Monofin Requirements

[SpringFed]

Hello,

My name is Matthew, I am the partner of Eric Ducharme, The Mertailor, and we are looking for some input from professionals, and from what I'm told this is the place to go!

We have created a monofin that resembles a Mermaid, and we are looking for things that you all look for in a monofin.

Below is a review of the product from an experienced diver who has used the product herself, but we want to know if there are any other details we should look for.


"Brittany Trione (PADI Open Water Diver est. 2000 - NAUI Rescue Diver & Dive Master est. 2006)

From my first-hand experience with swimming in the new Mertailor Flipper, I first want to say it is so realistic looking and incredible in every way! From the appearance on land to the movement in the water, they are top notch for a mermaid flipper! If you’re looking for that next new big thing, this flipper is your ticket. I like the idea of this flipper being a great alternative to wearing the tail, or even a large monofin. It’s great to work your core and legs without wearing the tail all the time. Let’s face it, mermaid kicks are a workout; engaging every muscle to glide through the water with ease. This can and WILL make the days when you wear a full tail A LOT easier! The color of the flipper has a hint of sparkle and looks amazing in the sun. I can only imagine how wonderful the custom paint jobs on future flippers will look like!

Propulsion: Moving forward underwater without knowing a fin is attached to your feet is a great feeling. I felt as if the flipper was just a continuation of my legs, which was a very natural and preferred feeling. When needed this flipper can get up and GO! Due to the soft silicone, it worked very well with fast mermaid kicks. It is just thick enough silicone to do the job! It was not delicate at all; instead it was durable and sturdy.

Buoyancy: I had no problem obtaining a natural streamline under the water with this fin. This wonderful flipper doesn’t tamper with my natural buoyancy at all while swimming forward or even staying still at the surface.

Weight (in and out of water): With a weight of approx. 10 lbs., the flipper is stress-free to carry. The ankle straps make an easy grab while out of the water. Of course, it is weightless in the water. You do not feel like there is a weight attached to your feet.

Flow and movement: I was blown away with how attractive the flipper flowed and looked underwater. The tips of the tail look like a Manta Ray as it goes up and down. This movement and the length of the fin provide easy, quick turns and maneuvers! Drag is none existent in this flipper.

Comfort: The ankle straps make this flipper easy to wear for any size foot. I think that is a great feature! The comfortable neoprene strap velcro around the back of your ankle and remains secure the whole time while in use. The slots for your feet are surprisingly comfortable as well however; you can wear diving booties as an alternative if desired. The silicone is very giving and soft on the feet. No blisters! With the Velcro secured properly, your feet do not slide around in the slots.[/SIZE][/SIZE]"

Here are also a few links of the product in action:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axafSnvD2_o]Mermaid and Merman Flipper Mermaid Tail by Mertailor - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6IRfQe6EZ4]Mermaid Tail Flipper Created by Mertailor - YouTube[/ame]

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3frPi4k-YX8]The Mermaid Tail Flipper Monofin Swimming Device by Mertailor - YouTube[/ame]



Just let me know if you have any suggestions for anything!

Thank you!

-Matthew

 

[Azrael3000]

Besides the looks I doubt that this will have to offer anything for freedivers. The ends are just flopping about wildly dissipating huge amounts of energy without providing any propulsion. There are better training aids and there are better performance fins. So besides realizing the dream of some to have a mermaid looking fin I doubt it will have any impact.

 

[Kars]

Hi Matthew, a warm welcome to deeperblue!

Indeed this is the place to ask people who love life, beauty and efficiency about your product.

Here's my initial impression, judging from the 3 videos.

+ It looks very, very beautiful.
+ It promises to be comfortable and fitting a lot of feet sizes.
+ Looks sturdy.
- It looks rather inefficient in propelling the swimmer.
- heavy mass.

To remedy the inefficiency you may want to reinforce the wing so the fin does not flex it's ends (ears) so much, and reduce the mass of the fin. Why reduce the mass? - well even though the fin is neutral in water the swimmer still needs stop and move that 5kg up and down.

If you can make it affordable, say E 100,- / 150,- retail for the children version I think you can turn it into a summer hit in toy stores, just colour and time it with the release of the next mermaid movie.

 

[REVAN]

I agree with Kars. To make it swim better you are going to need to add some structure inside the fin. A fiberglass core could work. I'd also recommend adding considerable angle to the fin in the process. Once you add structure and it becomes less floppy, the geometry gets important. We generally look for more than 20 degrees between the bottom of the foot and the fin blade. An angle around 30 is generally considered ideal.