My review of Omegas new flip fin

[Teamcasa]

After receiving a nice set of all black flip-fins I headed out to Catalina Island's Casino Dive Park. I felt this was a good place to try them out as the park has a concrete stairway that leads down into the ocean park. Entry and exit here is usually easy at high tide but at low tide with any surge the exit can be tricky.

Last weekend the tide was up but we did have a little surge. So I donned the shinny new flip fins before going down the steps. Very easy entry and with one flick of my feet, the fins clicked into place and off I went. During the dive the fins performed great and had more than enough power to fin with great control.

Now for the exit. Normally, you approach the steps, grab the handrail and pull yourself up onto the lowest step, stand in the surge and try to remove you fins without getting knocked over by a wave or boat wake. I approached the stairs, grabbed the handrail then like Dorothy in Oz, I used the heal of one foot to free the fin latch and the used the now freed foot to release the other latch. Wow, within seconds, I was standing and going up the stairs with ease, and walked comfortably back to my dive boxes. Only then did I remove the fins.

The second dive was just as easy. For this type of shore entry, these new fins are fantastic. I’ll be trying them soon on a beach/surf entry very soon and report back.

Dave

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Glad to hear another diver likes them. They really are a great fin, and thats why I try to promote them....I think once people start trying them, they will really like them and the word will spread.....Great writeup

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Hi Dave

I am very interested in these fins for myself.

I am just wondering how you see the kick on these things. Powerful enough for anyone? Easy one the muscles?
Do you think the construction is good?

I think the concept is great.

Waiting to hear how they did in the beach entry.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

This Thursday, we have a rescue class....I have a mother and daughter (12 years old) that are going to try them, they are very anxious to try them.....if they are good for her, Im sure anyone can adapt to them....I have had all types try them, but most have been bigger guys....Im curious how a younger female likes them as well as her mother....I will post back and let you know....Not trying to thread jack

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Thanks Mike, that would be great if you can. I am interested in as many thoughts on these as possible.

To me the concept is a good one.

I am interested in the hinges and if they would be affected by wear and tear, but I think you also said that there might be changeable blades for these? (could be wrong there), but if there were would these be included eventually in the purchase or do you think you would have to buy everything sperately?

Sorry to hijack Dave and much appreciative of the review.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

They are really durable....but again, something could happen to the hinge or blade, but they do have a lifetime warranty....Its not something you have to send back to Omega either...they are going to get parts to all dealers, so you can just go to the dealer and have them fix it on the spot or send you the parts to fix.....

Yes the blades are going to eventually be interchangeable....split fins, etc...but this might not be for awhile....they said they want to establish a footprint with these first then come out with more goodies for them...I dont think they will come with the different blades, but I will run it past them as an option....I need to call them today and see what the word is on smaller footpockets too.....

Durability.....I have broken some of the first prototypes, and like alot said they did too....the thing was they werent getting prototypes every week to test....Omega is only about an hour from me....so I worked with them to come up with this design....my pay, more fun prototypes to test This new one is really good and I havent been able to break one yet, but it is a bit stiffer than the rest.....It doesnt bother me as I like stiff fins and have dove with them for 15+ years.....but for some it might take some getting used to....

 

[Marek K]

M-a-a-a-a-n, this needs to be the Dork Divers forum...

 

[Teamcasa]

Hi Dave

I am very interested in these fins for myself.
I am just wondering how you see the kick on these things. Powerful enough for anyone? Easy one the muscles?
Do you think the construction is good?
I think the concept is great.
Waiting to hear how they did in the beach entry.

They seem to have the same kicking force as my Cressi Reaction fins. During the dive I did not notice anything different. They propel me with little effort. They appear to be very well made and with a lifetime warranty, I’m not worried. The concept is really clever and easy to get used to, first dive, no issue. I will say that I will limit my walking around to a minimum. It would be easy to trip yourself if you don’t pay attention to your feet and with how comfortable these fins are, its easy to forget you have them on.

I’m convinced they are a winner for stair or dock entry and I will use them on my next SoCal shore/surf entry. I have great expectations however.

Dave

 

[tracy_from_oz]

M-a-a-a-a-n, this needs to be the Dork Divers forum...

I prefer Geek myself

 

[tracy_from_oz]

Mike,
thank you for that information. It is much appreciated.

Dave,
thank you as well. Allt he info helps.

I think the concept is good and the fact it will help people enjoy diving more.