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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 17:41:02 GMT -8
Post by SeaRat on Oct 2, 2012 17:41:02 GMT -8
One of the things I have been doing over the past few weeks is cleaning out my garage and shed. In the process, I assembled most of the fins I currently own, and took a few photos of them. Each has its own story, and there are more than can be easily told. But I thought we could switch emphasis off regulators for a bit, and look at underwater swimming, which is one reason we dive. I know there are others out there who are interested in fins, so let's share more information on how we get around. I will say that in the center of this group, is the Aqueon. It is disassembled in this photo, and missing its spring as I am using a portion of it in a new swimming concept. But that is what is in the center here. At tho top is the monofin, which I used when I was Finswimming Director of the Underwater Society of America in the 1980s. The longer full-foot fins are also for finswimming, and I used them extensively in the North Umpqua River. With them, I was able to chase large-scale suckers and other fish! (That was a few years ago too.) I also have several models of the scoop fin concept, which I have been using since the 1970s. I have my third generation built upon the White Stage "Super Stag" fins (and I have that set as they were sold too). I also have several models that have been converted, and one set which is still experimental (actually, the whole scoop fin concept is still experimental, as it has never been commercially available in its pure form). Enjoy, John Attachments:![](//storage.proboards.com/153815/thumbnailer/_y5qY8paAvzsTGuWtcyL.jpg)
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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 17:49:39 GMT -8
Post by SeaRat on Oct 2, 2012 17:49:39 GMT -8
If you'll look at the left side of the photo, I have three of the old Duck Feet models, including one full-foot model. I also have the box for the Duck Feet, which I'll try to get a photo of and post later. It is quite nice. My wife looked at the display of fins in our back yard, and mentioned that she doesn't think I need any more of them. I told her that this was the result of not going to tropical waters, and picking up cheap sets of fins. They are also being used in my experiments in underwater swimming. She didn't seem impressed. ![:-/](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/undecided.png) John
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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 18:22:09 GMT -8
Post by fishnbeer on Oct 2, 2012 18:22:09 GMT -8
WOW! John
that is "fintastic" ;D
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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 19:11:43 GMT -8
Post by nikeajax on Oct 2, 2012 19:11:43 GMT -8
Okay John, you thought you'd just squeak that one by, din'cha? "Most...", but not all, a quarter uv'em more likely, you aint follin' no one Very nice sir, I don't feel so bad about what I've amassed now--thanks! Here are some kinda different ones from my, um, collection: ![](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5063/5565910886_b7f773e212.jpg) Duck Feet Custom Model (made in Mexico!) ![](http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3358/5843252362_d53b8c876c.jpg) Nemrod CortezJaybird
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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 19:51:29 GMT -8
Post by nemrod on Oct 2, 2012 19:51:29 GMT -8
If you'll look at the left side of the photo, I have three of the old Duck Feet models, including one full-foot model. I also have the box for the Duck Feet, which I'll try to get a photo of and post later. It is quite nice. My wife looked at the display of fins in our back yard, and mentioned that she doesn't think I need any more of them. I told her that this was the result of not going to tropical waters, and picking up cheap sets of fins. They are also being used in my experiments in underwater swimming. She didn't seem impressed. ![:-/](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/undecided.png) John My wife saw all of my tanks in one place, she was not impressed either nor was she impressed with the package that showed up on the door step today;). I have owned or still have many of those. But over the last few years I have been whittling down my inventory when possible of everything and especially old fins and rotten masks. So, I am down to: Three pairs of Jetfins, one in yellow, two black Two pair of UDT fins One pair of Mares Avanti Quatrro One pair of FF Pro One pair of Nemrod Professional One pair of USD Rocket fins I am looking to purchase some full foot freediver type fins but not sure what I want there yet. The only reason I keep the USD Rockets around is for when I need to remember what a really bad fin is like, I give them a go to refresh my memory and remind me how really good the SP Jetfin really is. There is a bad rumor, probably not true, that the USA made Jetfin is going away. Nem
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Fins
Oct 2, 2012 23:44:58 GMT -8
Post by scubadiverbob on Oct 2, 2012 23:44:58 GMT -8
For a while the SP Jet fins were injection molded in Chico (by WREX). I've heard not out of the same rubber as originals, and that they weren't as good. When I left Norfolk, I gave my orig. jet fins to a dive buddy ... sometimes I wish I had kept them.
So, do the scoop fins have the same amount of propulsion as the SP Jet fins? What sold me on the jet fins was at the dive store in P'cola, FL had me use a regular fin and count the kicks to get across the pool. Then, they had me put on the jet fins and I got across the pool with 1/3 the amount of kicks and effort. I bought the SP jet fins! Now I have the SP jet/split fins and I still think the jet fins were better.
Robert
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Fins
Oct 3, 2012 8:06:42 GMT -8
Post by nikeajax on Oct 3, 2012 8:06:42 GMT -8
Ohhhh, I wanna see the yellow ones--sounds cool!
Jaybird
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Fins
Oct 3, 2012 12:13:23 GMT -8
Post by scubadiverbob on Oct 3, 2012 12:13:23 GMT -8
Sounds cool, yellow jet fins! Are they ScubaPro? I only remember SP making black fins ... many times I'm wrong, though ....
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Fins
Oct 3, 2012 18:31:02 GMT -8
Post by nemrod on Oct 3, 2012 18:31:02 GMT -8
Well, it is a digression but yes, YES, Scubapro did and does occasionally sell yellow paddle style, Made In USA, YELLOW for real and genuine Jetfins. Looks like a yellow Jetfin to me ;D. ![](http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/JRWJR/Scuba%20Stuff/PA030589_zpsd146089f.jpg) Nem
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Fins
Oct 3, 2012 21:31:22 GMT -8
Post by SeaRat on Oct 3, 2012 21:31:22 GMT -8
Nemrod,
I see that both these pair of SP Jet Fins are Lightning Jet Fins. If you'll look at the lower left corner of my fin spread, you'll see my pair of SP Lightning Jet Fins. These were USAF Issued fins, and they have survived very nicely since the 1970s when I got them new. This pair has both parascuba jumps and swimmer helicopter deployments under their logbook (as does the pair of White Stag Super Stag/Scoop fins on the right side, inner row at ~5:00 position of the photo). I've noticed that the rubber of the Lightning Jet Fins seems better, more resilient and flexible than the original Jet Fins. I'm curious whether the yellow Lightning Jet Fins have maintained their flexibility like the black ones?
My vote for the worst fins are the Dacor Turbo II and Turbo III in cold water (very, very stiff) at the 7:00 position of the outer row, and the U.S. Divers Company Spoiler Fin, which is vented out the tip of the fin (9:00 position, outer row). The Spoiler is actually a double-bladed fin which is very, very stiff and hard to move through the water.
John
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Fins
Oct 4, 2012 8:01:39 GMT -8
Post by nikeajax on Oct 4, 2012 8:01:39 GMT -8
Huh, I didn't realize I had both kinds of Jets. I did notice that, yes, the "lightnings" are a bit more supple, at that...
Jaybird
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Fins
Oct 4, 2012 15:25:14 GMT -8
Post by sitkadiver on Oct 4, 2012 15:25:14 GMT -8
John, Some of my favorite fins were the White Stag, Super Stag's. I've never used the scoop fins, but I did use the non-vented, full force fin for a long time. They were very supple and springy and I could swim like greased lightning with those bad boys!!! I had added spring straps and kept them Amor All'd. When I switched to a boot style drysuit I stopped using them becuase they no longer fit. Ultimately I traded them to my buddy Greg when he helped my clean some annodes in the Harbor. On a side note: While Greg and I were working on the anodes we were aproached by a lady who wanted to take our photos for an article she was writing. I never saw our mugs in the paper, but the photographer, Mim McConnell, was just elected Mayor of Sitka. mimsmissives.com/category/harbors/page/9/
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Fins
Oct 4, 2012 17:28:57 GMT -8
Post by nemrod on Oct 4, 2012 17:28:57 GMT -8
John, I did enjoy your fantastic display. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I think you are right, as usual, the Dacor Turbo is the worst ever, gotta be. The only thing turbo about them is the name but they should have named the Rocket the RETRO-rocket, lol.
The yellow Jets are the same as the black Jets, no difference. There were also blue, pink and possibly orange Jets made in the past. None were ever sold in large amounts so they are rare. The yellow Jets, I wanna come clean with y'all, wink, wink, those are new fins!
I suspect the Jetfin owes it's all around competence to it's blend of stiffness, flexibility and shape though it has been shown that the vents do nothing and that water does not even flow through them. In my finology, I think there are essentially four types of fins:
1. Flipper type - example Force Fins 2. Scoop type - example the Quatrro and John's "Super Scoopers" 3. Paddle type - example the Jetfin 4. Split type - example the Apollo split
I think we have all discussed Armor All before, I tell you, I would not use that stuff on my fins or rubber stuff. I use the 3M 303 Aerospace Protectant. Unlike the petroleum based Armor All, it is water based and will not destroy rubber and plastic. Armor All makes things shine, 303 protects.
Quattros, well, they have been a favorite, especially recently due to their lesser weight for travel, now when every ounce counts. But, this last trip down to WPB, they put us on a wreck, the current was strong, the ball was pulled under! I did have my camera so I could not use my arms to pull down the buoy line. The Quattros just folded up when I needed a burst of speed and I was blown off the line. Jets will not fold up, at my max effort, Quattros will, apparently.
Might add a fifth type:
5. Wing type - example the new SP Seawing etc
Nem
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Fins
Oct 4, 2012 17:50:03 GMT -8
Post by nemrod on Oct 4, 2012 17:50:03 GMT -8
Really, let me add, y'all toss that Armor All stuff. I use the 303 for years. It is expensive and usually only had at marine and aviation supply houses, thus the expense. It does not melt the plastic and rubber which is why the Armor All seems to make things soft until they are destroyed and expire. The 303 is good on Hypalon, poly, most all plastics, rubber, neoprene and my kayak, my Jeep, cars, bike and whatever. Do not use anything on silicone rubber! Just wash it with a mild soap and keep gasoline and petroleum from it. www.scubaproregulatormuseum.org/Timeline/Fins/fins.htmlNem
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Fins
Oct 4, 2012 19:15:11 GMT -8
Post by sharkskin on Oct 4, 2012 19:15:11 GMT -8
John... I love your full foot Duck Feet! First time I see one of those... Personally, I'm a big fan of Full foot fins... and adding to that the vintage style element it make them just perfect. How do they perform??
Thanks a lot for posting this fins subject!
Harry.
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