I think that a nice set of fins would allow me to reposition the boat or keep it in position while using both hands to fish. I see so many fins available and at a very wide price range that I could use a recomendation. I wanted some fins that wouldn’t have to be replaced with another set because of performance. Thanks for the recomendations in advance.
Everyone is going to have their “own favs”, of course, so not sure if asking will be much of a help or not!??!
But, when I was kicking my 8’ Outcast around, I tried about 6 brands of fins, from diver’s fins, (too long, too flexible), to actual “pontoon boat fins”, ( waste of money).
Finally bit the bullet and stopped wasting money and got a pair of “Force Fins”.
Loved them. Light, stiff enough, but not too stiff. Plenty of Propulsion area on the fin and easy on/off, with my flats boots I wore or even wading boots, when drifting rivers.
My .02 worth, on the subject!
That’s exactly the kind of info that I was looking for Paul. I don’t want to buy 6 different sets before I find something that works. Why buy 3 sets at $35 and then finally spend $50 on a set that work well. Might as well buy the good stuff right off the bat.
The Force Fins, are they the ones that look like a fish tail for the flipper?
Sorry,Rick!! (about the price of Force fins!)… But ya’ asked!! ha! Seriously, when you said, (quote). “I wanted some fins that wouldn’t have to be replaced with another set because of performance”.… well, I told you, what I use and have found to work the best for me! If you eBay, at all, I’ve seen them on there, new and used, for about 1/2 to a 1/3 of normal retail!?!
Personally, I have never had a problem with the Caddis fins I got with my first float tube fifteen years ago. They move me just fine whether I am in my tube or my toon. Never could see spending a hundred bucks on a new set of fins.
From browsing the Internet I have discovered that users of Force Fins either swear by them or swear at them. After hearing the negatives I would hesitate mightily before buying an expensive item like that. I know some knowledgeable people that use Avanti Plena Mares and swear by them. Personally I’ve done well with the fins you can buy at a sporting goods store that sells float tubes. I think I have a pair of Browning and a pair of Trout Unlimited fins that serve me equally well.
You have to remember, there are different models of Force Finns. I prefer the ones with the neoprene upper and heel. They do NOT wear on my boots at all. I have heard bad stories on the less expensive ones that come in sizes. Mine are a one size fits all.
I DID. They are kewl cause you really can walk forward. The flipper part isn’t very big however. I am going to say for a pontoon, these would be great, cause you do have oars, but a float tube, I was in trouble when the wind kicked up, that is why I went with the Force Finns.
I have tried several flippers, and I want to warn you people of one thing you might not expect. Many on the market will wear on your shoes. I use boot foot hippers and they chewed up the heel and sides of the boot. The neoprene on FF don’t
I have and love them. I have always used the Force Fins but when my tether failed and I lost the right fin I had no choice. The only store nearby was an Orvis store and that was all they had.
I made my purchase and have not regretted it. I would choose these over the Force Fins. Of Course now we are getting into the personal preference thing again. I use a Float Tube and find I get just as much push with these as I do the Force Fins only these are MUCH more comfortable to use. I had no problem with the wind and that is a common occurrence on the lakes I fish. Surprisingly enough, despite being Orvis, they are also less expensive.
Cool!! Thanks FG!
I’ve been wondering FOR MONTHS, where DShock-Dougy had purchased the kick fins he wears with his argyle waders!! Except, I don’t see Doug’s lavender ones, pictured.
