Should I get "travel" dive fins?

[markiicplus]

I live in California. I have diving locally. Realistically, I have gone a few times and plan to go a few times a year. However, I also want fins that I can pack into a backpack for carry on. The majority of diving I would do would be warm waters like Mexico, Hawaii, Caribbean etc.

I am torn between getting a Mares Quattro or something that is significantly smaller like a Aqualung Storm. Online says the Quattro is 28" in length and the Storm is 20,5". I know the Quattro seems to be a better choice for actual fins, but I don't think I could fit that in a carry on. Is it worth it in my case to get travel fins and just have to deal with not having as powerful of fins when I do dive locally in California?

Thanks for any input..

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Have you considered the Deep 6 Eddy fins? For all my diving, from rebreather to single tank dry suit diving, they are my go to fins. They are stiff (great for tight spaces and controlled movements - great for photography), very light. The only diving they don't work for me is twinset dry suit diving with round bottomed steel cylinders. A couple of friends in Europe with flat bottomed steel cylinders use Deep 6 Eddy fins.

 

[tmrqs]

I use Scubapro Go Sport fins for all my dives (drift, wreck, reef) - fit in my carry on and very happy with them.

 

[ontdiver]

I'm at the point in my 60s where I try to limit carry on gear to reg, mask, computers, batteries; a change of clothes and bathing suit. While I would probably want to be cramming more in a backpack during these uncertain times with the airlines, there is now a risk with everyone taking more carry on, and particularly if you do not have some type of loyalty status with your carrier or credit card, that you may find yourself having to check your bag at the gate. But....if I was starting out all over again, I would probably be investing in smaller fins.....

 

[BoltSnap]

The Scubapro Go Sport fins. Superior to the Mares Quattro's and to many other fins.

Scubapro Go Sport fins

There is a very extensive review details thread in the fins forum that addresses the Scubapro Go Sport fins, you look for it there.

 

[Eric802]

I've got the Mares Avanti Quattro's and while I love them, I don't think they're carry-on size. As BoltSnap mentioned, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone with a very negative impression of the Go Sport, and they’re certainly more travel friendly.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I know some people have been known to take fins in a carry-on. I just can't imagine it. Even my Deep6 Eddys are too annoying for me to take in a carry-on bag. I have a pair of Hollis F2 fins, which Hollis says make great travel fins. I don't really like them--too short to generate any power. Just check a bag and take the right fins for the diving you're going to do.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I know some people have been known to take fins in a carry-on. I just can't imagine it. Even my Deep6 Eddys are too annoying for me to take in a carry-on bag. I have a pair of Hollis F2 fins, which Hollis says make great travel fins. I don't really like them--too short to generate any power. Just check a bag and take the right fins for the diving you're going to do.

I can barely fit my Deep 6 Eddy's in my carry on. Just barely.

 

[Regulated]

I am in West Maui right now and have done 4 shore dives with new Scubapro Go Travel (EDIT: not Sport) fins. Very happy. Two dives had substantial current. Mine are oversized (XXL for size 12 shoe) so I can wear aqua shoes or neoprene socks. Essential for shore entry. They do fit diagonally in the carry-on, but I chose to put BCD, reg, mask and DC in the small bag.

 

[Doc]

…. plan to go a few times a year. However, I also want fins that I can pack into a backpack for carry on. The majority of diving I would do would be warm waters like Mexico, Hawaii, Caribbean

You will likely soon learn to CHECK EVERYTHING. Take whatever you want.

Dragging replaceable and inexpensive bulky HEAVY stuff through airports slung over your shoulder? A bad idea. Do 12 trips and get back to us.