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View Full Version : Realistic vs fabric for starter tail



Raivynn
01-24-2012, 12:48 PM
I have recently been intrigued in the whole thought of mermaiding. :) When I was a little girl, I was all about the little mermaid...and now as I have gotten older, I realize I can actually become her! lol. I have been doing a LOT of looking, and I really am not sure about what type of tail is a good starter. I have looked at Eric's realistic tails (not handing over $3k for a silicone starter tail), I've read a lot of reviews here about him, emailed him a couple times. I have looked into AquaTails.com, and again, I'm looking at around $600 for a neoprene tail that I really loved. I'm also looking at the Dragon Tail offered by MerMagica -- considerably less, not so much wait time, and a generally good review.

For first time mermaiders, what do most people recommend? I'm not in a situation to make one myself, otherwise I would be asking lots of questions. Maybe when I have a really good sewing machine and some experience in hand stitching I will attempt it, but not yet. :)

Mermaid Sirena
01-24-2012, 01:04 PM
For a complete listing I would suggest here. (http://www.mermaidtails.net/) As a starter that doesn't cost an arm and a leg might I suggest Magictail (http://mermaid.magictail.de/index.php?option=com_sebercart&view=store&ck=1&Itemid=14&lang=en), their products are good there are solid reviews and the one I saw in person was impressive. If you want to hear from someone first hand I'm sure Mermaid Luna would be more then happy to give you her experience with the tail.

OrcaMatt
01-24-2012, 03:49 PM
I'd definitely recommend going fabric for your first tail (little bit of 'do as I say not as I do' but in all likelihood I'll swim in a fabric tail before I use my latex-silicone hybrid) It's less of an investment, you'll be out less money if you decide you don't like it for whatever reason, and it'll be easier to learn the dolphin kick without potentially damaging the tail.

AniaR
01-24-2012, 03:50 PM
I started out with a fabric tail (stretch vinyl) and it was an excellent way to learn :) good to try too to see if you like it enough to invest more $$$

Mermaid Saphira
01-24-2012, 03:53 PM
I would reccomend a fabric tail has a starter. Fabric tails tend to cost lest and help you get use to the idea that your swimming with a tail on.
If you have a low budget, here are a couple of fabric tail makers that I reccomend....
* http://www.the2tails.com
(http://www.the2tails.com)* http://www.magictail.de
The next few are alittle expensive but they appeal to the eye even as a fabric tail...
* http://aquatails.com/shop/new-fluke-tail
(http://aquatails.com/shop/new-fluke-tail)* http://aquatails.com/shop/new-fringe-tail
Another option, if you are good a sewing, is making your own tail!
Hope this helped! Good luck :)

Raivynn
01-24-2012, 04:48 PM
I have been doing a lot of looking at a lot of fabric tails. I love the AquaTails Grotto neoprene tail, but hey.

I have really been looking at the MerMagica DragonTail. I think it fits my personality best, and it's also offered in the color I want - black. Since I wear a small shoe size, I actually have to order the child size tail.... ;) I wear a shoe size 6/7, and the adult tails start at a women's size 8.

Doing a lot of considering so I get the perfect first fin. :) There are just so many choices .......

happyguava
01-24-2012, 06:46 PM
I would highly recommend magictail as well - I've been meaning to post a proper review of my tail from them for ages. In short though, they're reasonably priced, they look great (the scale pattern on the fabric and the fluke in particular make it look quite realistic for a fabric tail), not difficult to swim in (when you are comfortable with tail swimming of course) and the people at magictail are really helpful to talk to :)

Neria
01-25-2012, 06:20 AM
I would definetly recomend a tail from magictails. The lady I emailed was really nice, the tails are super realistic, and it is a good price.

Raivynn
01-25-2012, 08:55 PM
Unfortunately, the Magictail tails aren't going to fit me. I am a short adult, but curvy. And if the tail is going to be big enough around, it is going to be WAAAAY too long. :( I think I have decided on the Dragon Tail from Mermagica. I know a lot of people have been saying negative things, but the worst I have seen is that it takes a long time to get orders shipped out. Anything about the tails has been minor, but most fit well and work amazingly. Once I learn my dolphin kick and get some leg/core strength up, I am more than likely going to try and purchase a neoprene or latex tail. The silicone is just out of my budget currently. I have really considered investing in a sewing machine and learning how to do this on my own - it looks "simple enough," and I had so many ideas of what I wanted to do. I thought it'd be really neat to embroider a tail -- they're fabric, most don't look "real" -- so why keep trying to make them look real? :)

I just need to get this one first and go from there. :):):)

Mermaid Sirena
01-25-2012, 11:57 PM
An embroidered tail would look amazing :D I would love to see where you went with that.

Raivynn
01-26-2012, 01:05 PM
Sirena - Hey, it'd open up a whole new ballgame. Along with a monofin that was clear, and painted like stained glass ... oh the imaginary world goes on and on ... If I could only create the things I see in my head, I think I would have a massive hobby. :3 Maybe I just need to team up with a tailmaker.

But, I'VE DECIDED!!! :D I'm ordering a tail from Jerilyn. I chose the Obsidian with a cut monofin, adding fringe like the Grotto style tail. It's a little more than I wanted to spend on my first tail, but I wanted something that I could keep for some time. She has been amazing, answering all my silly questions very politely. I'm hoping to order within the next few weeks, for it to arrive near my birthday.

Mermaid Saphira
01-26-2012, 03:52 PM
^ Good for you! I wish you the best of luck with your tail and hope you have fun! We can't wait to see pictures :)

Lotus
01-31-2012, 08:47 AM
Ravynn,
I was going to suggest the obsidian tail- it's black, after all... I think you will be very very pleased with your tail. I have a "smooth" tail that has really been thru the ringer and it's still in awesome shape. The neoprene is a little more expensive, yes, but it will last you a loooong time, plus you can add sequins or other things to it later if you want a different look. I'm getting a neoprene tail from her soon; either a plain white skin to have painted or the grotto tail... Please post pictures and write a review when you get your tail. So happy for you!

Gem Stone
02-01-2012, 10:35 AM
Does anyone have a neoprene (or neoprin?) tail? I want to make one because I've done the fabrics before and I want something sturdier now. How badly do they make you float? Is there a better material to use instead? I don't want something that will make me float because I plan on making short videos in the ocean with my family and I need something that won't fight me the whole time I'm trying to go down. But I wanted neoprin? because it offers more protection than plain fabric. Any help????