As some of you know, I bought a float tube a few weeks ago. I haven’t had the opportunity to use it yet. It came with a pair of inexpensive (really cheap) kick fins, and I just don’t have the faith in them I should have. I know that the Force Fin question has been kicked around before (kicked to death) but I’m wondering if anyone has had any experience with a competitor of theirs called Flip Fins. I’m just about ready to pull the trigger on a purchase and I’m torn between Force and Flip. Any help out there? Thanks ahead.
Prices are pretty close, you can walk forward in both.
My only observation is…the Force fins are more friendly to your wading boot if you use them. It is soft Neoprene as versus Rubber and even plastic.
The advantage to the Omega’s however, if you have a FLOAT TUBE, you could lean back, straighten legs and use the same motion as a scuba diver. Making it able to move on the up and down.
I can’t think of any negatives to either fin…so it comes down to preference.
after i started the thread that ducky posted i ended up getting the force fins. lets me be a navy seal for a few hours.
as far as walking in fins, i usually position all of my gear at the boat ramp and then i dont have but 4-5 feet to walk into the water. i’m figuring its about 5 or 6 steps and i’m floating away. people make it sound so difficult to walk in fins. i dont know why.
NORM ( flashback from Cheers:D) There are some places I launch that are such a gradual incline, you have to walk quite a ways.
But, I like the fact that if I forgot my water at 50’ away, I don’t have to bend over and take the fins off to go get it. Plus a better work out…LOL
The flip fins or Omegas, were designed with the river fishing idea. Floating down,pulling over to the shore and walking. Or even landing the monsters.
Just a quick FYI … The Flipfins are being used by Navy Seals and are also a part of the standard tactical equipment for Naval Special Warfare Groups (NSWG).
Many different fins are used by Navy Seals. Force Fins have been used a long time by Seals and many other tactical military groups. There are many threads discussing fins and I think you’ll find Force Fins to be the #1 choice of tubers. Check for yourself.
I’m really close to a decision here. To be honest, I’m leaning toward the Force Fins for a couple of reasons.
#1 Reputation-They’ve been around for a long time and the only thing folks don’t like about them is the price.
#2 No moving parts-It just seems like that no moving parts lends itself to fewer breakdowns.
I sure like the idea of getting the flipper part of the fins clear out of the way though.
We respect your decision, but hopefully the info below might come handy to all other potentially interested members:
Flipfins will be available from Cabela’s (stores, catalog and on-line) by end of this year or in early 2010, this should take care the “Reputation” issue.
Flipfins come with a 1 year warranty from the date of purchase and the locking hinge is covered by the limited lifetime warranty.
