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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Philadelphia, PA on 9/14/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
I bought these fins to replace a different pair I'd used for almost 20 years, and put a lot of research into the purchase. I do a lot of beach dives, so I needed fits that can take me from shore to quite a distance out, and back again. I used them for the first time in Bermuda and they did a terrific job. These are big, powerful fins, and it takes a lot of leg power to get them going, but when you put some muscle into them you can absolutely fly through the water. I had to fight waves and currents for a solid hour of swimming on three different dives and I was very pleased with how the fins did.
The Mares heal release system is fantastic. I cannot for the life of me understand why some people gripe about it, except that they may not understand how it works. The idea is to quickly loosen the heal strap, not to release it from the fin. It's a genius idea, and so simple I can't believe no one else has come up with a similar system.
Because most of my dives start from the beach, I use a boot with a fairly large tread. I used the Deep See 3mm Caribbean Boot and it was a perfect match for the deep foot pocket of the Superchannels. So perfect, in fact, that I'll buy an extra pair of the Deep Sees just to have them on hand.
from Omaha, NE on 4/6/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
During a snorkling adventure in Kauai, the currents on the north shore during winter months can be wicked!!. These fins allowed me to propel through the water without loosing ground. Also I was chased by a sea snake and an eel. With the adrenline rushing; my fins must of been going supersonic, I escaped without injury. These fins have good flex, you can create lots of power with the right leg movement. Great product!!.
from Denver,CO on 2/19/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
Great in current.
from Toronto Canada on 1/15/2009
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
They're easy to put on and comfortable. However, as a begginer, I discovered that it takes more power to get propulsion from these fins than it takes for lighter, closed heel ones. Not nimbleenough to easily maneouvre amongst corrals, etc. They're probably a better fit for big guys with big muscles and refined technique.
from Raleigh NC on 6/21/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
These fins are quite large compared to my previous pair but they're very comfortable to use in the water. Good feel to them. The clips make them very easy to put on or take off. Foot pocket seems a little short, XL fins on a size 11 foot with 3mm boots.
Prompt deleivery
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Manhasset, NY on 6/3/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
I got these a few days before my check-out dives in the Keys, and unfortunately they run small -- so small that my toes (size 12 feet) are jammed against the front of the foot pocket. Great thrust and maneuverability, but definitely try them on before you buy them!
from Montreal, Quebec on 4/16/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
I never went so fast, the are a little stiff. Big improvment for my last fins.
from Nipomo, CA on 2/20/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
Very comfortable, easy to adjust. Easy to put on and take off. Very powerful thrust. Great fin!
Delivery was prompt and arrived exactly on the day promised.
from San Francisco, Ca. on 1/19/2008
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
Like the fins for the money,first time diver so haven't tried any others. Went to Belize, dove 7 dives including night dive had no problems.Would recomend
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Australia on 11/22/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
Great fins, very powerful.
Fins are a bit stiff, but I prefer this as I find it more suitable for quick bursts of speed. The only problem I have had is with the strap assembly, specifically the clips. After a few months, one of the pins fell out mid dive, but luckily I spotted the pin lying in the sand and was able to click it back into place and continue the dive. As a result I will be replacing the straps with spring types.
from New Jersey and Singapore on 8/21/2007
Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:
This is a great fin and a great value. I used to dive with split fins that cost twice as much, but found the power lacking when fighting a current. Since I have switched to the superchannels, I have found them to be a much better all-around fin – better power and better control. They are the one item of my scuba gear with which I am fully satisfied. The release system on these and other Mares fins is quite different than other fins. It seems to be a love it or hate it. I personally love it and, after using these fins for 4 months, would not use any other release system – for me they are a quick snap on and snap off and no more having to fiddle tightening the straps after you put them on. I would suggest prospective buyers not be put off by some of the very negative reviews of the Mares release system – try it yourself and judge for yourself and you may love it like I do.