68 replies to this topic

[annasea]

Thanks for the feedback, guys!

I personally prefer the fabric ones. Whatever the material, it needs to completely cover the spring.

<snip>

The XS SCUBA straps <snip>

Thx for the link, Jim! Why do you prefer the fabric covering to plastic? I would have thought that fabric would wear faster than plastic.

Perrone, those Mantas of yours... are they the same one Gregg uses? (They were also on the fins that I was borrowing during my OW.) Does Gregg sell them?

[Dive_Girl]

Thx for the link, Jim! Why do you prefer the fabric covering to plastic? I would have thought that fabric would wear faster than plastic.

It's not exactly "fabric." It's a heavy canvas liner simmilar to webbing. I personally find it more comfortable.

[PerroneFord]

I don't know what Gregg uses. Never looked at his fins to be honest. But I bought my Manta's off the wall of the shop. They aren't cheap though.

[ScubaDadMiami]

I have used Mantas (with plastic tubing) and Halcyon (with nylon tubular webbing). I, too, prefer the fabric to the plastic covers over the spring straps. The plastic is thicker, and it can roll over the back of the foot, allowing the spring strap to come off easier. It won't happen every time. However, it is enough of an issue that I would say to go with the fabric version.

The XS straps look like they are the best constructed of all though I have never tried them.

[annasea]

I don't know what Gregg uses. Never looked at his fins to be honest. But I bought my Manta's off the wall of the shop. They aren't cheap though.

I know! $63 on the Manta website. No wonder you say you can't afford any SD trips.

Gregg's and Gregg's daughter's fins both have plastic tubing on the spring. If you got yours off the wall, I'm guessing so did they.

Howard, I have a fin strap guard on the back of my boot. I reckon it's to prevent scenarios like the one you described above.

[ScubaDadMiami]

Howard, I have a fin strap guard on the back of my boot. I reckon it's to prevent scenarios like the one you described above.

That will probably work.

[JimG]

It's not exactly "fabric." It's a heavy canvas liner simmilar to webbing. I personally find it more comfortable.

Sorry - could not think of a better word for it. It's pretty sturdy stuff though, and I also find it more comfortable. It also seems to be a little bit easier to grab with wet gloves (on those rare occasions when I actually use gloves). I can't really comment on the relative wear. I know that the canvas covering will eventually wear through, but I'd be concerned that the plastic covering might become brittle and split or break - it's probably a toss-up.

[jextract]

I have the Henderson InstaDry booties and there's a little notch on the heel (below the foot) where the spring fits nicely. If you haven't bought your booties yet, I would highly recommend these.

[annasea]

I have the Henderson InstaDry booties and there's a little notch on the heel (below the foot) where the spring fits nicely. If you haven't bought your booties yet, I would highly recommend these.

Ahem... see post #65.