06-07-2003, 07:59 PM
[cool]I have used and loved a pair of Mares Plana Avanti fins since about 1986. They have served me well for snorkeling and for tubing in both fresh and salt water around the country. After HEAVY use, over many years, they recently started showing their age and are developing some cracks in the soft rubber channels between the harder parts of the blade. So, I started investigating potential replacements.
I bought my first Avanti's for about $80, in a dive shop in Tucson, Arizona. I was sure that I would be looking at having to pay at least twice that for a new set. GOOD NEWS. First, the list price is still about the same as it was in the "olden days". Second, there are super new materials and features in the new models that make them worth more. Third, by cruising Skin Diving Discount suppliers on the net, I was able to score them for under $50.
I got new fins for both myself and TubeBabe. I got mine (XL) in black. Hers (L) are blue. They also come in bright yellow, but I suspect that might not be a good color for float tube fishing. In fresh water it could spook fish. In salt water, it might attract attention from large toothy critters. Only a theory, but I tend to go with the theory that in some cases "less is more".
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage2183074.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage2183074.jpg)
TubeBabe's new fins on the left, with one of the replaced models on the outside. My black fins next to the old style Plana Avanti. The new models are slightly narrower, but seem to have plenty of power...and you don't tend to bang the fins together so much while kicking.
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage219962.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage219962.jpg)
One new feature I find of great value is the push button strap adjustment. This makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust the straps, without having to take them off and fight with sticky buckles to get the right tension on the heel strap. There is also a quick release snap to disconnect the whole strap assembly if needed.
![[Image: SCOU1712CustomImage2201489.jpg]](http://web.ecomplanet.com/SCOU1712/ServerContent/MyCustomImages/SCOU1712CustomImage2201489.jpg)
I rummaged in my gear boxes and found my old pair of "Paddle Pushers", along with a couple of the old tube rod racks made by the FishMaster company of Oklahoma. The paddle pushers almost ruptured me and the rod holders almost cost me a good rod. Wouldn't recommend either one.
OPINION: The Mares Plana Avanti is one of the better fins on the market for flotation fishermen who like the heel strap type of fins. They go on easy, they have a comfortable soft foot pocket and they have a good thrust with normal kicking effort. Also, in breezy conditions, they are maneuverable and deliver fast turns and good power. A good buy at $80. Even better when you find a discount.
TubeDude
[signature]
I bought my first Avanti's for about $80, in a dive shop in Tucson, Arizona. I was sure that I would be looking at having to pay at least twice that for a new set. GOOD NEWS. First, the list price is still about the same as it was in the "olden days". Second, there are super new materials and features in the new models that make them worth more. Third, by cruising Skin Diving Discount suppliers on the net, I was able to score them for under $50.
I got new fins for both myself and TubeBabe. I got mine (XL) in black. Hers (L) are blue. They also come in bright yellow, but I suspect that might not be a good color for float tube fishing. In fresh water it could spook fish. In salt water, it might attract attention from large toothy critters. Only a theory, but I tend to go with the theory that in some cases "less is more".
TubeBabe's new fins on the left, with one of the replaced models on the outside. My black fins next to the old style Plana Avanti. The new models are slightly narrower, but seem to have plenty of power...and you don't tend to bang the fins together so much while kicking.
One new feature I find of great value is the push button strap adjustment. This makes it possible to quickly and easily adjust the straps, without having to take them off and fight with sticky buckles to get the right tension on the heel strap. There is also a quick release snap to disconnect the whole strap assembly if needed.
I rummaged in my gear boxes and found my old pair of "Paddle Pushers", along with a couple of the old tube rod racks made by the FishMaster company of Oklahoma. The paddle pushers almost ruptured me and the rod holders almost cost me a good rod. Wouldn't recommend either one.
OPINION: The Mares Plana Avanti is one of the better fins on the market for flotation fishermen who like the heel strap type of fins. They go on easy, they have a comfortable soft foot pocket and they have a good thrust with normal kicking effort. Also, in breezy conditions, they are maneuverable and deliver fast turns and good power. A good buy at $80. Even better when you find a discount.
TubeDude
[signature]