Looking at a first tail (magictail)

[Delphinus]

Hey everyone! Being brand new to this, I hear that magictail is a good place to start for a tail. I was browsing around the shop, and found this one that looks rather nice! I'm thinking I might go for it when the next paycheck rolls around. :) Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions?


http://www.magictail.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&lang=en

[Keiris]

They do a beautiful and affordable tail. A lot of mers on here own them and seem to be very happy with them, especially as a first tail. That blue is striking! Good luck!

[Mermaid Octavia]

I don't have one myself but several mers do! They're affordable, easy to care for and transport, and you can get multiple skins for them! The only concern I have is the monofin, which I have heard can crack with enough force.

[Delphinus]

Ohhh, I see! Thank you both! I agree about that blue, Keiris. I think it would be a lovely first tail! I think it would be worth a go as my starting tail, then. :D It seems like a very good price for what it is.

Octavia: From what you've heard, was it a fairly widespread thing, or just one or two? I also wonder if a replacement from a monofin that isn't theirs might work if it did fail at all.

[Mermaid Octavia]

Ohhh, I see! Thank you both! I agree about that blue, Keiris. I think it would be a lovely first tail! I think it would be worth a go as my starting tail, then. :D It seems like a very good price for what it is.

Octavia: From what you've heard, was it a fairly widespread thing, or just one or two? I also wonder if a replacement from a monofin that isn't theirs might work if it did fail at all.

It's definitely not a widespread problem - it's only one or two that I know of. It's plastic or plexiglass they use that has a tendency to crack if too much pressure is applied to it.

[Delphinus]

It's definitely not a widespread problem - it's only one or two that I know of. It's plastic or plexiglass they use that has a tendency to crack if too much pressure is applied to it.

Ahh, I understand. In that case, I'll be sure to take care of mine. I'll definitely keep an eye on how it works with me so I don't over stress it.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

There are also Fin Fun tails that have the scale patterns. Though their monofin is kinda flimsy. I've not tried the new monofin that they have now, but the old one were pretty lousy.

Oh and there's Sun Tails. They're going to have tails for adults that are not brightly colored but still have that scale pattern. Their monofin looks less flimsy than Fin Fun and Magictail.
https://www.facebook.com/suntailmermaid?fref=ts

[Mermaid Kelda]

Magictail have had a history of saturating their photos - I'm not sure how accurate the photos are at the moment, but it might be worth searching on the forum and seeing the colours other people received to be sure you're happy with that colour.

[Delphinus]

I see! Very valid points. I'll definitely look into the Sun Tails as well. Shame to hear about the photos.

[Talia]

Magictail have had a history of saturating their photos - I'm not sure how accurate the photos are at the moment, but it might be worth searching on the forum and seeing the colours other people received to be sure you're happy with that colour.

Their photos are accurate now. I just got precisely a new blue skin, because mine was already worn off, and they are not now what they used to be. I compared my old one with the new and took pictures for this thread:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?9628-Magictail-Actual-Colors/page2&highlight=magictail+color

They are very bad pics, but I can try and take them again. The colors have really changed, and now they are bright and vibrant, whereas before they were kind of dull and dark.

Also, regarding the Magictail monofin, they have changed the materials for it too. I used to have one of the thin ones, and it did break. But now they are more thick, and more sturdy. Here are a couple of videos of me reviewing them:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3uUOy6HL2o


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14g8AGhvc9s

If you have questions about the Magictails I'll be happy to answer them.

[Delphinus]

Haha, now I'm debating between the deep blue or the green.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

There's also Finfun. They have a multitude of colors, and are local to the US, so you won't have to worry about extra shipping. www.finfunmermaid.com (http://www.finfunmermaid.com)

[Delphinus]

That's a tough call. I'm really liking how the Magictails are looking, especially that green.

On the other hand, the Celtic Green from FinFun is an ideal green that I'm loving.

I'm still leaning more towards the MagicTail, even though it's going to run a higher cost. Hmmmm...

What's the durability difference between Magictail and FinFun? My first thought is that the Magictail would be a bit tougher, since it's got a higher cost, but I know that's not always the case.

edit: nevermind, the celtic green doesn't go to adult male large. D:

[Seatan]

I also just ordered Mertailor's Eco Tail which doesn't have many reviews but has a Finis monofin in it. I bought it from his ebay shop so if I have quality or customer service issues I KNOW I can get a response/refund. If you want to wait a week before ordering I am going to do a video review next weekend including swimming footage. It hasn't been very thoroughly reviewed and I don't like Fin Fun's monofin foot pocket, so I decided to give it a shot, especially since ebay will back me if I have the kind of CS problems with Eric that some people have had--not that I expect to at all. It's a printed fabric tail... Pretty hard to mess up! My only worry is having to order a Large (too big at the waist) to fit my super long legs! I am all leg! But I am good with a sewing machine and can easily take it in if needed. It's not Mertailor's fault my body is 75% legs!

[MermaidCelesteFL]

My one issue with Magictail and Finfun is that darn heel that sticks out. It's pretty noticable. I don't know anything about the Ecotail, so you might want to wait until her review comes out, or at least check out the available colors to see if that's something you would be interested in.

[Delphinus]

Seavanna: That would be great, actually! I've heard great things about Mertailor. I'd love to wait to hear your review of the Eco Tail. Definitely not a problem. Ironically, I've actually got a security job coming up at the Aquarium of the Pacific! So that'd be all the more reason for me to wait. You know, boosted income and such.

I love all three colors they currently offer for the Eco, too. So I'm perfectly happy taking the Mertailor route if it looks good. Thanks!

Celeste: I definitely agree. It would probably be the smartest option as a newbie for me. :)

[Merman Arion]

I had fun with my blue tail from Magictail. I used it for more than 6 months to make sure that I would like mermaiding in the long run.

And then, I jumped to silicone but that's another story ;)

Pictures :

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One of my friends wanted to try it and he looked as good as me :)

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[Delphinus]

That's a nice looking tail! Searching for a starting tail is like being a kid in a candy shop. I'll have plenty to think about in the next couple of weeks.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Magictail green is fairly see through. Every video I've watched where the young lady is wearing a green Magictail, you can clearly see her swimsuit and legs underneath. Its just if you like that look or not.

[Delphinus]

Ohh. Gotcha. I'll probably stick with the blue, then, if I stick with Magictail like originally planned. The green is a little bright for my preference, so it's probably just as well. I've noticed that MagicTail's sizing is the most forgiving for adult men, too. (Short of custom orders, of course)

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Well you could always try sewing swimwear lining into it, or a darker shade of green spandex inside. I think the effect of having a dark fabric underneath a light scaled tail would make the scales pop out more. But that's just my theory, haven't tried it yet so I don't know if it would work or not.

[Delphinus]

That's a pretty good idea, actually. It could be fun to try on the side, perhaps? Maybe if I get one tail I'm happy with, I could get that light green later and work at modifying it. I've always been good at costuming and craft hobbies. It would be a fun project, I think!

[Mermaid Kelda]

That sounds like a good idea! Honestly I think you'll be happy no matter who you go with. You could buy one from every maker eventually :) and turn each one into a craft project. The possibilities are endless!

[SeaMonkey]

i have 5 magictails. yes, 5. one of each color. i also have a mertailor full silicone and am having a new tail made by mernation now. i luv the magictails. and im picky, really picky. i dunno about the mens but with girls you get a bikini matching the tail with it. i have no prob with being able to see my bikini thru it. i actually just got 3 more tails from them cuz i like changing colors and the monfin is fine. its not thin or anything. just dont stand on it. also, it may come from germany but i always get my order in like 3 or 4 days without paying for express shipping. just know that its shipped DSL and you hafta be there to sign for it. i have the blue too, you will luv it. the one ur referring to as green is actually light turquoise with green scale outline and green on the fluke

[Delphinus]

I just wanted to share that tonight my shift is helping pay for my first tail, and I'm here working a security job at the Aquarium of the Pacific. :D Also, there's one fish in the tank I'm at that insists on hanging out on the other side of the glass. Too dark for a pic of this one, though. lol

[Talia]

:cheerleader: Woohoo for first tails!!

Have you finally decided?

[Delphinus]

Not quite yet. I want to see what Seavanna has to say about the Eco Tail she ordered, first. (I miiiight go orange with the Eco if it's good! Maybe blue). But otherwise I'm still looking for the MagicTail! Getting my second pay on Monday, and I'll be ready to order whatever I'm looking for after that!

[Keiris]

Not quite yet. I want to see what Seavanna has to say about the Eco Tail she ordered, first. (I miiiight go orange with the Eco if it's good! Maybe blue). But otherwise I'm still looking for the MagicTail! Getting my second pay on Monday, and I'll be ready to order whatever I'm looking for after that!

That's exciting Delphinus! Maybe they'll let you try it out at the Aquarium you work at! ;)

[Delphinus]

That's exciting Delphinus! Maybe they'll let you try it out at the Aquarium you work at! ;)

That would be amazing if I could use it at the AotP! Hmm... might have to send an e-mail later on!

[SeaMonkey]

magictail fits great, look s great, swims great. not ahppy with my mertailor tail. just thought id share

[Delphinus]

I appreciate the input, SeaMonkey! A lot will depend on the end cost (including shipping), sizes, and colors. I do know that Magictail's size chart goes higher than Mertailor's does, barring custom tails.

[Merman Arion]

magictail fits great, look s great, swims great. not ahppy with my mertailor tail. just thought id share

What's wrong with your Eco tail from Mertailor? :(

[Delphinus]

Anyone know much about Mertailor's spandex tails? Those go for about 180 USD as a base price. I could hold buying for a spell to get one of those instead. It looks lovely, and the color options are quite nice!

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its cheaper to buy a monofin, then if you still like it after a few months, buy some fabric and make your own.
I have two Magictails and a Fin Fun, though they look super pretty, I rarely wear them as the fabric is thin. And to me, they were both expensive in terms of product and shipping. I get more happiness from wearing my homemade tails than the pre-made ones.

Of the Mertailor fabric tails, I like the scale pattern on all the colors but not the curvy fluke.

[Delphinus]

Perhaps I'll wait a while, and tackle a basic silicone tail instead? I'd love a fully customized silicone at some point, but since a couple grand can be tough to accumulate with only the most modest of incomes, I wonder if a basic silicone route for around 5 to 6 hundred might be a better route?

[MermaidCelesteFL]

As many can attest, going that route may not be your in your best interest, especially as a first tail. Mertailor uses "neoprin" or "spacer" fabric on the inside that eventually stretches out and does not last. The tails themselves are good for minimal usage, but until Mertailor uses actual neoprene on the inside, it will still have that stretching problem.

The decision is ultimately up to you.

[Delphinus]

I understand. I'm not one to just jump right on something, because I like gathering as much information as possible. Whichever choice I make, I'd want to have the highest chance of making a right choice for me.

Do you think that scaling down on the smaller side of sizing might help counter the stretch issue? So that t would go from a tight and snug fit to a more properly snug fit, and avoid a more serious stretch at a later point?

[Mermaid Wesley]

The stretch issue is more like it will stretch OUT. It will kindof keep getting looser. I think the thickness of the new ones is a bit better and will keep it from stretching, but thats untested. There are lots of tailmakers to choose from. start with fabric, shop around a bit, and then make an educated decision.

[Delphinus]

I see. It's so crazy with everyone's different opinions on makes and materials. Some say Mertailor, some hate him. Others swear by MagicTail, and others say never use fabric. I DO hear that starting with fabric is the right choice when starting. If I had the money, I'd get a custom silicone for the artistic value alone. But, since I'm unable yet, I guess I'm back to square one. MagicTail or Eco Tail. I kind of like the color in Eco better, but I vastly prefer the fluke of MagicTail.

[MermaidCelesteFL]

There's a thread for that. http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?7106-Why-we-don-t-advise-full-silicone-tails-for-your-first-tail

[AniaR]

Finfun monofins would be too small
I got the biggest ones and can barely get it on

[MermaidCelesteFL]

I don't know what he did, but one of the mermen in my pod got the black tail and a pretty large fin from Finfun, and it fit him fine.

[Seatan]

My one issue with Magictail and Finfun is that darn heel that sticks out. It's pretty noticable. I don't know anything about the Ecotail, so you might want to wait until her review comes out, or at least check out the available colors to see if that's something you would be interested in.

The heel is hidden surprisingly well in the Mertailor Eco-Tail--The Aquarius is a good fin for that. Only problem is that it has no drainage holes, so I will have to add them to keep from holding in water.

EDIT: Also, there is a seam that goes straight across the ankles--unlike magic tails it is not one continuous pieces. HOWEVER, it is super hard to see with the scale pattern.

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[Mermaid Wesley]

Sorry to stick this comment everywhere, but fabric tails do not need drainage holes. Water goes right through the spandex. The only reason you might want some is air bobbles, but those are easy enough to get out. :)


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[Seatan]

Some spandex tails do. It may depend on how sensitive you are to having water drag down your tail. Take a piece of spandex, dip it into water like a bag, and lift it up. It will hold the water like a balloon. Yes, some will soak through immediately and eventually it would, very slowly all drain out--moreso than neoprene. But if a spandex tail is very tightly stitched at the bottom it WILL hold water to some extent. There have been several discussions on it in various spandex tail making threads. My original spandex tail had no holes and it would hold water, so I took out the seam and added strategically placed velcro allowing holes for the water to flow through. It no longer held any water. So never say never. :)

[Mermaid Wesley]

Woa really? Huh ok then. I've never had that problem.


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[Seatan]

It may also be the fabric that I used in the two tails I made. One had a metallic coating and the other was covered in sequins... Both of those held water so I assumed most fabric ones did, and when I put this one on in the bathtub, sunk down, then lifted my tail out of the water it had water in it. But then I REALLY hate water trapped on my feet--I will suffer horrible blisters while SCUBA diving simply because I cannot STAND wearing booties that fill up with water. There's just something about "trapped" water around my feet that I hate, which makes very little sense considering I am UNDER water at the time.

And sorry if I seemed short in that post above, I have just had One Of Those Days. My Teacher's Assistant got pissed at me and ran out of class for three hours then tried to get ME in trouble with the principal by lying to him and a kid brought a BB gun to school and shot three other kids with it, making them bleed and getting himself arrested which, this being a school in a VERY bad neighborhood, REALLY put me on the edge that someone might show up with more than a BB gun next time. Day. From. Hell.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

All my home made tails have drainage. They are made of high quality swimwear fabrics. I have tried a totally closed fluke but I found it harder to swim in and make the extra bits of fabric flowy. I ended up ripping the seams on that one and sewing it with my open closed fluke technique. All I need is a tiny shake and the fabric flows so natural in the water.

[Midakwe]

Just thought I'd add my two cents! I have the Caribbean blue eco tail and I mostly love it! The only problem I've experienced is that there were slight tears in it where the fins had sharp edges when I received it. I didn't feel like paying the 20 dollar shipping back to have the holes mended, so I just kinda shrugged it off. I've since taken it swimming in the river here and it performed well, but it was SUPER easy to get more tiny holes in it. Every time you barely scrape a rock with the monofin it tears a tiny hole (more so than with a standard bathing suit). BUT! Since the holes are so tiny, it doesn't bother me yet. The overall look definitely exceeded my expectations, so that part made me happy!

I'll probably get a finfun or a magictail and see if those hold up any better. Does anyone happen to know if I could keep the Finis Aquarius monofin I now have and just buy the tailskin from finfun or magictail? That would be ideal!!

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[Sherielle]

After seeing several of them, I have to say that while I LOVE the Ecotail skin, I really don't like the ankle bulge from the monofin.

[Mermaid Wesley]

The Aquarius wouldn't fit without some modification


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[Midakwe]

I agree with you Sherielle! That ankle bulge is pretty prominent. I also have a hard time keeping my feet in them- the "quick-release" strap seems to release a little too quickly, lol.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I wonder what tails the poster ended up getting?