Possibly buying a neoprene

[MidsummerMermaid]

It's getting colder, which means I probably won't be as inclined to use my fabric as much in non-heated pools or springs. So any suggestions where I can get a decent priced neoprene tail for the colder months?

[Mermaid Delphinidae]

FinFolk full neoprene tails are normally priced at $335 but they often have misprint ones for $250. They actually have some right now. Mertailor has neoprene tails for $295. But keep in mind that neither of these include monofins.

But I’ve never used a neoprene tail before so I can’t tell you how good they are in the cold, or how good the different brands are. But I have seen some FinFolk tails in action and they look pretty good, plus depending on the one you get they can be used with a variety of monofins. The Mertailor monofin is pretty pricey so unless you already own one, it won’t be the most cost effective option.


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[fabianfrz]

You probably will get the same issues as we scuba divers have. You may need a weight belt. When I am not scuba diving, I use a 5.5mm suit with 2 kg weights.

[BlueCorvidae]

FinFolk full neoprene tails are normally priced at $335 but they often have misprint ones for $250. They actually have some right now. Mertailor has neoprene tails for $295. But keep in mind that neither of these include monofins.

But I’ve never used a neoprene tail before so I can’t tell you how good they are in the cold, or how good the different brands are. But I have seen some FinFolk tails in action and they look pretty good, plus depending on the one you get they can be used with a variety of monofins. The Mertailor monofin is pretty pricey so unless you already own one, it won’t be the most cost effective option.


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I just want to say as the owner of a finfolk neoprene tail, I REALLY want to get my hands on one of the mertailor's tails, monofin and all. The finfolk tail has that huge vinyl insert that causes a lot of drag and is sometimes difficult to get in. I'd rather not have to deal with one of those next time.

[MidsummerMermaid]

Yeah Jurassic Merman was telling me about Mertailor and I got to try his on. It was super warm, but apparently it takes a good while to actually get in the mail. He said it was 4-6 months.

[MidsummerMermaid]

Any hacks for staying warm in the springs? Like wearing leggings or something like that?

[KTMaggs]

Wearing legging in your tail. Like the ones from Vancouver Mermaid!


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[MidsummerMermaid]

Oh my god, I love Courtney's videos! I could give it a shot. I'm a total wimp in cold water.

[KTMaggs]

I am used to swimming in cold water. When I swim, I swim hard so i get hot, even in cold water. And I like the refreshing-ness. I’d rather be cold than hot.


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[Merman Storm]

Any hacks for staying warm in the springs? Like wearing leggings or something like that?

You could always get the lower half of an actual wet suit, and wear a cloth tail over that. Then you have a wet suit as well.

[MermanOliver]

You could always get the lower half of an actual wet suit, and wear a cloth tail over that. Then you have a wet suit as well.

I think there are freediving suits with pants only, not the long john style.
Another option would be something like this: https://fourthelement.com/thermocline/
They claim it to be equivalent to about 2mm neoprene without the added buoyancy.

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[Merman Storm]

The fourthelement leggings are interesting. I found that leggings help with my Spellbound tail, both in getting it on and reducing chafing when I swim. A little more insulation would be nice to have. I may be able to extend my ocean swim season.
I wonder if the fabric used by fourthelement could be used to make a tail.
They say its equivalent to 2 mm of neoprene. That would be in insulation capability. But does anyone know its actual thickness? If it's too thick, I would not be able to get my existing til over it.

[MidsummerMermaid]

I love how the mermen are the guys to suggest free-diving pants. I'll look into it! There's a diving shop near where I live!