Turbo Soles or Rock Boots?

[Clammy]

Advantages and disadvantages of Turbo Soles VS Rock Boots... GO!

 

[diverdeva]

I really like the rock boots. They can be easily tightened to lessen the amount of air trapped in the feet. Of course gators are handy also, but I just like the stability of the boot. Just a preference.

 

[b1gcountry]

Turbo soles:
+More ankle flexibility
+One less thing to forget.
+One less thing to put on.
-When they need to be replaced, your suit is AWOL for three weeks.
-They only make like 3 different sizes.
-You can't swap boot sizes with a rental, or with different thermal protection
*WKPP endorses them (for what that's worth to you)

Rock Boots
+More suitable for rocky terrain/More durable
+More sizes available
+Easily replaceable
+When you pack up your drysuit, your dirty boots don't dirty your suit
-The laces tend to be a pain
-Right and Left feet
-One more step in gearing up
-Less ankle flexibility

but the biggest plus to Rockboots...
Can be replaced with a pair of Chuck Taylors!

Converse - Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell, Basketball Shoes, Design Your Own Converse Shoes

 

[24940]

I prefer turbo soles. My rock boots don't fit the Jets and are less than ideal for my Turtles. Turbo soles over neo socks and a pair of wooly hiking socks stuffed into an over sized booty works well for me.

 

[piikki]

Turbo soles:
+More ankle flexibility
+One less thing to forget.
+One less thing to put on.
-When they need to be replaced, your suit is AWOL for three weeks.
-They only make like 3 different sizes.
-You can't swap boot sizes with a rental, or with different thermal protection
*WKPP endorses them (for what that's worth to you)

Rock Boots
+More suitable for rocky terrain/More durable
+More sizes available
+Easily replaceable
+When you pack up your drysuit, your dirty boots don't dirty your suit
-The laces tend to be a pain
-Right and Left feet
-One more step in gearing up
-Less ankle flexibility

but the biggest plus to Rockboots...
Can be replaced with a pair of Chuck Taylors!

Very good summary. One big minus to add to Turbo Soles though (I have had several buddies whine about this) is that fin straps slide on them. I hate donning my Rock Boots, and I need to tighten my laces if I walk a lot during surface interval but I sure don't envy buddies who have fins slipping around during a dive. I know of more and more people who replace Rock Boots with other boots (like plain neoprene boots), and they seem to think that's the best deal.

For wear and tear comparison - buddy and I bought our suits same time, in the same amount of (same) dives my socks are in great condition but buddy just had to fix the first holes in the toe area of both Turbos. On the other hand, tabs on my boots are dying out.

 

[PerroneFord]

but the biggest plus to Rockboots...
Can be replaced with a pair of Chuck Taylors!

Not so for everyone.

Rockboots saved my diving. After going through a few iterations with other boots, my first dive with Rock Boots was my first comfortable dive in a drysuit.

Turbosoles are nice, but don't offer the support I like when carrying heavy doubles through rough terrain. If I just jumped in off boats, or had easy walkways to the water, they'd have more appeal.

 

[Underwater Ogre]

I prefer rock boots.
Oneill used to have a very good rock boot, easy on and has velcro straps those of us who hate tying laces. Not sure if it they are still available.

 

[Clammy]

The reason I am asking is because my suit was sent back to DUI because the turbo soles were too big (and since THEY measure you for a signature suit, it was their mistake to put big socks on). I've been using the suit for 2 months before I sent it back and I noticed that the fin straps DO slip a bit and can get kind of uncomfortable. My ankles also hurt but I attributed that to new jet style fins that are still stiff. What I DO like is that I don't have to pack or dry dirty rock boots or try to shove non form fitting drysuit socks into boots. I also like that I can throw on any of the fins that I use when diving wet. As long as its at DUI, I thought maybe I should switch the socks for regular socks and boots. However, that also means buying ANOTHER pair of fins =/

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

I've got the OTB SAR boots. So far they fit in my Super ROckets, XL Jets (barely), and my Hollis fins perfectly.

 

[Clammy]

I've got the OTB SAR boots. So far they fit in my Super ROckets, XL Jets (barely), and my Hollis fins perfectly.

I wear a size 12 rockboot and I have to have XXL turtles to fit in them. It's ridiculous! But I have to admit, I like kicking with them on. Feels better except if the sock bunches up somewhere.