Fins...what's the story on spring straps?

[divnlifr]

Anyone out there have comments on the Spring Strap system? I have Apollo Split fins with the regular straps and don't really have any problem getting them on and off...is there any other reason I would want to spend the extra money for the new spring straps? I don't really see the benefit. Help

[ScubaToys Larry]

I'd tell you at this point if you like them... don't bother. If a few years from now you see them getting weak at some point - dry rot or something, then if you switch to springs - they don't break!

It started in the tec community, and like lots of good ideas, migrated over into rec dive gear - but by no means are they necessary.

[datamunk]

nope. just kinda nice to have the comfort of them to not break (ive seen people with ones tht are actually attached to the pins of your fin, rather than on a buckle system at all, which are even MORE secure! but, still. i dont have any but im thinkin of it, eventually!

[Zenagirl]

I bought spring straps for my fins since the rubber strap was horrible. Once I used the spring straps a couple of times, I went out and bought a pair for my husband's fins and installed them without him knowing. He had been having difficulty getting his fins off at the boat ladder and wasn't that happy with the Mares strap system, so it seemed to make sense to buy the spring straps for him. He was thrilled the first time he dove with the spring straps and will never go back to regular straps.

However I agree with Larry. If you like your straps, they work well, have you have no problems, why bother replacing them until you need to?

[crosseyed95]

I wear a drysuit and always had a problem with the buckle system on my fins. Finally bought the springs that attach right to the post on my fins. Love them. My fins go on in 3 seconds and I can take them off just as easy. My wife saw how easy it was and converted over.

I agree however that if you don't have a problem with your current buckles why bother. But if they are causing any problems or just simply annoy you then you'll be glad you spent the money.

[DiverBry]

I was skeptical of spring straps, as well, but since so many people were raving about them on the boards, I decided to try a set on my JetFins.

Fantastic... makes putting on and taking off the fins a breeze... plus, they feel very secure... no worries about the strap loosening during the dive, etc.

[Bring the Payne]

I used my spring straps for the first time this weekend and quickly realized I made a great decision to buy them. My Oceanic v16's came unbuckled on me a handful of times so I bought the spring straps to fix that. You always have the right amount of tension and never have to worry about straps breaking. I opted for the full stainless springs that mount on my posts instead of the straps with quick release buckles.

[MxDiver]

I changed my straps for springs not too long ago, after seeing how ease was to take them on and off vs. having to adjust the regular straps everytime I put the fins on.

[Kokomo]

Husband got spring straps and loved them so much he got some for me. I really like mine, too except I have a pair of Tusa booties that have really thick soles. They're easy to get on these but tough to get off. But the straps work great with all my other boots.

[TommyB]

I'll let ya know how they work out for me-
Just purchased the Jet Fins /w the spring strap tonight for an up-and-coming
cavern course (No split fins allowed). Go figure.

Seem to allow the fins to go on and off very easy, but the real trail will be when I use them.