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Mermaid Hyli has them and I know Oceana does too. I have the smaller ones on my bracers but when I had the larger scales YES, they were very much fragile. I can't compare them to rounded scales but they ripped the first time I put the bracers on (granted my hands are a 3+ inch different and it might not be as bad on a tail) but they are fragile. If you look at the picture above you can kind of see how thin they are on the green scrap of scale, which is tail-size.
I saw that, Emma. they look so pretty. But I would be devestated if I ripped my tail. I've never had full silicone either, so maybe I should get the rounded scales...
I own the classic scales, and have seen the Merbella scales up close on 4+ occasions. I actually saw the Mebella scales up close before I ordered and that sealed me getting the classic scales. They're beautiful, but they are much more fragile.. it's just due to the design. The classic scales are uniform in thickness. The Merbella scales are very thick around the edges and thin in the middle and dips. Also the merbella scales are heavier than the classic. I got classic and a competitor, the other tail had merbella scales and a foil.. huge weight difference! Also the mebella scales stretch less but when they start stretching.. well on this tail you could see the nylon mesh and see THROUGH the scales because of how tin the thinnest part of the scales are cast :/ But the merbella scales sure to pop something fierce in photos and can make the paint job look holographic. Pros and cons for sure.Quote:
Originally Posted by Waikiki Mermaid
rounded for sure if you're going to use it a lot!
I think if you're worried about ripping it the rounded are much better. The merbella scales are SO gorgeous and I love them SO much but I would never get them on a tail, I was so disappointed and upset when they ripped on the bracers, let alone a $3,000+ tail. =\
Hmm I rather go for utility than aesthetics. Plus the rounded scales are still lovely. I guess I'll stick with rounded. Also, Winged Mermaid, I saw your unboxing video. You were so happy, but so is everyone who opens one of Raven's FedEx boxes :P Can't wait to be one of them.
Don't know about the scales, but the angler fluke is my favourite of hers, looking forward to seeing it done!
I would like to get the Merbella scales, but not on the current tail. Someday, I'll make a design that can have them. XD they do look really shimmery, but I know that Hyli had a rip fairly soon. :-( So, like Iona said... pros and cons.
Also, Hyli has both the scales AND the angler fluke. They look amazing together. :-D
I know, her tail is to die for. But I rather not risk the rip. Anyone have any idea how many people on here have angler flukes? I'm trying to get an idea on the size of it, because in Hyli's picture Attachment 14895 it looks massive but in some of Raven's videos it looks smaller. It looks awesome in the water tho. I want a really big fluke. Like looking at Iona's when she holds her's next to her head, it looks enormous. I'm just so excited and indecisive. I have a month to decide what I want.
Depends on the monofin you get in it
I'm definitely thinking competitor, though I like the flowy/floppiness at the ends with some of the smaller monofins. :/ Decisions, decisions...
The size can also sort of be skewed by your own body. If you have itty bitty ankles, the fluke will look bigger, and if you have thicker ankles, well... you get the point. Haha
I know my fluke (custom done) is the largest she's done, and it should still have flow in the tips. Also, look at Raina's fluke! It has a competitor filling it and it still has nice flop, plus the tips are wibbly. :3 It's not super flowy like a foil would cause, but it still has movement to it.
So, I think (ask Hyli to be certain) that the spikey parts of the angler are floppy. If that helps at all. :-)
Well, she's tiny so I guess that's why it looks so big. I have big feet and relatively small ankles, so hopefully it will look alright proportion-wise. Hey Kailani, would you mind posting a picture of your tail/fluke? While I'm sure you may have posted it at one time elsewhere it's such a pain in the arse to hunt down stuff in other threads. I didn't see it on your fb either.
Waikiki - I can do that when I'm home tonight. :-) I'm on my mobile most of the time and can't post pictures. :-(
I don't have a picture on my FB because I'm keeping my tail hush hush until I get colour pictures. :-P
If you look on the Merbella FB, it is the fluke on the white and purple tail with the funky pattern. The one people say has an alien face on it. XD I think it's neat.
Oh hi there guys haha its been awhile, let's see I'll try to answer all or any questions. Yes the merbellas scales are a bit see through but as soon as you put it on you can't see through. They are stretchy and thinner. As far as wear and tear I've had a bit of trouble with my dorsal (already talked to Raven and having it fixed in October) and sadly during shipping process it tore a bit at my waist but we have been very careful every time I wear it to not make it worse (also getting fixed) I really do love the look they give and the kids really like them as well. I have seen the rounded scales first hand and I do like them I guess the girly girl in me prefers the more detailed scale. Again this is just my personal opinion. As for my fluke, in that picture the fluke is enlarged because of the positioning of my body to the underwater camera Chris uses. Whatever is closer to the lens will appear larger. My fluke is exactly 2 feet in diameter. The 'spikes'? on the sides are actually pretty stiff and not floppy. I recommend the angler if you are smaller just because the tail in itself already weighs about 30 pounds. Again me personally I love the smaller fluke. It's all about what you like and what you want to use the tail for =] Oh, and I do have really awesome propulsion I was able to keep up with sharks and sea turtles(those buggers are fast) when I was in the ocean with my tail...maybe I should do a review haha
You should! :D
This is my fluke design, not my tail. Keep in mind that this colouring is all hers and does not reflect the colouring of my own tail. :-) Also, this has a foil in it, not a competitor.
Attachment 14935Attachment 14936Attachment 14937
I'm so excited to get this! ^_^ I hope she's feeling better. :-) I really am all giddy that I could get an e-mail at any time. >o<
*dies* the colour/design of that tail is just mind blowing. I love Raven's art!! XD
you designed one hell of a fluke! so unique!
Does Raven announce when she has spots open for Basic Tails like she does with the Performance Tails?