They are a gimmick

[scuba_frog]

Not sure the company is still in business any more. Their office is near my house. It is vacant. The toll free number goes to voice mail and the main 847 number is disconnected. But I do like the fins.

 

[danvolker]

Interesting. Often a poster will start a thread in an effort to negativity critique a product or service, and the thread ends up being a positive advertisement instead when the fans of the product or service post their praise.

I have seen these fins and dismissed them as a gimmick myself. Now I'm wondering, has anyone put these fins through the tests on kicks like the frog kick, back kick, etc.? I too wonder about the additional failure points. In a wreck or cave, could a fin that inadvertently hits an obstruction somehow swing closed? IOW's, how appropriate are these fins for technical diving? And are they available with spring straps?

If Omega Aquatics would like to send me a pair, I'll give them a fair review on Scubaboard and www.sfdj.com .. as I once did for Bob Evans of Force Fins.....
They should know I will "HATE" any fin that will flex like spaghetti when mild leg power is applied....and that I can keep up to most scooters with the almost infinitely superior DiveR freedive fins....

My impression, ( and I have only seen, not used), is that the flip fins are targeted at people who do very little actual swimming or covering distance, and that for some reason, feel challenged by walking in normal fins... I would would love to be proven wrong, but I won't hold my breath

 

[drbill]

Personally, I've never been interested in these fins for myself. My concern centers around the potential introduction of another failure point in equipment. However, I have friends who absolutely love them. I will have to ask them whether they use the Omegas on beach dives. I can see where the upright fin could pose a resistance issue when returning to the beach after shore diving.

 

[*dave*]

What problem does this fin solve?

I used a pair several years ago and they seemed to work as advertised. Personally, I didn't like the characteristics of the fin, but I'm partial to the response and feel of traditional blade fins.

I kinda look at the flip up feature much the same as purge valve masks: a gear solution to a skills issue.

 

[Teamcasa]

What problem does this fin solve?

Does a feature have to solve a problem? Nope, they just have to be enjoyed by the user. I use them and I do like them very much. They are the perfect fin, (for me) when diving the Casino Dive Park. Fins on, flipped up, walk down the stairs into the water, reverse for exit. The downside? I look like a hockey goalie going and coming.

 

[drbill]

The downside? I look like a hockey goalie going and coming.

Yep, I was thinking of you when I posted, Dave! The point Dave made about the ease of entering and exiting the water with the Omegas is a good one. Too often we have to wait on the stairs or in the water while someone puts their fins on or takes them off. I feel sorry for the divers in line behind me!

 

[skankpile]

Have you seen the pr/sales video where a guy is walking around in a ditch with camo wearing these as he sweeps the camraman about 10 times with his muzzle... awesome.

go with force fin man... if seals will use them... give them a try.

 

[danvolker]

I don't think a fin should get anything but "DESTROYED" by us here on scubaboard, if it is no good at propulsion....
We buy fins for swimming. If you want something on your feet for walking, buy Nikes. Otherwise, "learn" how to walk in normal fins...You can practice this on your driveway or in your house for christ's sake !!!!

I can walk in freedive fins in any sea conditions, with tank and camera in hand...
Omega should be ashamed!!!

 

[mathauck0814]

removed.

 

[*dave*]

Does a feature have to solve a problem? Nope, they just have to be enjoyed by the user.

That would be dependent upon the user, I would think. For me, adding a feature to compensate for a deficient skill set doesn't make sense as long as I am able to improve that deficient skill set. It takes me less than 10 seconds to fin up, rinse and don my mask at the gate. I know it's a challenge for some folks, but I feel they would be better served by a set of spring straps and some practice as opposed to becoming dependent on a piece of gear that could fail at some point.

I've also seen folks enter the water unprepared: over-weighted, no gas in the bcd, valve shut down.... In those cases, I'd hate to contemplate what the outcome would have been had their fins been in the shin guard position.

If they are working for you, that's awesome.

Have you seen the pr/sales video where a guy is walking around in a ditch with camo wearing these as he sweeps the camraman about 10 times with his muzzle... awesome.

go with force fin man... if seals will use them... give them a try.

I've heard from what I consider to be a reliable source that the main reason the military uses Force Fins is that they can run in them. Great for storming a beach, but something less than optimal for my diving. YMMV