Author Topic: Force fin vs APS Mantaray vs Slingshot vs Zeagle ez fin (Read 2225 times)

anwa · « **on:** March 05, 2011, 11:32:11 AM »

Anybody had experience with these fins? How do they compare in terms of weight, power, type of kicks, in current, stability, and comfort?

praetorian · « **Reply #1 on:** March 05, 2011, 11:25:04 PM »

Hi Anwa,

i have no experience with force fins, but i use mantarays.
what i like about them
1. light - important when packing for overseas trip.
2. not split fins - pretty good performance on surface
3. positive buoyant - no need to chase after them if the fall off in the water
4. can use many different type of kicks
5. small

basically, i like em very much as they they do everything i need

Underwater Tourist · « **Reply #2 on:** March 06, 2011, 12:19:45 AM »

Hi..
how much it cost you for the Mantaray....can get it here??

TIA..

praetorian · « **Reply #3 on:** March 06, 2011, 08:32:39 AM »

mantarays now are now available from rec n tec.
better call them for pricing.

anwa · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2011, 03:39:55 PM »

Quote from: praetorian on March 05, 2011, 11:25:04 PM

Hi Anwa,

i have no experience with force fins, but i use mantarays.
what i like about them
1. light - important when packing for overseas trip.
2. not split fins - pretty good performance on surface
3. positive buoyant - no need to chase after them if the fall off in the water
4. can use many different type of kicks
5. small

basically, i like em very much as they they do everything i need

Thanks for your info and insight. May I ask how does it perform in strong currents ? Some reviews seem to say its soft in currents. Also, what size should I get if I am wearing a size 8 hard sole bootie ?

praetorian · « **Reply #5 on:** March 06, 2011, 07:56:00 PM »

depends wat you mean by strong current

personally, in mild to medium current, they performed well enough.
they performed better than some split fins during dives with current, especially at the surface.
my dive buddy switched from splits to mantaray, and her comments were that it is easier to use on surface than splits.

compared to slingshot, they are not that fast.
but, they did perform well enough for me, and their other benefits make up for the lack in power.

as you mentioned, the fins are a lil soft.

if you are looking for outright power, this may not be the fins for you.
but if you are looking for a nice all round performer, then you could consider the mantarays

anwa · « **Reply #6 on:** March 06, 2011, 09:17:56 PM »

I've been using Mares Xstream for the last 20-30dives. Light but long so a bit troublesome for traveling. Very comfy, rarely cramps, no blister etc. However not powerful enough against current and slow on surface when swimming backwards. Was having trouble keeping up with my dive guide using those beuchat long free diving fins.

Tried force fin, quite like it but looking for my size in an affordable price.

Happen across mantaray and was thinking to try it out.

praetorian · « **Reply #7 on:** March 06, 2011, 11:55:49 PM »

next time i go pool, can drop by and test

anwa · « **Reply #8 on:** March 07, 2011, 10:52:03 AM »

Quote from: praetorian on March 06, 2011, 11:55:49 PM

next time i go pool, can drop by and test

That would be great! Please let me know, thanks !

garthak · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2011, 01:03:43 PM »

Quote from: anwa on March 05, 2011, 11:32:11 AM

Anybody had experience with these fins? How do they compare in terms of weight, power, type of kicks, in current, stability, and comfort?

I have experience with the Manta and Force fins but have not tried the EZ fin nor the sling shots.....

Manta's are VERY light weight and great for traveling, They also come with a price tag that everyone can afford. They have proven to be an excellent fin and I have no problems with frog, flutter, helicopter turns and back fining. They perform well in a current and also on the surface. They require little input to get results, in fact if it wasn't for the fact that was moving forward I would have sworn I wasn't wearing fins at all.
All in all I give them 2 thumbs up.

Force fins.... They too are an excellent fin and perform well in all before mentioned conditions and kicking styles, however... They come with a hefty price tag attacked. 1 thumbs up but only due to price tag.

The OMS Slipstream fins are a light weight version of the Jet Fin it performs exactly the same with half the weight and about half the price.
1 thumbs up because it requires leg muscles to truly exploit the full potential of this fin.

Sling shot?.... Never used but looks like a complicated fin that has possible failure points, Never heard of it happening but looks that way.

EZ fin?.... Once again never used, but does look light weight. Has me wondering how long the Velcro will with stand repeated use. Most of the reviews I read said great for snorkeling. Once again I state I have never used.

anwa · « **Reply #10 on:** March 07, 2011, 05:17:33 PM »

Quote from: garthak on March 07, 2011, 01:03:43 PM

Quote from: anwa on March 05, 2011, 11:32:11 AM
Anybody had experience with these fins? How do they compare in terms of weight, power, type of kicks, in current, stability, and comfort?

I have experience with the Manta and Force fins but have not tried the EZ fin nor the sling shots.....

Manta's are VERY light weight and great for traveling, They also come with a price tag that everyone can afford. They have proven to be an excellent fin and I have no problems with frog, flutter, helicopter turns and back fining. They perform well in a current and also on the surface. They require little input to get results, in fact if it wasn't for the fact that was moving forward I would have sworn I wasn't wearing fins at all.
All in all I give them 2 thumbs up.

Force fins.... They too are an excellent fin and perform well in all before mentioned conditions and kicking styles, however... They come with a hefty price tag attacked. 1 thumbs up but only due to price tag.

The OMS Slipstream fins are a light weight version of the Jet Fin it performs exactly the same with half the weight and about half the price.
1 thumbs up because it requires leg muscles to truly exploit the full potential of this fin.

Sling shot?.... Never used but looks like a complicated fin that has possible failure points, Never heard of it happening but looks that way.

EZ fin?.... Once again never used, but does look light weight. Has me wondering how long the Velcro will with stand repeated use. Most of the reviews I read said great for snorkeling. Once again I state I have never used.

Thanks for the great info ! I might probably buy a mantaray and check it out. If it good, then maybe sell of my mares xstream (boy costly fin....).

Underwater Tourist · « **Reply #11 on:** March 07, 2011, 05:47:53 PM »

Hi..Do you roughly how much it cost??
Interested to get a pair..

anwa · « **Reply #12 on:** March 07, 2011, 06:41:33 PM »

Quote from: Underwater Tourist on March 07, 2011, 05:47:53 PM

Hi..Do you roughly how much it cost??
Interested to get a pair..

A pair of which fin ?
Retail price for Mares Xstream is RM700+ before discount.
Not sure about APS Mantaray.
EZ fin is not very expensive around RM200-300.
Slingshot better ask Scubaholic Anonymous, I think around RM600-700 ?
Force fin ranges from US$100 for 2nd hand pair on ebay to US$600 or more for special pro / acceralating etc model.

meg · « **Reply #13 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:23:29 PM »

APS Mantaray... good fin...used Apollo Bio Fin before which was good for normal dive but don't do well in heavy current. Tried out the APS Mantaray in Pulau Weh @ Arus Balee (Bastard Current) dive site. The fin still have the feel like the bio fin - very light underwater but able to fight current very well

the light weight of the fin make it a good choice for travelling and the fin is not that big. Got it for RM300 from Rec N tec during MIDE last yr

MACHA · « **Reply #14 on:** March 07, 2011, 09:29:38 PM »

Wow...divers these days really spend hi $$$ for fins...WOWWWW!

irukandji · « **Reply #15 on:** March 08, 2011, 12:33:56 PM »

Quote from: MACHA on March 07, 2011, 09:29:38 PM

Wow...divers these days really spend hi $$$ for fins...WOWWWW!

I'll be happy with full foot Cressi Reaction...

garthak · « **Reply #16 on:** March 08, 2011, 01:59:07 PM »

Quote from: meg on March 07, 2011, 08:23:29 PM

APS Mantaray... good fin...used Apollo Bio Fin before which was good for normal dive but don't do well in heavy current. Tried out the APS Mantaray in Pulau Weh @ Arus Balee (Bastard Current) dive site. The fin still have the feel like the bio fin - very light underwater but able to fight current very well

the light weight of the fin make it a good choice for travelling and the fin is not that big. Got it for RM300 from Rec N tec during MIDE last yr

We still offer them at that price

Underwater Tourist · « **Reply #17 on:** March 08, 2011, 08:54:46 PM »

Quote from: garthak on March 08, 2011, 01:59:07 PM

Quote from: meg on March 07, 2011, 08:23:29 PM
APS Mantaray... good fin...used Apollo Bio Fin before which was good for normal dive but don't do well in heavy current. Tried out the APS Mantaray in Pulau Weh @ Arus Balee (Bastard Current) dive site. The fin still have the feel like the bio fin - very light underwater but able to fight current very well

the light weight of the fin make it a good choice for travelling and the fin is not that big. Got it for RM300 from Rec N tec during MIDE last yr

We still offer them at that price

I ordered mine today..but why was at RM360....

UGPM..

garthak · « **Reply #18 on:** March 09, 2011, 10:15:32 AM »

Quote from: Underwater Tourist on March 08, 2011, 08:54:46 PM

Quote from: garthak on March 08, 2011, 01:59:07 PM
Quote from: meg on March 07, 2011, 08:23:29 PM
APS Mantaray... good fin...used Apollo Bio Fin before which was good for normal dive but don't do well in heavy current. Tried out the APS Mantaray in Pulau Weh @ Arus Balee (Bastard Current) dive site. The fin still have the feel like the bio fin - very light underwater but able to fight current very well

the light weight of the fin make it a good choice for travelling and the fin is not that big. Got it for RM300 from Rec N tec during MIDE last yr

We still offer them at that price

I ordered mine today..but why was at RM360....

UGPM..

Must be present to receive discount. Mail orders do not get discount.