How long should a good pair of fins last? Mares problem with fins

[Zambezi]

I've got a pair of Mares fins I purchased in 1982 and they're still in perfect working order (replaced the straps a few times). I've got no idea what model as the name wore off years ago. Those fins have made me a Mares fan and I'll dive with nothing else!

Myself and three of my dive buddies also dive a pair of Excel's (approx 120 dives) and they're still in perfect condition.

 

[judestudio]

I've seen divers with other models of Mares fins and they look fine. All I can say is, my Volo Power are not gonna last 100 dives for sure, 15 dives and the rubber is breaking off the plastic! I've heard a few instances where the Volo Power fins actually break off where the "holes" are. So I guess it's more of a design fault in my case, the other models might be ok, but when I'm to get new fins (which is pretty soon looking at the rate the rubber is coming off), I think I'll give other brands a chance.

 

[cmburch]

You know, they are suppose to have mechanical testing machines, and know the exact number of fin cycles before they come apart right?

I wonder if this is the same as American automotive engineering? They might think that the brand loyalty is so high, that you will continue to buy American even if your Ford/Chevy/Chrysler will conk out at less than 100K miles? When they consistently engineer parts to wear out between 80 and 100K miles, eventually, people will switch to other brands.

Mares is hoping that once your fins break, you'll go back and buy another pair from them?

God, I hope not. I just spent over $100 on a new pair rather than trying out another brand just because of the quality of my old ones.

 

[johnny_bravo]

The only piece of equipment I still have from my original purchases 10 years ago is my Mares Avanti Quattro fins...must be a defect on your item.

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[SlowRain]

Must be something to it, as I have read the delamination complaint on excels on other boards as well.

 

[Mr. Sunday]

I have a pair of Rockets in perfect condition that are about 2 years older than I am

 

[UaVaj]

I've seen divers with other models of Mares fins and they look fine. All I can say is, my Volo Power are not gonna last 100 dives for sure, 15 dives and the rubber is breaking off the plastic! I've heard a few instances where the Volo Power fins actually break off where the "holes" are. So I guess it's more of a design fault in my case, the other models might be ok, but when I'm to get new fins (which is pretty soon looking at the rate the rubber is coming off), I think I'll give other brands a chance.

Great! I just recieved a brand new pair of Volo Power the other day. Not even wet yet.

I knew I should of stick with a Twin Jet Max instead.

 

[pir8]

My old volos ripped on one of the hinges. I'm waiting now to hear back from Mares through my LDS that I bought them from. Turned them in back in Sept or Oct. Actually lost track and interest in them.

 

[Flightlead]

I just threw away fins and snorkels from the mid 70's a few months ago, not because they were worn out but because they didn't fit anyone in my immediate family. My masks from the same vintage dry rotted and became unusable only in the last couple of years.

 

[Damselfish]

they should last longer than 100 dives, for sure.

my original USD blades seem pretty bullet proof, I don't know how old they are 10-15 years?

OTOH, my first Scubapro fins (Seawings) lasted a few dives before they started to delaminate between the pocket and blade. Seems they had some problems with that and they replaced them no problem. While I was at it I upgraded to the clear thermoplastic version of the same fins. They cracked across the ribs on the blade after a few years. On ethinks they should all be better at this kind of stuff by now.