Spring straps

[mech]

I'm considering getting some spring straps on ebay and was wondering if anybody has any experiance with those.
They seem well priced at "$35 buy now" compared to the high dollar ones I've seen.
My normal entry is to walk in and then put on my fins (unless I'm in a tougher area like Monastary or am doing a step in)
How easy are these to don off and on in say 3-4 foot of water with gloves on?

 

[VTernovski]

it's easy.. but the problem I have is not with the straps but with my fins itself... the rubber boot of my drysuit sucks in qand it;s hard to take them off... the pressure just keeps it in. But the spring straps work well! much better than the rubber straps or plastic buckles.

 

[No Fish]

I have Manta straps. You have to be careful on the size. I looked at the ones on ebay and didn't see different sizes. I can pop them on and off easier and they are always tight enough. I would not want them to tight or too loose.

The manta brand have connectors that fit my Quattro's perfectly. Anyway, I find them easier to put on (less bending over time). No problem with gloves. If that cord on the ebay straps is too short, maybe you wouldn't have enough room to get your gloved index finger behind your heel.

 

[Arnaud]

They are by far the easiest to put on, with or without glove.

The only trick is finding the good length. I went thru a few trials and errors...

 

[mech]

I emailed the seller with some size questions.
He told me that he is the same size as me 9 1/2-10 mens and his 11" straps work great for him.
So I order me some and some jets.
The spring staps were $34 that includes shipping.
The jets frome leasurepro were $61 and change plus $20 for express shipping.
I'll do a follow up post on how well this deal goes after I recieve these items.
mech

 

[Arnaud]

Are you wearing Rockboots?

 

[mech]

No just cheapo wet suit booties.
I also wondered about how this was going to mess me up a while ago.
If these don't work out I will stash them away for a while or give them to one of my buddy's.

 

[Boogie711]

And it's true - it's a lot simpler and easier to only bang together the 11" sets. Now, that being said, I dive with a size 12 Rockboot, and I don't have a problem with the 11" springs... I have a friend who's got eeny-teeny feet (like, an 8 or something) and he doesn't have a problem with the 11" spring either.

I don't do springs for Jet Fins, but I do make the kind for Mares Quattro's, Aqualung Blades or even (shudder) most split fins.

 

[mech]

So the spring straps came in today and were simple to install.It took less than 10 minutes.
Mens size 9 1/2 - 10 using cheapo wet suit booties and 11" straps on extra large jet fins.
I then tried out the new jet fins and straps and OMG it just felt great.
Never ever thought that fins could be donned and removed so easily and the tension seemed perfect.
Of course this was in my living room,but I'm sure that these will pass the test this weekend.
That is if I can pry them away from my daughter .

 

[mech]

Double tap.
Sorry.