Light Fins for Travel
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Or you could buy a pair accels and pay $50 for the checked bag 4 times for the same money.
It has been said that the overage fees are a small part of the total cost of a trip. Maybe. But it is usually for two people and both ways and then several times a year.
Some people will go to any expense to save a dollar. I spent a lot of money replacing older, heavier gear and then my friends developed the Kraken dh which knocked several pounds off my previous PRAM dh. So my current go to dive kit is enough less weight that I can carry my 19 cf pony and spare reg (for the pony) and still be under my former weight.
Compared to the 80s when I would even carry my favorite weights (for real and boats did not always have weights) and a huge Ikelite Modular Super Light, Jet Fins, wow, what a difference. LED lighting has really helped. My current camera is similar in weight to my Nikonos III with dual SB-101 strobes.
N
Some people will go to any expense to save a dollar. I spent a lot of money replacing older, heavier gear and then my friends developed the Kraken dh which knocked several pounds off my previous PRAM dh. So my current go to dive kit is enough less weight that I can carry my 19 cf pony and spare reg (for the pony) and still be under my former weight.
Compared to the 80s when I would even carry my favorite weights (for real and boats did not always have weights) and a huge Ikelite Modular Super Light, Jet Fins, wow, what a difference. LED lighting has really helped. My current camera is similar in weight to my Nikonos III with dual SB-101 strobes.
N
mikeb21072
Contributor
I switched from Volo's to Hollis F2's, they were 3# lighter and could fit in a carry-on size bag. I dive in some surge and current in Key Largo a lot, especially in the late fall and winter when the conditions are tougher. I like the feel of the F2's but they did not pack enough punch for me. I bought the another set of Mares, this time the Quattro +, I like them a lot but they are a long fin. I wear an XL, and the fin is either 26 or 28 inches, so my dive bag is the large size suitcase, and they take up almost the entire length. That is the only drawback to the Mares, even my Volo's were very long fins. I am headed to the Cayman's and I am taking both the F2's and the Quattro's. The F2's may be used mostly for snorkeling but I will try them on the reef just to see how they perform, I am not expecting a lot of current. The wall dives, I am taking the Quattro's.
fuggler
Contributor
I'm hijacking this thread. I just got Aeris Accels in a size small-medium. I wear an 8 (women's) and needed bigger fins for my drysuit. Attached is a comparison of my size ML force fin pros and a small-medium aeris accels. I'm a little worried about the Accels being a tad small. The edge of my heels are 3 fingers from the fin. Width wise, they're fine and my feet aren't wiggling in the toe box area. Nemrod, do you think I should go one size up?
Also, to the OP: my force fin weighs 1.5lb and the accel is 1.2lb. They're both super light.
fisheater
Contributor
I DON'T sell them. But I did buy a pair and use them on all my tropical trips. Wonderful fin. Power and control, with comfort. And the spring straps come in very handy.
turnburglar
Registered
I currently own aqua lung super rockets and they are pretty hefty, but not very long fins. Will a lighter weight fin of equal length provide similar performance?
I am am kinda looking at Hollis f2's as I think they would travel better, and I would like a less negatively buoyant fin, but can you still put muscle behind them?
I am am kinda looking at Hollis f2's as I think they would travel better, and I would like a less negatively buoyant fin, but can you still put muscle behind them?
I brought my Force Fins to Little Cayman. The other savings they offer over most other fins is that I don't need boots.
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In zero to light current the F2s are a great fin but hit a moderate and up current you'll likely be struggling, well I was anyway. They say "length" doesn't matter but regarding fins I think it does. Mares Avanti Quattro + are only very slightly heavier than F2s but in a current there is no contest, the extra length of the Mares makes, IMO, a huge difference. I tried to love the F2s but even after buying a replacement pair to try again, no love was found. If you want short and light I think the Accels are a better fin.
---------- Post added October 8th, 2015 at 02:12 AM ----------
After spending a lot, way too much, money in my quest for the ultimate travel fin I finally gave up and now just take my everyday favourite regardless of weight or length. Being able to fin properly and fight currents is more important to me that a fin that packs nice. Now there's a 180.
---------- Post added October 8th, 2015 at 02:14 AM ----------
I'm sure the OMS are nice but if you have small feet, just like an M or L Jet, you're still stuck with a very short/stumpy blade.
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