04-22-2003, 11:25 AM
[cool]Okay, folks. Here 'tis. My review of the float tubing model of the famous Force Fins. All I have to say is that anyone who claims these are the best, has probably never tried many other types. Sorry, but after conducting an on-the-water test with them last night, I am of the opinion that their "unique" shape is designed more to catch fishermen than fish.
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage1566064.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage1566064.jpg)
To begin with, the arrangement of straps and buckles and "comfort inserts", on such a small fin, is intimidating. It almost requires an engineering degree to figure out how to get them on without hogtieing yourself. And, in spite of spending about fifteen minutes per fin the night before, setting them up for the first use, I still needed another ten minutes getting them on, before launching.
These fins are not for old fat guys with constricting waders and a hinky back (like myself). By the time I got them buckled, I was puffing and had trouble standing up straight. As you can see on my Mares Plana fins, there is a simple, easily-adjustable heel strap. You just step in, strap up and go.
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage1487888.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage1487888.jpg)
The real test, of course, is how do they work for propulsion. I suspected I was not going to be happy with them as soon as I sat back in my craft and started kicking. In addition to feeling like I had a piece of plywood strapped loosely under my foot, I felt hardly any resistance (propulsion) at all on the kick stroke...and nothing at all on the down stroke. In short, I had to kick twice as hard to get the same propulsion I had come to experience with my trusty old Planas.
As you can see in the pic above, the total thrust area of the fins is small, by comparison. Plus, the total conversion of kicking energy is more efficient with the foot pocket models, where you can apply your total foot...toes, ankle, etc...to the power strokes...both on the upkick and the downkick.
When I launched, there was hardly any breeze at all. Within a few minutes of joining Tube Babe (who had already been fishing for 15 minutes), the wind kicked up a bit and I found myself having difficulty both maneuvering and in holding position for casting. When a series of strong gusts began pushing me around uncontrollably, and my Force Fins felt like they were loosening on my feet, I had enough. Thankfully, the wind was blowing directly onshore, so I just turned around and gave the wind a little assistance with the floppy fins.
I wrestled my feet out of the test models and took them back to the car, where I exchanged them for my proven Planas. This time when I launched, I had both fins installed and was launched within a minute of getting back to my tube. As I powered my way back out to the fishing zone, leaving a respectable wake with the heavy thrust of the Planas, I was already scheming of how I could dispose of the Force Fins, and who might be gullible enough to pay something for them.
Any masochists out there who might want some Force Fins. Used only once. Cheap. The "Force" will never be with me...again.
[signature]
To begin with, the arrangement of straps and buckles and "comfort inserts", on such a small fin, is intimidating. It almost requires an engineering degree to figure out how to get them on without hogtieing yourself. And, in spite of spending about fifteen minutes per fin the night before, setting them up for the first use, I still needed another ten minutes getting them on, before launching.
These fins are not for old fat guys with constricting waders and a hinky back (like myself). By the time I got them buckled, I was puffing and had trouble standing up straight. As you can see on my Mares Plana fins, there is a simple, easily-adjustable heel strap. You just step in, strap up and go.
The real test, of course, is how do they work for propulsion. I suspected I was not going to be happy with them as soon as I sat back in my craft and started kicking. In addition to feeling like I had a piece of plywood strapped loosely under my foot, I felt hardly any resistance (propulsion) at all on the kick stroke...and nothing at all on the down stroke. In short, I had to kick twice as hard to get the same propulsion I had come to experience with my trusty old Planas.
As you can see in the pic above, the total thrust area of the fins is small, by comparison. Plus, the total conversion of kicking energy is more efficient with the foot pocket models, where you can apply your total foot...toes, ankle, etc...to the power strokes...both on the upkick and the downkick.
When I launched, there was hardly any breeze at all. Within a few minutes of joining Tube Babe (who had already been fishing for 15 minutes), the wind kicked up a bit and I found myself having difficulty both maneuvering and in holding position for casting. When a series of strong gusts began pushing me around uncontrollably, and my Force Fins felt like they were loosening on my feet, I had enough. Thankfully, the wind was blowing directly onshore, so I just turned around and gave the wind a little assistance with the floppy fins.
I wrestled my feet out of the test models and took them back to the car, where I exchanged them for my proven Planas. This time when I launched, I had both fins installed and was launched within a minute of getting back to my tube. As I powered my way back out to the fishing zone, leaving a respectable wake with the heavy thrust of the Planas, I was already scheming of how I could dispose of the Force Fins, and who might be gullible enough to pay something for them.
Any masochists out there who might want some Force Fins. Used only once. Cheap. The "Force" will never be with me...again.
[signature]