Looking for a shorter, lighter fin for travel

[Downing]

My current split fins work well in the water but are a pita to pack at 27 1/4 inches long and nearly 6.5 pounds.

Can anyone give me the length and weight of a pair of XL Pro Force Fins?

 

[Bob Evans]

Downing, weight 4 pounds and heel to wing tip's around 17 inches. I recommend the bungee heel strap, they have been used for over 25 years now. Ever tried the world's first Split Force Fin ?. They rock.

 

[Downing]

Thanks, Bob.

I'm definitely going to give them a try. Shaving 2.5 pounds and a combined 20 inches of gear from my checked bag is a no brainer. And I've heard nothing but good things about Force fins here on the board.

I wear a size 11.5 4E shoe. Being a warm water wussie, I will always use them with lightweight, warm water boots. Does XL sound right?

Also, I'm a go slow diver who tends to putter around just looking at stuff. Do you recommend the Pro model or is the Original more my style?

The bungee strap is a definite. My current fin's best feature is a spring strap. I don't think I could ever go back to buckles again.

 

[Bob Evans]

Downing, size xl is correct and I would use the Pro. I use the Pro to putter around taking photos. Check out some of my work at Getty Images who handles my work. But when I need to put the metal to the pedal, they preform beautifully. The best part is the freedom feeling with out your foot being part of the design. Force Fin: The Foot Tells All Get on board with over a million divers using the best made American Product - Force Fin.

 

[TN Traveler]

Boy, am I about to get in trouble, but I am going to disagree with the master.

I would recommend you get a pair of XXL Pro FFs and a set of Comfort Inserts. I wear a 10.5 D bootie and find tat a tropical weight bootie works perfectly with the insert and IF you ever need a heavy soled boot, you can remove the. Insert and they fit fine (like shore diving in Bonaire). The XLs might even be a little narrow with an E width.

This is my opinion, so take it for that, but I have been diving FFs for a while now (own 6 pairs). I am currently diving a pair of Pros in Curaçao because I have a case of Gout and my normal Hockey. fFs were too hard on my ankles but the Pros are the closest you can come to feeling like you have no fins on at al.

 

[Downing]

Thanks to you both.

Sounds like it's going to be close enough that I should order both the XL and the XXL with the insert, keep the winner and return the other.

I'll call on Tuesday.

Thanks, guys!

 

[Downing]

Postscript: I had to wait a few weeks until both the bungee strap XXL and XL Pro's were in stock, then ordered a pair of each along with the comfort inserts. They arrived yesterday, but I didn't have a chance to try them on until today.

And the winner is...

The XXL pair without the inserts, although I'll keep the latter also as they could come in handy if I ever switch to a smaller boot or go barefoot. I'll pack up and return the XL pair on Monday.

I had hoped to try them out in a pool today but as happens often life got in the way. Hopefully I can hit the pool next weekend. I can't wait to take them diving!