scubagearhq.com » What brand of Rocket Fins should i get for scuba? http://www.scubagearhq.com Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:08:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 What brand of Rocket Fins should i get for scuba? http://www.scubagearhq.com/scuba-fins/what-brand-of-rocket-fins-should-i-get-for-scuba/ http://www.scubagearhq.com/scuba-fins/what-brand-of-rocket-fins-should-i-get-for-scuba/#comments Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:59:17 +0000 admin http://scubagearhq.com/scuba-fins/what-brand-of-rocket-fins-should-i-get-for-scuba Just want to know if brand matters as far as this design. I just want some that will be good quality and last a long time.

No, it doesn’t. The originals are by Aqua-Lung, but Scubapro also still do a vented all-rubber fin (TM: ‘Jet fins’). Being solid rubber, they’re pretty durable (one-piece moulding, so no weak points along component seams). The weakest point is probably (still) the strap attachments.

The post-and-buckle system used on most modern fins is an improvement over the original ‘metal buckle attached directly to a fin-moulding’, since it allows the buckles to pivot easily, but the buckles themselves–especially the Fastex-type quick releases–are now the weak point (as a working instructor/diveguide, I saw more failed/broken buckles than broken straps).

Buckles can be replaced relatively easily (and it’s cheaper than buying new fins), but if durability is a particular concern, you may want to go for one-piece steel-spring heelstraps.

If you haven’t used Rocket Fins before, be aware that they are very heavy to wear (i.e. they will drag your feet down–although this may be useful if you’re drysuit diving), and they are hard work to swim with, being less flexible than composite fins (hence the need for vents). You may need some time (i.e dives) to get used to them, and, if necessary, to get your weights redistributed comfortably. As with all dive gear, try-before-you-buy, if possible.

Any further questions, please feel free to email me through Y!A

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