Jet fins vs. turtle vs. slipstream

[RoyN]

Whats the differences between those 3 fins? The ones I'm looking at is the scubapro jet fins, the XS scuba turtle and OMS slipstream. I'm moving into having DIR/GUE gear configuration (I'm still a stoke! I refuse to give up my integrated weights, air source, and no extra regulator!) but I'm looking for mostly on price and one that is worth the cost. I'm looking into the slipstream as that seems to be the cheapest out of the three while jet fins is $65 on leisurepro but their shipping is a $15 extra. Please help! I'm going crazy!

EDIT: Another fin, the XS Scuba Power Fin and it is 76 something dollars on leisurepro...does scubatoys have that fin too?

[mentalmarine]

Well I can only comment on the Scubapro jetfins, as I have yet to use the other two. I am extremely happy with the SP Jet fins that I have. I would probably be happy with the other brands as well. If given the choice between the three, I would probably pick the cheapest as they all seem to be relatively the same. Though like I said, I have yet to actually use the other two brands.

[mwhities]

Aloha Shore Divers

[frogman159]

I've got the Slipstreams feel very powerful in the water, neutrally buoyant, very slightly negative with the spring straps. At first they rubbed the top of my foot, but now that they are breaking in, it feels like I have nothing on my feet.

[mentalmarine]

Originally Posted by mwhities

Aloha Shore Divers

Geeezz, I stand corrected! There are more than a few differences between the three. I like that page, very well put together!

[ReefHound]

The Jets and the Turtles are classics. They have been around a long time and are seemingly indestructible. Lots of people are diving 20 and 30 year old Jets. You can usually get a used pair on ebay or a scuba forum for under $50.

The Turtles are known for having bigger foot pockets making it easier for some to get their drysuit rock boots in.

The Slips are similar to the Jets but many prefer that they are stiffer and lighter, especially diving wet. I have the Slips and like them a lot but while they seem to be well made they have not yet withstood the test of time as the Jets.

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

The Slips are similar to the Jets but many prefer that they are stiffer and lighter, especially diving wet. I have the Slips and like them a lot but while they seem to be well made they have not yet withstood the test of time as the Jets.

I am betting you will not wear those OMS flippers out anytime in the coming years!

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by texdiveguy

I am betting you will not wear those OMS flippers out anytime in the coming years!

You can also bet I'm gonna try my best!

[texdiveguy]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

You can also bet I'm gonna try my best!

I can't blame you there....I am too go to try breaking those fins....got me a pair last year in early winter. Lets give it the old college try!!!

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

The Jets and the Turtles are classics. They have been around a long time and are seemingly indestructible. Lots of people are diving 20 and 30 year old Jets. You can usually get a used pair on ebay or a scuba forum for under $50.

The Turtles are known for having bigger foot pockets making it easier for some to get their drysuit rock boots in.

The Slips are similar to the Jets but many prefer that they are stiffer and lighter, especially diving wet. I have the Slips and like them a lot but while they seem to be well made they have not yet withstood the test of time as the Jets.

I concur.

Jets are the gold standard in this type of fin. Turtles are very similar, but slightly "floppier", from what I understand (my feet aren't big enough to need them). Just slightly... not a huge amount. SlipStreams are, as has been noted, lighter, and are a bit stiffer.

All are excellent choices. Here is a question: Do you have floaty feet or sinking feet? If sinking, I would definitely get the SlipStreams, as the Jets and Turtles are quite negative. If you have floaty feet (especially with your drysuit), you might benefit from the negativity offered by the Turtles or Jets.

Floater on ScubaBoard did a pretty thorough comparison of the three, I believe, and IIRC, all were pretty close. I can't recall which ended up as his favorite, but frankly, in such a tight race, personal preference is going to be more important than any slight edge in one area or another.