Scubapro Jet Fins question?

[mikeguerrero]

Hi all,

Quick question and hopefully you guys can direct me in right direction. I own a pair of Jetfins and I have a problem.

Since I have DUI size 9 Rockboots with 12 inch springs I can get the fins on but off the fin is next to impossible as a suction keeps the fin on.

I have to rotate the fin left/right several times before the fin will start to release its death grip, this is a problem with a solution correct?

I've heard you can make two small holes on the bottom of the fin close to the tips or the toes; does anyone know what tool I can use and what diameter to work with?

Any illustrations of pics would be a blessing but I understand if there are none archived.

Thanks,

MG

 

[Gombessa]

A hand drill with any typical bit would be fine.

Instead of (or before) drilling holes, another thing you can try is silicone lubricant - it comes in an aerosol or spray pump form at your LDS - a couple of spritzes in the foot pocket before the dive and the fins come on and off much easier. Also, some people like to keep the foot pockets filled with water when they exit, so they can rinse dirt/sand off their drysuit boots after the dive; you can't do that with holes in the pockets.

 

[mikeguerrero]

Hey Ken,

Thanks for the info, I have the lubricant spray and will bring it with me next time I dive and spray the inside of the foot pocket. Hopefully that will work, I'm not too good with the drill and might end up messing up the fins.

MG

 

[BGF]

the spray lubricant will definitely help, but I've found that the fins wear in after a number of dives making it easier to remove. I bought my fins in the middle of last season and at first could barely get them off, and especially hard when trying to remove in the water before gettig back on the boat. Without any lubricant mine have worn in to the point that I can now pull them off w/o too much effort.

 

[Ben_ca]

Do you have the right sized fin?

Bring bring your suit (socks included) and fins to AWS and your problem will be solved today.

 

[ae3753]

FYI: I'm a size 9 DUI Rockboot and use XL Jet Fins. Over time, it does become easier to remove. No holes or silicon spray.

As a side note, I'm now using wetsuit boots (with fin keepers), and have been so much happier. Only drawback with this particular design is thread pattern. Could use something with more bite for those slippery surfaces.

 

[b1gcountry]

You might get some complaints if you bring any kind of silicone lube on a boat and spray it where people walk.

Tom

 

[Anti-Hero]

Spray the fins with the silicon lube now and let it soak in. It will make a world of difference.

 

[CompuDude]

FYI: I'm a size 9 DUI Rockboot and use XL Jet Fins. Over time, it does become easier to remove. No holes or silicon spray.

As a side note, I'm now using wetsuit boots (with fin keepers), and have been so much happier. Only drawback with this particular design is thread pattern. Could use something with more bite for those slippery surfaces.

I echo this solution. Another option, though, is Converse... they're much lower profile than the DUI rock boots and fit the fins much easier than rockboots. You can even get them in all black to look pretty similar to rockboots, or go crazy with flames or pink or whatever makes you happy.

I have to say, though I LOVE the wetsuit booties. So much more ankle flexibility than rock boots, or even Converse. So much faster to put on, also, and makes fitting into the fins super easy. I've found the perfect wetsuit booties for wearing with a drysuit: The Tilos "Titanium Hydro + Zip Boot". Mid ankle height (very similar to rock boots), so not too tall like many wetsuit booties, but not too low, either. Good grip on the sole, but the sole is small and formed to the bootie, so they fit into fins very easily. Getting my rockboot-wearing size 9.5 feet into XL jets was always a nightmare, Converse was easier but still needed some work on occasion, but with these booties, there's no problem whatsoever.

 

[Gombessa]

You might get some complaints if you bring any kind of silicone lube on a boat and spray it where people walk.

Tom

I give each foot pocket a spritz after I'm done rinsing my gear. They don't "dry out" or anything so they're ready to go for the next weekend.

I can get the fins off without the spray, but a little lube makes it much faster, especially if I'm trying to time a shore exit between sets.