Getting fins on and off

[moosicman]

I was going through my cert. training and the fins that i have are the mares superchannels with the locking buckle straps (they lock like rollerblade straps where you push the strap through and then fold it back forward and lock it for a tight fit). anyway, my instructor didn't want me to open and close the strap lock mechanism, and instead loosen them up so i could just slip them on and off, which i suppose i don't have a problem doing if it is some sort of ettiquet thing, but i would prefer my fins be a bit more snug...is this just an instructor being a bit anal (he didn't make a big deal about it, it was just one of those DIR type things) or should i not do it like i want to (once i'm diving on my own)?

[FishFood]

I think youll find your instructors method the best. I thought the same way (your train of thought) at first, but after trying it a couple different ways, just slipping them on and pulling the straps tight is the best. To snap the buckles in place would be difficult with one hand. Youd be pushing the fin off while trying to get it on, not good... Also, the buckle could be a failure point if not properly secured.

Do it his way while in the class, then experiment on some of your first certified dives.

[moosicman]

well the thing is i don't think these are made to do that way...once you pull the strap through the buckle part it takes a LARGE effort to get them back through....he could not even get them to slide back and i was figureing that the buckle system was the reason why, as if you were SUPPOSE to buckle it the way i was...know what i mean? plus it takes me no time to get in and out of them like this....its just a press and snap and boom i'm out (or in)

[FishFood]

Oh ok, I miss read your post a little bit.



Normaly just unbuckling them to take em off works fine. However! For a boat dive, keeping them buckled when taking them off is a good idea. This way it's easier to hang on to them when climbing the ladder. Theres got to be a happy medium where they're tight enough but can still be taken off w/o unbuckling them?

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by moosicman

well the thing is i don't think these are made to do that way...once you pull the strap through the buckle part it takes a LARGE effort to get them back through....he could not even get them to slide back and i was figureing that the buckle system was the reason why, as if you were SUPPOSE to buckle it the way i was...know what i mean? plus it takes me no time to get in and out of them like this....its just a press and snap and boom i'm out (or in)

Get springs and forget about it.

The problem with using the buckle on most fins, is that the buckle can come off while you are attempting to attach it. Don't know the system on yours, so that may not be an issue.

Anyway, last thing an instructor wants is to have that buckle float away, so, he will ask that you don't do that...

Take a look on yours and see if the buckle is snapped in place on the post, and comes off by pushing back on it....that is the issue.

Anyway... springs are the greatest fin invention I know of... and some have the end that fits into most buckles... so you don't have to change anything. Avoid the metal pull on the post ones, it tends to eat up the post.

[Airborne!]

He does not understand how the Mares ABS Buckles work. He is used to the standard buckles. With the ABS buckles you do not loosen them every time. That defeats the whole purpose of the ABS system which allows you to keep the straps at the same tension every time you wear your fins. Use the ABS system like you were originally and do not loosen them like he suggests.

[moosicman]

i thought so....what does the ABS stand for BTW?....

[Flatliner]

I have both the buckles (on a set of Volo Powers) and springs (on a set of Dive Rites) You are correct in that they are NOT designed to be used like your instructor is wanting you to use them. Just do what he wants for the class and then go back to using them correctly. However, I will also say that, as someone who uses both, Puffer is also correct in that the springs are WAY easier to use. After you have a complete set of gear, I would consider adding purchased or homemade spring straps to your fins.

[moosicman]

so the spring straps are interchangable and compatible with all fins?

[Airborne!]

Adjustable Binding System