Kharon
Contributor
Disclaimer: Ive been using Aeris Velocity 3X fins for a long time for both diving and snorkeling. I love them, so I might be a wee bit biased. I tested by switching back and forth between Velocity 3X and Accel fins multiple times. That makes this my experience rather than a review.
Sizing: My shoe size is USA 11½ so I first tried the XL/XXL Accel. I ordered this size because my Velocity regulars were difficult to remove when wet. The foot pocket of the XL/XXL fit my 5mm boot snugly and there was no wobble in the fin. However there was a large gap between the side of the boot and the mouth of the foot opening. Wrong size. I exchanged the XL/XXLs for a pair of regulars and the gap disappeared. So for my 11½ foot with 5mm boots, regular is the correct size.
Performance: At faster speeds the Accel is the equal of the Velocity and may even be a bit better. You can push both Velocity and Accel to drive you very fast. I was completely surprised by the Accel while I was snorkeling after the test. On a dive from surface I hit 20 way faster than I am used to. Im not absolutely certain that at the very slowest finning speeds both fins perform equally. But the only way I could be sure is to put a Velocity on one foot and an Accel on the other and see which way I turn (if I do). The point is, if they are that close, does it matter? Id say no. Another factor is my finning style. I noticed when going slow, if I changed the way I flutter kicked, the Accel improved, so any difference (if it actually exists) might be a result of the way I fin and disappear as I use the fins more.
Extra plus points: The Accel is short enough to fit easily in carry-on. The much longer Velocity must travel in checked baggage. The Accels are three pounds lighter than the Velocity. Because of the material they are made of, the Accels are very easy to remove while I find the Velocitysofter (stickier) material makes removal difficult. Because the Accels are lighter there is less inertia to deal with at the end of each stroke so they take less effort than the Velocity. This also makes acceleration quicker with the Accel. The Accel has close to neutral bouyancy, the Velocity is definitely negative. When I hover, the Velocities drag my feet down. With the Accel I stay horizontal. All of these factors are big things to me.
Minor minus (?) point: While the Accel straps are very stretchy I switched them for the spring straps I had on my Velocity fins. Im old and my flexibility isnt that great. The spring straps have a loop that I can hook my finger in. The Accel straps have a tab that you need to grab. The stock straps are easy, but the springs are a wee bit easier. It wouldnt be a deal breaker but I already had the springs. The stock straps will travel in my save-a-dive bag. Actually Im not sure this is a minus. The ease with which you can switch back and forth is certainly a plus.
Bottom Line: Im very glad I bought them. They have decided advantages over the Velocity with no performance penalty and they cost about $30 less. Way to go Aeris!
Sizing: My shoe size is USA 11½ so I first tried the XL/XXL Accel. I ordered this size because my Velocity regulars were difficult to remove when wet. The foot pocket of the XL/XXL fit my 5mm boot snugly and there was no wobble in the fin. However there was a large gap between the side of the boot and the mouth of the foot opening. Wrong size. I exchanged the XL/XXLs for a pair of regulars and the gap disappeared. So for my 11½ foot with 5mm boots, regular is the correct size.
Performance: At faster speeds the Accel is the equal of the Velocity and may even be a bit better. You can push both Velocity and Accel to drive you very fast. I was completely surprised by the Accel while I was snorkeling after the test. On a dive from surface I hit 20 way faster than I am used to. Im not absolutely certain that at the very slowest finning speeds both fins perform equally. But the only way I could be sure is to put a Velocity on one foot and an Accel on the other and see which way I turn (if I do). The point is, if they are that close, does it matter? Id say no. Another factor is my finning style. I noticed when going slow, if I changed the way I flutter kicked, the Accel improved, so any difference (if it actually exists) might be a result of the way I fin and disappear as I use the fins more.
Extra plus points: The Accel is short enough to fit easily in carry-on. The much longer Velocity must travel in checked baggage. The Accels are three pounds lighter than the Velocity. Because of the material they are made of, the Accels are very easy to remove while I find the Velocitysofter (stickier) material makes removal difficult. Because the Accels are lighter there is less inertia to deal with at the end of each stroke so they take less effort than the Velocity. This also makes acceleration quicker with the Accel. The Accel has close to neutral bouyancy, the Velocity is definitely negative. When I hover, the Velocities drag my feet down. With the Accel I stay horizontal. All of these factors are big things to me.
Minor minus (?) point: While the Accel straps are very stretchy I switched them for the spring straps I had on my Velocity fins. Im old and my flexibility isnt that great. The spring straps have a loop that I can hook my finger in. The Accel straps have a tab that you need to grab. The stock straps are easy, but the springs are a wee bit easier. It wouldnt be a deal breaker but I already had the springs. The stock straps will travel in my save-a-dive bag. Actually Im not sure this is a minus. The ease with which you can switch back and forth is certainly a plus.
Bottom Line: Im very glad I bought them. They have decided advantages over the Velocity with no performance penalty and they cost about $30 less. Way to go Aeris!
