Bungee straps on old Jet / Rocket fins

[Rooster59]

Old fin, 30" bungee, 7" bike inner tube. Thread the bungee on 1 side, make 3 loops. Go up, then down through the loops. Work the knot tighter and move knot / buckle where it needs to go. Adjust bungee length and tighten knot. Swim every day with this, I replace bungee every year or so, $3 for the bungee cord for a pair of fins at the hardware store. I would use new and proper rubber straps for a surf entry.

 

[northernone]

Glad to see this idea. Thanks.

 

[Rred]

You mean, I bought the last set of plain replacement straps for Rocket Fins that was ever made?
I shoulda bought two?

The straps don't really wear out, that steel bar with sharp edges just eventually cuts them. Must get out Mr. Dremel and fix that one day.

 

[Akimbo]

Here is an image of a Jet and and F1 modified for bungees. @MaxBottomtime has been using bungees for a long time.

 

[Coztick]

DIY is all about doing more with less, or improving on OEM, or even personal preference.
You know, building something that doesn't exist and have it function.
Some get it, some don't.
I both get it and have a pair of garage sale rockets that are going to get this mod.(well, my version) no purchases needed.
Cheers, and thanks!

 

[Akimbo]

I find that bungees work as well or better than springs. My reservation with springs is you never know when one will fail where bungee fails slowly and is apparent.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I've used bungees for years with no problem. They're not only cheaper than replacement straps or springs but I've never had one break. Rather than tie a knot with them in the metal loop I simply run the end through once and zip tie the bungee to itself.

 

[tech3324]

I've used bungees for years with no problem.

I need longer springs on my F1's but I like the bungee idea better. Do you use just ordinary auto parts store bungee cords or is this marine grade bungee like Bungee Cord ? What's the best diameter to use?

 

[Akimbo]

I had to drill out the sockets on the F1s (see photo above). I considered making a metal part with a loop that would fit the socket but decided it was more work than just drilling it out.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I need longer springs on my F1's but I like the bungee idea better. Do you use just ordinary auto parts store bungee cords or is this marine grade bungee like Bungee Cord ? What's the best diameter to use?

I use the thick bungee from auto parts stores. It's really easy to use a single finger to put your fins on.