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United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi
1 Level
736 Review
81 Karma

Review on Mares Volo Scuba Diving Black by Brandon Fernandez

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Best full size fins I've tried

Without a doubt the best full size diving fins I've used and snorkeled since childhood. Two decades ago I gave up on composite fins because they never had the stiffness I needed. There was always a feeling that wooden oars were attached to the legs. Too much stiffness and will hurt the ankles, knees and feet. Things have come a long way. They're almost as comfortable as old-school rubber fins, but with a lot more power. I'm snorkeling in a fast-flowing river and I need to hit my target quickly before the current takes me. While most full-leg rubber fins offer maximum comfort, they don't provide enough penetration because the blades are too short and flex too much. You are perfect. The design offers more power, but all this results in the movement not stressing the joints. Just walked under sixty with water at the end of the season. The fin blades weren't too stiff even in colder water. My shoes are a size 10 and I ordered US size 8-9 fins. Perfect fit without neoprene or lycra socks. Comfortable, but nowhere too much. Order one size down if you want to wear it barefoot. They are reliable even with a powerful kick and after 3 hours in the river there are no calluses or leg cramps anywhere. Absolutely none. They were surprisingly warm even for bare feet, with the exception of bare ankles. I usually wear ankle boots with open heels. You may be wondering how they compare to the classic missile fins worn by American 3mm boot riders. I think close enough that I would wear them in warm water and in cooler water I would choose Rocket fins. When I know I'm going to be working on the rapids and putting my feet in a lot, the Rocket fins come out on top. If I know I won't have extra room to wear my crocs for walking after leaving the river, then rocket fins are better since I can wear my boots. The Rocket fins also have straps for a comfortable fit on your bike handlebars. In general, rocket fins have slightly more power as well as very little joint fatigue due to the large vents. These Mare fins have a few small vents that help. Full fins tend to last longer. Rocket fins always tear at the top of the leg pocket. Finally, there was no sand or gravel in it. I didn't have to stop once to pull out and shake out the fins in over 3 hours. For full fins with no socks to protect your feet, this is fantastic. After more than 50 years of history, the Rocket fins are still the best dive fins, but they take second place and are the best full foot fins.

Pros
  • Hands free operation
Cons
  • Problems