Snorkeling fins - is smaller better?

William McCluskey wrote:
> Lee,
> You made excellent points, and I think that we just disagree. I have
> had only good expereince with those sets, and you have had a couple
> bad ones. We are both just offering our opinions. The problems I
> have with the mid range mask and fin combos ($60, $100) are usually
> not fit. I've had quite a few crack at the plastic connecting the
> fin/mask strap to the fin/mask.

The frame on my Mares 6 window mask did nto make it through the first dive,
and it cost me more than $100. I should have known better. I was told they
were junk but had to learn the hard way.

> A couple have even lost lenses. The
> sets I'm talking about all come with Tempered glass lenses, Larry, if
> you don't see an indication the mask is tempered, please don't buy
> that mask.

Good advice in my opinion.

> Lee, are plastic lenses safe at all for diving?

I don't know. I don't know why the could not be. Shatter proof plastics
have been around for a long time. Safety glasses have plastic lenses and,
these days, some very expensive sun and even perscription glasses have
plastic lenses. It would seem to be OK, but so far, I've not seen one that
was OK. My problem with them has always been fogging up. I just don't seem
to be able to anything to stop a plastic lens from fogging up, even in the
relatively warm water I dive in. No cleaner, no amount of spit, no dish
washing liquid and no commercial anti fog fluid seems to work on them.
Maybe there's one or more out there, made of some recent product that does
not fog so badly, but I've not seen one. Until I do, tempered continues to
be my choice.

A lot of name brand masks are actually made by companies whose name you
would not recognize. Some, perhaps most of these companies make no name
masks or with retail store specific names. The no name masks can be as good
as the name brands. The problem is, you can't tell without the experience
to tell a good one from a bad one. The style of skirt, tempered glass
versus platic, the quality of the mask material, the shape and design of the
mask itself, the angle and type of lense, the way the lens is held in place,
the way the straps attach and how they can be adjusted all factor into
making the difference between a good mask and a poor one. Fit is, by far,
the most important factor, but it's not the only factor.

So, most of us buy masks from a company with a name we know. That was my
mistake with Mares. I really like their fins, so I bought their mask. It
went back to the shop the same day I used it the first time.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee

Larry Simon wrote:

> I do have a better quality mask (Ocean master) which seems pretty
> good and Tusa fins in what is probably a mid-range as far as price
> and quality. Cost isn't an issue for me it is getting the type of
> equipment that fits the need. On the one hand you could say that our
> infrequent use ( a couple times a year) doesn't justify high cost,
> but that's not an issue for me since our couple days of snorkeling
> each year is one of the highlights of our Caribbean trips - which
> are otherwise fairly expensive. So spending and extra $50-100 on
> better snorkeling equipment is OK with me given the cost of a peak
> season Caribbean trip from Chicago. But, if you look back to my
> original message it was about whether smaller fins might be better
> for us, given the nature and frequency of our use. It seems that
> several people on the forum and privately agreed that they would be.
> At the same time it's clear that most smaller fins are the very
> inexpensive ones. Most of the more expensive fins are designed for
> scuba, not occasional surface snorkeling, or more serious snorkelers
> that are more concerned with deep free diving than skimming the
> surface.

> We have a recommendation for a US Divers Splitflex fin, which is a
> lower cost fin. I've ordered a couple of those. I'm not sure if
> they'll fit over our water shoes or not as their description makes
> them sound like they are designed for bare feet, but they are open
> heel so hopefully they will.

I'm really not sure what open heel fins to recommend for snorkeling. I
don't use open heel fins and, to be honest, I don't know anybody that shares
your preference for snorkeling. Everybody I know that buys fins
specifically for snorkeling, bought full foot fins. Then again, I don't
know many people that favor snorkeling in colder water.

Seems to me that what is needed is some input from California, where the
water is cold and the snorkeling is good (I assume).

Barring that, I suggest you get to know somebody in a dive shop that will
let you try a variety of fins, giving you a chance to find what suits you
best.

Lee