Fin size vs. drysuit boots

[cbope]

I'm about to get a set of open-heel fins and boots, moving up from a set of full foot fins which have only been used in warm waters. Planning on getting the Avanti Superchannels in size "regular" and the Mares 5mm boots. I wear a size 9.5-10 shoe, depending on the shoe.

How well will the fins fit on typical drysuit boots? I'm going to get a drysuit at some point and wouldn't like to have to invest in another set of fins for drysuit use.

Note that I haven't bought any of this gear yet, I'm just checking my options at this point. I figure I will go with the slightly thicker 5mm boots to take up a bit more space in the fin pocket, and the 5mm will be closer in size to a drysuit boot than the thinner 2-3mm boots. I will also get spring straps.

Any comments appreciated.

[MSilvia]

In my experience, fins that fit wetsuit boots are too small for vulcanized rubber drysuit boots, and too small for "rock boot" style drysuit boots too. You'll probably either need a larger set of fins for drysuit diving, or you'll need to dive soft boots on your drysuit (which is fine for boat dives, but not a good idea if you have to walk in them).

As an alternative, I got Hollis F1s, which are comparable in performance to the Mares fins. Since the spring straps are adjustable, you may be able to get them to fit. Personally, I can use mine with either size 11 neoprene boots, or size 13 Converse All-Stars (which I use instead of rock boots).

Good luck.

[Byte Me]

Good for you in the thinking ahead dept! Like Matt, I use Hollis F1 fins for both my drysuit rock boots and my Henderson Instadry 5mm wetboots. The fin pocket is large (tall) enough for the rock boots and after spending a few days diving the wet boots last week in Mexico I'm happy to report no issues wearing those either.

My prior fins were Scubapro Twin Jets and weren't tall enough in the pocket for my rock boots. They would have been fine had I used Converse all-stars, but the drysuit package I bought (Whites Fusion) included the Evo 3 boots so I upgraded fins rather then messing with the boots.

It'll obviously help if you know what direction you want to go with a drysuit (integraged boots, package that includes boots, etc.) so it would be pretty easy to try the fins with the planned boots. Short of that I flipped my fins pretty quickly on "the bay" and got back very close to what I paid for them.

[cbope]

Aren't F1's heavy(er) like Jets and a bit negative? I need something not too heavy for travel which is why I stayed away from Jet-type fins. Factoring in the F1's come with spring straps, the price isn't too far off my budget (including spring straps) but definitely on the high side. However, I do prefer my fins neutral.

I'll have to check the LDS and see what kind of drysuit boots they carry. One of the more common drysuits here (Ursuit, a division of Suunto) has integrated boots. A diving friend has one of these suits and he's about my size. Might need to borrow it...

Originally Posted by MSilvia

In my experience, fins that fit wetsuit boots are too small for vulcanized rubber drysuit boots, and too small for "rock boot" style drysuit boots too. You'll probably either need a larger set of fins for drysuit diving, or you'll need to dive soft boots on your drysuit (which is fine for boat dives, but not a good idea if you have to walk in them).

As an alternative, I got Hollis F1s, which are comparable in performance to the Mares fins. Since the spring straps are adjustable, you may be able to get them to fit. Personally, I can use mine with either size 11 neoprene boots, or size 13 Converse All-Stars (which I use instead of rock boots).

Good luck.

[Byte Me]

Originally Posted by cbope

Aren't F1's heavy(er) like Jets and a bit negative? I need something not too heavy for travel which is why I stayed away from Jet-type fins. Factoring in the F1's come with spring straps, the price isn't too far off my budget (including spring straps) but definitely on the high side. However, I do prefer my fins neutral.

I'll have to check the LDS and see what kind of drysuit boots they carry. One of the more common drysuits here (Ursuit, a division of Suunto) has integrated boots. A diving friend has one of these suits and he's about my size. Might need to borrow it...

It'll obviously be a lot easier to figure out if you know what direction you're going with a dry suit! I got a great deal on my F1s through Scuba Toys (as always) so I'd give them a call - may save yourself some $$.

As for the weight, the F1s weigh just over a pound less than the twin jets and are much closer to neutral as well being slightly negative in fresh and neutral in salt water.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by cbope

Aren't F1's heavy(er) like Jets and a bit negative? I need something not too heavy for travel which is why I stayed away from Jet-type fins. Factoring in the F1's come with spring straps, the price isn't too far off my budget (including spring straps) but definitely on the high side. However, I do prefer my fins neutral.

I'll have to check the LDS and see what kind of drysuit boots they carry. One of the more common drysuits here (Ursuit, a division of Suunto) has integrated boots. A diving friend has one of these suits and he's about my size. Might need to borrow it...

F1's are similarly heavy to Jet fins. (Twin Jets are a different beast entirely)

If you want something lighter and more neutral for travel (and/or at home), check out the OMS SlipStreams, which look just like Jets but are a plastic compound so they weigh much less.

[cbope]

Ok, may have to consider 2 sets of fins. Definitely, I will get the Superchannels for traveling, no drysuit involved.

When I get a drysuit, I'll just see if the fins fit the drysuit boots or not. If not, then a second set, even heavier Jets (or F1's) are fine, since I will only be using the drysuit in home waters (Baltic sea, freshwater lakes/mines, etc).

[bsktcase93]

My fins fit fine with my 5mm boots but they don't fit with dui rock boots