How to modify a (monofin) footpocket

[gianpaoloc]

Hi,
I just received my new monofin, a Hyper from Leaderfins:
LeaderFins.com
(the "standard" hyper, not the "professional" version).

I like the fin a lot and this is why I was very disappointed when I discovered
that its footpocket is a pain, for me. I cannot use it for more than 10
minutes (I am used to monofins, if you were wondering, but this is even
worse than the others I owned/tried before).

This is not a surprise, I often have problems with footpockets. My feet, in
fact, are "higher" than normal (see attached picture to understand what I
mean. The result is that the length is right, if not longer than required (my
toe are far from the end of the footpocket, even using a half boot) but the
last part of the footpocket, near the ankle, is too narrow and hurts a lot.

Have you had similar experience? How do you solved the issue? Is there any
chance to stretch the footpocket? Do you think it is possible/reasonable to
cut part of the footpocket (see the red area in the second picture attached)?
How the rubber will behave if I cut it as shown? Suggestions on how to cut it?

Any help will be appreciated.

Ciao
G.

 

[Zaboez]

hi,
yes, I have found out a similar problem when tested such monofin. It has appeared narrow in this place and wide in fingers area. 10 minutes and
How has solved a problem? - has not bought it
I think you need leaderfins support in this question.

 

[Bill]

Sounds like the same problem we had when the first long fins became available. We figured that Italians must have 'lower' feet so we slit the top of the fin and installed shoe laces. I did the same thing a few years ago with my Beuchats. If abrasion is the problem, taping a piece of inner tube in place might work wonders. Ideally a custom molded fiberglass cap for that area of the foot would be best but I haven't tried that....yet.
Aloha
Bill

 

[jome]

I don't have (luckily, because it looks horrible a picture of my mono, but I've made a mod for the flyer for the exact same problem. But it was in I think the "advanced monofins" thread that rafaqatic (or something like that) posted some pics...It's an easy to do operation and extends the comfort factor considerably, while (IMHO) not compromising the performance too much.


Buy the way, does anyone have a good method for totally undoing the glue of a monofin? I've got a fin that has a prefectly preserved blade, but the foot pockets are messed up beyond repair. I'd like to somehow get rid of the remains of the footpocket and see if I can come up with something fun, but the things are sticking to the blade like, well, glue.

 

[BennyB]

I was talking to a finswimmer last weekend and he said that most of the good Russian fins are made with a glue called Dunlop 2000, and it holds just about for eternity. But if you google that you might be able to find something to get rid of it. Failing that... careful sandpapering?

Cheers,
Ben

 

[wes]

jome,

You might try gasoline. The thing you have to do is to "soak" the glue for quite a while which can be messy. One way to do it it so get a thick plastic bag that your fin will fit in and then pour some gasoline in to the fin and seal up the bag. Then every hour or so slosh the gasoline around so it keeps the fin "wet". Keep the bag sealed as the fumes from the gas will help loosen the glue also. If you leave this for 24 hours I think all the glue will come off though I have not tried on a monofin. We used to take the foam grip off windsurf booms like this. If you are very eco conscious you can filter the gas by pouring it thru a paper towel when done and pour it back into your tank in your car, it will mix well with the gas in the tank and burn fine. Otherwise you can burn the gasolin in a metal can, this is better than pouring it in the dirt or down the drain.

Cheers Wes

 

[ADR]

Just thin it out so that it is tappered in shape and thin enough to stretch a little. A small grinding stone on a drill does a very good job. If you take your time it works very well and will solve your problem. Leaderfins Hyper monos I have done this to so far: 3

 

[apneadream]

I could only wear my monofin for 10 minutes also.
Tried all kind of tricks to modify and stretch the foot pockets but nothing helped much so far.
Recently started applying Vaseline to footpocket before each use.
It nearly doubled the amount of time I can keep my mono on!
When it gets too painful I take the fin off and swim around for a few minutes till pain fades.then I go for another round.

Hope this helps.