best travel fins

[coralcruiser]

I bought a second pair of Accels from LP a while back for $50. The price was so good I couldnt pass it up. It seems like LP radomly puts stuff on sale. I think the Accels have more than enough power for 90% of the diving I do. I'm going to put them to the test in Socorro in 2 weeks...lots of current. Last year I used APS Mantarays, while I was able to keep up (pass some people) it felt like I had to work a little harder. At one point I was not able to circle around a pinnacle against current and had to stay on one side. Not sure if it was the fins or the diver. This year I'm going to see if the Accels do better. I'm also bringing some Mares Avanti Quatro + to see how they compare.

Will be interested to hear your report on how they do in current. Just got a pair to use in March but will bring my force fins with me as well.

 

[drbill]

22" limit? Must be for carry on as seems to be suggested by your OP. Personally I dive with Apollo Bio-Fins locally but travel with my US Divers Blades since they are much lighter. I don't mind paying the baggage fee to ensure I take all my own gear with me. Cheaper than renting.

 

[ams511]

22" limit? Must be for carry on as seems to be suggested by your OP. Personally I dive with Apollo Bio-Fins locally but travel with my US Divers Blades since they are much lighter. I don't mind paying the baggage fee to ensure I take all my own gear with me. Cheaper than renting.

The other concern is damage and theft if items are placed in checked baggage.

 

[pheel]

Will be interested to hear your report on how they do in current. Just got a pair to use in March but will bring my force fins with me as well.

From my recent experience, they offer average performance in current. Lately in St-Martin, on a surface swim with my gf and I (we both have accel) we had to struggle a little to keep on with the group. We are both experienced and relativaly fit. There was a slight current. I wish I had my turtle at that moment. IMO it is the only downside.

 

[buddhasummer]

From my recent experience, they offer average performance in current. Lately in St-Martin, on a surface swim with my gf and I (we both have accel) we had to struggle a little to keep on with the group. We are both experienced and relativaly fit. There was a slight current. I wish I had my turtle at that moment. IMO it is the only downside.

True of most small fins. I experienced the same thing diving F2s, with no current they were great but hit a current and was bit of a struggle. When travel diving I rarely dive in locations with strong currents so for 90% of useage small fins are ok for me.

 

[fishy75]

I was hesitant about using the accels in current, but they have quickly turned into my favorite fins. Used them in the Similan islands and had no issues keeping up. They are very easy to put on and take off. When I take them off at the back of the boat, I just unhinge one side of the strap and redo it once on the boat. I absolutely love these fins. More than my novas and scubapro jet sports.

 

[Dave616]

Used my Force Fins in Coz last week and they did pretty well in the faster current. My wife brought Atomic Split Fins... bad choice. She wants something new for next year. She's very fit, and there is no weight/length restrictions going from US to Coz so I may look at the Dive Rite XT Spring Heel Fins for her.

For warm-er water, we have Aqualung full-foot Express Fins which are light and comfortable, but maybe not as short as you need.

Going to keep an eye on this thread for more info.

 

[rhincodon]

Just got back from Socorro where I really put these fins to the test with lots of current. All I can say is wow these fins held up really well. When I had to hunker down and swim against or accross current, these fins kept me moving forward. I was easily able to keep pace with my group and out pace them if I wanted to. I tried using Mares Avantti Quatros + a few times and really didnt notice much difference in power. Maybe they frog kick a little better. But when I frog kick I'm usaually going at a relaxed pace so no big deal to me. I'm convince these fins produce just as much power as the standard larger fins. I just like everything about these fins, they are even cheaper than other travel fins.

 

[Nemrod]

22" limit? Must be for carry on as seems to be suggested by your OP. Personally I dive with Apollo Bio-Fins locally but travel with my US Divers Blades since they are much lighter. I don't mind paying the baggage fee to ensure I take all my own gear with me. Cheaper than renting.

The Accels are intended for travel divers who need to pack carry on. They are extremely light, a pair weigh less than one Jet. They easily fit in a carry on suitcase. Many people are tired of theft and as well paying for two bags each and weight limits.

My wife can get all of her gear and cloths in carry on and I can too. She has a backpack for other items and I have my camera case. All can go carry on. No baggage fees, no theft. Or, if we are going to check luggage, all of our SCUBA gear can go in one bag and still be under weight limit (50 pounds).

N

 

[Dave616]

My wife already is planning on a trip to Coz next year which obviously doesn't have any strict luggage size/weight requirements.

If weight and length were not an issue, would the Accels still be worth purchasing as a travel fin?