13 replies to this topic

[annasea]

Due to a somewhat ill-fated shore dive last month, I lost my Jet fins. I've been reading consistently positive reviews of the OMS Slipstreams so I'm open to switching fins. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be available in Medium or Large although the OMS website states otherwise. I called OMS and was told there's a problem with the molds and no target date has been set but I've read elsewhere that it's a money issue. Does anyone have any further information? Or another Jet-like fin suggestion? TIA!

[PerroneFord]

Did you dislike the Jetfins for some reason that would have you looking at other models? The OMS slipstreams are neutral in the water instead of negative like the Jets which would affect your trim.

[OTWdiver]

Did you dislike the Jetfins for some reason that would have you looking at other models? The OMS slipstreams are neutral in the water instead of negative like the Jets which would affect your trim.

The problem with the mold needs a rebuild due to a bad interpretation of a drawing. The mold builders have accepted responsibility but they not delivered a new mold as of yet. It is a concern and every effort is being made but there is no time line for the final solution. I wish I could tell you the fins are on the way but in fact we are waiting on the mold.

[WreckWench]

Hey Annasea! Great question. I was an avid jet fin diver and still dive them when weight is not an issue aka diving a "drive to" location. However as you know they are VERY heavy and take up a lot of valuable luggage weight when flying to dive.

So I tried the OMS Slipstreams which due to my rock boot means I require the larger size. I was enthralled with the fact that the 2 fins together with spring straps weighed less than 2 pounds.

However when I first used them I hated them. My feet felt like they were 'flapping' in the water compared to the Jet fins. However after about 3-5 dives my feet adjusted to the 'neutral bouyancy' of them and they performed for me just as my jet fins did.

I can do turns, skull and everything I could with my jet fins only my legs are less fatigued and my luggage weighs almost 8 pounds less when I travel.

Sadly I just had a mishap and lost one of mine OMS and now need to get another pair. I've been diving a number of other fins and do not like them as well as the OMS or the Jet Fin.

I am not sure when they will have the new molds but I would certainly add them to your 'fly kit' when they have them in your size. In the meantime I would check egay to see if someone is selling 'one' fin.

[NJBerserker]

I too was an avid Jet fin user. I then tried Kamalas slipstreams on one day and was very impressed. For some reason they fit me better than my Jets did. In the first two weeks of the season I pitted them against each other to see which one I preferred. The Slipstreams one hands down. The Jet fins are still awesome as we are still using them today, but I must say personally I believe OMS built a better mousetrap here. I gave my Jets to one of my best friends who is trying to put a set of gear together. Give them a shot.

Edited by NJBerserker, 03 October 2008 - 01:30 PM.

[Dive_Girl]

The problem with the mold needs a rebuild due to a bad interpretation of a drawing. The mold builders have accepted responsibility but they not delivered a new mold as of yet. It is a concern and every effort is being made but there is no time line for the final solution. I wish I could tell you the fins are on the way but in fact we are waiting on the mold.

OTW - thanks for the super speedy information!

[PerroneFord]

I gave my Jets to one of my best friends who is trying to put a set of gear together. Give them a shot.

If you make the move to doubles, you may want them back...

[WreckWench]

I gave my Jets to one of my best friends who is trying to put a set of gear together. Give them a shot.

If you make the move to doubles, you may want them back...

Why? I've dove double 95's with my jetfins and oms's. I did not need the weight in my feet for the doubles which were more than heavy nor for my drysuit.

[NJBerserker]

Yeah I don't really see needing them. The Slipstreams may be lighter but are also in fact stiffer in the water. The thrust is just fine. I can always just add ankle weights if there is a trim issue, which I could see happening. Yet as far as thrust goes, they do just fine. I also have legs like freakin' tree trunks, that tends to help.

[diverb0b]

You can always try Force Fins ....I ve used them for years and are very easy on your knee joints

[PerroneFord]

With your height, 95s are fairly long tanks. For my height, 108s are about the limit of length I can get away with before I start standing on my head. I often wear a tailweight even with the 108s if I am also wearing a stage, or if am in my heavy undergarment because it really floats my legs. I tried to do a pool dive in my drysuit, thin undergarments, and 95s last week and nearly stood on my head the entire time.

-P

Why? I've dove double 95's with my jetfins and oms's. I did not need the weight in my feet for the doubles which were more than heavy nor for my drysuit.

[annasea]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Glad to know the mold story appears to be the true one.

Perrone, if you like, I'll send you a pic of me another diver took without my knowing which illustrates just where my trim really is. It doesn't appear the Jets are helping much; in fact, they may be making matters worse.

I still have my original fins, Mares Avantis Quattros, I believe, so in case I have the opportunity to dive anytime soon, I've got a back-up.

[PerroneFord]

Sure, send the picture.

[annasea]

Picture (and disclaimer) sent.

BTW, does anyone have any feedback on the DiveRite fins? I've read a thing or two about them and it's been favourable so far...