Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:

I always seem to have a tough time with surface current on the return to the boat. My fin collection runs from those PowerPlanas, US Divers Blades, Appollo Bio Split fins, Aeris Velocity, Avanti Quatro, and now these SuperChannels; which are the best "fighting current" fins in my arsenal. I'm not a big diver, rather average 5'-7" height and 160lbs, these fins fit me fine. I will have to come up with a strap buckle replacement when it breaks on me. If you don't figure it how it supposed to work before going into the ocean, you'll most likely break the buckle. You may need to use ankle weights to help submerge your fin so you don't just slap the surface water especially if you are just snorkeling.

These are my favorite fins todate!

Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:

I've got both the open heel and full boot versions of the SuperChannels. I like them.

The open heel does have one problem...

The quick release buckles [ABS Plus (Adjustable Binding System)] is a great concept that has been poorly executed. Setting the system up and getting in is easy - it's getting out which is the problem>>>

-There are tiny buttons on each buckle that you have to depress to get the buckle to open.

-You have to squeeze these buttons so tightly - and so close to the point where they bottom out - that lots of people won't be able to do it (i.e., no small number of guys, lots of women, women with finger nails, lots of people with dive gloves, lots of people with arthritis in their hands, etc).

-Additionally, lots of divers take their fins off in the water while bobbing behind a dive boat. Try locating the tiny buttons in rough water with the transom of a boat or a dive step swinging up and down near your head.

If you've got any experience with product development (or even if you don't) you can look at the design for about 10 seconds and figure out a number of ways it could have been done better. Too bad.

I can get out of the buckles using them the way they were designed (just barely). A lot of people will not be able to use them as designed.

Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:

Overall these are good fins. I have a hard time with the quick release on the heel to get my fins off. (But my husband seems to have an easier time with them).

My husband bought a size Regular Fin and a size 9 of the Tusa Imprex dive boot. He normally wears a size 10 men's shoe. This combination seems to work well.

I bought a size Small Fin and a size 6 of the Tusa Imprex dive boot. I normally wear a size 9 women's shoe.

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.

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!!.

Comments about Mares Mares Avanti Superchannel Open Heel Fins:

Great in current.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.