Best spring straps

[Dhboner]

I broke a spring strap yesterday at the end of a dive. The plastic quick release buttons snapped off. I am looking into warranty but if I end up have to replace them at my own cost I want to make sure my next straps are higher quality.

I am leaning towards models with all-steel parts but I would love to hear from other divers.

Thanks

Bob

 

[Marek K]

What kind did you have, that broke?

I've got a set of EZ Spring Straps (link) on my Mares Avanti X3 fins. The straps have the all-metal keyhole plates that clip onto the fins' "mushroom" posts.

I love the comfort with the wide "puller," and the grip of the rubber d-ring. However, I'm noticing a bit of abrasion of the fins' post caused by the metal keyhole plate, after only about 30 dives. Nothing much, just something to watch out for.

 

[Dhboner]

They're "ProBlue". I like the look of those Mares but you scared me with the "wear" issue.

Thanks!

Bob

 

[Wayward Son]

Those posts are so tough I don't think you're running any risk with that type mount.

I make springs for those type fins using SS anchor shackles, as they work well & I don't have a source for the keyhole type ends.

 

[Marek K]

I like the look of those Mares but you scared me with the "wear" issue.

Mares are the fins; the straps are EZ Spring Straps.

Yeah, it's scaring me a bit too; I love these fins, and they're getting harder to find.

Well, not scaring me exactly -- more like making me keep an eye on it. What it is, is I can see abrasion marks -- not significant wear yet.

Not sure any other brand of spring straps with metal plates is going to be gentler on plastic fin posts.

Everything's a trade-off, I guess... as you found out!

 

[drivsea]

Manta straps seem bullet proof in the pin/cam style, but the adapter for button style fins may have the same issue....

 

[metaldector]

I built my own spring straps about 10 years ago and have never had a problem. They were simple. I purchased the springs (stainless steel) from McMaster-Carr. The plastic tubing from the local hardware store and the fastners (Stainless), screw also from the hardware store. A dab of Loc-Tight on the screw thread and viola a spring strap.
Several of my buddies made theirs copying my design. None have failed to my knowledge. Good luck.

 

[tech3324]

I built my own spring straps about 10 years ago and have never had a problem. They were simple. I purchased the springs (stainless steel) from McMaster-Carr. The plastic tubing from the local hardware store and the fastners (Stainless), screw also from the hardware store. A dab of Loc-Tight on the screw thread and viola a spring strap.
Several of my buddies made theirs copying my design. None have failed to my knowledge. Good luck.

I have these same spring straps on my USD Blades. Purchased as a kit from an eBay seller nearly 10 years ago ($25?) and they continue to work perfectly. The kit originally included a "limit cord" that went inside the spring to limit it's stretch, but I found this to be unnecessary and removed the cord.

 

[metaldector]

I never put the limit cord in. Couldn't see me stretching the heck out of the springs, and have found I never needed it.

 

[scuba_moron]

I had the Tilos (Looks exactly like EZ Spring) on my Mares and they worked great. Plus the price was reasonable. For my Jets I like the simplicity of XS Scuba, and it comes with hardwares that fit other fins.