Dancing Fish
08-15-2016, 11:57 PM
ETA: I'm keeping my lovely tail. I lasted all of two months before changing my mind, LOL. (That it fits again is what convinced me.) Thanks to all who commented! I've asked the mods to close this thread.
After much soul-searching, I've decided to part with my full silicone tail. I love-love-love it to bits, but I've finally admitted to myself that I just don't like swimming in a full silicone tail. I also have no plans to go professional, so I don't really need a hyper-realistic tail. I've since made a fabric-silicone blended tail that I use all the time, and have only worn this beauty four times (once at NC Mermania 2016). I've also put on weight, and it no longer fits me. :( I would much rather this tail go to a mermaid who would wear it more than I do, instead of leaving it hanging in my closet never seeing the light of day. I can always make a new one if necessary. :)
You can read about the creation of this tail using the Pearlie Mae method in my tail-making thread here. (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10141-Two-tailed-project!-One-fabric-one-silicone&highlight=two-tailed) The monofin is a custom-cut piece of lexan, with straps that resemble sandals. To fasten them, you slip your feet into the straps then reach down and secure the straps around your ankles with velcro. I didn't bother with the straps half the time I wore it and it still swam just fine. There are three drainage holes in the fluke and I never had any problems with ballooning or drainage. I found that the monofin gives me very solid propulsion, comparable to my Finis Rapid. It's a big fluke, about a yard across. The body is created from individual scales, with power mesh embedded for strength. The heel portion of the fin has extra layers of mesh for durability. The total weight of the tail is (if I recall correctly) about 25 lbs, much lighter than many commercial tails. There are a few spots of wear here and there, mostly from grabbing the scales to pull it up a little too roughly. I could fix them up if you want, but they're really not all that noticeable.
I'll post detailed measurements and take better pictures of it tomorrow, but here are some details:
I am 5'3", and wear approximately a US size 10-12. I have a big waist and found that I needed to tie a band around my waist to keep the tail from gapping. I meant to adjust it, but never got around to it!
3868938690
These pics above are washed out, here is a better pic of the actual colors and distribution of the scales:
38691
And here is a silly youtube video of me swimming in it (and also my daughter goofing off, lol):
https://youtu.be/0DdCLJ2CpYY
I have no idea how to price this...it's a very professional looking tail, and it's seamless, and it's quite unique. I'll start by asking $2500 OBO, US shipping included. International shipping also possible, but I'll ask you to pay for half of it. If you happen to be a 38 C-D, I can throw in the top and the matching piece of spandex I used as a hip wrap in the video.
After much soul-searching, I've decided to part with my full silicone tail. I love-love-love it to bits, but I've finally admitted to myself that I just don't like swimming in a full silicone tail. I also have no plans to go professional, so I don't really need a hyper-realistic tail. I've since made a fabric-silicone blended tail that I use all the time, and have only worn this beauty four times (once at NC Mermania 2016). I've also put on weight, and it no longer fits me. :( I would much rather this tail go to a mermaid who would wear it more than I do, instead of leaving it hanging in my closet never seeing the light of day. I can always make a new one if necessary. :)
You can read about the creation of this tail using the Pearlie Mae method in my tail-making thread here. (http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?10141-Two-tailed-project!-One-fabric-one-silicone&highlight=two-tailed) The monofin is a custom-cut piece of lexan, with straps that resemble sandals. To fasten them, you slip your feet into the straps then reach down and secure the straps around your ankles with velcro. I didn't bother with the straps half the time I wore it and it still swam just fine. There are three drainage holes in the fluke and I never had any problems with ballooning or drainage. I found that the monofin gives me very solid propulsion, comparable to my Finis Rapid. It's a big fluke, about a yard across. The body is created from individual scales, with power mesh embedded for strength. The heel portion of the fin has extra layers of mesh for durability. The total weight of the tail is (if I recall correctly) about 25 lbs, much lighter than many commercial tails. There are a few spots of wear here and there, mostly from grabbing the scales to pull it up a little too roughly. I could fix them up if you want, but they're really not all that noticeable.
I'll post detailed measurements and take better pictures of it tomorrow, but here are some details:
I am 5'3", and wear approximately a US size 10-12. I have a big waist and found that I needed to tie a band around my waist to keep the tail from gapping. I meant to adjust it, but never got around to it!
3868938690
These pics above are washed out, here is a better pic of the actual colors and distribution of the scales:
38691
And here is a silly youtube video of me swimming in it (and also my daughter goofing off, lol):
https://youtu.be/0DdCLJ2CpYY
I have no idea how to price this...it's a very professional looking tail, and it's seamless, and it's quite unique. I'll start by asking $2500 OBO, US shipping included. International shipping also possible, but I'll ask you to pay for half of it. If you happen to be a 38 C-D, I can throw in the top and the matching piece of spandex I used as a hip wrap in the video.