Mailing List Archive Mailing List Archive
For foot sizes of 10 or larger, with most Dry suits, you will probably be stuck with the open heel version of Esclapez or OMER ( I'll have to check with OMER to make sure they have an open heeled version). The Esclapez Green or Black fins will come in open heel with strap, and the dry suit is the only justification for the existance of the open heel fin. The Esclapez blacks are pretty stiff, meaning you need some strong legs if they are your choice. While any of these Esclapez or OMER fins will blow away scubapro or other scuba type designs, if you ever get to try a perfect, snug fit, with the full foot version with a wet suit or skin suit, you will be amazed at how much power transfer you lose with an open heel design. When you freedive, you get more "tuned in" to efficiency and power loss, because of the nature of your "breath hold diving", you are involved in a constant study of how to maximize propulsion while minimizing exertion. You become aware of every nuance of efficiency. This becomes significant as you notice that virtualy all top freedivers swear by full foot fins. And there are TWO examples of freediving fins which are poor--i.e., don't get---the AB Biller fins, which are too flexible (noodly) and brittle, and the old Cressi Rondine Garas ( not to be confused with the new Cressi Gara 2000's, which are good). The Cressi Rondine Garas are also far too soft and "noodly" for your use with doubles. And I'm sure no one would ever consider the moronic joke by Zeagle which they call the Raptor fins----they are NOT freediving fins----perhaps they should be placed in a package with OMS Bondage wings, two non-redundant Cochran computers, 4 steel 98's, and a nice thick wetsuit---maybe we could even get Tom Mount or Brett Gilliam to "model" them for us :) Dan -----Original Message----- From: Mike Wells <mike.wells@cm*.co*> To: Dan Volker <dlv@ga*.ne*> Date: Monday, February 23, 1998 5:12 PM Subject: Re: Stronger Fins >Dan, >What about us cold water divers that dive dry? Are the open heeled >versions of these fins a good option for us? I would assume that the >freedivers up in the north probably use such a fin, huh? Your >suggestions would be appreciated. :-) > >Thanks, >Mike > >I tried a freediving fin once in a pool and was *very amazed* to say the >least, and was then told they were no good for scuba, but couldn't get an >explanation as to why. > > > >>Subject: Re: Stronger Fins >>Sent: 2/23/98 5:59 AM >>Received: 2/23/98 1:23 PM >>From: Dan Volker, dlv@ga*.ne* >>To: techdiver, techdiver@aquanaut.com >> Andrew Drapp, andrew@ce*.co*.jp* >> >> Any diver that wants to swim faster and more efficiently, should get >>freediving fins. For most active divers, Esclapez Green fins, or Cressi >>Gara 2000's , will be infinitely better than any scuba fin on the market. >>If you are really strong, you can go to a competition freediving fin, like >>the OMER Tuna Comp, or the Esclapez No Limit. >>When I use fins like even my Esclapez greens, divers with normal scooters >>can not keep up to me, if I'm traveling at full pace ( a speed I'll maintain >>for up to an hour). The cressi frogs and other scuba fins with small >>changes to make them look more powerful, are a joke. Try the freediving fins >>I named, in a full foot design, with neoprene socks, and you will NEVER go >>back to crappy scuba fins, except in cave environments where the 34 inch >>blade length may make it easier to silt up the cave. Dan >> > -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
Navigate by Author:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject:
[Previous]
[Next]
[Subject Search Index]
[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]
[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]