Fins

[BradMM]

I know this is a lame question but I need new fins. I loaned my last pair to my daughter's boyfriend in the Bahamas and he tore the tops out with his big feet. My previous pair was probably dated from about the time I got certified... 1991?

Where should I look? Any brands that you prefer?

Brad

 

[cdavis]

Hi Brad, welcome to DB.

The question isn't lame, its important, often critical, but you don't provide anywhere near enough information to get a reliable recommendation. What kind of tank diving do you do, how much, do you cover a lot of distance when scuba diving, diving from shore, boat, do any freediving? Are you strong, long, short, heavy? What fins did you have, did they do the job for you?

Connor

 

[BradMM]

What kind of tank diving do you do, how much, do you cover a lot of distance when scuba diving, diving from shore, boat, do any freediving? Are you strong, long, short, heavy? What fins did you have, did they do the job for you?

Unfortunately, we only get to go about once a year... usually to Cozumel since we're in Texas.

Me, wife and son are all certified but daughter never got hers. Over time, we got to the point where we just got tired of lugging equip so we normally only snorkel. Son and I free dive in a recreational kind of way.

I don't remember what kind I had... bought them from the local dive shop out of convenience when all my dive gear was all stolen.

I'm 55 y/o, 6'3", 215 lbs, swim a mile a day during lunch and lift weights or do body weight exercise on the side.

Thanks,

Brad

 

[cdavis]

You have the size and strength to make good use of a pair of longfins. Fairly soft Cressis would be a good choice, 3000 LDs for example. Longfins will hugely increase your freediving capacity. You won't believe it. For Scuba, longfiins are good and bad. Much more power and maneuverability(once in the water). If you have to cover much ground, you will be much faster and far less tired at the end of the day. I was a scuba spearo and switched from jetfins the day after trying my buddys longfins, never looked back. On the down side, they take a little practice. At first it will feel like the tail is wagging the dog. Longfins are a pain in the boat. If you dive in tight places, wreaks, etc, they can be a little clumsy. If your legs and ankles are not in good shape, they can be too much strain (best to get a soft pair). If your scuba diving is all minimal effort, (down, drift, up) you may not see the benefits.

Good luck with your search.

Connor

Another good choice is the traditional Scubapro Jetfin (not any of the copies). Great scuba fin and almost indestructable.

 

[DivingDane]

Agreed Omer Stingrays or cressi GARA 3000LD. both nice soft long fins which will improve your general snorkelling etc to no end, OMER are nice because you can upgrade the blades down the track if you want more performance or break a blade.

DD

 

[BradMM]

Thanks a bunch!

Given the price differences (based on Amazon), does one outweigh the other in terms of value for the $$$? .... accountant wife. :martial

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Cressi-Distane-Blade-Diving-10-11/dp/B0014F1J8W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257997064&sr=1-1"]Cressi Men's Gara 3000 LD Long Distance Long Blade Diving Fins[/ame] $169.99

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/OmerSub-Millennium-Full-Foot-Diving/dp/B0001CLHGS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1257996939&sr=8-2-fkmr1"]OmerSub "Millennium" Full Foot Free Diving Fins[/ame] $119.95

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Scubapro-Twin-Full-Foot-Split/dp/B002R8NCKI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1257996707&sr=8-9"]Scubapro Twin Jet Max Full Foot Split Fins[/ame] for $89.95?

 

[DivingDane]

of the 3 i would look at the first 2! ont really rate the twin jet max even for scuba, almost hopeless for anything else.

the first 2 will depend on your foot shape, wider feet fit best in the OMER footpocket while narrow feet suit the cressi foot pocket better, either way they are both good quality italian products.

personally still prefer the OMER stingray which is quite new and should be around the same price as the millenium.

DD

 

[BradMM]

the first 2 will depend on your foot shape, wider feet fit best in the OMER footpocket while narrow feet suit the cressi foot pocket better, either way they are both good quality italian products.

personally still prefer the OMER stingray which is quite new and should be around the same price as the millenium.

GREAT INFO... THANKS!

I have a relatively smaller, narrow foot for my body, 10 D, so I guess the cressi would be best. Buying online is a problem because I wouldn't get to try them on but, with this info, I have a much better hope of getting the right product.

I did search for the stingray but the other one came up and I guess I just went with that popped up... I don't know the difference.

Thanks again!

Brad

 

[Old Man Dave]

I assume you are wearing a wetsuit? Long fins are almost all footpocket versions whereas scuba fins are open heel fitting. With long fins you need neoprene socks or bare feet. Most scuba fins are for use with neoprene boots. You can't use long fins with boots. Scuba fins sizing is only necessary to be "near enough". Long fins/bootees needs to be an exact fit. Very hard to get it right without trying first.

Good luck.

Dave.

 

[apneaboy]

I don't know if anyone else finds this but a size 8-9 Cressi fin fits a 9-10 foot. I am 8.5 UK and the 7-8 Cressis are comfortable without socks. If you are wearing socks you can buy the 'right' size.

Get some fin retainers for piece of mind if you are wearing socks.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[BradMM]

I assume you are wearing a wetsuit? Long fins are almost all footpocket versions whereas scuba fins are open heel fitting. With long fins you need neoprene socks or bare feet. Most scuba fins are for use with neoprene boots. You can't use long fins with boots. Scuba fins sizing is only necessary to be "near enough". Long fins/bootees needs to be an exact fit. Very hard to get it right without trying first.

Good luck.

Dave.

Probably another reason I bought what the local dive shop had in stock. I had open heal with my first pair but most recent ones were footpocket and I now prefer these. So, how do I find cressi's to try on? Would dive shops carry them?

 

[cdavis]

In Florida, cressi's are pretty common in dive shops, not sure about Texas. The cressi price you found seems high,; you ought to be able to come very close to $100. Try some of the Florida shops, Florida Freediver, Austins, etc. DiveInn (sp?) is a good possibility as well. If your foot is narrow, cressi pockets are forgiving. Look through the forum(search function) and you will find a whole lot of people reporting what fit for them.
The split fins are pretty worthless for freediving or for scuba if you have to cover ground or fight a current. They are supposed to be very efficient at slow speed. When I said Jetfins, I meant the original, not the split.

Connor

 

[cdavis]

Almost forgot, try googleing "the spearfishing store". JimDoe is a member here and will give great prices, also very good advice if you call him.

Connor