spring straps - permenent or clips?

[cbope]

I'll be getting some spring straps with a new set of fins soon (Avanti Superchannels). I've noticed ST carries 2 types of spring straps... ones which are more-or-less permanently attached and ones with clips/buckles. Obviously the buckles add a failure point, but I'm wondering about the pros/cons of each type.

Personally, I take good care of my gear and don't expect the clip/buckle type would be a disadvantage, but I'd like to get other people's thoughts and experiences. I'm leaning towards the clip/buckle type since if there is a failure of the spring strap (not likely I admit), I can easily swap it out for one of the original rubber straps that come with the fins which I'll keep in my save-a-dive kit.

[chilly willy]

I use the clip type, not only is it easy to swap out in case of failure, but I use them between different sets of fins. As far as a failure point the clip and buckle has never failed on me, although the same system with the rubber straps has failed, but that was because the rubber strap itself broke.

[crgjpg]

I also have the clip type and have not had any problems with them. I have about 25 dives so there is limited use of them. Time will tell.

[IndyDiver]

The reason I got spring straps was for increased reliability and increased ease of taking them on and off. With spring straps, the buckles serve no practical purpose because you just pull them on and off by stretching the spring. As far as reliability is concerned, the plastic buckle is a major point of failure when compared to the SS spring and metal slot for the pin mount. Overall, the buckle adds a failure point and no convienence in day-to-day use, so why would you want to get it?

Originally Posted by cbope

Personally, I take good care of my gear and don't expect the clip/buckle type would be a disadvantage, but I'd like to get other people's thoughts and experiences. I'm leaning towards the clip/buckle type since if there is a failure of the spring strap (not likely I admit), I can easily swap it out for one of the original rubber straps that come with the fins which I'll keep in my save-a-dive kit.

I have seen plastic quick release buckles fail with no visible warning. I also saw one broken on a boat when a tank fell over on it. Even if you take excellent care of your gear, the buckle will be a greater failure point than the rest of the fin. Regarding your second point - there is no reason you can't carry a regular rubber strap with the buckles and clips on it in your save-a-dive kit, the pin on the fin is unaltered by the spring strap. I guess this brings up a third point - the metal slotted plate on a spring strap that goes over the fin pin is hardly a permanent mounting. It is not very hard to slip on and off at all with thumb pressure, although doing it on a daily basis would probably cause undo wear on the rubber pin.

[ektess1]

Part of the beauty of the spring strap is not having to worry about it. Why add worry to you dive?

[comet24]

No plastic buckles on my fin straps. No piece of dive gear have I broken more then plastic buckles on fins. Boats and tanks took their toll over the years before I wised up and got rid of any plastic on my fins. My first set I made myself from directions someone had posted on another board.

[navyhmc]

I have a set of XS spring straps that came with a mount for my older fins, I guess it would be a permanent mount as I had to use the bolts to put it in place on the fins. I have come to like the set up and the fact that taking them off will be a chore-easy but still a chore-doesn't bug me at all.