10-01-2008, 08:18 PM
I reply simply to provide added insight regarding my Mares fins. I have no desire to get into a mine-are-better-than-yours debate. If you're happy with your FFs, then, well, I'm happy for you.
I said Mares are longer than Force Fins. You agreed. I mentioned nothing about the width comparison. I find that I wouldn't want my fins much more wide, as I find my fins narrowly missing each other as I kick as it is.
As far as obtaining propulsion on the downward kick, you can say what you'd like about going in a different direction if I apply force with my downstroke; however, I find I DO get significant motion on the downward kick. Your mention of the FFs folding with little resistance on the downward kick is the same feedback I got when speaking with professionals on the phone. However, many of those same professionals said--and I know now, since I have experienced it--that a well-made scuba fin will give propulsion in the direction you desire on the downstroke as well. Next time you watch the Discovery Channel or some other channel featuring scuba divers, notice how they are propelling themselves in the water as they contract and extend their legs. I really like my Mares fins for that purpose. Gives an entirely different set of muscles in my legs an extra workout if I consciously apply force to the downstroke instead of letting my legs simply fall. It really is a benefit. Nuff said.
Lastly, my Mares fins new are comparable in price and quality to the top-of-the-line FFs. I did not settle in the least by purchasing my Mares. I just happened to get a screamin' deal on eBay. While shopping on line I found that there are considerably more deals on Mares fins than FFs, due to their popularity.
Okay, I'm done now. Won't reply again to this post unless I'm asked to provide something further that may be helpful.
[signature]
I said Mares are longer than Force Fins. You agreed. I mentioned nothing about the width comparison. I find that I wouldn't want my fins much more wide, as I find my fins narrowly missing each other as I kick as it is.
As far as obtaining propulsion on the downward kick, you can say what you'd like about going in a different direction if I apply force with my downstroke; however, I find I DO get significant motion on the downward kick. Your mention of the FFs folding with little resistance on the downward kick is the same feedback I got when speaking with professionals on the phone. However, many of those same professionals said--and I know now, since I have experienced it--that a well-made scuba fin will give propulsion in the direction you desire on the downstroke as well. Next time you watch the Discovery Channel or some other channel featuring scuba divers, notice how they are propelling themselves in the water as they contract and extend their legs. I really like my Mares fins for that purpose. Gives an entirely different set of muscles in my legs an extra workout if I consciously apply force to the downstroke instead of letting my legs simply fall. It really is a benefit. Nuff said.
Lastly, my Mares fins new are comparable in price and quality to the top-of-the-line FFs. I did not settle in the least by purchasing my Mares. I just happened to get a screamin' deal on eBay. While shopping on line I found that there are considerably more deals on Mares fins than FFs, due to their popularity.
Okay, I'm done now. Won't reply again to this post unless I'm asked to provide something further that may be helpful.
[signature]