Scubapro Jetfins - the Original and the Dive System copy
Scubapro Jetfins don't look fashionable, they're just matte black, old-style rubber fins. Why is it that almost every technical diver as well as experienced recreational divers declare them their favourite after trying the other models?
Invented around 1965 and pretty much unchanged since then, they remain the preferred choice for a number of reasons:
Plus points:
- unbreakable, and thus good value
- great performance ("push") if needed
- great for frog-kicking (very relaxing and non-disturbing general way of finning)
- exceptional for advanced finning technique, such as the modified flutter kick, helicopter turn, backwards kick
- with spring straps attached, the entire set becomes pretty much a one-time investment
- sleek design with nothing that could catch on lines etc.
- heavy rubber fins tend to fascillitate better horizontal trim in the water, many divers can lose the ankle weights they needed with lighter plastic fins
- single material fin, no parts or materials which might age quicker than the rest
Drawbacks?
- heavy to pack (around 3 kilos per pair)
- only come in black
- sizing is a bit mysterious*
* the available sizes are: M/7-8, L/9-10, XL/11-12, XXL/13-14
However, the medium is usually not large enough for any grow-up, the large may fit you if your boots are really small (=narrow), the XL fits a Waterproof (the brand name!) wetsuit-boot size Men's Medium or a woman's Waterproof Draco in Medium). The XXL is for giants.
If you happen to be between the XL and the XXL, such as wearing a Waterproof Draco Men's medium dry-suit boot, you need to look at alternatives:
Dive System (Italy) have a copy which is equally well-made, and where the size XL fits the Draco Men's Medium perfectly. Their model also comes in yellow and white, which is rather unusual, but command a small surcharge. I would probably go for yellow or whitefins next time as they are clearly easier to see for your fellow divers in murky lakes, but you can also attach reflextive strips underneath with work well too.
Or, if you need a very-very wide foot-pocket but the Scubapro Jetfin XXL is too big for you (and probably too high), the Turtle Fin might be for you, the official size is XXL methinks.
Many cheaper copies exist, but pay attention to the straps/buckles etc., these can vary quite a bit and possibly not fit proper spring-straps.
More on "proper" spring-straps in a future review - our friends learned the hard way that not all spring straps are created with equally good materials.
Personally, I really like these fins for all the reasons given above. However, they do require (or build) good leg muscles, and you might get a cramp if you haven't been diving for a while. For fins which are more lightweight, just as indestructible (or better) and provide great performance with a better aquatic propulsion design, check out our review of Force Fins - what's the story?
External link to manufacturer's website
Dive System models:
In Germany, you can buy Dive System Tech fins from:
aqua-tek-point
DIVING EQUIPMENT
Gollstrasse 22
D-30559 Hannover
0049 (0)511 - 65 54 216 phone
0049 (0)173 - 954 0 964 Mobil
0049 (0)511 - 65 54 218 Fax
www.aqua-tek-point.de
www.SASdiving.de
