Open or closed heel

[gypsyjim]

Last week on Bonaire I watched my brother and his kids struggle with shore entries, because they were diving closed heel fins, and had to cross areas of sharper rock and coral in their bare feet, while my crew all dive in short boots and open heel fins.
We got them around the entry problems by wearing sandals during the entries, and stowing them on straps for the return, but it did demonstrate that there are times when boots and open heels are preferable.

 

[diverdoug1]

Nobody has mentioned one of the best things about full foot fins. NO STINKY BOOTIES!!!!!!:daisy:

 

[MtnPlayVA]

It all depends on what kind of diving you are going to do. I have open heel fins now because most of my diving is done in a quarry that is cold so I need the boots for warmth. I am headed to Bonaire next week and boots are necessary there.

I just came back from Cozumel where full foot fins would have been really nice. No stinky booties in the room and my luggage on the return trip. They weigh less for travel. I am going to buy a pair to use in the pool and on trips that are boat dives. Full foot fins are usually much cheaper.

I vote for getting both

 

[BDSC]

If anyone is thinking about getting a pair of fullfoot fins, here is a link to the ScubaLab test results.

18 New Fins | Scuba Diving Magazine

 

[earlgrimm]

So Open for cold water and later closed heel, for warm water trips. Cool.

If we go open heel do you all automatically swap out the straps for springs? Are the springs universal or are they brand specific?

Suggestions?

Earl

 

[DevonDiver]

If anyone is thinking about getting a pair of fullfoot fins, here is a link to the ScubaLab test results.

18 New Fins | Scuba Diving Magazine

That's a very small selection...only of the newest releases.

It misses some of the commonly acknowledged 'best' fins on the market (not necessarily the newest).

For instance,... the Mares Avanti 'Superchannel', is just a more expensive version of the Quattro... the benefits of fhe small changes made to create the 'Superchannel' do not reflect the extra cost you would incur.

Also, any 'educated' like-to-like trial should include stuff like Jetfins and ForcePro as 'benchmarks, IMHO.

Lastly.... *** are these?!?!?!?

They look like a complete Force Fin rip-off... but with the silly 'tail' added to get around the patent.

 

[BettyRubble]

Nobody has mentioned one of the best things about full foot fins. NO STINKY BOOTIES!!!!!!:daisy:

Oh my gosh you are sooooo right about that one!!!!

Sink the Stink should be a required purchase when you sign up for the OW class!

 

[BDSC]

That's a very small selection...only of the newest releases.

Yes. That is why they call it "18 New Fins"

For instance,... the Mares Avanti 'Superchannel', is just a more expensive version of the Quattro... the benefits of fhe small changes made to create the 'Superchannel' do not reflect the extra cost you would incur.

I thought the Quattro fins were actually more expensive than the Superchannel. All the Quattro models I looked up were more than the $69 I spent. (You can actually get them for $59 at Leisurepro) Which Quattro model are you talking about?

 

[DevonDiver]

Yes. That is why they call it "18 New Fins"

Doh!

Errmmm...yes, yes, yes...exactly. I was just drawing people's attention to that

I thought the Quattro fins were actually more expensive than the Superchannel. All the Quattro models I looked up were more than the $69 I spent. (You can actually get them for $59 at Leisurepro) Which Quattro model are you talking about?

I could be wrong

I always recommend the Mares X3... cheaper (especially on Ebay) and not very much different from the others in terms of performance. I think they are an ideal starter fin....just get some spring straps to make the complete :blinking:

 

[earlgrimm]

So smart choices for a begging diver might be.

Mares X3 50$
Mares Avanti Superchannel 70$
Oceanic Viper 80$
ScubaPro Jet Fins 80$

what are thoughts of this list? Thoughts of for a man vs. his wife?
Is the viper lighter and easier for ladies?

Earl