interested in rigorous detail wouldn't have already heard of and know about the DOL-Fins. On the otherside, if you're targeting people that are new to the sport, just interested in swimming, or even the flat-out general public, it'll change the way you'll need to formulate your copy as rigorous detail will be moderately irrelevant to them. Depending on where and to whom you wish to advertise, you may want to develop several variants to address your target audience.

As a general ad to introduce the average diver/swimmer to your product, I think this is pretty good

 

[Triton1715]

Well, now that's odd. When I brought up the forum, the most recent post was by Revan 2 pages back. I responded to his query, but once I hit send I see two pages of new stuff now with a revised copy. Odd. Sorry for the weird reply that evidently dredged up old news.

 

[REVAN]

Well, now that's odd. When I brought up the forum, the most recent post was by Revan 2 pages back. I responded to his query, but once I hit send I see two pages of new stuff now with a revised copy. Odd. Sorry for the weird reply that evidently dredged up old news.

No problem. FYI: I think I'm going to use this on the Products page from my website (Note - the newer revision above). If I get any dealers also selling gear, this would be the standard text they would likely use on their website unless they take the time to do a custom rewrite. I think it needs to be general enough to appeal to the novice, but it cannot take on a tone to alienate the primary demographic, male freedivers with some previous monofin experience (why men, I don't really know. that's just been my experience so far).

Things are moving slow now because I'm still in the final stages of getting all the taxes done for 2014. Between that and staying on top of orders, I haven't recently done much extraneous development work here to talk about. I'll probably have a website update and some new content later in April or early May. Plus, @Fondueset's Orca2 review should be coming out sometime fairly soon.

 

[REVAN]

....https://forums.deeperblue.com/threads/lunocet-advertisement-on-deeperblue.101419/
Add to that that it is damaging your product and your sales, not only from taking a market share, but also because people confuse your fin with another brand and associate it with negative things because of that, despite your excellent reputation in smaller circles and excellent products....

So many instances where one of my designs is, in error, called a "Lunocet". I've even been called Ted before, in error. So yes, I do think my brand is being damaged through customer confusion.

 

[Triton1715]

No problem. FYI: I think I'm going to use this on the Products page from my website (Note - the newer revision above). If I get any dealers also selling gear, this would be the standard text they would likely use on their website unless they take the time to do a custom rewrite. I think it needs to be general enough to appeal to the novice, but it cannot take on a tone to alienate the primary demographic, male freedivers with some previous monofin experience (why men, I don't really know. that's just been my experience so far).

Things are moving slow now because I'm still in the final stages of getting all the taxes done for 2014. Between that and staying on top of orders, I haven't recently done much extraneous development work here to talk about. I'll probably have a website update and some new content later in April or early May. Plus, @Fondueset's Orca2 review should be coming out sometime fairly soon.

That seems like a good approach. I highly agree with your opinion that the text should be general enough to agree to novices. Given that this sport is incredibly niche to begin with (and those that want/use monofins are a smaller subset), I think it would be very difficult to create effective advertising that appealed so strongly to such a small sliver of the population. Depending on what your business ambitions are with this, with the right marketing, it seems like something you could easily see in the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog appealing to a wide variety of wealthier clientele looking for something fun for the summer. Just a thought even though your core target is male, competitive freedivers.