I finally got around to doing a review for my Sirenalia tail that I received in August 2014! I wanted to make it right, so here it is:
[Customer Service]
First thing I would like to state is, when it comes to buying tails in the mermaid community, I have heard many horror stories about the service and communication with the tail-makers. I was fortunate enough to get what I believe is the best customer service one could possibly get when buying a tail.
The masterminds behind Sirenalia are Maria Russo and Jason Darling.
These guys did it right.
When I first dropped them a message about my interest in getting a tail, they were quick to respond and were very respectful. Having been a new tail-making company to the mer-community, I remember throwing a bunch of random questions their way. They did not hesitate to answer every single one of them thoroughly (and with a slight sense of humor.) With that, I knew that these were people that I wanted to do business with.
It all started with my color scheme. I drew up an outline of their tail design and colored in exactly how I wanted my tail to be painted (as shown below.)
After their approval, they had mentioned that they had 3 more tail orders ahead of me, so the process for my tail wasn't going to start for a while. I had accepted the wait.
For a period of about 6 months, they have done nothing but keep in touch with me. I even had the privilege of developing a friendship with them both. I received consistent messages from them explaining any delays (due to working on other tails, complications, personal issues, vacations, etc.), all of which I was totally understanding of.
Once my tail was in production, Maria made sure to send me updates, some of which were in video form. (Update photos shown below.)
Then, it finally came time for the tail to ship out!
[The Tail]
The tail arrived in a giant, well-packaged box. The tail was folded nicely within some protective plastic garbage bags (what else was it going to fit into?) and non-abrasive packaging material. When I unfolded the beauty, I could not believe my eyes! It was the tail I have always dreamed of, and it was sitting right in front of me.
See for yourself!
The photo they took before they sent it to me.
Photos I took. Are you SEEING those ankle fins?!
It is clear that, from the first look, they have mastered the color scheme.
SPOT.ON.
Now, let's take a closer look at the seams, details, inside, fins, etc.:
The cutest darn fins that I have ever seen!
An exquisite blending job with a flesh tone waist!
See if you can spot the seams!! (This is some brilliant work!)
A slight mesh lining for extra stability! (Totally digging the white base color. Helps bring out the colors. :) )
The backside, and another view of the front! This tail contains a FINIS SHOOTER MONOFIN cut down to fit inside the fluke.
Overall, this is a magnificent piece of art.
Sirenalia have only sold a few tails to the public at the time of the production of my tail, so it is safe to say that they are quick learners. The construction of the tail is flawless, everything is attached with what feels like a strong hold, and the time spent to make sure this tail was as perfect as it could be must have been endless. I couldn't be happier with the way this tail turned out!
[Functionality/Wearing the Tail]
By the time I wrote this review, I had swum in my tail 3 times (and tried it on 4). The initial trying on of the tail was a bit tight. I was fully aware that the tail was supposed to fit like a second skin. A slight concern struck in me at first, but once I got it on in the water and took it for a swim, all was well! I think it takes a little getting used to for someone who has never had a tail or for someone who has not had a tightly fitted tail.
Swimming in the water is a BLAST!
I canNOT believe the speed! The FINIS Shooter is as it states; the propulsion is like no other! It helps that the monofin in fully secured into the fluke (as it should be for any mermaid tail.) At most, I get water in the foot pocket, which is normal. I have found that Sirenalia had created some slight slits in the tail to allow any extra trapped water to escape. (They are so tiny, yet so effective!)
[5 Star Review]
So, to sum it up, I believe that Sirenalia is the next big tail-making business. They deserve the recognition as amazing and talented artists, but also as great and aspiring people. Their 5 stars are justified by:
-Outstanding customer service
-Creating works of art with precision and care
-A product with a fluid performance
I have nothing but great things to say about both Jason and Maria. I cannot emphasize enough the sheer pleasure I have had working with this company, my friends.
Sirenalia offer a breath-taking product at an affordable price. You will be getting more than what you paid for.
-Mermaid Syphira-
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