American Made Gear

[Blair Mott]

Happy 232nd Birthday American!

Celebrating America’s 232nd birthday this weekend got me thinking about
my Force Fins, and how and where they are made. All weekend long my
patriotic blood was flowing overtime. Nationalistic music, BBQ’S,
history lessons about the USA and the sporadic bang or whistle from a
distant firework was a constant reminder of whose birthday it was this
past weekend. We are all in this together kept ringing out in my mind
and again I thought about my Force Fins.

I have been using Force Fins for well over a decade and it was not until
I started to work closely with Bob Evans AKA the Fin Doctor that I was
educated that Force Fin is truly a 100% an American Company. I knew that
all the work was done here in the States. The molds are made in Santa
Barbara by Bob and his assistant, Robert Flores and that the Fins are
finally inspected, assembled and shipped from Force Fin Head Quarters in
Santa Barbara, California. That much I knew, but when I actually got to
get behind the scenes and worked closely with Force Fin I wanted to know
more. I looked at the hardware, the metal glue, the screws and bushings
and found familiar names from all over America as the source of origin.
The strap materials, including the webbing, tubing, heel pads are made
and assembled in California. The screws were most recently known to be
manufactured in Illinois, and are specified to be made only in the USA.
The brass bushings are made in California. The bungie cord and cloth
logo labels are made in Massachusetts. The polyurethane is made in North
Carolina and cast into the molds in Virginia, Pennsylvania or California.

Red , White and Blue with Santa Barbara, California in the background. Photo by Bob Evans 4th of July 2008

I could not believe it! Everything that is hand crafted into making a
Force Fin is from the USA. Every single hour out of the 26 it takes to
make one fin to the fine Polyurethane and Tan Delta material that gives
Force Fin its unique propulsion properties and its extreme duration is
from America. United We Stand!

 

[uncleavi]

I myself am made in the USA and I will only dive Force Fins!

 

[j.lawrence]

God Bless Force Fin
Gear that I love
Slip inside her
And dive her
And escape from the madness above.

 

[WW2SB]

I grew up in the midwest and was always told to work hard and buy American. My grandfather was a WWII vet and dove as a rescue diver into his 70s and always loved Force Fin and the fact that it was American made. Being 100% American made is rare unfortunately, but those of us who are wise enough to appreciate such quality are very fortunate.

 

[Blair Mott]

j. lawrence - WOW now that is one I have yet to hear! Fantastic it is almost to good to pass up. I might have to ask you if I could use it as my new signature !!!!

WW2SB thanks for your support and your insight it is another great story that surrounds Force Fin

 

[STSC-1209]

I am an American but wouldn't by something just because it's made in America. You must earn the right to have my hard earned dollars. I will say though it is a nice feeling to have such a fine product as Force Fins made here in America and shows that we still have the ability to make a great things here. It's also nice to be able to call a company you deal with and not have to push one for English and be able to speek to people who reaklly care. They are just like family. I am Force Fin user since 83. They are by far the best fin for me and I can't tell you the last time I owned fins other than my Force Fins. I've been diving for 35 years and active in the dive industry for 30 years as a instructor and dive store owner. I could sell any kind of fin in the market however I am a Proud member of the Force Fin Family.

Rich Best
owner of Sunken Treasure Scuba Center
Jersey Shore, PA

 

[Blair Mott]

Rich Best
Thanks for your insight and support! When I make it out your way I look forward to stopping by Sunken Treasure Scuba Center Sunken Treasure Scuba Center and getting into the water with you and your staff and checking your local site! Have a great summer!

 

[Blair Mott]

It is not the 4th of July, but indeed Labor Day and I believe this thread applies to us all this Labor Day. The country has been running through hard times and we are all affected.

Here is to the end of the Summer and a prosperous Fall Season ahead! Thank you all for your support and interest in our products and our company.

Happy Labor Day ! Safe diving to all of those underwater!