04-23-2003, 11:30 AM
[cool]Here again, Ill attempt to answer several questions. To reiterate, I did not purposely go shopping for fins and settle on those Force Fins. I got them in a package purchase from the estate of a gentleman who bought a bunch of stuff and then deveoped an illness before being able to use it. The model Force Fins I got were the "rope and pulley" models. As you can see in visiting the Force Fin website, and several divers' outlets, there are a whole bunch of different sizes, colors and styles. I have no doubt that one with a foot pocket and adjustable stretch heel straps would have performed closer to my diving fins. I am always one for simplifying where I can, and the complicated straps and buckles setup was an immediate turnoff. I am sure there are many happy owners of Force Fins, in various configurations, that are happy with their choices. And, if I were to do another evaluation, it would be with something more along the lines of a regular diving fin.
The "Flats Boots" in the pic are available in most dive shops. I got those (Redhead...size 13) from Bass Pro for $29.99. I use them more for fishing wet in the summer than over waders. You can also use recycled tennies, wading shoes, or even the inexpensive little nylon hard-soled "reef runners" sold in most discount houses. Just be sure you get them large enough to accomodate all that you have to stuff into them.
On the Plana foot pocket. It is soft rubber, and was the solution I had been seeking to foot constriction in harder pocket fins. In cold water, with a lot of layers, your foot can become constricted and shut off the warming flow of blood to your tootsies. This negates all the layers of warm wool socks and your feet get cold or numb. You have to get out and do the tubers' stomp.
I wear a size 13 shoe. The X-Large Plana fins accomodate foot, socks and neoprene wader during cool months. In the summer, they easily accomodate the hard-soled flats boot, under which I usually wear one or two layers of socks for cushioning, more than warmth. If you do not wear at least one pair of socks, you are more likely to develop blisters on the wear points of your feet during a long day of kicking.
A major point to make is that foot comfort is critical for enjoyable tubing. If your feet are cramped, cold or blistered, you can't truly enjoy your tubing experience. Correction is a simple matter of planning ahead and buying gear that is large enough...and then making sure all of your adjustments are right when you hit the water. And...if you start to develop a problem with fit or comfort, kick into shore and make the adjustments. It will only get worse instead of better, if you don't.
PS...to HA69. Can't help you with the "creative budget negotiations" with the wife. However, in a two-tube family, like mine, I have it a bit easier. All I have to do is promise I will get the same for Tube Babe if I can get one for myself. Sure raises heck with the food budget, though. You ever tried to cook an old pair of waders long enough to make them tender...just because you bought new ones and there wasn't any money left for groceries?
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The "Flats Boots" in the pic are available in most dive shops. I got those (Redhead...size 13) from Bass Pro for $29.99. I use them more for fishing wet in the summer than over waders. You can also use recycled tennies, wading shoes, or even the inexpensive little nylon hard-soled "reef runners" sold in most discount houses. Just be sure you get them large enough to accomodate all that you have to stuff into them.
On the Plana foot pocket. It is soft rubber, and was the solution I had been seeking to foot constriction in harder pocket fins. In cold water, with a lot of layers, your foot can become constricted and shut off the warming flow of blood to your tootsies. This negates all the layers of warm wool socks and your feet get cold or numb. You have to get out and do the tubers' stomp.
I wear a size 13 shoe. The X-Large Plana fins accomodate foot, socks and neoprene wader during cool months. In the summer, they easily accomodate the hard-soled flats boot, under which I usually wear one or two layers of socks for cushioning, more than warmth. If you do not wear at least one pair of socks, you are more likely to develop blisters on the wear points of your feet during a long day of kicking.
A major point to make is that foot comfort is critical for enjoyable tubing. If your feet are cramped, cold or blistered, you can't truly enjoy your tubing experience. Correction is a simple matter of planning ahead and buying gear that is large enough...and then making sure all of your adjustments are right when you hit the water. And...if you start to develop a problem with fit or comfort, kick into shore and make the adjustments. It will only get worse instead of better, if you don't.
PS...to HA69. Can't help you with the "creative budget negotiations" with the wife. However, in a two-tube family, like mine, I have it a bit easier. All I have to do is promise I will get the same for Tube Babe if I can get one for myself. Sure raises heck with the food budget, though. You ever tried to cook an old pair of waders long enough to make them tender...just because you bought new ones and there wasn't any money left for groceries?
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