Jetfins vs. Turtles

[DiverBry]

Hi All,

I had a pair of XL Jets that didn't quite fit a new pair of boots I just got, so I sold the XL Jets and bought the next size up... the XXL Jets.

I quickly learned that there is a HUGE difference in size between the XL Jets and the XXL Jets... my boots were swimming in those garage-sized foot pockets on the XXLs.

A friend told me that the Turtle fins (which come in only one size), actually fall somewhere between the Jetfin XL and XXL, so I bought a pair from ScubaToys this weekend.

Sure enough, they fit perfectly!

The blade seems to be an inch wider and an inch shorter than the XXL Jets.

Does anyone else here own a set of Turtle fins? How are they working out for you? Do you notice much difference in performance between your Jetfins and the Turtles?

Thanks,
Bryan

[crpntr133]

Love my turtles. Never dove a pair of Jets so I can't comment.
I was ok with my Oceanic fins until I went dry and the size 12 boot just wouldn't work. The only ones that would fit were the turtles.

[mrbheagney]

I have heard great reports about Turtles but I love my Jets.

[MSilvia]

My XXL jets were too big, so I switched to turtles and have been quite happy with them. They're comparable.

[floater]

Turtles have been default fin choice for "jetfin" fans between XL and XXL. I only used them briefly, but felt they were slightly floppier than my XL jets - I subsequently switched to smaller boots so I could use the jets again.

Alternatives now include the OMS Slipstream fins, which are exactly the same shape as jetfins, but made of lighter, less flexible material. The XXL slipstreams are supposed to have same size pockets as the turtles.

[bubble-head]

Switching from Jets to Turtles is pretty common. They have a solid reputation. I dive Jets though.

[mwhities]

I went from XL Jets to Turtles back to XXL Jets. I wear a pait of DUI rock boots the XXls fit perfectly. (Yes, I wear my rock boots and XXL jets while warm water diving. :P)

The Turtles felt "sloppy" or not as stiff as the Jets.

Michael

[CompuDude]

Turtle are floppier than Jets, but certainly within the usable range. Very common choice among those who prefer Jet-style fins, due the idiotic sizing of ScubaPro's fins.

SlipStreams are getting more and more popular as well. XXL is similar in size to Turtles, but a little bit smaller, IIRC.

Another one to keep an eye out for is the new Hollis F1 fins. Very nice foot pocket, way better than most of the others. My LDS just got them in... I'm pretty tempted to pick up a pair to try out. The most reasonable foot pocket sizing I've seen in a while, among technical fins.

[WolfY]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Turtle are floppier than Jets, but certainly within the usable range. Very common choice among those who prefer Jet-style fins, due the idiotic sizing of ScubaPro's fins.

SlipStreams are getting more and more popular as well. XXL is similar in size to Turtles, but a little bit smaller, IIRC.

Another one to keep an eye out for is the new Hollis F1 fins. Very nice foot pocket, way better than most of the others. My LDS just got them in... I'm pretty tempted to pick up a pair to try out. The most reasonable foot pocket sizing I've seen in a while, among technical fins.

hi CompuDude,

How did you find the pocket size of the turtles compared to the F1 fins?

I have Turtles and use them with Pinnacle Orca II booties size US10/ EUR 43.

Another considaration is how stif or flexible are they in comparision.

Thanks for reply

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by WolfY

hi CompuDude,

How did you find the pocket size of the turtles compared to the F1 fins?

I have Turtles and use them with Pinnacle Orca II booties size US10/ EUR 43.

Another considaration is how stif or flexible are they in comparision.

Thanks for reply

I haven't had my booties with me when I was in the shop, so I'm not sure about the size... I'm basing my info from reports from others, and an in-person examination, which clearly shows a foot pocket that's a lot deeper than those on Jets (and their clones).

They are a little floppier than Jets, based on a "shake test" on land, grabbing the two fins and shaking and otherwise flexing the blades. I don't know how they perform in the water yet. Initial reports from those who have tried it have been extremely positive, but I still want to see for myself.

I have little doubt they would work quite well for a single tank setup, but until I have a chance to try it, I'm not sure how well they'll work pushing a drysuit and doubles (and stages) through the water, since they seem less rigid. That's one thing I'd love to determine before I plunk down the money for them, but I'm sure if that's going to happen.