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I have read back several several threads about which fins everybody likes and I need to get a pair, all I have are those kickers that move you forward. I would like your first three choices for fins or flippers, whatever you call them. My criteria is that in the summer I wear tennis shoes and in the winter boot foot waders so they would have to fit over those. Size 10 boot. I dont particularly care to pay 150.00 for a pair either, thanks for your opinions
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I use Caddis fins, laces over the boot, strap around the ankle. They work well on the reverse paddle, but not forward.
I've been wanting to try the $$force fins$$ or some bigger scuba style fins for more reverse speed, but haven't yet.
I've seen some fins that fit around the ankle/calf that supposedly go forward.
My qusestion is this: Can you use both and be able to go backwards quickly, but with the right technique go forward slowly and precisely?
_SHig
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[cool][#0000ff]There are many good fins on the market. Most tubers prefer a good diving fin, with large but flexible blades. Others like the shorter Force Fins. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Do NOT GET THE GREEN PADDLE PUSHERS. They are worthless unless you fish only in small farm ponds and are using a donut tube with shoulder straps and if you want to walk forward on the bottom as well as tubing. They will kill you if you try to go any distance and also are not designed for use in open front tubes.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most newbies object to having to kick backwards but soon come to realize it is the most natural and efficient form of propulsion. Learn to maneuver and to turn around quickly and there is no problem.[/#0000ff]
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Allot of the guys here use scuba fins like Maja and swear by them. But also, according to an article I read, not all scuba fins are created equal.
They are those designed for swimming not propelling and in some cases hurt the lower leg and knee. They are harder to walk in so get use to walking backwards.
It is true a LONGER fin is better, after all it is your motor so to speak, but WIDER/shorter can move just as much water so look for over all surface. ex: take a 2X4 to move water, the more you stick it down in the water, the more it moves you but harder at the point of pivot. Now, cut that 2X4 into 3 pieces and glue it together. Still the same weight at pivot, but shorter and moving more water.
Be carefull of the flippers with hard molded heel as it will wear out your boots.
The Scuba flippers do not require a shoe, just maybe an aqua sock, so not sure that will work with your wading boots. Check around.
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I read what I could about fins for tubing when I started and not knowing if I was going to enjoy it or not I purchased a cheap set ($40) of scuba-type open heel fins from Canadian Tire.
I blew the strap out in about 3 weeks...that's fishing every Saturday/Sunday morning.
Like you, I didn't want to spend $150 bucks either but had a small brainstorm. I drove out to a dive shop near my home where they sell used equipment. For the same $40 I got a set of X-Large fins that fit over the waders nicely and have a much better strap system! They snug up to the boot then have two clips on the straps which perform the final snug up for you. Much more comfortable and much more pushing power! Call up a couple shops and see...
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good idea, i have checked ebay too. I think I will try the mares avanti 3x and see what happens i found them for 50.00 a pair, I have to get one for me and one for my boy, i bought him a fc4 dx the same time i did mine, so i am in for double of everything, but a good investment if you ask me[cool]
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I have those exact fins and love them. I picked up a pair f Quatros for my wife off of Ebay and have to say the Quatros are a little better. Just a word of warning about Mares they do not warrantee anything purchased over the internet. Mine had a minor failure at the middle channel point and I sent them back through my local rep. They did nothing as I bought them over the net. That being said I still would buy them again, as they have made a slight change in that channel and they perform great.
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[cool][#0000ff]I bought Mares Plana Avanti fins for both my wife and I in 1984. We used them HEAVILY all over the country...fresh water and salt...until we replaced them with new Mares in about 2003. We still have the old ones and they still work fine...as loaners for family or friends when they want to go tubing with us.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]We paid almost $100 for our first sets of fins, at a dive shop. Our second set ran about $60 from a discount diving supply online. If you know what you want and can shop around you can score a good deal.[/#0000ff]
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Even with the issues and the fact that they will not warranty them form an online supplier I would still buy them.
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[cool][#0000ff]Me too. I have done it twice and if I am still around when I need a new pair, that is probably the direction I will go.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Of course buying fins is a matter of personal needs and preferences...and budget. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I like the Mares because of the large soft foot pocket and easily adjustable straps. One size can be used comfortably through all seasons, with all the different layers I add or subtract as water temps and types of waders change.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The other big issue with me is the size, shape and stiffness of the "blade". I have had fins that tore my legs up and caused muscle spasms...when the blades were too firm and had little flex. On the other hand (foot) I have used fins that had wimpy flex blades that just waved at the fishies when you tried to power your way across the water. Had to work twice as hard to go half as far.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]After being a diver and a float tuber for over 50 years, I have a pretty good idea of what works best for me and my kind of fishing. But, I readily acknowledge that other folks will have different ideas and will be very happy with other fins.[/#0000ff]
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Of course buying fins is a matter of personal needs and preferences...and budget.
That is it in a nutshell. I have said it before. The fins are your motor. They can get you off the lake fast if needed, they can motor you to areas you want to be, they can motor you against the wind.
TD and Majja have both stated they scuba dive, so that is very understandable why they prefer Mares.
As far as the Goldy Locks thing....these are too soft, these are too stiff, that is up to the one using them and them only, but you can get hands on info on these, which is a good thing.
so that covers the needs and preferences.
Price, best bang for the buck, for sure. Warranty? Is it really an issue with these fins or more like insurance on a car that never leaves the garage.
To fill the other end, and I will start by saying they are a fair chunk of change, but worth every penny to me.
Force Fins. with a size 13 boot in them 10" to toe to tip of flipper, 12" on a size 8 boot. Plus they are 13" wide. They are scoop shaped to scoop water, and YES you can walk forward in them with very little effort.
Find what works best for you.
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+2 to what Flygoddess said about Force Fins. Expensive but worth every penny as far as I'm concerned as well. I use the DIVING models and wouldn't use anything else. Power me and my H3 around effortlessly AND very easy to walk around in. They too may be found used on Ebay and Craig's List at better than new prices.
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I know Road talked one of the local dive shops into letting him put his tube in there pool and try some different fins. He said it was interesting that the ones that he liked best for swimming did not work hardly at all for the tube. I thought it was an interesting read. The  thing with having a product to be used for dual functionality is that it can be good at both but not usually great at both.
I do agree motly, i would say they are more or less like a prop. To big or to much pitch it will be hard to turn , likewise to small or not enough pitch it will just spin.
Good luck
Majja
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