How tight or loose for spring straps.

[BRsnow]

I use twin jets split fins size large with an 11 foot size and got the size large spring straps for them. They seem a bit loose, have not had them in the water yet, but with the boot on I don't think my foot would come out, but it certainly is not a tight fit. Is there any rule of thumb to this? Do you want a lot of pressure keeping the fin on or is just loose enough to keep them on? Thanks for the help...BR

[WaScubaDude]

Diving wet or dry? Current or wave action?

Should be no space between the heal of the boot and the spring strap. Snug but not painfull in the least. Some springs can be shortened with a couple pair of needle nose pliers and a good wire cutter. But if it is easy to take them back, bring your boots and fins with and try the next size down.

[BRsnow]

Thanks, wet/current...I will probably swing by the shop and try the mediums as well..

[comet24]

I don't like them tight. Just enough pressure to keep them on. Basically the spring should be stretched just a litter bit. Others may have different options but I get foot cramps easy so just tight enough that they stay on. I have never had an issue with them coming off or being loose this way.

[CompuDude]

I agree, snug but not tight. The springs should be stretched at least some, else there is no pressure keeping the fins on. OTOH, they should not be stretched so much that they exert painful pressure on your foot, cramming it into the fin pocket in an uncomfortable way.

You're looking for the Goldilocks solution. The vast majority of people should find a satisfactory fit with one of the standard sizes (which usually vary by about 1", depending on the brand?), but some may have to customize the fit. Just be careful you don't cut the line that prevents the spring from overextending, or it becomes all to easy to kill your spring straps.

[Travelnsj]

I have a pair of Scuba Pro twin jets....I retro fitted the fins with the innovative spring straps. I got a size large as my fins are XL and I wear a size 11, 3mm warm water boots. Never tried them on until I was in Palau!...Suiting up for the Blue Corner and the last thing I put on are the fins...with my new spring straps!....YIKES....much to big had to put a pair of straps on the fins till I got back and got a size Medium...perfect.

[BRsnow]

I switched out with LDS for mediums tonight and they worked out great...thanks for the help...

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

I have a pair of Scuba Pro twin jets....I retro fitted the fins with the innovative spring straps. I got a size large as my fins are XL and I wear a size 11, 3mm warm water boots. Never tried them on until I was in Palau!...Suiting up for the Blue Corner and the last thing I put on are the fins...with my new spring straps!....YIKES....much to big had to put a pair of straps on the fins till I got back and got a size Medium...perfect.

Yeah, unfortunately you can't judge spring strap sizes (especially across multiple SS manufacturers) by fin strap size.

For one thing, as we all know, fin sizes area all over the map. One company's XL barely fits another company's M.

For another thing, strap attachment points are put in different positions on different models of fin. Case in point: On my wife's fins, Mares Avanti Quattro's, size S, I bought her size S spring straps from Piranha.

Recently we learned two things. First, her straps are bit too tight. So I order a pair of Medium straps from the same company. And got the exact same strap! Whoops... we later learned there had been a mixup in the original order... she actually was wearing a size M spring strap on her size S fins, and it was TOO SMALL!!! I exchanged the size M straps I had just bought her for size L, and now all is well. Go figure... the right answer was size L spring strap on a size S fin... at least, for that precise model of fin, on her foot.

[Travelnsj]

One thing I learned.......Do not try new gear at the Blue Corner in Palau....it was also the first time I tried my New Atomic frameless mask...damn thing leaked...well actually that is an understatement!....water poured in...wasted one of the great dives in the world

[buddhasummer]

Originally Posted by Travelnsj

One thing I learned.......Do not try new gear at the Blue Corner in Palau....it was also the first time I tried my New Atomic frameless mask...damn thing leaked...well actually that is an understatement!....water poured in...wasted one of the great dives in the world

Hindsight is 20/20 I know, but trying new gear on a vacation is a recipe for disaster, if I buy any new gear I make sure I use it at least a few times before getting on a plane/boat. Live and learn. Hope you got some great dives in though Id love to go there one day...