Hello all!
TLDR: I'm making my own silicone tail and was looking for thoughts/experience of monofins that would work in the ocean.
The tail can be designed around whatever fin shape - that's fine. And I'm not super picky about whether or not it has ridges, though no ridges are a plus. My main concerns are foot comfort/fit, price and the ability to give adequate propulsion with a variety of fluke sizes/shapes/extra fins all over the tail. I have no idea if this is even possible, but if I could roll the fin and pull it out of the tail for cleaning and transport, that would also be amazing. I'm also looking at something that isn't a rubber fin (so the Mahina is out) because I don't need the tail to be any heavier than necessary.
I might not ever actually swim in the ocean, but I want the option to if I want to. Imo it's better to get stuff that scales easily rather than getting a 'good enough' thing and then having to buy another thing later.
The Rapid appeals to me because of the price point, but if it won't work with a silicone tail in the ocean, it's dead to me :P
When I used to do SCUBA, I favored the somewhat floppier fins rather than the massive stiff paddles, but I've no experience with tails so maybe floppy monofins in a big silicone monstrosity would be hazardous in the event of current?
I am US based, but it seems like ordering from the places in Estonia are still cheaper than getting a competitor (which is kind of sad), so not opposed to going international.
Was also curious what people thought on the different types of foot pockets/straps if they had options. I low-key refuse to get anything with adjustable foots straps because they seem really hard to adjust in a full silicone tail and I have a history of the straps loosening and fins literally falling off my feet while diving (scuba, MANY years ago). I've heard the full foot coverings show less heel in the final fin, which is desirable. I just have weird feet and buying shoes/fins online scares the bananas out of me, especially since they're expensive.
For grins, here's my favorite fluke sketch I've done so far (right side of sketch) :https://www.instagram.com/p/CCrf-bxD_g0/
Not sure if the design is feasible to actually use, but I'm *fairly* certain I could make the thing to my satisfaction at least. I was thinking the fluke would be solid around the monofin to hide it (so no cutting of the monofins) and the rest of the tail would be long but deliberately covered in holes (aesthetics and theoretical drag reduction?). I kind of just like creepy macab designs, but thoughts are welcome on the sketch as well.
Thanks guys!
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