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Martin Stepanek Freediving bag

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
The idea behind the mesh panels is that the bag will drain off water while you're still on the boat, or beach. By the time you put it in your car, virtually all of it will be gone.

If you're putting ANY dive gear in your car, you should know to have some sort of liner in place. Otherwise, it'll end up rusting out in no time. Get a truck!
 
I bought a Stepanek freediving bag from Paul Kotik. It self-destructed in less than a year of light use, with a major problem with all seams on one side of the bag. I reported it to Paul and to Martin. Never got anything back from Martin, and only a brief note saying he was surprised from Paul. I'd be careful of them
Howard
 
My bag tore apart at the side by the zipper on the sides.

I repaired it with some superglue then it has not broken again.

The problem is that the seam is too close to the edge of where the fabric is cut.

It can not take the stress if the bag is full and lifted and used when filled full.
 
My hubby and I got one each this past September, and we use them at LEAST once a week. They travel well, too...as we've taken a few flights with them. Fit nicely in the overhead bins, even on the small puddle-jumpers. No problems here with tears, rips, storage capacity (we use C4 Falcon 30s and 40s), or anything else. They smelled a bit raunchy last time we traveled any distance to speak of, but after a quick dip in some Mirazyme...voila! Good as new! They certainly look a lot cooler than the Akona bag I use for my technical diving gear...
Billie
 
I was able to put there my Garra 2000 without bigger problems. If your fins are bigger then Gara, you might have troubles I think.
 
i recently purchased the Riffe Long fin travel bag and it is plenty roomy, sturdy, carries mutiple pairs, and has a great pouch for weight belts etc.


i love this bag and you won't be disappointed

check out the 3 bags RIFFE makes here:

RIFFE INTERNATIONAL / Accessories - page 5

kp
 
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I feel like my ice fins don't fit. I always have to push and pry to get them in. Also i never put my weight belt in the bag, for wear and tear concerns. But i have used this bag 3-4 times a week to the gym and once or twice to the beach each week. I see no visible wear and tear in two months of having it. The mesh pockets really do drain water nicely. Although i always store my bag on its side so the inside can breathe through them not drain in my trunk.

Edit in - That riffe bag looks very similar to the martin bag, but wow it has vents on the sides. That would solve my problems.
 
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I've flown with mine on trips about four times and it is holding up well. It is the only bag that I have found, aside from a fake kiteboarding "golf bag" that will hold Cressi Gara fins. Last time I made some long fins "fit" into a long gear bag, American Airlines shattered one of the blades for my trouble. Live and learn.
 
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I've had one of Martin Stepanek's gear bags for some years now. It's an ideal size for holding all of my California coldwater dive gear, except speargun and weightbelt. I really like the side pocket for carrying "extras", sportfishing license, fillet and butchering knives, gut brush, knife sharpener, extra mask strap, fish gloves, plastic bags, etc.

I use it routinely, and only now, after years of rugged use, is it showing signs of age. The non-skid deck of my boat is wearing through the reinforced bottom material in a couple places, and one seam is a little strained. It's held up admirably, and I may get another, or take a look at Riffe's or other offerings.

Can anybody comment on the pockets (if any) located on the Riffe or other gear bags? Are they "dry" pockets? Thanks, Chip.
 
Seacidal said:
Can anybody comment on the pockets (if any) located on the Riffe or other gear bags? Are they "dry" pockets? Thanks, Chip.
Click to expand...


hi seacidal - great tag by the way

the long fin bag i have, has a very roomy side pocket that does NOT have vents, is very durable,
but i wouldn't say it is a 100%-do-not-get-wet 'dry pocket.'
however, i have been able to keep things separate and pretty dry, even thought the inside isn't entirely coated in pvc. and i'm not sure about the other models....

kp
 
Thanks for the info, KP,
I suppose I should have mentioned (in response to previous comments) that I am able to fit my Omer Pegaso fins in the Martin Stepanek bag. It's the perfect length.
I'm considering one of the Riffe bags for a second set of gear, but am also interested in Cressi's Apnea bag.
I'm pretty sure I can check out the Riffe bags at a LDS. But, can anyone comment on the materials and workmanship of the Cressi bag?
Thanks,
Chip
aka Seacidal
 
They are no longer available. I bought the Riffe one instead - it is very similar.
 
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