While my Original Force Fins are still quite serviceable I've realized they no longer comfortably fit my any of boots. But the Force Fins perform
much better than my $60 Outcast boot fins. And I do respectfully disagree somewhat with
@iveofione from a post on
that other site about Force Fins not making improvements. They now have bungie straps that weren't available when I bought mine, plus a lot of new models and enhancements that improve may performance for
diving, though not so much for fishing, except perhaps the adjustable fins that came out after I had purchased the OFFs
. The fact that mine have never failed and are still in good shape speaks to good design and materials.
Plus I like the fact that they still sell that model, and I can still buy replacement straps and other accessories.
The FF nylon straps are simple, secure, durable and if need be,
replaceable. Anyone have an opinion about the bungie straps?
I like using dive boots that are much lighter but have a smaller instep profile than my wading boots. I've read a couple of user reviews stating the Adjustable Force Fins are harder to put on and don't fit as well as OFFs; having "play" in them when kicking, even with wading boots.
I looked at the FF sizing chart
How to find the right size to fit Force Fins when barefoot, wearing over a comfort instep, or sized for booties, dry suit, waders, or boots
forcefin.com
but since the embossed size designation on my fins has apparently been worn down I spoke to the company owners about sizing over 4XL dive boots on the phone who asked me to text pics of my foot and my new dive boots in a fin. He said my current fins are an XL and that an XXL should fit. As a returning Customer he gave me a discount code but (because USA made?) they're still
very expensive.
My older Outcast boot fins don't fit the dive boots nearly as well as heavier wading boots. Also I've had a similar pair of fins tear out one of the adjustment strap slots so I had to cut a new slot, and have read a review of an Outcast Boot fin user who also had it happen and used a knot in the strap as an emergency fix. At least the newer Outcast Power Kicks have two straps, that
@iveofione recommends be replaced or at least modified.
@Wayne Kohan you mentioned on
that other site you kept the Outcast Kick Fins and sold your Force Fins.
Is there a performance difference; i.e. more effort needed to get from point A to B, hold position...
Do you wear wading boots, booties, or...
@Wanative speaking of modified, I'd love to know what material you used for, and how you shaped the "Franken Fins".
I've looked at the endless debate over Force Fins vs Omega Amphibian Flip Fins. They each have their devotees and detractors. My friend who bought my Seasoft boots has the Omega flip fins. He said they hurt his instep (when flipped up?) and thought the Seasoft boot's
armored instep could reduce that. And it appears a majority of flip fin user reviews; even the positive ones, mention problems with the hinge mechanisms so it concerns me that Flipfins.com is a shell and the Omega Aquatics FB page hasn't had an entry since 2014. Due to the negative ratings about problems with the hinge mechanisms, I want to be able to talk to someone. (OK, I got an Omega phone number from a dealer CS rep.)
Selling my Original Force Fins could ease the pain of whatever I buy. I will probably list them for sale here, but would prefer someone in the local area who could try them on to ensure they fit and agree on the condition rather than wasting $, time, and effort on X shipping.
