I sometimes spear with a veteran spearo (Felix Sasamoto, CNMI Gold Medal Spearfisherman from the 2006 Micronesian Games) who comercially fishes, he is mostly Omer atired except for fins. He mentioned using the Ice fins, and then the New Millenium Runners, and still prefers the Gara 3000's for their linear thrust, and flexibility.
he says that it gets him off the bottom faster than with other models.
I have tried the Gara 3000, the Omer Ice (broke em after 4 months), and now use the Millenium Runners (Black, like the ice in design, but more stiff, but still flexible)
I like the Omers because of mobility, however they flutter sideways sometimes, spilling off foreward thrust (operator poor form when tired). I dont mind it so much, but If I dove deep more often, with longer aspetto tomes I might consider switching to the Gara 3000's for more directional ascents. I originally had Dessault foot pockets, with Ice Fins, and loved the feel, they were my exact shoe size, and I used 1.5mm socks. unfortunately one ripped out in the heel!
so I superglued them for months till I could get Omer foot pockets. I replaced them with larger foot pockets to accomodate a reef bootie, as most access is over coral. I sometimes get blisters from the booties in the larger Omer Footpockets, and am since considering either Fixipoms to prevent the movement, or smaller fin pockets. I miss the Dessault pockets because the were firm, and snug, and I could go all day without movement, or issues. Hopefully a new pair of Omer pockets that are smaller will come close, otherwise I may attempt to repair the Dessaults for active duty.
hope this helps.
I prefer firm booties that are difficult to put on, and equally hard to remove because they swim like they were grown.
as long as the foot is not uncomfortable the snug fit is ok.
no one likes blisters, so test your fins with the booties you plan on getting or you could be sorry.
if you have to order and take a chance long distance, go with your shoe size as the largest possible for the pocket, and wear the thinnest sock, you wont be dissapointed by the use, only in putting them on, and be patient and careful to put them on, or they could rip out if they are older Dessaults, the newer fins have a softer material at the ankle that is more accomodating to stretching over fingers and heels without ripping. sometimes you just have to appreciate compound silicon construction.
this is where Omer, and Cressi got it right. best of luck.
TBGSUB.
