PDA

View Full Version : My First Silicon Tail by Mernation!



Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-10-2015, 12:56 PM
So I got a new job and started saving like crazy and after tomorrow's paycheck I can buy my first silicon tail!!! I am sooooooooo excited!

First off, why I picked Mernation.
1. The Quality: Their work has been consistently well done for the last year+.
2. The Review: I have scoured every review and from what I have read almost everyone loves their tails!
3. The Price: They seem to be the most reliable company that you can get a gorgeous tail but not break the bank.
4. The Costumer Service: I have been talking to them on and off for months. They always got back to me right away, (the most I ever waited for a response was over night, they got back to me the very next morning, and when they did they apologized for being late to answer, I was asleep sooooo no biggie there hehehe).
5. They are close: They live near me, which means no shipping charges! LOL
6. They are fast!: I am 37, I didn't want to wait years to get my tail. I am hoping to start a little business doing birthday parties. They told me it would take 6-10 weeks after the full payment has been made. They even said it might be quicker! If it is that is just a bonus for me hehehe.

will post more in a bit!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-10-2015, 02:28 PM
Okay, soooo all that being said, I picked the Khaleesi Fluke because I wanted something big and broad. I would still love to see it out of the water, but I know in the water it looks gorgeous. Since they don't have a tail map for it yet I had to draw my own.

Not sure I know how to post a photo, bare with me while I try and figure it out.

Elodea the Mermaid
12-10-2015, 02:31 PM
Omg congratulations! This is such an exciting step. I love my Mernation tail and I'm sure yours will be amazing. I can't wait to see a tail with the new Khaleesi fluke.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-10-2015, 03:16 PM
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg.html)

Mermaid Clara
12-10-2015, 06:38 PM
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg.html)

Congratulations! Your design is beautiful, I can't wait to see the finished tail![emoji4]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Madison MerFaerie
12-10-2015, 10:47 PM
Beautiful colors! Can't wait to see it when it's complete!

introverting
12-13-2015, 02:32 PM
So excited for you! :)

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-15-2015, 02:44 PM
I got my butt duct taped! I live near Mernation headquarters so they were able to meet me and make the leg mold! The customer service is so awesome, and SO patient.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image.jpg1_zpssmadjs22.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image.jpg1_zpssmadjs22.jpg.html)

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-15-2015, 02:50 PM
After talking to quite a few people, I decided to nix the white. White tails are notoriously high maintenance and this being my first tail I decided easier was probably better.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg.html)

Elodea the Mermaid
12-15-2015, 02:58 PM
After talking to quite a few people, I decided to nix the white. White tails are notoriously high maintenance and this being my first tail I decided easier was probably better.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg.html)
I agree! Even my bright yellow shows dirt right away, tbh. It washes off easy peasy, but it gets a little dusty and grungy during events in a way that my mersister's red Mernation tail does not.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Sherielle
12-15-2015, 03:42 PM
The belly of my tail is white and I have had no issues

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-15-2015, 04:04 PM
They said small areas of white are easier to maintain but all white, especially on the bottom and sides are tough.

Sherielle
12-15-2015, 04:32 PM
Ah...gotcha.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-16-2015, 10:59 PM
Omg! After sending like a million texts back and forth about the colors, color design, heel fin shape, she sent me a sketch!!! Omg it's gorgeous!!! She nailed my ideas perfectly and I am going to get a top too! I'm so thrilled! Did I mention their customer service rocks?

introverting
12-16-2015, 11:24 PM
omg i wanna see the design!!!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-17-2015, 08:08 AM
I would totally post the colored up sketch but it's rough. I may do a picture progression when I start receiving them which should be this weekend! Can you believe it? My husband encouraged me to go for it and get a tail like, a week ago! I drew up a sketch, contacted Mernation and started the process that day and they are already starting to paint! Holy cow! Not to mention the fact that they constantly text me for opinions, or to give examples or pictures. They gave been SO patient, understanding and encouraging. The freedom of it all has actually gotten me flustered LOL. I thought I would just tell them which fluke, scales, and top I wanted and the colors and they would make it, kind of like a factory but instead I have gotten suggestions, been asked For opinions and gotten to pick little things I never even thought of, like the heel fins. I thought there was just one type, but they pretty much said "tell me what you want them to look like". I actually loved a set they had on another tail I saw so I asked For those.

This is has been SO much fun!

Luna Dreamtide
12-17-2015, 08:27 AM
So excited to see it finished. The design so far looks great. And I agree, MerNation's customer service is amazing - even if you're just asking them some questions.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-17-2015, 11:40 AM
Progress Pictures!!! The first is a rough sketch to figure out the colors. The dress form is insanely small which is why the top looks big in the front. It will be smooth when on.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsuky7jdr7.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsuky7jdr7.jpeg.html)


http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsxqfozi4h.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsxqfozi4h.jpeg.html)




http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpssrzx2zcl.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpssrzx2zcl.jpeg.html)




http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpszfvhnpk9.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpszfvhnpk9.jpeg.html)




http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zps3x9r1lve.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zps3x9r1lve.jpeg.html)

Saelyyia
12-17-2015, 11:53 AM
Oh beautiful Lily-Pad. Those colors will look amazing in the waer.

introverting
12-17-2015, 01:19 PM
Are the colors going to be metallic or no? I like how the colors are shaded, hopefully we'll get to see that dimension come to life once it's painted :) I noticed you added some turquoise/green, that's gonna look so pretty blended together!

Seraphina Suds
12-17-2015, 01:23 PM
Lovely!

Sent from my C6725 using Tapatalk

Mermaid Clara
12-17-2015, 01:32 PM
Eeep! I'm so excited for you it already looks beautiful with out the paint!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Elodea the Mermaid
12-17-2015, 02:01 PM
Eeep! I'm so excited for you it already looks beautiful with out the paint!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was going to say the same thing! That cool blue is so relaxing. Absolutely gorgeous!

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-17-2015, 03:33 PM
They should be metallic or pearlescent. I told her make it shines and sparkly! Thank you everyone!

AniaR
12-17-2015, 03:50 PM
So happy for you

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-18-2015, 10:15 AM
They started painting!!!!!

Elodea the Mermaid
12-19-2015, 12:23 AM
They started painting!!!!!
Eek! Anymore progress pics?

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rivermermaid
12-19-2015, 02:08 AM
It looks so amazing!

I envy you so much right now.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-20-2015, 06:35 PM
They painted it!!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

I Love It!!!

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg.html)

Elodea the Mermaid
12-20-2015, 06:40 PM
Wow. Wow wow wow. That is gorgeous! Such a rich teal.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

introverting
12-20-2015, 06:42 PM
The colors are so vibrant, I love how they shaded the fluke! Came out better than I thought :~)

introverting
12-20-2015, 06:43 PM
Dude you HAVE to do an unboxing video. I also wonder how the top will be colored?

AniaR
12-20-2015, 06:58 PM
wow how exciting for you!!! next time I visit we'll have to hit the springs!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-20-2015, 07:00 PM
No unboxing video. It will probably be more of a "walk around to the back of the truck" video. LoL they live close, we will probably meet somewhere for delivery soooo excited!

I have to admit, I was really worried about the paint job, or heck, I was really worried about the whole tail, I know MerNation has been sort of, the less dynamic, more generic of the tail makers, but this tail far far FAR exceeded all of my expectations. I love how they did it. I love the paint job! She showed me some video of the top, they put a ton of iridescent pigment into the paint so it shifts colors in the sun. It is gorgeous!

Aysun_the_Mermaid
12-20-2015, 07:12 PM
They may be a little "less dynamic" as you put it, but they are growing with each tail and their paint jobs are very reminiscent of early finfolk paint jobs.

Your tail is beautiful :) I am happy that you are happy and got just what you wanted.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

RastaMer
12-20-2015, 08:16 PM
This tail is stunning! I had not seen this fluke and I am very impressed.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-20-2015, 08:45 PM
Aysun, i should have put that I know some people say MerNation is less dynamic. I actually have always been a fan. When I saw the new fluke they made I knew for sure I wanted to go with them. I love their work, they have been so incredibly wonderful, and what's nice is they seem as genuinely excited as I am for this tail. I can't even tell you how many times I have teared up talking to them out if pure joy. Thus has been a wonderful experience.

Aysun_the_Mermaid
12-20-2015, 08:50 PM
^ that is what I got from that statement :)

That they may be described as X but it is what you liked.

If all tails were all the same life would be less interesting.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-20-2015, 09:00 PM
True. Reading the comments on the other thread bothered me a little. I give credit to anyone who becomes a tail maker, it's so much work, and people are so critical. I see so much potential in this company and I am so glad I chose them.

Aysun_the_Mermaid
12-20-2015, 09:07 PM
I concur. I had remnants of the other thread in mind as well.

I suppose my point was that they are putting great effort into what they are doing and growing and making people happy.

Finfolk started out extremely simply and are now one of the most coveted tail makers.

If Mernation keeps the passion and care they have now, they will go far :)

Didn't mean to hijack your thread! Your tail is beautiful and the happiness it brings you is apparent.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-20-2015, 09:23 PM
LOL no worries Aysun! They sent me a video of my top in the sun to show how it changes colors, it is gorgeous! So sparkly! Hehehe. Love it!

Sherielle
12-21-2015, 10:26 AM
Mernation has always been super awesome in their customer service for me. I just bought a fabric tail from them but they pretty much bend over backwards to make sure everything is alright.
I am so in love with this tail!!

AniaR
12-21-2015, 02:36 PM
I saw your top on FB looks amazing

Madison MerFaerie
12-21-2015, 02:46 PM
What a gorgeous tail!!! You are going to look so fab!

Ariel-Starfish
12-21-2015, 03:06 PM
Wow they really overdone themselves! :D

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg.html)[/QUOTE]

Mermaid Alea
12-21-2015, 03:19 PM
Very beautiful indeed! :eek:

AniaR
12-21-2015, 09:29 PM
Im so happy for you, you deserve this!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-21-2015, 10:27 PM
It's Done!!! I pick it up tomorrow morning!!!

i want to swim with it tomorrow, but will have to see how I feel. My brother, husband and I were in a car accident tonight. Dude smashed into the back of us. We are all okay, but I am really sore, thinking bad whiplash. Hopefully it will ease up before tomorrow.

By the way, she didn't change the tail at all from the last pictures besides darkening the purple tips. She put a ton of iridescent pigment in so it literally changes color depending on how you look at it.

From first contacting them for prices, to finished product was around 3 weeks. I got texts nearly every day. They have been wonderful! I will probably either do a "first looks" video, or maybe a "first swim".

Thank you everyone! Can't wait to swim with you guys in the future!

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsegrleqar.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsegrleqar.jpeg.html)


http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zps9fv7ghgr.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zps9fv7ghgr.jpeg.html)

introverting
12-21-2015, 11:14 PM
Glad you guys are fine, hopefully you can recover soon, sending good vibes :) It's absolutely beautiful! Those heel fins! And the top! Hurry up and get better already lol, I wanna see you swimming around. This paint job is probably the best I've seen of them yet. What's the weather there? Here in SoCal it's still too cold to swim sadly :(

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-21-2015, 11:25 PM
It's supposed to be 80s tomorrow. I am determined to get in a pool, even if it's for just a few minutes. We are from NJ and th lake water we swam in was freezing. This can't be any worse then that LOL.

Mermaid Wesley
12-22-2015, 06:56 PM
I have such a soft spot for blue tails. It looks lovely


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Luna Dreamtide
12-22-2015, 07:08 PM
They just keep getting better! That looks gorgeous!

introverting
12-22-2015, 08:19 PM
OMG WHEN I WAS SCROLLING THROUGH MY FEED...

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/22/4dd93b9689c23a7289db58eba01a7112.jpg

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-22-2015, 09:21 PM
Horrible picture. I look like a hunchback! I was so happy! It's beautiful.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsmgvl33xi.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsmgvl33xi.jpeg.html)






http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsdfwnkw2b.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsdfwnkw2b.jpeg.html)

Princess Pearl
12-22-2015, 09:31 PM
Oh my God I love it!

Seraphina Suds
12-22-2015, 10:03 PM
Beautiful! How's the fit?

Sent from my C6725 using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-22-2015, 10:12 PM
Perfect! I have only ever seen 1 full silicon tail before this one. I didn't realize it would be as stretchy as it is. I was able to get into it and hike it up with help. My feet slipped out of the heel straps every time, but I wasn't wearing booties, I think once I get those it will help a lot.

Spindrift
12-22-2015, 10:19 PM
Congratulations!!! :)

Keiris
12-23-2015, 12:26 AM
It's absolutely stunning on you!!!

Mermaid Wesley
12-23-2015, 12:52 AM
Lovely!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

AquaStella
12-23-2015, 11:21 PM
Beautiful tail and it looks amazing on you!!! Enjoy.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 07:45 AM
I can't get my official review to post in the reviews section so I am putting it here for now cause I have to go to work. LOL



Cost:
Cost of the tail - around $2,680.00
Cost of the top - $180.00
No delivery charge since we met in person.

Purpose:
Does midlife crisis count? LOL. Truthfully, I would love to do birthday parties and visits to hospitals. Anything to make someone smile.

Appearance/Arrival:
Because we live close to each other, I got the unique experience of meeting the makers in person. The tail was perfect. No box, just laid in the back of their SUV. It was sparkly, bold, and heavy as heck LOL. They explained and showed how to get it on, how to clean it ect. They also gave me an envelope with a personalized letter thanking me for choosing them and care instructions for the tail.


Ordering:
Ordering was the easiest part. I sent an inquiry through FB messenger and they got back to me a few minutes later. I showed them pics, they made suggestions and showed me color swatches. First design was this:
http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsvnjkcx09.jpeg.html)

After speaking to a few people however I sent with darker shades.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsrk3czzek.jpeg.html)

They met me in a parking lot to do the duck tape dummy, which was funny as heck. I told Michael that it must look like the weirdest kidnapping attempt ever.


http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image.jpg1_zpssmadjs22.jpg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image.jpg1_zpssmadjs22.jpg.html)

They sent me several color and fin idea pics while they made the body and we nailed down colors which she sent me a sketch of.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsuky7jdr7.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsuky7jdr7.jpeg.html)

and progress pics.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpszfvhnpk9.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpszfvhnpk9.jpeg.html)


http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zps4ddbqszj.jpeg.html)

And finally the finished products!


http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsegrleqar.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsegrleqar.jpeg.html)

I then met them once again in a parking lot and got my tail and top!

Conclusion:
I am so glad I picked MerNation! I ordered my tail on the 10th and picked it up on the 22nd! You can't beat 12 days! They were incredibly nice, patient, and they seemed as excited about my tail as I was! They made me feel comfortable, and sent me tons of pics and updates! I could not be happier!

If their is 1 con about all of this it would be that the Rapid Monofins straps keep slipping, but that is more of the Rapid maker issue then the tail maker. I ordered booties and I think that will help greatly. The tail is about 30-35 pounds, but doesn't feel like it at all in the water. It photographs beautifully! I scrapped it a few times my first attempt at getting it on and swimming. I was so worried I damaged it, but nope! Not a single nick. The silicon is really thick, especially around the waist, but it's to make sure you dont punch your fingers right through it getting it on, which I probably would have LOL.

All in all, I love my tail, and would totally order from MerNation again.

http://i1067.photobucket.com/albums/u439/MermaidLilyPad/image_zpsdfwnkw2b.jpeg (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/MermaidLilyPad/media/image_zpsdfwnkw2b.jpeg.html)

Mermaid Wesley
12-24-2015, 02:04 PM
It has to be approved! Which I will do now lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 05:41 PM
Ohhhh okay! LoL I got worried my iPad was messing it up and I would have to rewrite it.

Mermaid Wesley
12-24-2015, 07:03 PM
Yeah reviews have to be approved and follow specific guidelines now since there were some really dubious ones on there before. From members with no other posts and stuff.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 07:14 PM
Ahhhhh gotcha.

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 07:40 PM
First Swim!
http://youtu.be/hvD-8wzbSlo

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 07:41 PM
http://youtu.be/RIKsxEq2amQ

MermaidSabrina
12-24-2015, 08:17 PM
I'm so happy for you!Swimming in a tail by mernation for the first time is something magestic,after you spend half an hour trying to roll down the tail and get your feet to stay in :) nah just kidding,just kidding.But for real,yours is beautiful and you swimming in it makes it ten times more beautiful :) (not trying to be creepy,lol) I'm glad you had a good experience with Mernation *fin-five*

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-24-2015, 08:38 PM
LOL no worries, thank you! I got my booties today. If it's still decent out next time I have off from work I am going to give them a shot and see if they help. My feet were pretty much completely out of the fluke for both of those videos. Hehehe

Ianthe
12-26-2015, 07:44 AM
Congratulations on your tail Lily! you look gorgeous in it :D

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-29-2015, 04:33 PM
Slow Moe Tail Flip!


http://youtu.be/mv0JwEgRP3U

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-29-2015, 04:34 PM
The new booties worked perfectly! I had a long swim today without any heel strap slipping!

AniaR
12-29-2015, 07:55 PM
you look great! you might find the good ol H20 trick of holding your arms out in front of you will help you get under for the smoother undulation! Big flukes I find always make it harder and that helps a lot.

You look so pretty I'm so proud!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-30-2015, 11:31 AM
The first video my feet were in the base of the tail and not the fluke. The second video of the slow moe tail slap I had the booties and it worked perfectly. Now however my whole entire body hurts LOL. Holy pulled muscles I didn't know I even had!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
12-30-2015, 11:36 AM
http://youtu.be/ADp8qhZE2qo

This is after the new booties! They made a world of difference.

AniaR
12-30-2015, 12:24 PM
oh yeah I forgot about that sorry. feet slippage makes a huge difference XD

Adalira
12-30-2015, 01:20 PM
It looks absolutely amazing Mermaid Lily_Pad, wow!

Mermaid Lorelei
12-30-2015, 01:55 PM
That is a fantastic shape for a top!

lynsea
01-03-2016, 04:35 PM
Woah, that tail seems like a huge step for them blending and sculpting-wise. Their tails looked really good before but this one is just a BIG step up!

Mermaid Lily_Pad
01-05-2016, 09:29 AM
Honestly, I was nervous about the sculpt, the paint, everything, but they did such a gorgeous job. It photographs fantastically. I am going to post dome underwater video of it later today. The fluke floats so lovely and it is fast as heck!