Gara 2000 LD vs. Gara 3000 LD

[mindset]

Does anyone perhaps know whether Cressi Gara 2000 LD (the grey one) is fundamentally the same fin as Gara 3000 LD (also grey) as far as quality/softness?
I am aware of the fact that the 3000 LDs is a more recent model and the blade is couple of cm longer. Frankly, though the 2000 LD just looks better to me with its classic shape and flat surface (and no irritating raised large rubber logo like on the 3000 series!). The foot-pocket seems identical. Are you perhaps aware why Cressi decided to replace it with the 3000 LD model? Was it due to some technical fault or just a marketing decision - sometimes producers do inexplicable things like for example Mares discontinuing its Avanti Quatrro Power a few years back... I would greatly appreciate any comments from my learned collegues who have had the opportunity to use both fins. I am in suden need of new fins as my H.D. Dessaults finally gave up on me. The price on 2000 Ld is quite attractive. I need a soft, comfortable all-around fin for cold water "sightseeing" dives down to 15 - 20 max. metres with lots of surface swimming.

 

[GCJ]

I have the 3000 LD's, which are apparently softer than the 2000's. In case you missed the marketing literature, the "LD" stands for Long Distance, meaning they are better for prolonged use.

Given that you will be using your fins in colder water with lots of surface time, I'd definitely go with the 3000's. Before buying my 3000's I was advised to consider the water temperature in selecting fin stiffness - colder water will make the fins more stiff. Spending lots of time on the surface is not really compatible with stiff fins.

The only real negative with the Cressi's is that you cannot replace the blades. A crack anywhere means the whole fin must be discarded.

 

[iggy_92]

im not sure if there are 2000LD, arent they called 2000 HF or seomthing?
anyway i got a pair of cressi 3000, not the LD ones. they are really powerful underwater but a hassle on the surface since they are pretty stiff. i would go the 3000LD so they go easier on your ankles and also better on the surface.

cheers

 

[stef]

Hi. I have both. First bought the 2000, then the 3000. I now only use the 3000 LD. Best plastic fins I've ever had, or tried. The shoe is incredibly confortable (I spearfish, 6 hours in the water, and I don't use socks) and the blade is as good as it gets. Great fins, I have nothing but praise.
I actually have C4s (Mustang 25) as well, for "deep" sperfishing (20/25 meters), and the gain in response is much less than you might think. Unless you dive deep repeatedly for hours, that is. In that case the 3000 ld will tire your legs much quicker than carbon.
I've taken the 3000 LD up to 41,7 meters, and they behaved well, but I wouldn't recomend them deeper than 20/25 meters. You really can tell the difference with carbon then. Cheers.

 

[iggy_92]

i think the reason why carbon fins dont tire you out as much as pastic fins because of their unique springing action that gives you the extra yard or 2. i think thats the same thing with monofins: the difference between fibreglass and carbon (not 100% sure)
but yes the springing mechinism is why people may pruchase them even if they are more expensive.

cheers
iggy

 

[mindset]

Stef, were your 2000 the softer LD version (grey in colour) or the harder HF (black)? I know that Cressi used to make 2000 in both versions (ld and hf) same as the newer 3000 series (ld and hf). For some reason though Cressi dropped the 2000 LD rather quickly - and they are hard to get now ( as opposed to 2000 hf and both of the 3000 series - which are readily available) I tried the 3000 LD and liked it well enough but have not had the opportunity to try the 2000 LD. I would like to know specifically if the two soft versions are quite similar (2000 Ld and 3000 Ld - both with grey colured blades as opposed to the harder hf versions which have black blades). I can get the 2000 Ld for about 40 % cheaper than the 3000 Ld and just wonder whether the 3000 Ld are worth the extra cash, especially since I will probably invest in carbon blades within a year or so and need a good, universal fin till then for recreational all-around-type diving from the shore. Thanks guys for your replies.

 

[stef]

Yes, I have the 2000 LD, bought them used a couple of years ago. They're kind of similar to the 3000 LD, larger though and a bit more tiring. I feel better with the 3000, it's hard to explain. One thing you might consider is that the 2000 LD were made long ago, must be a leftover, and therefore old. I don't know for certain if the tecnopolimers used get old and less efficient, but it surely doesn't get better with time.
I'd say spring for the 3000 LD, they'll be with you for a long time and are worth every penny.

 

[greendiver]

I have the 3000´s, very, very nice, I also have used them without sox for many hours!...something you can not do with many high end expensive carbon fins!