12-26-2005, 07:40 PM
[cool][#0000ff]In all fairness, there are many models of the Force Fins. They are considered to be a quality line and they have many fans. I just don't happen to be one of them, based upon my setup and what I prefer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First, I do not wear wading boots, like many fly flingers. I wear neoprene flats boots over my waders, and then use the soft pocket divers fins. I find that much more comfortable.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have been a diver at least two weeks longer than I have been a float tuber...since I was 12 years old, newly transplanted to California from Idaho. I learned how to snorkel and then used my snorkeling fins to kick myself around in an innertube, without a seat. I eventually made my own seats and float tube covers, long before there were many available commercially.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have always preferred the adjustable strap diving fins for tubing, and have always used mostly lightweight waders (with layers) and the neoprene booties. I get the largest size foot pocket I can and then add socks as needed for colder water, without cramping up my feet. Whenever I have tried the same thing with wading boots, I get cramped feet and cold tootsies.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another consideration is that I am pretty big and have very strong legs. I can almost throw a rooster tail with my large fins, so I do not need wimpy little V shaped fins to keep me from getting tired (sorry). I have tubed in some pretty strong currents and can maintain position and even move upstream in moderate flows.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I "tested" my adjustable Force Fins, it was on a day when it started out calm and then got breezy. I quickly discovered that I had to kick a lot more and a lot harder in order to maintain any kind of position, compared to the divers fins I normally used. To me, that was the main determining factor in my evaluation. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Propulsion is basic physics...displacement of water in order to push yourself in the desired direction. With fins, there are several factors that come into play. The design, shape and size of the fin blade all enter into it. So does the relative stiffness of the blade. Stiffer blades are harder to kick, and tire you faster, but you get more push per kick. Floppy blades are easier to kick, but you lose a lot of thrust to the flex of the blade. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The fin blades on my Mares divers fins are long and about medium stiffness. I would not recommend them for a newbie, unless that newbie was an experienced diver or otherwise excellent swimmer. I have to be careful whenever I take someone new out tubing, so that I do not subject them to more of a workout than they can handle. I hate it when I have to tow a pooped out rookie a half mile back to the vehicle...against the wind.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I would never presume to cast aspersions upon any make or model of tube, waders, fins or whatever. Most have their places and there are anglers who prefer each of them, for their own reasons. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The purpose of this board is not for any of us to hold forth on what is the absolute best and what nobody should EVER buy. The best we can hope for is to present the options and the features to look for, so that each of us can make informed decisions when we plunk down our precious bucks.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am sure that there are lots unregistered visitors who read our reviews and are grateful for the information we provide, even if they never register and chime in. I know that we have many registered members who "looked before they leaped". It is good to know that we have helped ease the way for lots of potential floatation fishermen who would otherwise have to go through a lot of expensive trial and error like some of us have.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]All input, questions and challenges are welcome.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]First, I do not wear wading boots, like many fly flingers. I wear neoprene flats boots over my waders, and then use the soft pocket divers fins. I find that much more comfortable.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have been a diver at least two weeks longer than I have been a float tuber...since I was 12 years old, newly transplanted to California from Idaho. I learned how to snorkel and then used my snorkeling fins to kick myself around in an innertube, without a seat. I eventually made my own seats and float tube covers, long before there were many available commercially.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have always preferred the adjustable strap diving fins for tubing, and have always used mostly lightweight waders (with layers) and the neoprene booties. I get the largest size foot pocket I can and then add socks as needed for colder water, without cramping up my feet. Whenever I have tried the same thing with wading boots, I get cramped feet and cold tootsies.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Another consideration is that I am pretty big and have very strong legs. I can almost throw a rooster tail with my large fins, so I do not need wimpy little V shaped fins to keep me from getting tired (sorry). I have tubed in some pretty strong currents and can maintain position and even move upstream in moderate flows.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]When I "tested" my adjustable Force Fins, it was on a day when it started out calm and then got breezy. I quickly discovered that I had to kick a lot more and a lot harder in order to maintain any kind of position, compared to the divers fins I normally used. To me, that was the main determining factor in my evaluation. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Propulsion is basic physics...displacement of water in order to push yourself in the desired direction. With fins, there are several factors that come into play. The design, shape and size of the fin blade all enter into it. So does the relative stiffness of the blade. Stiffer blades are harder to kick, and tire you faster, but you get more push per kick. Floppy blades are easier to kick, but you lose a lot of thrust to the flex of the blade. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The fin blades on my Mares divers fins are long and about medium stiffness. I would not recommend them for a newbie, unless that newbie was an experienced diver or otherwise excellent swimmer. I have to be careful whenever I take someone new out tubing, so that I do not subject them to more of a workout than they can handle. I hate it when I have to tow a pooped out rookie a half mile back to the vehicle...against the wind.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I would never presume to cast aspersions upon any make or model of tube, waders, fins or whatever. Most have their places and there are anglers who prefer each of them, for their own reasons. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The purpose of this board is not for any of us to hold forth on what is the absolute best and what nobody should EVER buy. The best we can hope for is to present the options and the features to look for, so that each of us can make informed decisions when we plunk down our precious bucks.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I am sure that there are lots unregistered visitors who read our reviews and are grateful for the information we provide, even if they never register and chime in. I know that we have many registered members who "looked before they leaped". It is good to know that we have helped ease the way for lots of potential floatation fishermen who would otherwise have to go through a lot of expensive trial and error like some of us have.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]All input, questions and challenges are welcome.[/#0000ff]
[signature]