Need new fins, size help

[monchan]

Hi, I need new fins and am slightly baffled about what I need.
I`ve using a Japanese brand scuba fin (MEW) the size written on the bottom goes like this

SIZE F 44-45
A 10-11
J 27-28
BOOTS 25-26

I found these to be too soft (maybe) I`ve never used a proper free dive/ spearfishing fin before. and have used these til the foot pockets have big splits in them.

I have been using 3mm socks and thats ok, but when I try 5mm socks
it seems too tight and they often came off.

The ones I have been looking at are the
Omer stingray camu 3d fins
from subprof. size? not sure what to get
Their sizes are slightly different than that of my fins
45-46 sounds ok Are these sizes universal?
on this site no mention of stiffness.

or the leaderfins
stereofins alga
45-46 stiffness hard

any comments alternatives would be helpful cheers

 

[Mr. X]

Hi Monchan,
I reckon the sizes shown are roughly equivalent:
Euro 45-46 (the F might be for France or might be for Female?)
A above 10-11 <-- Initially I thought "A" was for American but the size looks more like UK (Angleterre?) as I would say UK 10 is about 45 and I reckon UK11 is 46, usually
J is presumably some Japanese sizing system.

Happily, I think the Euro sizing system is probably the most consistent - at least it seems to be for my feet.

If the fins are camo, then presumably they are designed for spear fishing (so probably fairly stiff but softer than deep freediving fins, to accommodate a lot more surface travel).

 

[monchan]

Thanks for the reply. I was going to　go for the 45-46 size.
I the the A would be american sizes, over here it`s the most common non japanese
printed on things The J 27-28 is the sizing over here. They do it by cm. 27cm long foot get a 27cm shoe. doesnt really help me with my hobbit like thick arse feet.

Anyone tried the omer stingray camu fins? they seem to be good for that price/

 

[DRW]

Yes, I've also got a pair of Gull Mews (F.46-47, A.12-13, J.28-29, Boots 26-27) and I can confirm that that the Japanese sizing follows the Mondopoint system of footwear sizing, based as you say on centimetres. The Mondopoint system is used in DIN 7876, Germany's Standard of October 1980 for Swimming Fins.

The Mondopoint system isn't limited to Japan, I have a pair of Mexican-made fins sized in the same way (29-31), although the "CE", European Union, sizing (46-48) is also embossed on the heels.

Fin sizing, particularly its inconsistency among manufacturers, has been the subject of several threads here, although a US Naval Experimental Diving Unit report of 1957 set the precedent for measuring the length and width (in inches) of fin foot pockets to determine the fit and comfort of various fin models. It's a pity that fin manufacturers don't routinely provide such information for swimmers. I expect, if asked, they'd reply that such data is commercially sensitive.

 

[monchan]

Thanks for your replys, I did indeed email one of the companies.
my size based on cm would be 43-44. But I opted for the 45-46 as I have
very high hobbit feet + a 5mm sock and they fit pretty well.

Got omer stingrays and an omer fin bag and they dont bloody fit in the bag.
no mention of what fins were meant for the bag so I assumed I`d be ok.
AAARRHHHHHHHHHH.

cant wait to try my new fins. Shit they are long compared to the mew gulls I`ve been
using.

 

[martin366]

Buy Fiberglass or carbon fins! Much-much better than plastic!!
Leaderfins is way better than plastic Omer

 

[hteas]

While most agree that carbon or fiberglass are better, not everyone does.

See the graphs and info by Mullins (multiple world record holder and good spearfisherman) in an older thread. The last I heard he still goes by what he found. I have all thre types, and feel that fit and stiffness are what matters. If carbon helps, it is mostly in the mental aspect (they feel like they go faster)

http://forums.deeperblue.com/general-freediving/75390-cheap-fins-expensive.html

 

[martin366]

One thing is speed/acceleration, other, the biggest thing is comfort.
For me, plastic fins kills ankles in hour, cramps are very easy to come.
But with carbon (medium Leaderfins), i can swim a whole day !
Im 73KG, 188cm; so plastic fins are a bit tooo much for me

 

[monchan]

I would have prefered the leader fins and did indeed have a think about them.
But in my case, I`m not a big bread winner so unfortunately I had some cost restrictions. I could have indeed got the leader fins but at the expense of not getting other stuff I needed. So I got it all from subprof at a good price. no double shipping etc.

I`ve read elsewhere that the omer pockets are better, so at least for this year I`ll give them ago, and wife permitting get some better blades next year if I feel I`d be better off with them. however until now I`ve just been using the soft scuba fins
and before that sport store shitty snorkeling fins with little tiredness in my legs after a day of diving. I`ve got thumping big keg legs that go like a steam engine. and after looking at my new omer fins which are stiffer and longer. (I have to say I didnt expect them to be that long) I have a feeling I`ll be very happy with them compared to what I`ve been using. In the future I want to try some good stiff carbon blades
but until its possible.. I think for me this is a big upgrade....but only time will tell.