Highland Power Fins

[greenblayza]

Poking around for some new fins and on DGX they only sell Highland Power Fins. Never heard of them (though, I'm no expert on fins by any means), but really like Scubapro Jet Fins. Was wondering how people feel about the differences in old school paddle fins between brands - I mean, they all look the same..

 

[divad]

I have both and mostly use the Power Fins. They're only similar, not the same. The Jets are a little wider @ the middle and feel stiffer. The power Fins seem a little "slipperier." They're not made in Scotland. Funny name though.

Jets in the middle, Power Fins on the right:

 

[greenblayza]

Great, thanks for the picture reference!

I'll be travelling (backpacking) with them so it looks like it might make more sense to go with the Highlands.

 

[David Wilson]

I see the Highland Power fins are featured here:


Classic Fins and Universal S/S Spring Straps - Dive Gear Express

I can confirm that they aren't made in Scotland. I live in the UK, where fin production appears to have ceased.

I'm curious about Evad's Idi Power fins:

IDI Frog Foot Scuba Diving Fins Dive 24in. L-Used-Water For Sale

I see they come with a hump-like corrugation down the top of the blade and a corresponding hollow on the reverse. I've seen the same feature on Süper Star full-foot fins made by the Turkish manufacturer Şener Kauçuk:

Süper Star Batmaz Paletler - Turuncu Renk
The Turkish fins seem to have been made using fin moulds imported from, and originally cast, in Italy, where they were used to produce "Super Perry" fins:


I was wondering what the advantage of the corrugation feature was, as it has appeared, according to the above, on fins made in Italy, Turkey and Mexico. I remember reading somewhere that the design was patented, although I can't find the patent online. Presumably to add stiffness to the blade without adding too much weight? Just curious.

 

[divad]

I'm curious about Evad's Idi Power fins:
View attachment 155672
IDI Frog Foot Scuba Diving Fins Dive 24in. L-Used-Water For Sale

I don't know anything about them (although the look cozy above). It's not my picture and I don't own any. I'm lazy and just stole the picture from here:Scubapro XL Jets vs IDI/XS Scuba XL Power Fins

 

[Tortuga68]

In my experience the power fins use a softer rubber compound, which is good for foot pocket conformity/comfort, but not so good for power/back kicks

 

[divad]

I have high arches and hate the Jet Fins foot pocket.

 

[Tortuga68]

Agree. I'm yet to meet someone who has rectangular feet. Great fins though so I still use them

 

[ams511]

Poking around for some new fins and on DGX they only sell Highland Power Fins.

The also sell the Dive Right (ex-Apollo) fins and Hollis F-1s.

---------- Post added May 27th, 2013 at 08:50 PM ----------

They're not made in Scotland. Funny name though.

Highland Millworks was a small Florida manufacturer known for their hardware, especially tank bands. They were purchased by XS some time ago, that is why they are branded differently. Their products were never made in the UK.

---------- Post added May 27th, 2013 at 08:53 PM ----------

I'll be travelling (backpacking) with them so it looks like it might make more sense to go with the Highlands.

Hog has some new fins out that are close to the Poseidon (and some others) fin. They are shorter than jets and can fit in a carry-on. Check out the Edge forum for more details. Also there is the Hollis F-2 which is a shorter fin.

---------- Post added May 27th, 2013 at 09:14 PM ----------

I'm curious about Evad's Idi Power fins:
View attachment 155672

This photo is for frog foot fins which were another product. I think IDI went out of business in the early 00's and XS picked up the power fin. I am not sure what happened to the frog foot. I would have to assume that any patent protection would be expired by now given the age of these designs.

 

[greenblayza]

Hog has some new fins out that are close to the Poseidon (and some others) fin. They are shorter than jets and can fit in a carry-on. Check out the Edge forum for more details. Also there is the Hollis F-2 which is a shorter fin.

Thanks ams! I'm looking into the F-2 now!