Well, I am finally here with my Current Atomic X1 Blade fin Review. (This is my second writing, I hit the wrong button on my mouse and deleted my first review, so a little frustrated I typed it twice)
Who - I am a 44 year old, Soccer Coach, weighing in at 168lbs and 5'7" with a 9 1/2 4E wide foot.. I have been swimming since I was 2, competing in Diving, Swimming and water polo from 6 to 18. Is this important, I think it is, when reference Power and fatigue.
What - Atomic X1 Blades with Atomic Spring Straps (stolen from me Atomic Split Fins) Large.
Why - My Split fins do not give me the power and versatility that I want as I have progressed through my diving experience. I have tried several Fins, while the Mares at the time gave me what I wanted, by the end a of day, they where killing my feet, Just to Narrow. I stole My Sons Atomic Blade Fins, and really loved them in the open water. However they do not like them in Caverns, and Wrecks.
Please Note Due to unfortunate event, I had to dive the new X1's using my Aqualung boots, instead of my Bare Boots.
Is this important, YES, I am pretty darn sure, yes it is.
So starting here and why this means something. Beach and Grotto dives, the Aqualung boots fit just fine in the new X1's. Where my problem comes in is Boat dives. Of my 12 boat dives over the last 5 days, the X1s stayed on my feet during drop 3 times. The 9 other drops, at least 1 fin slid right off my feet.
I believe this is do to the added height to the boot hole on the X1 fin. I adjusted the Spring Strap to their tightest position, and while better, still have them pop of. Also, at this tightness level, my right foot toes got crunched at the front. I do believe this may be resolved once I get some new Bare Boots (or your heavy duty preference boot). The Width of the Boot is on par with the Original Blade fins, and I never had a fin pop of during drop.
Once in the Water and Ready to Go, the X1's performed as advertised. Alternate Kicking styles, surface swimming where definitely better then the Original Atomic Blade fins. I also believe that they where more powerful using various kicking styles. During our heavy current dive on the Lady Luck 7/24/2016, I had no problems maneuvering and swimming through the current.
The Original Blade Fins IMO, are a great fin. I never had leg fatigue after 6 dives in a day, got to bed, and wake up feeling great the next day. Though in heavy current they seemed to give more then the Mares.
The X1's, on the other hand, thrived in the current. While my legs did feel it more then the Originals Blades, be no means, where my legs as tired as when using my Mares. Yes, I swam against the current a lot, for a reason. I wanted to know how these would perform.
Could the fin slipping off just be a problem with my foot, Yes. Do I believe a better boot will fix it, Yes.
Am I satisfied with the X1 Blades, Yes and No. Until I get some new boots, I am a little bummed. Once I get those and dive again, things may change. As stated, once in the water they are a great fin, just need to get in the water with the fins staying on.
Who - I am a 44 year old, Soccer Coach, weighing in at 168lbs and 5'7" with a 9 1/2 4E wide foot.. I have been swimming since I was 2, competing in Diving, Swimming and water polo from 6 to 18. Is this important, I think it is, when reference Power and fatigue.
What - Atomic X1 Blades with Atomic Spring Straps (stolen from me Atomic Split Fins) Large.
Why - My Split fins do not give me the power and versatility that I want as I have progressed through my diving experience. I have tried several Fins, while the Mares at the time gave me what I wanted, by the end a of day, they where killing my feet, Just to Narrow. I stole My Sons Atomic Blade Fins, and really loved them in the open water. However they do not like them in Caverns, and Wrecks.
Please Note Due to unfortunate event, I had to dive the new X1's using my Aqualung boots, instead of my Bare Boots.
Is this important, YES, I am pretty darn sure, yes it is.
So starting here and why this means something. Beach and Grotto dives, the Aqualung boots fit just fine in the new X1's. Where my problem comes in is Boat dives. Of my 12 boat dives over the last 5 days, the X1s stayed on my feet during drop 3 times. The 9 other drops, at least 1 fin slid right off my feet.
I believe this is do to the added height to the boot hole on the X1 fin. I adjusted the Spring Strap to their tightest position, and while better, still have them pop of. Also, at this tightness level, my right foot toes got crunched at the front. I do believe this may be resolved once I get some new Bare Boots (or your heavy duty preference boot). The Width of the Boot is on par with the Original Blade fins, and I never had a fin pop of during drop.
Once in the Water and Ready to Go, the X1's performed as advertised. Alternate Kicking styles, surface swimming where definitely better then the Original Atomic Blade fins. I also believe that they where more powerful using various kicking styles. During our heavy current dive on the Lady Luck 7/24/2016, I had no problems maneuvering and swimming through the current.
The Original Blade Fins IMO, are a great fin. I never had leg fatigue after 6 dives in a day, got to bed, and wake up feeling great the next day. Though in heavy current they seemed to give more then the Mares.
The X1's, on the other hand, thrived in the current. While my legs did feel it more then the Originals Blades, be no means, where my legs as tired as when using my Mares. Yes, I swam against the current a lot, for a reason. I wanted to know how these would perform.
Could the fin slipping off just be a problem with my foot, Yes. Do I believe a better boot will fix it, Yes.
Am I satisfied with the X1 Blades, Yes and No. Until I get some new boots, I am a little bummed. Once I get those and dive again, things may change. As stated, once in the water they are a great fin, just need to get in the water with the fins staying on.
