Mares X-Stream Fins

[ExtremeAntics]

There is to much flex in these fins for my liking, so instead of propelling you through the water the fin flexes in the centre which negates the transition of power from your legs to the fins.

I initially thought that it may have been me, but another DM collegue tried them as well and his opinion was the same.

Think of it like an oar in a boat, it the oar flexes you don' get the same transition of power to the stroke.

However if you don't have the strength to push a more resistant force through the water then these may assist you however in my opinion this would stop you developing the technique and strength in the long run.

 

[peterrobbemond]

I agree with you on the flex part... After spending 5 days of diving with these fins, for some reason I found a way to make this pivoting action work in favor of me, suddenly got a lot of power out of em... At first they seemed just 'ok', but after some training, I can really race with these fins. Can't explain what my kick is like, should put it on video or something...

 

[orionnt]

Has anyone used these fins in comparison with the Volo Powers? I have a power of Volo Powers now that are starting to tear and I am trying to decide if I should get another pair of Power or get the new X-Streams. Any Suggestions?

 

[Piccola]

I just tried mine for the first time and hesitate to comment because I think it is premature but I took them out on a beach dive and they seemed to want to float to the surface. I would rather not say bouyant because fins should not have that effect that is so noticable. I was tempted to fill my booties with rocks . I love the buckle system out of the water when I tried them on but I had difficulty unclipping them in the water. The buckles felt gritty from the sand, in the end I had to pull the straps off to remove them. All that said, this is an unfair look at them in less than favourable ocean conditions. I will say I did not have any problem with propulsion in the harsh current so that is a good thing. I got them primarily to lighten my travel load so I will get them out again to give them a better test.

BTW I ordered the small after receiving the regulars and finding them way too big. I wanted them for my 5mm sock or caribbean boot, I have a wide womans 9.5 foot and the small is the right size for me

 

[Piccola]

I had a chance to try them out today at one of my regular dive spots. It was an ocean dive with fairly heavy rolling surf. Once we got our dive underway we found there to be an unusual amount of surge. I thought the fins performed well. They seemed to provide really good forward propulsion and maneavered nicely around obsticles using a variety of finning. I can only compare them to my scubapro twin jet fins which, BTW, I happen to love. It was nice to be ably to firmly grasp them both with one hand while trying to fight the tides getting out of the water on a really rocky exit. I was looking specifically for a lighter less bulky fin for use when travelling but still met the demands of various ocean conditions. So far I am happy with them.

 

[chrisgp007]

just retried mine this past weekend in the quarry. Find them alot easier and faster to catch up to other divers if finning slowly on them . Saw 2 divers racing each other one with volos and the other with the x-streams . Out come x-streams won by a long shot . Well done to Mares on making a nice light weight fin that are good for travelin and supper fast in the water tho

 

[khblair]

i just got mine and am trying to remove the fin straps that come with them so that i can use my spring straps. is there a trick to getting them off? i cant seem to budge them off of the post on the fin

 

[khblair]

i just got mine and am trying to remove the fin straps that come with them so that i can use my spring straps. is there a trick to getting them off? i cant seem to budge them off of the post on the fin

anyone

 

[Zak OHara]

Hi, You need to open the buckle by depressing both buttons, then turn the buckle 90*, with buckle open, slide the entire buckle forward, positioning the fin post into the larger hole on the buckle. This will allow the buckle to come off completely. Note: the post has a ridge on it, and will only allow the buckle to come off in one position, so for your initial 90* turn, if it does not work, turn it 90* the other way. It will also be fairly stiff (by design), requiring a bit of energy. You may want to wear some light weight gloves the first time you do it. Just a precaution.

I hope you get it figured out.

Best,

 

[mblazer]

Just got a pair recently and had the same issue. "A bit of energy" sure is right - thought I'd break a finger! Finally did get the straps off in the way suggested. Haven't tried the fins yet (going on a trip later this month), but they came very highly recommended by my LDS.