Lightweight alternative to Jet Fins?

[Hammerhead]

OK, so I'm addicted to my trusty Jets, but given that I'm travelling a lot and need to cut down on weight to allow for camera gear, I'm looking for an alternative.

What it comes down to, is that I'm trying to find a lighter version of the same stuff I like. Nice, rigid fins, with decent maneouverabilty, but as light as possible. They don't even have to be black

All suggestions welcome!

 

[TSandM]

Well, a lot of the cave divers in Florida use the Dive Rite paddle fins. They're much lighter than Jets, but they're also quite a bit more flexible. I didn't dive them, but I played with them in the store, and I didn't think I would like them.

I have heard the OMS Slipstreams are similar to Jets in stiffness, but lighter and not negative. But I've never seen a pair.

 

[vladimir]

I use the DiveRite fins and agree with Lynne's assessment, except for the part about not liking them. They are, as she said, more flexible than Jets, but stiffer than most fins and quite light.

 

[Skyjunky]

OMS Slipstreams. They weigh 5lbs combined.

 

[Hammerhead]

Cheers guys, I'll have a look at both. Any more ideas?

 

[El Orans]

APS Mantaray fins should be similar.

 

[Scott M]

Cheers guys, I'll have a look at both. Any more ideas?

I just went through the same thing. I went with the Slips and had a chance to dive them this past weekend. It was only a pool dive (50' deep pool) but I had a chance to do most of what I wanted except flat out pushing them for speed. It was a little bit of a scewed comparison because I only had size large Jets and these are XL. I found them to be very good at frog kick which is about all I do so I could stop right there. They have a lot of surface and are very responsive at backing, sculling and pretty much everything I tried with them. I did a little flutter kicking and full leg kicking, they seemed very powerful but again this was a pool with no current so not much of a test in that regard. All in all I like them and will be using them for wet suit diving in place of my large jets. I have the XSScuba spring straps. I love these straps. Perfect fit, easy to install, look great and come with all the hardware needed to install on most of the bigger name fins so if I switch fins again I have springs ready for them.

 

[hokie_diver]

APS Mantaray fins should be similar.

I picked up a pair of these and like them quite a bit. They are quite small and weigh about 3 lb for the pair, yet kick like real fins.

 

[SlowRain]

OMS Slipstreams...love them. Only thing is they are a resin versus jets being rubber...so they are going to show wear. I found them a bit stiffer than my old jets...but that was a plus for me. I also put spring straps on mine.

 

[Hammerhead]

Excellent help guys. I really am after reducing weight as a priority, so I'll try to borrow a pair of the APS Mantaray fins first-off

Thanks to all for your help!