First fins?

[SanderP]

Hello!

I've done some searching in the forums and on different fin selling websites. But I still don't know what can be the best for me, as my first real freediving fin.

What's the deal with the carbon and rubber (or whatever the other ones are made of) fins? Carbon is stiffer?

I guess I rather had a bit softer fins that stiff ones, since my leg muscles aren't very strong (I started to train them regularly awhile back, though).

So what fins would you suggest? I think I'm not looking for a particular fin model, but more for what 'kind' of fin should I buy. But it would be nice if you posted a few brands too.

I was also on www.specialfins.com, since a local store suggested the site, becouse they make those fins themself too. But the prices there were completeley insane. I bet those are some damn good fins, but I'm really not looking for something that expensive - I hope I can get a nice pair of fins with max 100 Euros. Any good OMER fins, maybe? The store sells OMER aswell.

By the way, monofins are nothing for me (atleast yet). I'm getting the hang of dolphin kick already, but I prefer the freedom of being able to use all styles with one pair of fins.

 

[DeepThought]

It sounds to me like you are in a look for good basic plastic bi-fins. A few common plastic fins I can think of are Omer Millenium, Cressi Gara, sporasub H.Dessault and Beauchet (might have mispelled the last two). They also come in various stiffnesses. The best is to try the fin before buying so you can see if the foot pocket style and size fits your foot and the stiffness fits your techniqe/physique. The preference between all of those fins is very personal, usually people with wide feet prefer OMER and narrow feet prefer Cressi.
Another thing to consider is that in some fins you can replace the blade and thuss save some money on a future upgrade (Omer and Sporasub for example). Though if the footpocket doesn't fit properly there's no point planning on an upgrade....
If you plan to dive with neopren socks, measure the footpocket with them.
Try doing a search for fin threads (there are quite a few), might give you a few more models and tips.
Good luck.

 

[Fondueset]

I got Sporasub HDs for my first - they were quite inexpensive and worked well. In retrospect they are heavy and a little awkward. The foot pocket is large and fairly hard rubber throughout - a little 'boatlike' to me. I also have some Cressi Gara 2000 lds. Somewhat softer footpocket - harder to swim with on the surface but you get used to them after a bit - Springier feeling that the Sporas - definitely softer.

The sporasubs have a lot of power - but are kind of stiff, awkward and heavy - not bad though. The Cressis I used are lighter, softer and easier to maneuver with.

The omer ice fins beat both for comfort and spring - but are in a different price range and swimming with them is nocticeably different. I like the omer foot pocket best of all three and it is the same on their entry level fins. They run smaller than the Sporas. You cannot change blades on the Cressis

I've use the sporasubs the most - next the omers.

I asked and read around here before buying - and went as cheap as possible. It is very subjective and learning what you like takes a little while.

 

[SanderP]

Hmm, I've done some reading and asking around about the Omer Millenium Ice. It's got only positive feedback, as far as I've read, and besides that, these fins look totally cool.

I might even give the extra 40 euros (it's about 140 €) for these fins. But I might, MIGHT have to buy them online then. Now that's a really difficult one, since I don't know about the foot sizes exactly. My regular sneakers are foot size 43, but with fins I don't wear any socks and such, sigh...

 

[trux]

...Now that's a really difficult one, since I don't know about the foot sizes exactly. My regular sneakers are foot size 43, but with fins I don't wear any socks and such, sigh...

Oh yes, you do. And especially if you plan diving outdoors in Estonia, then be pretty sure you get at least 5mm neoprene socks. However, the footpocket sizes may quite vary, especially in width. I'd strongly recommend going to a local store and testing another pair of fins from the same manufacturer before purchasing them online. And of course, test them with neoprene socks on! I think you won't find a lot of freedivers not using socks in freediving fins (though there certainly are some).

 

[lungfish]

Hi All,
A good starter set can be found at www.spearfishinggear.com click on "Packages" and check out the Omer fin/mask/bootie/snorkel sets. The basic Millenium package is the one I started with and the fins are adequate to 25yds or so plus they can take a beating on rocks and stuff if you are bottom scratching.

I did one dive to 40meters with my Omer Millenium plastic fins and it took FOREVER to get back. I had way more kick then the fin was made for and wasted a lot of energy.

To resolve this problem I ordered a pair of SpecialFins Carbon Fiber Pros in the medium stiffness range. The carbon fiber fins are far more responsive. I am able to keep the pressure on the kick throughout the movement. The sensitivity and the quality of the fins are without question. When I decided to contact Jyri and order a pair, I have to say that the service was outstanding as well. I can't tell you why because I wouldn't want anyone to take advantage but trust me, they did everything possible to make sure I had my fins when I needed them. I will probably get another pair of blades in the stiffest configuration.

The Millenium package is about $200 plus shipping - the mask is excellent, by the way Omer Alien...

A good carbon fin is the Spetton C4.... similar in most aspects to the SpecialFins Carbon Fiber but somewhat less expensive.

Hope this helps.

 

[lungfish]

Also, about fitting....
Many fins, certainly the one's I mentioned, use Omer footpockets. They come in European sizes, and are double sized - which means that they come in 42-44, 44-46,46-48 sizes. Its like getting size 9-11 shoes.
What I did was:
order my corresponding size - I wear a 10.5 so I ordered a 46-48 footpocket. Then, in addition to the bootie that comes with the package I ordered a separate bootie so I had one pair of each in 3mm and 5mm. Then I fit the fins most comfortably, in my case with a 5mm sock. They fit great and are quite responsive, no rubbing, warm feet....
So now I have this extra pair of booties that are part of my ever expanding pile of used gear that I use to get friends started with - the more people in the water, the more choices for the sharks....

of course you could also send em back.

A final point is in regards to finkeepers. These little gadgets are the coolest thing ever when it comes to making certain your fins fit and stay on. I am particularly glad I use them when I am at depths where the neoprene in my socks compresses and I suddenly have some room in my footpockets. They are simply a little rubber thingy that slips over the heal of you fin, the back of your fin and the top of your foot.... I get them for 7.50 a pair at Blue Water Hunter in Kona www.bluewaterhunter.com

 

[XabreTooth]

Sporasubs: Are they wide foot or narrow foot?

 

[deep thinker]

I was also hunting for a pair of starter fins recently, went with a pair of picasso black teams and I must say Im very impressed with the performance of the fin itself. I went with these because they have a nice wide and very comfortable footpocket ,for flat feet like mine .
I also tried esclapez they are very similar to picassos and cressi gara 3000 but found the blades a bit stiff.
I also agree that changeble blades is a bonus then you can change as your strenth improves as you'll probably decide on softer blades to begin with.
Ask the guys at the shop if you can try out your pair of choice in a pool and stress that bit cause they wont take it back with scratches and you get them if your out in the waves.
Good luck with your decision

 

[Fondueset]

I'd say wide. They definitely run larger than the omers.

 

[SanderP]

Okay, regardless what I said, I decided to support my fellow countrymen and bought a brand new pair of Stereofins Pros and a nice transportation bag from SpecialFins.
I can't belive I didn't know that SpecialFins was from Estonia when I created this thread.

Anyway, I have to agree that they have a superb customer service and very quality composite fins. I got my stuff basically in one day. When I had questions, they called me and explained everything right away.

Can't wait to try them out.