Light but good stiff blade fins?

[Ayisha]

Hi there, I'm looking for stiff blade fins that are not too heavy. I'm petite and started out with Avanti Quattro power fins which killed my legs, ankles and feet. They were the smallest size and were still slightly big, allowing my foot to move around in the foot pocket. I then got Tusa X-pert Zoom split fins and loved them, and had no more pain. The x-small/small foot pocket was also slightly big with my boots, and I fitted them with spring straps, and then the fit was great.

Now, I'm looking for the same comfort and fit in stiff blade fins. I wear a women's size 4 1/2 to 5 shoe, and ladies size 5 dive boots (difficult to find). Any suggestions for small fitting, not too heavy stiff blade fins?

 

[gypsyjim]

I recently purchased some Hollis F2's. Very similar to Jets, nice and stiff, but very, very light. I bought them for travel, because of the weight (the pair weighs LESS than one of my Jet style fins!).

I am quite satisfied.

 

[TSandM]

I'm pretty sure your feet would work in M Jets, but Jets are heavy. If you are looking for something with which to travel, consider the Dive Rite EXPs. The Larges have a foot pocket that works for me with wetsuit booties (size 37/Women's 7) so I would guess Mediums would do what you want. They come with spring straps.

 

[enduser]

+1 for Hollis F2s

 

[Ayisha]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

Two local dealers have told me that they do not think the Hollis F2 will fit me, but they will check with the distributor tomorrow. I think those fins will be great if they are small enough and I emailed the manufacturer as well and will hopefully hear back soon. I could not find a size chart for them - Small fin range.

I am waiting to hear back from Dive Rite and also could not find a size chart for the Small fins.

The dealers have suggested the Oceanic Viper since it fits size 5 ladies.

I've also seen that the Tusa Imprex Tri-Ex open heel fins might be able to fit.

Any opinions on the latter two if the Hollis F2 or Dive Rite don't work out?
Are there any children's fins that would be good? I take size 1-2 in children's fins.

I'm doing a finning workshop with Bob Sherwood on Wednesday and split fins are not allowed. I was hoping to have new fins by then, but if not, in the meantime I'll wear my full foot fins for the workshop, so it's ok.

Thanks for the help!

 

[kokanee]

I just received the pair of size small Dive Rites that I ordered after reading threads similar to this and they fit nicely with 3mm size 6 booties (on land anyway). You can find the size chart at divegearexpress.com.

 

[Ayisha]

Bob Sherwood let me try some tiny jetfins and they fit really well and the weight didn't seem to bother me - in the pool at least. I was able to do all the kicks with them, although I still need a lot of practice, especially with the back kick. I think they're around 5 lbs and I believe my Tusa Xpert Zooms were almost the same weight, so they're about the same.

Just to follow up, I did hear back from the Hollis and Dive Rite manufacturers and they say that the Hollis F2 and the Dive Rite EXP's should fit a ladies size 5. I told the two local dealers and they were both skeptical and steered me to the Oceanic and Cressi, which have smallish foot pockets, or to a heavier boot style, which is also very hard for me to fit into. Size 3 is large for me, and I've only found one boot to almost fit me, the old Mares ladies size 5.

I'm going to keep using the jetfins and hopefully they should continue to work well for me and not cause any discomfort. Thanks to everyone for your help!

 

[Nick A]

Oceanic Viper are good fins, however not very stiff. I've dove with them for a while.

 

[barrascuda]

I scuba dive in south florida every weekend, and use Force Fins. I have issues with my ankles, and this fin is easy on the ankle. I wear different types of boots depending on water temp and the inserts help me easily go from one boot to another.

Shelby

 

[buddhasummer]

I recently purchased some Hollis F2's. Very similar to Jets, nice and stiff, but very, very light. I bought them for travel, because of the weight (the pair weighs LESS than one of my Jet style fins!).I am quite satisfied.

if the Op is a size 5 the F2s will likely not fit, certainly with the spring that comes as standard, it's 29cm long. I wear a size 6 5mm wet boot and had to change the spring to a 24cm, thank you Hollis, using 1st setting on one side and 2nd setting on the other side making the spring a 26.5cm as compared to the 29cm. A 26cm would have been ideal. Even so they are still a little sloppy with some sideways movement. Man they are large. I only recently got to actually use them due to fitting issues, spent a week diving them on a liveaboard and although I did struggle in strong current, to be somewhat expected with a shorter fin, I liked them quite a lot, definitely my new go to travel fin.I have spoken to Hollis about this issue for people who buy the regular with small feet, they advised hey will be coming out with a 25cm spring.---------- Post added April 29th, 2013 at 05:01 AM ----------

Bob Sherwood let me try some tiny jetfins and they fit really well and the weight didn't seem to bother me - in the pool at least. I was able to do all the kicks with them, although I still need a lot of practice, especially with the back kick. I think they're around 5 lbs and I believe my Tusa Xpert Zooms were almost the same weight, so they're about the same. Just to follow up, I did hear back from the Hollis and Dive Rite manufacturers and they say that the Hollis F2 and the Dive Rite EXP's should fit a ladies size 5. I told the two local dealers and they were both skeptical and steered me to the Oceanic and Cressi, which have smallish foot pockets, or to a heavier boot style, which is also very hard for me to fit into. Size 3 is large for me, and I've only found one boot to almost fit me, the old Mares ladies size 5.I'm going to keep using the jetfins and hopefully they should continue to work well for me and not cause any discomfort. Thanks to everyone for your help!

see my post above re F2sizing.

---------- Post added April 29th, 2013 at 05:10 AM ----------

Sorry a little late to the party, just realised you've sorted out some fins. Glad to hear it.