Fin Fun's Updated Monofin!

[SINISTERsystem]

I'm unsure if anyone has heard about this or has even tried out these new monofin inserts from Fin Fun, but sooner or later when I'm not being lazy I'll show pictures of the old monofin insert versus the new one.

Essentially Fin Fun realized that super flexible plastic isn't good so they gotta up it to a more stiff, and even thicker sort of plastic that won't bend easily or even break on you despite being careful. Now I'm not bashing the company (I think they're wonderful tailmakers!) But has anyone tried out said inserts yet? I finally ordered one in early spring and I've yet to try it out mainly because I don't have a swimsuit to wear! But sooner or later I will upload pictures of myself using the monfin and a comparison between the old insert and the new one. Even later, at some point, I will have to write a review about Fin Fun on the site. <3

[Merman Storm]

I got one of their tails just a couple of weeks ago. How do I know which I got? Its very flexible, but I don't know if its the old one, or new one, and the old one was even more flexible. (It's so flexible, I made my own insert.)
The one I got from them is 1/8th inch thick high density polyethylene, with ribs molded in. My DIY replacement is 1/8th inch polycarbonate, with a 30 degree pre-bend just aft of the toes.

Edit: I looked at their website, at the page describing the new fin insert. It looks just like the one I have. As I said, I found it too flexible. But then again, I can leg press over 450 pounds.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I got one of their tails just a couple of weeks ago. How do I know which I got? Its very flexible, but I don't know if its the old one, or new one, and the old one was even more flexible. (It's so flexible, I made my own insert.)
The one I got from them is 1/8th inch thick high density polyethylene, with ribs molded in. My DIY replacement is 1/8th inch polycarbonate, with a 30 degree pre-bend just aft of the toes.

If its clear, its the old one. If its black, then its the new one.

[Princess Pearl]

I did a comparison review of these a while back

https://youtu.be/_EklvAyTS8A

I found it has very similar performance, but it does feel sturdier.

[Merman Storm]

Its dark brown. It's likely its the new one. Given the type of plastic its made from, it should be very durable.
BTW, after I made my replacement, I did some research and found that polypropylene is half the cost of polycarbonate (Lexan). Its also half the stiffness, so you need a 30% thicker sheet. But its still half the cost.

Princess pearl: I just looked at your very well done youtube video. To me, it looks like the old fin was not Lexan. Lexan does not break that way, Acrylic does. (If you put a sheet of Lexan in a vice and try to break it by bending it, it actually deforms and bends, like metal. Acrylic breaks.) Great move on using the tape! And Thank you Fin Fun for discontinuing the use of acrylic.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Its dark brown. It's likely its the new one. Given the type of plastic its made from, it should be very durable.
BTW, after I made my replacement, I did some research and found that polypropylene is half the cost of polycarbonate (Lexan). Its also half the stiffness, so you need a 30% thicker sheet. But its still half the cost.

Princess pearl: I just looked at your very well done youtube video. To me, it looks like the old fin was not Lexan. Lexan does not break that way, Acrylic does. (If you put a sheet of Lexan in a vice and try to break it by bending it, it actually deforms and bends, like metal. Acrylic breaks.) Great move on using the tape! And Thank you Fin Fun for discontinuing the use of acrylic.

When I received my Fin Fun, the clear one, it had the Lexan sticker paper still stuck to it. So I'm pretty sure they were lexan at some point.

[SINISTERsystem]

Awesome awesome! Pearl's comparison video pretty much also told me that at some point in my life as a mermaid I should definitely upgrade to a Finis monofin when I have the money and time to put into it. I've been thinking of getting back into my tail designs so I can actually make a pretty tail of my own for once.

I also took the time to send out the information gathered from this thread onto a good friend of mine, who's been interested in mermaiding as a hobby and sport herself. Thank you all!

[AniaR]

We have the new ones they're black with ridges. I don't find a huge difference personally. They bend less which is nice. the other ones would become mishapen.

[SINISTERsystem]

Oh yeah. The old insert I had actually cracked on me (but didn't fully break) so I had to stop using my tail for a while. I have a new insert now, so I'll be using it when the time comes.

[PhaylennMurúch]

I have had both, got the new one because I was swimming hard with the clear insert and it cracked (they claim that it's because I bent it or did something to stress it when I wasn't swimming) I emailed them and they sent me a code for a free replacement. The black one seems sturdier, not quite as bendy.