"Old" vs. "New" Omer Footpockets

[DaKahuna]

Hello All,
I've read in a couple of threads here that there is a difference between an older version of the Omer millenium footpockets and a newer version. This is in regards to the stiffness of the rubber.
I picked up a set of the Riffe Pez Fuerte fins (Omer footpockets) from a LDS that was blowing out all their hunting gear because "it's not what they want to focus on". Translation seemed to be, there's more money in scuba gear....
Anyways, the footpockets seem very stiff but I have never used anything similar. I have only ever used SC Jetfins.
How do I know if these are the "stiff" version. In one thread I thought someone posted that Omer would replace the stiff ones with new ones. Has anyone tried this? Will the pockets "break in" and soften up?

Thanks for any assistance that can be passed along.

 

[flyboy748]

I have two pair of OMER footpockets on my fins, an older set of Valerio Grassi footpockets, and a newer set of Milleniums. The Milleniums are stiffer than any full pocket fin I've used before, however not nearly as stiff as the Valerio Grassi's! I found that the super stiff ones got more comfortable with time, but I also wear a 3 or 5 mm sock. They would be unbearably painful without them.

So I think if you use your fins alot, they'll break in nicely. If not, at least youve got an excuse to get down to the water alot! I don't know of any OMER policy regarding replacing footpockets, however there very well might be some such thing.

Dive safe!
Aaron