As promised, something that has performed well beyond expectations. Initially I trusted the dive shop employee who sold my first and only set of fins. They were bought in at a shop in Jacksonville. The cost was about $125, although a quick search on LeisurePro list them for way less. They were purchased right before doing the PADI Rescue course. Approximately 12 years later and over 5000 dives they are still going strong. Now that's value, and no warranty required.
There is a Mares dealer he...re in West-End who sells these and newer versions of the fins but the only thing that has been replaced is the straps. When the weather gets nasty on the north side we dive the south. At times we do shore dive in Flowers Bay over by Church Wall. That's when the open heel fins earn their money. To clarify, we carry a large variety of closed heel fins, some of which are never picked because they are simply to hard to put on and much less take off while hanging to the back of the ladder.
I've tried the split fins and they definitely have less resistance and thus less stress on your knees. I'd hate to have to tow someone back to the boat against a current using split fins however. I'm just making the case that the Mares Open Heel fins are good and reliable.
On a separate note, we have used a variety of close heel fins for just about all our rentals when boat diving. During that time, it is also the Mares closed heel fins which have lasted the test of time.
They get the double oks from this reviewer. That's not to say I'm not going to try a different pair.
Until next time, happy bubbles.
I've always used split fins when diving and since we always drift dive, I thought the Mares fins would work better when swimming into the current. They worked very well and I will continue to use these when drift diving.
I did have a bit of a challenge at first getting the fins off in the water while hanging onto the rope on the side of the boat. These fins have buckles on both sides of the straps and the strap doesn't detach from the fin. My other fins unbuckle and the strap detaches on ...one side, so that's what I was used to. However, after a couple of dives, I had no problem getting the fins off and throwing them into the boat.
The Mares Avanti X3 is the perfect combination of comfort and power for recreational divers and snorkelers. The mid-sized blade has three channels for optimal movement. The fin blade is made of Tecraclene: blade with three channels for optimizing water flow, the center channel is inverted to make better use of the glide stroke. The upper and lower stabilizers help maximize muscle energy conversion.
Tecraclene ribs in the foot pocket afford an improved fit and permit more efficient transmission of the kicking action. The range of sizes is complete to better accommodate all requirements, including those of women and younger divers. The straps feature the ABS Plus (Adjustable Binding System) for single-handed adjustment. The Mares Avanti X3 is a successful marriage of comfort and power. The Avanti X3 uses Mares patented design ABS Plus Buckles. It only takes one quick movement to easily open or close these buckles, even when wearing thick neoprene gloves. The double button release prevents the buckles from accidently opening making them the most user-friendly system on the market. Fin comes in multiple colors and sizes, has an overall length between 22.2" to 26.4" (56.5cm to 67cm) depending on size. Fins are made from Tecralene, and weigh between 2.8 lbs. to 4.6 lbs. (1.28 kg to 2.08 kg). Available in multiple sizes and colors.
This product can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
Leow W
Hi, got a mares avanti fins size regular, but a bit too for me, anyway to get a proper fir?? get a thick boots?
BRIAN M
Thick dive booties might be sufficient to make the boots fit, depending on how off the fit is. I can't judge that, or recommend how many sizes you can hope to adjust via different booties. Sorry.
MICHAEL B
What size? I have the Regular size and it's 8 1/2" across at the widest part near the tip.
KEVIN C
I ware a womens size 8 shoe. What size boot and fin should I purchase?
YAN G
Most likely a size 6 boot and an XS fin. We have the PFF Guarantee if they do not fit, so no worries.
NICOLE L
I am looking into purchasing the Tusa Sport Adult Series Wailea Snorkel set for both snorkeling and for scuba diving. Are the short fins good for scuba diving? I have only used the ones that are offered at the resorts where I dive and they are always the long ones, but they do not fit me well and I am looking for something more comfortable. I like the way they fit, just wanted to see the pros and cons of short fins.
Thanks, Nicole
KEVIN F
They are not suitable for scuba diving. Most shorter fins are not intended for diving. However, the Aeris Accel and Aqualung Hotshot fins are smaller in length and suitable for scuba diving.
JEREMY R
They are decent. Honestly for snorkeling I like the deep sea split fins. They are cheap and comfortable. Only good for snorkeling though. They don't slap off the water. If you are diving then yes. Go with the tusa
NICK U
I do not find this pair of fins short at all. they are very comfortable with my 5mm boots. I find them a little harder than the Tusa Liberator x10 to get undone, but that's a very minor issue.
