TUSA Xpert Zoom

[caledfwlch]

Just saw one of these in a sport shop going for 195 singapore dollars. Worth it?

Would also like to know if:

1) Can I use OTB Odhin boots with these?

2) Are the straps TUSA specific? Can I buy them from another manufacturer if they break?

 

[RICHinNC]

Have no clue what a Singapore dollar is worth.....but like any other piece of gear....some love these things and some dont. I am a dont. And yes, I know they need a different kick style yada yada....just found them very weak especially in currents. Let the fun begin.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I think the fins are good enough. They work quite well with a flutter kick. They're also fairly lightweight. The foot pocket is comfortable so long as it fits your wetsuit boots. I purchased Xpert Zooms as my first set of fins for scuba diving about 12 years ago and paid about $75. FYI, the black color is slightly stiffer than the other colored Xpert Zooms.

TUSA does sell replacement straps for the Xpert Zooms. The $15 "kit" consists of a strap and the male plastic clips that insert into the female buckles on the posts.

Another option is to get a third-party set of spring straps which work with post-style fins.

I'll let you do all of the currency conversions. The prices in this post are in U.S. dollars.

 

[diversteve]

I've had the Mares locking straps on my Tusa's. Any straps that work with the standard "nickel" sized post should be fine.

Like any of these for example:

Mares Fin Strap discounts on sale Mares
Tilos Spring Straps With Quick Release Buckles discounts on sale Tilos
Tilos Spring Straps discounts on sale Tilos

 

[diver_doug]

Like Rich, I'm not a split fan. But if I was going to get splits I would get either the Apollo's or the Atomics...these seem to be the most consisently praised splits.

 

[RICHinNC]

Also, you could consider spring straps.

 

[Brules]

I love my xpert zooms. With a correct flutter kick, you can swim into stiff (2-3 knot) currents with these very easily. I have had 0 issues in fast cozumel currents, though a 4+ all you can really do is stay in place. I also noticed an improved air consumption when I switched many years ago. Well constructed, and yes the black are stiffer. Would not go with any other color.

 

[lxchin]

Depends on what type of diving you do.. in a strong current forget it. But in normal water with flutter kicks you definalty will find you use less air. WHen teaching i use my OMS slipstreams, but for non-current leisure diving and night river diving, I tend to use the splits.