Dollar for Dollar these fins are one of the best in the market...

sure, they might take a little more care than some of the other fins out there (they're rather lightweight which leads me to believe that they are delicate), but there's a lot of positive things I have to say about them [I personally own a pair of Caribbean Blue ones (http://www.apsmantaray.com/product.html)]:

(1) They're very lightweight, making them a great travel fin (I regularly take them with me to the community pool, about a leisurely 22 minute bike ride, in my backpack with my little brother)
(2) They're positively buoyant, making them easier for me to find
(3) The straps are easy to adjust (the easiest way to explain the strap system is a hook and loop system, eliminating the need to worry about dirty/sticking buckles, and the straps themselves give ample grabbing area)
(4) The foot pocket is very comfortable and making it easy to don and doff
(5) They have great power and stability despite their size (don't let that fool you)
(6) They're good at almost every kick out there [frog kicks, scissor kicks, helicopter kicks, flutter kicks, scuttling (that's what it's called when you're staying stationary, right?) , etc.]
(7) They're pretty affordable (usually at or below your $150 budget)
(8) Lastly, they are designed and made in the USA.

Should definitely try them out sometime, if that wasn't enough info already!