Hollis F1 vs Mares Plana Avanti Quattro

[Coastie6]

Thinking about replacing some old original Mares Power Plana fins. It's a toss up between the Hollis F1 and Mares Plana Avanti Quattro. Any strong feelings either way?

[Heavy D]

No opinion from me, but the owner of my LDS says the Hollis are the most comfortable and best fins he's ever used. I am purchasing some in a couple weeks myself based on his recommendation.

[RoyN]

Just ordered one from scubatoys which was a size large and another one from divers-supply which was an extra large. Both surprisingly actually fit my size 10 boots. But only one fits my tropical boots though so sorry, not going to sell it. The material though looks fantastic! I need one of those spray thingies to make the inside of the boots slippery so I could fit it in.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Coastie6

Thinking about replacing some old original Mares Power Plana fins. It's a toss up between the Hollis F1 and Mares Plana Avanti Quattro. Any strong feelings either way?

The Hollis fins are VERY well reviewed.

BUT, they're heavy, like ScubaPro Jet fins. For some, this is a very good thing.

But if you're already trimmed out for Power Planas, which are neutral, you may find yourself foot heavy with heavy fins. You may, in that case, prefer the newer Mares fins, which are also neutral.

[Coastie6]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

The Hollis fins are VERY well reviewed.

BUT, they're heavy, like ScubaPro Jet fins. For some, this is a very good thing.

But if you're already trimmed out for Power Planas, which are neutral, you may find yourself foot heavy with heavy fins. You may, in that case, prefer the newer Mares fins, which are also neutral.

I wondered about that. I've had the Planas for quite a while, I used them with my drysuit in New England. Did not use them much when we lived in Florida (went with a slipper foot Mares fin there). Before that had the old USD Turbo fins which I guess are like the Jets and the Hollis rubber composition. I'm really not trimmed out yet as I am updating all my gear, unfortunately my old drysuit would not even come close to fitting after all these years so I'm currently considering a few 7mm wetsuit options now. I'll have to give both fins a closer look. The disadvantage I have is there aren't any real opportunities to get my hands on any of this gear. Pretty limited LDS here. - Thanks

[MSilvia]

I was a huge fan of the plana avantis for years, but recently got a pair of Hollis F1s, and ended up giving my Mares fins away to a friend who's just getting started. The Hollis fins are a bit negative, but I didn't notice them being significantly more negative than Avantis with spring straps. I DEFINATELY prefer and wholeheartedly endorse them as a great option.

[ektess1]

I have the Hollis fins and love them. They are the most comfortable fin that I have every used. They fit me the best, so maybe that is why they are the most comfortable.

[Byte Me]

I just got the F1's in XXL to fit both my drysuit boots (Whites Evo3 sz 13) and my wet boots (henderson instadry sz 11). Prior to the F1's I had Scubapro twin jet's w/ spring straps. The F1's are lighter by one lb. if I remember right and aren't as negative, although they are negative. I used the for the first time last weekend and really like them. Very easy to manuver in them, frog and helicopter are a breeze. When taking them off (in fresh water) one slipped out of my hand and while it did sink it didn't drop like a rock.

I'll try them in a couple weeks in Playa with my wet boots but so far I'm really digging them.