05-04-2005, 12:36 PM
[cool][#0000ff]We have touched on the subject within a few of the past threads, but have never had a specific thread devoted to the subject. Here goes my dissertation.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Too many folks take up tubing and try to "make do" with the fins they have had laying around since they used to do some diving...or something like that. Either that, or they go down to Wally World and buy a pair of fins that LOOK big enough...sometimes even before they have their waders. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In my book and to whoever I have the chance to counsel before they gear up, I make this recommendation: Buy your fins LAST, after you have your waders and booties (or wading shoes). If you have big feet (mine are size 13), you may have a problem finding fins that will hold everything you want to stuff into them.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are several models of fins on the market now, that are designed for float tubing, and will fit over even a bulky pair of wading boots. For the most part, I do not like any of them. Some are a single wimpy strap, which can wiggle loose and make for both a floppy kick and even the loss of a fin. Also, most of them are much smaller "blades" than I like.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have posted a new picture thread on fins, and I will be adding to it before next weekend is over. It will include a wide range of different styles and options. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As I have mentioned on a few threads in the past, I use the Mares Plana AVanti divers fins (see below). I buy them in XL size, and they have huge soft rubber pockets that easily take my big fieet, two pairs of socks, neoprene waders and a thin neoprene dive boot. I use the same fins in the summer, but shorten the adjustment strap on the heel and they still fit fine with fewer layers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have not even tried a lot of the newer tubers fins, but I am sure there are some that would work. What I suggest is taking your waders, socks and booties with you when you go to buy a pair. Make sure the fins fit with everything you have to stuff in them, or you will get foot constriction, cramps and cold when you go out in the colder seasons.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9419;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9419;)
[size 1]
New Mares fins bought for TubeBabe (blue) and TubeDude (black) in 2004. They are framed by the single pair of the old Mares fins from the 80's.
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9420;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9420;)
Quick adjust and fast release buckles on the newer model Mares fins (and many other modern models). [/size]
![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9425;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9425;)
[size 1]
AdjustAFins [/size]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Too many folks take up tubing and try to "make do" with the fins they have had laying around since they used to do some diving...or something like that. Either that, or they go down to Wally World and buy a pair of fins that LOOK big enough...sometimes even before they have their waders. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]In my book and to whoever I have the chance to counsel before they gear up, I make this recommendation: Buy your fins LAST, after you have your waders and booties (or wading shoes). If you have big feet (mine are size 13), you may have a problem finding fins that will hold everything you want to stuff into them.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]There are several models of fins on the market now, that are designed for float tubing, and will fit over even a bulky pair of wading boots. For the most part, I do not like any of them. Some are a single wimpy strap, which can wiggle loose and make for both a floppy kick and even the loss of a fin. Also, most of them are much smaller "blades" than I like.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have posted a new picture thread on fins, and I will be adding to it before next weekend is over. It will include a wide range of different styles and options. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As I have mentioned on a few threads in the past, I use the Mares Plana AVanti divers fins (see below). I buy them in XL size, and they have huge soft rubber pockets that easily take my big fieet, two pairs of socks, neoprene waders and a thin neoprene dive boot. I use the same fins in the summer, but shorten the adjustment strap on the heel and they still fit fine with fewer layers.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have not even tried a lot of the newer tubers fins, but I am sure there are some that would work. What I suggest is taking your waders, socks and booties with you when you go to buy a pair. Make sure the fins fit with everything you have to stuff in them, or you will get foot constriction, cramps and cold when you go out in the colder seasons.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
New Mares fins bought for TubeBabe (blue) and TubeDude (black) in 2004. They are framed by the single pair of the old Mares fins from the 80's.
Quick adjust and fast release buckles on the newer model Mares fins (and many other modern models). [/size]
AdjustAFins [/size]
[signature]