Best open-heel freedive-type fin?

[diversteve]

Imersion Fins buy and offers on Scubastore - around $100 delivered depending on the model. Inside of two weeks -they're in Spain.

 

[dmaziuk]

From a different angle--any other recs on open heel fins for heavier currents, not formal freediving fins, that have a little more push than quattros?

Cressi ARA and Reaction are around 25" long, dep. on the size. Never tried the reactions, ARAs I tried in SB (soft blade) and will buy myself the HB version someday.

Search for fin review by @guyharrisonphoto oh SB (ScubaBoard), it's good.

Edit: the thread is called "Fins and maneouvreability" and he's testing the previous version ARAs: Master Frog vs Force Fins.

 

[dmaziuk]

Imersion Fins buy and offers on Scubastore - around $100 delivered depending on the model. Inside of two weeks -they're in Spain.

But their page says "removable foot pocket: no" on all models. The mothership shows removable pocket on black (but not other) Es. It's probably all good if you have a well-calibrated reference foot, but even then you might want to factor in the cost of exchanging for a different size...

 

[diversteve]

I assumed he'd buy the right size. i think there's only two available. Also the Green E's are removable - maybe not the model Scubastore sells - or their webpage is incorrect.

IMERSION - Underwaters sports - SPEARFISHING SPIRIT

Imersion E:GREEN

The choice of the champions! Designed for long dives, the ideal compromise between power and energy efficiency, using the progressive flexibility technology. The extension of the blade under the heel leads to the transfer of power directly to the blade.
The comfort of the Imersion foot pocket, never equalled, provides a mixed feeling of lightness and power.
Blade length :78 cm / 31"
4 Sizes in Full Foot
2 Sizes Open Heel Large (42/44) and XLarge (44/46)

 

[dmaziuk]

I assumed he'd buy the right size.

What I meant by "well-calibrated reference foot": e.g. I've hobbit feet and one size smaller with ortho inserts in the booties works for me with some foot pockets.

Also, it's about the open-heel ones with removable foot pocket.

 

[gareengodiablo]

Everyone, thanks for your replies.
The imersion look great, but the shipping from Spain to AK is nearly the price of the fin.
I like the idea of modular for freediving--I think I'm going to figure out something with that configuration--I like being able to break it down.
dmaziuk, despite best efforts, I can't find the guyharrison review--maybe its been a long day.

I found some interesting reviews:

Scuba Diving Fins Review the Good, the Bad and The Ugly

Top 10 Best Scuba Fins of 2017 - Our Top Rated Dive Fins

from the dan's site, the scubapro twin jet looked interesting...but I know some have issues with the split fin, but I tried some atomics and like them.

Plan B: My neighbor gifted me some 70's era scubapro jet fins--I'm going to hawaii soon and think I'll take them with me and give them a spin--they look like they'd be a lot more work--I've never used a fin this short and stout--but time will tell--they certainly are solid and will work with my thickest boots.

 

[diversteve]

Also, it's about the open-heel ones with removable foot pocket.

I don't understand this reference - the webpage I linked to in my post clearly shows the open heel option.

 

[diversteve]

from the dan's site, the scubapro twin jet looked interesting...but I know some have issues with the split fin, but I tried some atomics and like them.

Plan B: My neighbor gifted me some 70's era scubapro jet fins--I'm going to hawaii soon and think I'll take them with me and give them a spin--they look like they'd be a lot more work--I've never used a fin this short and stout--but time will tell--they certainly are solid and will work with my thickest boots.

I'm not clear on what you're looking for. I thought you were looking for long-blade free dive fins but the ones in the 2nd article you linked to - and the jets are short/wide/stiffer than that style. When I talk about freedive fins - this is what I mean. Fins Masks Fins & Snorkels buy at LeisurePro

Unfortunately very few are made open-heel. You might look into some of the Dive model Cressi's - IIRC a few styles might be longer/more flexible. Maybe Frogs?

 

[dmaziuk]

I don't understand this reference - the webpage I linked to in my post clearly shows the open heel option.

My bad: the iimage is full-foot, but the page it links to also has an open heel version. Sorry.

 

[REVAN]

If looking for long blade fins, look for fins that have a really soft end to the fin blade. The last 8 inches or so should be so soft that it doesn't seem like it will be doing anything. It's job is to rotate the vorticity generated by the stiffer parts of the fin closer to the foot pocket and aim the momentum in the right direction, not to generate thrust of it's own. If it's too stiff, the fin will be inefficient and hard on your feet and ankles. I've yet to see a plastic fin blade that is made soft enough at the end (except for fins that I personally made or that have been modified).

Find a good fin blade and pair it to a foot pocket that will work for you. The drawback to open heel foot pockets is that they make quite a bit more drag than full foot pockets and don't have as much heal support either, so comfort can be more of an issue. Open heal pockets have obvious advantages in other areas, but be aware of what you may be giving up in exchange.