10-01-2008, 04:07 PM
Hey SHig,
I'm not sure if I'm chiming in too late to have my opinions matter, but I'll offer something anyway.
I am new to the tubing way of fishing. I placed several calls, asked opinions of TubeDude and others, and read several reviews on line relating to popular types of fins. Of the several calls I placed, I did speak to a couple fly fishing shops here in Utah and Colorado and even asked opinions of a couple local scuba shops. Of course, I did all of this in order to make the most informed choice when it came time to purchase my fins.
What I discovered was that nearly everyone I spoke with said Force Fins were highly overpriced. A few folks also said that the Force Fins weren't as efficient as scuba-type fins, as there is very little energy gained on the down stroke of one's legs with the FFs.
On the other hand, I heard rave reviews from everyone regarding the Mares fins. First off, they're huge. A couple of informed folks said their size and overall flexibility with just the right rigidity allows them to be highly efficient on both the upstroke and downstroke kick.
I was able to find a nearly brand new $140 pair of Mares Plana Avanti Quattro fins on eBay for $45. I've fished with them now a few times, and they're incredible. The other day at Strawberry Reservoir I was able to hold my ground in fierce winds for nearly two hours while fishing a spot that yielded a lot of fish for me. They really move me in the water, and as I said I'm able to get propulsion on both the up- and down kicks of my legs. Also, by comparison the Mares fins are far longer in length than the FFs.
That's my $.02 on the issue.
[signature]
I'm not sure if I'm chiming in too late to have my opinions matter, but I'll offer something anyway.
I am new to the tubing way of fishing. I placed several calls, asked opinions of TubeDude and others, and read several reviews on line relating to popular types of fins. Of the several calls I placed, I did speak to a couple fly fishing shops here in Utah and Colorado and even asked opinions of a couple local scuba shops. Of course, I did all of this in order to make the most informed choice when it came time to purchase my fins.
What I discovered was that nearly everyone I spoke with said Force Fins were highly overpriced. A few folks also said that the Force Fins weren't as efficient as scuba-type fins, as there is very little energy gained on the down stroke of one's legs with the FFs.
On the other hand, I heard rave reviews from everyone regarding the Mares fins. First off, they're huge. A couple of informed folks said their size and overall flexibility with just the right rigidity allows them to be highly efficient on both the upstroke and downstroke kick.
I was able to find a nearly brand new $140 pair of Mares Plana Avanti Quattro fins on eBay for $45. I've fished with them now a few times, and they're incredible. The other day at Strawberry Reservoir I was able to hold my ground in fierce winds for nearly two hours while fishing a spot that yielded a lot of fish for me. They really move me in the water, and as I said I'm able to get propulsion on both the up- and down kicks of my legs. Also, by comparison the Mares fins are far longer in length than the FFs.
That's my $.02 on the issue.
[signature]