02-20-2008, 01:25 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Thanks for the post and the intel. Looks like it might have a lot of potential...especially for guys with big feet that need more foot space during cold weather trips when they add a couple of layers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In the late 70's there was a limited number of good diving fins available that worked well for tubing. Many of those did not have an XL size. Nor did they have the nice soft foot pockets we enjoy these days. The fins I used were IDI Frogfoot and the biggest size I could find was L. It was fine for warm water tubing, but cramped the heck out of my feet when I added a couple of pairs of socks under my waders. So...I tried cutting out the toe section of the hard rubber foot pockets to relieve some of the pressure (see pic). It helped some, but I still got foot cramps from the constriction of the hard rubber on the sides of my feet.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The worst part? After only about a half year of use, the holes I had cut and carefully smoothed developed cracks in the rubber. I was unable to find any adhesive that would repair them so I had to buy a new pair of fins.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The good news is that I moved to Arizona shortly thereafter and seldom needed extra layers. Even better...less than a year after moving south I found my first pair of Plana Avantis...in XL size...in a dive shop in Tucson. I have never had constricted feet since.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The heel strap is a big issue. Most good dive fins have an adjustable heel strap...with quick release. That makes it much better for getting in and out of your fins while launching or beaching and provides better security against loss.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Since I do not take fins in a suitcase anywhere I go, the compact aspect of the folddown straps is not an issue with me. I always have plenty of room for my gear. I would look at them strictly from the standpoint of being (A) good fins (B) more comfortable for cold weather tubing with a lot of extra layers.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Please let us know if you get a chance to try them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In the late 70's there was a limited number of good diving fins available that worked well for tubing. Many of those did not have an XL size. Nor did they have the nice soft foot pockets we enjoy these days. The fins I used were IDI Frogfoot and the biggest size I could find was L. It was fine for warm water tubing, but cramped the heck out of my feet when I added a couple of pairs of socks under my waders. So...I tried cutting out the toe section of the hard rubber foot pockets to relieve some of the pressure (see pic). It helped some, but I still got foot cramps from the constriction of the hard rubber on the sides of my feet.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The worst part? After only about a half year of use, the holes I had cut and carefully smoothed developed cracks in the rubber. I was unable to find any adhesive that would repair them so I had to buy a new pair of fins.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The good news is that I moved to Arizona shortly thereafter and seldom needed extra layers. Even better...less than a year after moving south I found my first pair of Plana Avantis...in XL size...in a dive shop in Tucson. I have never had constricted feet since.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The heel strap is a big issue. Most good dive fins have an adjustable heel strap...with quick release. That makes it much better for getting in and out of your fins while launching or beaching and provides better security against loss.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Since I do not take fins in a suitcase anywhere I go, the compact aspect of the folddown straps is not an issue with me. I always have plenty of room for my gear. I would look at them strictly from the standpoint of being (A) good fins (B) more comfortable for cold weather tubing with a lot of extra layers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Please let us know if you get a chance to try them.[/#0000ff]
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