Gear Check Fins
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Hi-viz, hi-power fin June 2007
Apollo has introduced just the fin for turbid Northern waters and night diving. It Bio-Fin Pro C models are available in white, which is a one
of the few colors that can be seen in dark waters. Fins are molded with 70 Durometer rubber or 75 Durometer for the stiffer XT model,
which is available in black. The split-fin design is said by the company to improve propulsion while reducing energy use and fatigue by as
much as 40 percent over conventional non-split designs. Fins extend from the foot at a 20-degree angle to take advantage of natural resting
angles of the ankle and knee. Foot pockets are generous enough in size to accommodate both wetsuit booties and drysuit boots, and the
open toe design allows water to drain from the pockets when the fins are carried after a dive. Fins are available in five sizes from extra
small to double large, each with its own length of spring strap to optimize the fit for comfort and performance. www.apollousa.com.
Apollo has introduced just the fin for turbid Northern waters and night diving. It Bio-Fin Pro C models are available in white, which is a one
of the few colors that can be seen in dark waters. Fins are molded with 70 Durometer rubber or 75 Durometer for the stiffer XT model,
which is available in black. The split-fin design is said by the company to improve propulsion while reducing energy use and fatigue by as
much as 40 percent over conventional non-split designs. Fins extend from the foot at a 20-degree angle to take advantage of natural resting
angles of the ankle and knee. Foot pockets are generous enough in size to accommodate both wetsuit booties and drysuit boots, and the
open toe design allows water to drain from the pockets when the fins are carried after a dive. Fins are available in five sizes from extra
small to double large, each with its own length of spring strap to optimize the fit for comfort and performance. www.apollousa.com.
Short fin scoop July 2007
Backing into mild surf zones or zipping around inside wrecks without silting may be a bit easier with new fins from APS Mantaray. APS
stands for advanced-aqua propulsion system, which is how the company describes its patented dual-water channeling system. Channels
molded into these short fins are said to create a venturi effect that maximizes the thrust of water off the blade, providing more power with
less exertion. Besides helping to maneuver in such tight spaces as inside wrecks, the short configuration of the fin blade makes it easy to
pack for dive travel. A simple strap system streamlines the fins on the foot and eases putting on the fins or taking them off. Fins are
available in three sizes and in black, white and two shades of blue. Learn more at www.apsmantaray.com.
Backing into mild surf zones or zipping around inside wrecks without silting may be a bit easier with new fins from APS Mantaray. APS
stands for advanced-aqua propulsion system, which is how the company describes its patented dual-water channeling system. Channels
molded into these short fins are said to create a venturi effect that maximizes the thrust of water off the blade, providing more power with
less exertion. Besides helping to maneuver in such tight spaces as inside wrecks, the short configuration of the fin blade makes it easy to
pack for dive travel. A simple strap system streamlines the fins on the foot and eases putting on the fins or taking them off. Fins are
available in three sizes and in black, white and two shades of blue. Learn more at www.apsmantaray.com.
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Fins to go December 2006
Who hasn’t been troubled by tripping over fins while stumbling from a dive boat seat to the platform. The Amphibian’s hinged blade allows
divers to walk as easily as if they were wearing street shoes, and then snap the blade in place just before taking the plunge. Foot pockets are
available to accommodate everything from a small foot to a serious drysuit boot. And detachable fin blades can customize the fin to personal
preferences in length and thrust. www.omegaaquatics.com.
Who hasn’t been troubled by tripping over fins while stumbling from a dive boat seat to the platform. The Amphibian’s hinged blade allows
divers to walk as easily as if they were wearing street shoes, and then snap the blade in place just before taking the plunge. Foot pockets are
available to accommodate everything from a small foot to a serious drysuit boot. And detachable fin blades can customize the fin to personal
preferences in length and thrust. www.omegaaquatics.com.
Viper fin suits dry divers September 2006
Oceanic’s new Viper fin is designed to efficiently deliver power, starting with a blade that is larger and longer than many other fins. A
Power Thrust Channel molded into the fin maximizes the water flow over the entire surface of the blade. The thrust of this flow is
contained with side rails that prevent the force from spilling over the sides, so the forward energy of the entire length of the blade is
directed to the tip. Foot pockets are large enough to accommodate boots of drysuits used by Northeast divers or booties with heavier
molded soles preferred by many travel divers. Although the blade and foot pockets are large, materials used in forming the fin make it lighter
than many comparable open-heel fins. Viper fins are available in three sizes and in three colors to coordinate with other pieces of gear in
your kit. Learn more at www.OceanicWorldwide.com.
Oceanic’s new Viper fin is designed to efficiently deliver power, starting with a blade that is larger and longer than many other fins. A
Power Thrust Channel molded into the fin maximizes the water flow over the entire surface of the blade. The thrust of this flow is
contained with side rails that prevent the force from spilling over the sides, so the forward energy of the entire length of the blade is
directed to the tip. Foot pockets are large enough to accommodate boots of drysuits used by Northeast divers or booties with heavier
molded soles preferred by many travel divers. Although the blade and foot pockets are large, materials used in forming the fin make it lighter
than many comparable open-heel fins. Viper fins are available in three sizes and in three colors to coordinate with other pieces of gear in
your kit. Learn more at www.OceanicWorldwide.com.
Kick off your fins July 2006
Divers wearing the hefty protection suits and sturdy gear needed explore cold northern waters will get a kick out of Aqua Lung’s new
Blades 2 Flex fins. They feature a patented hands-free release strap that enables the fins to be kicked off the heel without fumbling around
to find the buckle. Quick-adjusting buckles on the side adjust the strap length for personal comfort. Fins are available in giant size to fit dry
suit boots or thick booties as well as regular and small. The Flex fins are based on the Blades 2 design, but are made of more flexible
material to put more elasticity and snap into the blade, which some divers find to ease kicking. Divers who prefer a stiffer action may be
better off sticking with their Blades 2 fins. Fins are available in black with either blue or gray accents. Learn more at www.aqualung.com.
Divers wearing the hefty protection suits and sturdy gear needed explore cold northern waters will get a kick out of Aqua Lung’s new
Blades 2 Flex fins. They feature a patented hands-free release strap that enables the fins to be kicked off the heel without fumbling around
to find the buckle. Quick-adjusting buckles on the side adjust the strap length for personal comfort. Fins are available in giant size to fit dry
suit boots or thick booties as well as regular and small. The Flex fins are based on the Blades 2 design, but are made of more flexible
material to put more elasticity and snap into the blade, which some divers find to ease kicking. Divers who prefer a stiffer action may be
better off sticking with their Blades 2 fins. Fins are available in black with either blue or gray accents. Learn more at www.aqualung.com.
Morph in flippers December 2005
They look like no other flippers with their fish-tail-like extension, but the makers of Mor-Fins claim the design is delivers more power with
less effort. The extension that resembles the tail of a shark and the foot pocket were developed during years of computerized study of
hydrodynamics. Step kicking no wider than the width of a diver’s body delivers power on both up and down strokes of each leg. Dry suit
divers will like the generous foot pocket with flare tabs that readily adapt to wide boots. Boot heals extend beyond the pocket, reducing
skidding on deck surfaces. The fins are color coded, with yellow being the softest, blue with medium stiffness and black as the stiffest.
Learn more at www.mor-fin.com.
They look like no other flippers with their fish-tail-like extension, but the makers of Mor-Fins claim the design is delivers more power with
less effort. The extension that resembles the tail of a shark and the foot pocket were developed during years of computerized study of
hydrodynamics. Step kicking no wider than the width of a diver’s body delivers power on both up and down strokes of each leg. Dry suit
divers will like the generous foot pocket with flare tabs that readily adapt to wide boots. Boot heals extend beyond the pocket, reducing
skidding on deck surfaces. The fins are color coded, with yellow being the softest, blue with medium stiffness and black as the stiffest.
Learn more at www.mor-fin.com.
High Velocity fins September 2007
By combining engineering design advances with new materials, Aeris claims its new Velocity XP fins are 30 percent faster than other fins
on the market. The company says its patented Nature’s Wing design channels water through semi-rigid battens and rubber flx channels to
optimize power and reduce drag during the fin stroke. Oversized side rails add rigidity to the oversized blades to further increase their
power. The blade is angled from the foot pocket to enhance the leg movements used in kicking and the foot pocket is designed to
accommodate a wide range of foot sizes and boot styles. A thumb loop is molded into the fin strap to ease donning the fins, and easily
adjustable quick release buckles ease removing them. Fins are available at local dive shops in four sizes from extra small to extra large in
blue, ice, black and yellow colors. www.DiveAeris.com.
By combining engineering design advances with new materials, Aeris claims its new Velocity XP fins are 30 percent faster than other fins
on the market. The company says its patented Nature’s Wing design channels water through semi-rigid battens and rubber flx channels to
optimize power and reduce drag during the fin stroke. Oversized side rails add rigidity to the oversized blades to further increase their
power. The blade is angled from the foot pocket to enhance the leg movements used in kicking and the foot pocket is designed to
accommodate a wide range of foot sizes and boot styles. A thumb loop is molded into the fin strap to ease donning the fins, and easily
adjustable quick release buckles ease removing them. Fins are available at local dive shops in four sizes from extra small to extra large in
blue, ice, black and yellow colors. www.DiveAeris.com.
Tusa kicks off new fin September 2007
Tusa says that the creative use of materials make its new SF-5x fin the world’s most advanced urethane fin. Tusa’s patented Hybrid Blade
System features stiff urethane side rails and an ultra-responsive membrane blade to boost kicking power by improving efficiency and
power transfer. Urethane was chosen as a material for its rebound, memory and performance. The SF-5x fin, which will be available in
black and shark silver, will featured at Tusa’s booth at DEMA this fall along with its new cousin, the Tech SF-5xT. The T model is
designed for divers who prefer a stiffer fin than the SF-5x. Tusa’s new TA-80 spring strap will be standard on the T model. See these fins
as participating Tusa dealers. www.tusa.com.
Tusa says that the creative use of materials make its new SF-5x fin the world’s most advanced urethane fin. Tusa’s patented Hybrid Blade
System features stiff urethane side rails and an ultra-responsive membrane blade to boost kicking power by improving efficiency and
power transfer. Urethane was chosen as a material for its rebound, memory and performance. The SF-5x fin, which will be available in
black and shark silver, will featured at Tusa’s booth at DEMA this fall along with its new cousin, the Tech SF-5xT. The T model is
designed for divers who prefer a stiffer fin than the SF-5x. Tusa’s new TA-80 spring strap will be standard on the T model. See these fins
as participating Tusa dealers. www.tusa.com.
Put spring in your kick December 2008
Inventor Giovanni Battista Beltrani demonstrates the new Slingshot fin he designed for Aqua Lung. The fin allows divers to fine tune fin
stiffness to adjust for diving conditions and personal preferences. The fin blade is attached by a hinge to the foot pocket, while silicon
power bands attach to the pocket and the blade. The bands can be adjusted topside or underwater to increase or lessen the stiffness of the
fin and extend the power of the kick stroke. Sides of the fin are channeled to transmit the energy of the stroke to the end of the blade,
adding efficiency to the stroke. Slingshots are available in three colors: blue, black / silver and red, and in four sizes from small to extra
large. www.aqualung.com.
Inventor Giovanni Battista Beltrani demonstrates the new Slingshot fin he designed for Aqua Lung. The fin allows divers to fine tune fin
stiffness to adjust for diving conditions and personal preferences. The fin blade is attached by a hinge to the foot pocket, while silicon
power bands attach to the pocket and the blade. The bands can be adjusted topside or underwater to increase or lessen the stiffness of the
fin and extend the power of the kick stroke. Sides of the fin are channeled to transmit the energy of the stroke to the end of the blade,
adding efficiency to the stroke. Slingshots are available in three colors: blue, black / silver and red, and in four sizes from small to extra
large. www.aqualung.com.
