Jet Fins vs Turtle Fins

[boulderjohn]

I was in your shoes myself.

My shoe size is about 10 to 10.5. Wearing a size 11 rock boot, I could not fit into the XL Jets and the XXLs were much too big. I went with the turtles, and they fit fine.

Now, that does not mean I made the right choice. I have since pondered other options that would have allowed me to wear the XL Jets.

I have friends who wear Converse All star sneakers instead of rock boots. (You can get them in black.) They feel that these shoes give them a better feel for the fins than heavy rock boots do, and they would fit into the Jets.

A couple of nights ago I taught a pool session for dry suit, and the student had size 10 feet. He also had split fins (ScubaPro TwinSpeeds, which are curved and feel like mush), and I wanted him to try it with Jets. I had him wear size 11 wet boots, which worked out very well. He was comfortable in them, and they fit the Jet XLs just fine.

I am spending so much $$$$ on tech gear right now that I cannot afford to spend money on anything I don't have to spend money on, so I will continue with the rock boots and turtles. Otherwise, I would give serious thought to one of the other options.

 

[noladiver]

I wear size 11.5 shoe I've got size 14 converse with dry suit undergarments that fits well. With my xxl jet fins and xxl spring straps they are wayyy to floppy, but still dive able. If you are going to go with larger pocket fin you can always compensate with a smaller size spring sprap. With the rock boots the fins fit ok with the xxl straps but id still like a smaller strap say a med or L. I used to own a set of Slip Stream xl they fit perfect with the rock boots and size L straps.

 

[Oside Jimc]

I wear size 11 rock boots when I dive dry, XXL turtles were a joke, it took 2 people to get them off my feet. However XXL OMS Slipstreams are perfect (The Turtles actually work great with wetsuit boots)

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I've owned and dived the following ... XL Jets, XL Slipstreams, XXXL Turtles, XXL Jets, XXL Slipstreams.

In my size 11 Bare rock boots ...

- XL Jets and XL Slipstreams were too small ... I could make the latter work (with a 12" spring strap) but it was a PITA getting them on and off

- XXL Jets and XXL Slipstreams were too large ... they flopped around on my foot and were not very efficient

- XXL Turtles fit pretty well, with 10" springs ... they are a bit softer than the Jets and Slipstreams, but since I am a photographer who likes to go slow that didn't prove to be an issue. I also think they are excellent for "fine control" ... where you're just flicking your tips to maneuver for precise positioning.

On my current (new) Santi suit I opted for Turbosoles so I could use the XL Slipstreams. My primary reason had to do with saving a few lbs weight when I fly ... the Slipstreams are half as heavy as the Turtles and Jets. I've kept my Turtles for diving with my DUI suit, which still uses rock boots.

The Jets got sold ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[UCFKnightDiver]

I ended up getting a pair of turtle fins which work great!

 

[dl348]

I've used the Dive Rite fins, OMS slipstreams and and Jetfins...I like the Jets the best. The XL fit great with my size 9 Trek boots.

 

[RTee]

I recently went through this very similar process...purchasing a dry suit package that came with rockboots size 9. First fins I purchased for this (before actually receiving my drysuit) were Jetfins XL. Bbefore installing the spring straps I tried to put them on with my sports shoes...no luck. As a matter of fact, they were just the right size if I only wore my wetsuit neoprene boots. They were no match for size 9 Evo3 rockboots. Got them exchange for Turtle fins XXL. The fit is much better and this is what I wore for my ice diving course...I had fellow divers cursed at me while assisting me in putting them on with the original straps (wanted to make sure before modifying them with spring straps which I finally did very recently).

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Tried a pair of Hollis F1, size XL over the week-end ... they're my new favorite fin. Foot pocket is a bit more spacious than a Jet XL, the fin is softer than a Jet, but longer. Got plenty of power out of a frog kick, nice "feel" for fine control, and the foot pocket is absolutely the most comfortable of any fin I have tried. There was no "getting used to" this fin at all ... the grin factor was huge and immediate.

My only complaint ... which isn't, really ... is that the pocket is DEEP. Takes a bit more work to slip them on and off than my other fins. I can live with that. Now ... what do I do with a pair of two-month-old OMS Slipstreams ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)