Deep 6 Eddy Fin

[bdives85]

So I did A LOT of research into different fin options, and decided to order a pair of Deep 6 Eddy Fins, size L.

My legs tend to be heavy, as are most tec/jet style fins, so the idea of a near neutral buoyancy fin that was also compact and lightweight for travel sounded great.

I visited/called a bunch of dive shops within an 8 hr drive of me, as well as in my common dive travel locations. Nobody carries Deep 6 stuff, so no way to try on. I called Deep 6 and spoke with Chris, who recommended a dive shop that does carry Deep 6. When I called that shop, they said they stopped carrying Deep 6.

I wear a size 9 soft neoprene boot, which according to Deep 6 sizing recommendations is a large eddy fin, with the disclaimer “if in doubt order the next larger size.”

The large size is oversized for my foot. I can fit a couple fingers in the side, and there is a noticeable side to side wiggle. It’s not at all uncomfortable—in fact I’d say this is the most comfortable jet fin I’ve tried, but the fit is concerning. The Scubapro fins are extremely uncomfortable, I had really high hopes for these.

I have no idea if the small/medium Eddy fin would fit better, or maybe be too small.

Deep 6 has a pretty horrible return policy, and after talking with Chris it seems like he really hates it when people buy his gear and then returns it. So before I inconvenience him, and go through the hassle myself, also eating the non-refundable shipment costs and the 15% restocking fee, does anybody have advice?

How much smaller is the S/M foot pocket?

Anybody have any feedback on the S/M Eddy fin? Lots of positive reviews on the Eddy fin overall, but always with the disclaimer that the S/M is made from a floppier material. How much does this impact performance? Should I make the gamble and order a S/M pair?

I really really appreciate what Chris has contributed to the dive industry overall and want to support the ethos of Deep 6, but spending $100+ dollars just trying fins on is tough to rationalize.

 

[rongoodman]

Would a different boot make it feel better? The boots in your picture don't look like they have much of a sole. My size 9 Henderson Aqualocks feel fine with the L Eddy fin. It should be easier to try on different boots at your local shops than returning the fins.

 

[Jcp2]

So I did A LOT of research into different fin options, and decided to order a pair of Deep 6 Eddy Fins, size L.

My legs tend to be heavy, as are most tec/jet style fins, so the idea of a near neutral buoyancy fin that was also compact and lightweight for travel sounded great.

I visited/called a bunch of dive shops within an 8 hr drive of me, as well as in my common dive travel locations. Nobody carries Deep 6 stuff, so no way to try on. I called Deep 6 and spoke with Chris, who recommended a dive shop that does carry Deep 6. When I called that shop, they said they stopped carrying Deep 6.

I wear a size 9 soft neoprene boot, which according to Deep 6 sizing recommendations is a large eddy fin, with the disclaimer “if in doubt order the next larger size.”

The large size is oversized for my foot. I can fit a couple fingers in the side, and there is a noticeable side to side wiggle. It’s not at all uncomfortable—in fact I’d say this is the most comfortable jet fin I’ve tried, but the fit is concerning. The Scubapro fins are extremely uncomfortable, I had really high hopes for these.

I have no idea if the small/medium Eddy fin would fit better, or maybe be too small.

Deep 6 has a pretty horrible return policy, and after talking with Chris it seems like he really hates it when people buy his gear and then returns it. So before I inconvenience him, and go through the hassle myself, also eating the non-refundable shipment costs and the 15% restocking fee, does anybody have advice?

How much smaller is the S/M foot pocket?

Anybody have any feedback on the S/M Eddy fin? Lots of positive reviews on the Eddy fin overall, but always with the disclaimer that the S/M is made from a floppier material. How much does this impact performance? Should I make the gamble and order a S/M pair?

I really really appreciate what Chris has contributed to the dive industry overall and want to support the ethos of Deep 6, but spending $100+ dollars just trying fins on is tough to rationalize.

 

[Jcp2]

I have a pair in L and they work well with size 9 6mm Tusa boots with thick soles that I use with a drysuit and neoprene socks. My daughter has the s/m and I can barely get into them with dive socks on (I did this once for snorkeling). I wear a size 8 neoprene bootie with a wetsuit.

 

[tbone1004]

curious which shop he recommended and they said they stopped carrying, that's curious.

Now, first thing is there may have been a bit of communication issue with the description of boot that you're wearing which doesn't have much of a sole and most people that are using these are wearing a boot that is a bit more robust, similar to this. This is important because the fins are optimized for tech diving where we are using at minimum the boots listed below but quite regularly with drysuit boots that are even wider. The sizes correlate both to width and length of the foot pocket and I think if you swap to some more robust boots you'll be incredible happy.

DGX Watersports Boots - 5MM Neoprene

The DGX Watersports Boot is a heavy duty design from { 0.2 in | 5 mm } neoprene with a hardened anti-slip sole to make this boot durable yet offering a contoured fit.

www.divegearexpress.com

 

[bdives85]

He recommended Scuba John’s near Columbia, SC

Not so sure I want to add thick boots to the pack list. I’ll stop by my LDS and try some on though, see how it goes. Dry suit diving isn’t really in my agenda, I just wanted a good travel fin with good force in current, maneuverable in silty spaces, and doesn’t make my legs sink.

@Jcp2 If you struggle to fit into the S/M wearing a size 8 neoprene bootie, then I imagine it would be similar for me. I think that answers my question about whether I should bother ordering a S/M. Really wish there was somewhere to just try these on.

Well shoot. I had high hopes for these. Anyway, thanks for the feedback.

 

[SaltCat1]

Buy another brand of fin, and from a company with a better return policy. Deep 6 or any other company does not have some secret sauce in their products. SCUBA gear is mostly mass-produced products made in Tawain by just a few companies. Your skill matters more than gear.

 

[tursiops]

OP. you will HATE your current booties if you go to Bonaire. Get some decent booties with thick soles or wear some Chuck Taylor's.

 

[gmerick]

Chuck Taylor's.

^^^^^^^^^ THIS!
Of course, you may have bought too small of fins to wear them.
I wear UnderArmour Kilchi's in my XL Eddy's. My DUI rock Boots also fit very well.

 

[LandonL]

I visited/called a bunch of dive shops within an 8 hr drive of me, as well as in my common dive travel locations.

Where do you live?

I wear a size 9 soft neoprene boot,

You are a Large

I have no idea if the small/medium Eddy fin would fit better, or maybe be too small.

You need a better boot, the fin isn't the issue.

Deep 6 has a pretty horrible return policy, and after talking with Chris it seems like he really hates it when people buy his gear and then returns it. So before I inconvenience him, and go through the hassle myself, also eating the non-refundable shipment costs and the 15% restocking fee, does anybody have advice?

I feel this needs to be addressed for clarity.

Shipping isn't free. Payment processor don't refund credit card fees when we issue a refund.

Our return policy is merely there so that we are not paying people to try on our equipment. Our return policy exists based on our past experience of people trying to take advantage of or abuse our generosity. At the end of the day, we are a 'small' business and are trying to keep our overhead costs down. We are not Amazon, and we are not a non-profit.

That being said, we are not trying to make money on someone returning an item. If you truly find they don't fit, give us a call and let us work out a return.

Lots of positive reviews on the Eddy fin overall, but always with the disclaimer that the S/M is made from a floppier material. How much does this impact performance? Should I make the gamble and order a S/M pair?

The SM is made of the same stiffness material as the other sizes. It was only when we first came out with the fin that we used a softer material for that size. We now use the same material in all sizes.

spending $100+ dollars just trying fins on is tough to rationalize.

This isn't accurate. Return shipping usually costs in the realm of $15-20. We cover return shipping to you if you exchange to a different size.

Buy another brand of fin, and from a company with a better return policy. Deep 6 or any other company does not have some secret sauce in their products. SCUBA gear is mostly mass-produced products made in Tawain by just a few companies. Your skill matters more than gear.

Given this statement, not sure where to start. However, I will say that I think our products do have the 'secret sauce', and that's why we have been so successful with them. We work hard on our designs, and material choices, and aren't simply offering 'mass produced products made in Tawain' (sic).

I can agree that skill definitely matters in diving, but will say no amount of skill can fix a product that just wasn't designed to do what you want it to do. If you need neutral fins, or want a foot pocket that fits a foot instead of a lego block, you just can't fix a heavy square foot pocket fin.

All the best and happy diving!

Cheers,
Landon