Survey - Dive Master Questionnaires
Truefin Survey from DIVE MASTER #1
Fin: Truefin Model 110 Size Large with '412 Blue Spines
Rate the comfort during slow easy flutter kick: With this fin it felt weird at first because of the moving parts and be able to feel it. Got over soon as I was able to feel the easy ok kicking without losing efficiency.
Rate comfort during flutter kick sprint: While teaching and escorting Students felt fine.
Rate speed flutter kick sprint: Was teaching and diving so did not use in fast mode.
If you use modified flutter please rate effectiveness: At normal dive speed very effective.
Rate comfort during frog kick: Was effective while diving at normal speed.
Rate speed of frog kick: Not using for speed . less effort and same effectiveness other fins.
Comments on modified frog kick: Not using for speed . less effort and same effectiveness other fins.
Comments on back kick: I use back kick a lot with students work really well for that on the surface and under water. (Note from Truefin: this diver thought reference to a 'back kick' meant swimming face up underwater while flutter kicking and while keeping in front of students. This diver noted that when in this orientation, kicking toward the 'toe down' direction during the 'return' flutter kick worked 'really well'. In future questionnaires 'reverse kick' will be used instead of 'back kick' in order to avoid this confusion)
Comments on helicopter turns: Work well when working with students.
Any other comments about your experience using Truefin: Not sure what size spring straps are on the set of fins. wondering if their is a bigger size , fin pockets is fine but the fin was too tight to foot and was little hard to take fins on and off. the fins seem and look to be durable. which is good for the conditions I dive and teach. (Note from Truefin: this diver tried Truefin size Large, and had a foot size 10.5 mens, and had dry suit boots on. Please note that Truefin size Large is shipped with spring straps that should fit users having shoe size mens 9-13 while wearing 2-3mm booties ranging up to dry suit boots. If the user has a foot size 10-11 and is wearing heavy dry suit boots, the fin strap may have to be replaced with a larger strap.)
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DIVEMASTER #2 :
Unpacking Impressions:
I have high expectations from dive fins, especially since I’ve been spoiled by the Hollis F1 and F2 fins during my diving career. Opening the box I was glad to see that Truefin held to similarly high standards. The build quality is excellent, and it looks like a lot of attention is paid to the molding process. There is no excess material or sharp edges leftover from manufacturing. The spine pieces are well-crafted and intuitive, with shapes on each side to indicate the direction to align them. The fin itself is fairly heavy; I’m reminded of the massive Hollis F1 fins that weigh 7.5 pounds (Truefin comes in slightly under that at 6.2 pounds). The accompanying spring heel straps snap easily into place and feel secure.
The fin offers a very wide opening for a dive boot. I’m a size 10 in a 3mm boot, and my foot fits securely into the fin. However, there’s plenty of room left if I decide to switch to a thicker boot or drysuit boot (especially with the spring strap). Overall I’m very happy with the construction of the fin, especially compared to other similarly-priced fins on the market. It doesn’t feel delicate or fragile, and it seems like it can put up with a good amount of abuse. Even the plastic spines seem solid, interlocking smoothly and inspiring confidence.
Test Dive Profile: Dive Type - Recreational Shore Dive
Location - Electric (Kahe) Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Dive Time - 86 minutes
Max Depth - 30 feet
Conditions - Moderate undercurrent, 2-4 foot waves
Equipment - 130 cf HP Steel Tank, Aqualung Rogue BCD, DGX Regulator, Truefin (with Yellow Spines)
The Dive:
Getting the fins on and off in the shore surge was easy, especially given the wide opening for my boot. I opted to use the Yellow Spines for my first dive, and kicking at the surface (I like to kick on my back with my scuba gear) was relatively easy. It was not as light and easy to kick as the Hollis F2, but nowhere near as exhausting as the F1 fins. I also noticed that slower, steadier kicks seemed to provide me with the most propulsion compared to shorter kicks.
Once we dove, I immediately felt the advantage of having the spines in the Truefin. There was a slight current pushing against us that day, and I was in a dive group using split fins, ScubaPro Seawings, and traditional recreational plastic fins. In a matter of seconds I had gotten far out in front of the group with very little effort. The movement action of the spines feels a bit odd at first, but you forget it quickly as you feel how efficiently the fin is moving water.
My kicking style as an underwater photographer is mixed between frog kick, flutter kick, and a helicopter kick (when trying to hover in position to get a shot). The yellow-spine Truefin excels at the first two, offering very nice thrust per kick with longer strokes. One thing I found during my flutter kick was that it was easier to keep my knees completely straight and generate all the kicking power from my hips. Most fins I generally feel the need to slightly bend my knees while flutter-kicking to prevent too much fatigue.
The only downside (for me) with the fins came to the helicopter kick and small maneuvering kick that I use while trying to line up photos. Normally with my heavy and stiff Hollis F1 fins, slight movements of the fin give me small thrust in the direction I need, especially with a hybrid helicopter/frog kick. With the Truefin, there’s more give on the toe-down flex vs the toe-up flex direction, giving me the feeling of unevenness when I’m trying to perform small maneuvering kicks. However, all of that can be chalked up to a learning curve; I’m not used to the flexion action of the Truefin, and it will take a few dives to learn the right movements for maneuvering.
Aftermath:
After the dive I received several comments (some mildly annoyed, somewhat jealous) from my dive buddies about the Truefins. I had been flying around the whole dive with very little effort, which required them to kick harder to keep up with me. They all noted that I seemed to be barely exerting myself with slow kicks while happily zooming along. After the 86 minute dive in moderate current, I felt very little fatigue in my legs, hips, and ankles. There were no hotspots that rubbed on the opening or strap of the fin, and it was overall a very comfortable experience. Most importantly, I didn’t have the same hip-flexor fatigue that accompanies kicking in my heavy F1 fins.
S. Apsley - Hawaii - website: Oahu Dive Guide
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NOT A DIVEMASTER:
As an Aquatic Bioligist and avid free diver, I couldn't recommend my Truefins enough. I have dove in dozens of countries and a greater number of unique conditions. I've used a lot of different fins in those situations, but can't believe how effortless these fins feel in comparison. This feels especially noticeable when accelerating, while still allowing amazing agility.
I wasn't sure how the "spine technology" would perform in practice. I'm greatly impressed with the power each kick creates. My experience with "rigid" fins always felt like a compromise. They feel comfortably snug and fit to size with my booties.
So far I've used my Truefins for free diving, as well as some underwater maintenance and repair work. On a fish observation area, where rigid fins often perform poorly, they performed better by kicking up less sediment since they allow higher precision with slow foot motion. Glad someone took the time and effort to study biomechanical design to engineer such a solid dive fin!
Michael Stracco - Spearfish, South Dakota
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NOT A DIVEMASTER :
These fins are excellent!! The customizable spine and the way it adjusts the dynamic action of the fin is brilliant. Super compact and durable. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
J.C. - Location unknown
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AMAZON REVIEW
We snorkel and spear fish often but only get out with scuba every few years. With it winter now, so far I have only spent time in the pool with them. I was really interested in the one-way flex of these fins. It is incredible how much more thrust these give on the back stroke when they lock up. I put enough time on them I was sure I was going to be sore but was just fine the next day. I think because they put the load on the dominate muscles and lighter load on the return. I am pretty sure this better balance will prevent fatigue over long distances.
I realized if you really need to move, these will give you all the trust your legs are good for. Which will be really nice for the rocks I tend to like to get close to in high surf. I can’t wait to try them out in the ocean.
James - Location unknown
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AMAZON REVIEW
In two decades of diving I've tried my share fair of fins. After some time out of the water, and a trip coming up, I decided to get some new gear. These sure top the list! There is nothing else like them. If you like to research (over analyze) products like I do, these guys have got you covered. My only hesitation ordering them was that they might be too big.. I wear a 9-10, mostly 9-1/2 in shoes depending on the style and brand. With my new Bare 7mm boots these fins fit great! I've only had them in the pool but confident I won't be trading these out anytime soon. No hotspots and tons of power with less effort.
For any sport, gear is an investment. One piece can make or break an entire trip. These aren't going to break. You can tell the quality right out of the box, made in the US.
I cannot wait to fold them up and take them to Cozumel next month!
I'll update the review after having them in the water for a few days.
Sam Brown
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EMAILED COMMENT
Regarding thrust of Truefin, here is a comment a sea urchin diver emailed to Truefin after this diver switched from a very old pair of Scubapro Jetfins (with the lightening bolt) to Truefin with Green ‘012 spines: “Definitely felt the increase in thrust and experimented with the up -stroke and the improvement was definitely noticeable.”
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Divemaster Customer
Ordered my Truefin Model 110 on 23-September22. I received them on 27-September22. The Fins came with the Blue Spines as advertised. They also came with a set of yellow spines and a note to test both and report back my opinion. I will gladly oblige.
My initial thoughts: 1) assembly was very easy and intuitive for straps and spines. 2) the fins are listed as size Large. I wear US Men’s 11.5 wide. The fins fit with all three pairs of my Dive Boots. I have soft top, medium rigid and rigid boots. All fit the foot pocket comfortably. 3) the weight is noticeably lighter than my Jet fins as well as my Avanti Quattros. 4) the booklet that came with the Truefin is very informative and explains a bit more about the design and testing. I am a technical Guy by profession and appreciate the level of detail provided. Tomorrow I will hit the pool for initial swim and test of the blue vs yellow spines. Saturday I am diving a freshwater quarry. I will report back my results. So far I am very impressed and look forward to getting these wet!
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So, just finished with the Pool test 9/28/22. Started with Blue Spines. The mechanical stops at 20 and 60 degrees are noticeable. The fin feels mechanical. That is not a bad thing, just takes some getting used to. The Fin performed as advertised. I experienced more bang for my Buck with each kick and my legs felt less fatigued. I was able to do all kick styles with ease and found the Fin to be very maneuverable. As an SDI Divemaster I find it important to cover distance quickly. This Fin did not disappoint. I next swapped over to the yellow Spines. These were noticeably easier in the flutter but not quite as powerful. Like with the Blue I felt like I was using less energy to move around. The yellow felt ideal for an average Diver. I then switched the Blue to the outboard rail only. I found this combination to be the best for my Finning style. This will be the combination I use for my up coming quarry Dive. I will post again afterwards. So far I am very impressed with the overall performance.
Finally got to Dive the Green Spine. As advertised, these are the stiffest of the three options. I had instant power really liked how responsive this configuration was. I did notice my legs felt much more taxed. I Dove these in a Lake at 52 degrees Fahrenheit. I normally Dive a Jet Fin for cold water and heavy current Adventures. The Truefin had more power and this configuration will be my new go-to for current and cold water. Again, I like the instant power and more bang for the buck on each kick. If you can comfortably kick a Jet Fin you will likely enjoy the Truefin with the Green Spines.
All in all I give this product two thumbs way up. If you are the type of person that likes choice and customization you will love these Fins!
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The only Cons I have to comment on so far is I wish the spines came in a sleeve to contain as an assembly. Also wish color was an option and not forced. My initial thoughts are maybe the chosen spines could be slid in to a silicone sleeve of my color choice and then installed on the Fin. JJ Casanova
Test Dives completed.
I dove 4 times today at Blue Water Park in Pelham, Alabama. The Fins performed very well. I was able to move and glide with less effort than my Avanti Quattros. Like the pool, all kick styles were much more efficient. The Fins gets the best performance for Frog Kicks when the kick is performed at the proper angle. I swam around and through many structures and the fins were not clunky. All in all I enjoyed my new Truefins and can’t wait to try the green spines.
This review by Jason c. on Truefin swim fin model 110 has just been shared on Facebook.
● " I BOUGHT MY TRUEFINS OUT OF CURIOSITY. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A FIN THAT FITS ME BUT HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPY. I OWN AND DIVE -JET FINS, AVANTI QUATTRO’S AND FULL FOOT MODELS. I HAVE NEVER BEEN COMPLETELY SATISFIED. I WAS IMPRESSED WITH BEING ABLE TO CUSTOMIZE A FIN TO DIFFERENT DIVE PROFILES. THE TRUEFIN IS EXACTLY WHAT IT CLAIMS TO BE. I HAVE BOTH THE BLUE AND YELLOW SPINES. I HAVE FOUND THE YELLOW TO BE THE EASIEST TO FLUTTER KICK BUT THE BLUE IS BETTER IN THE FROG KICK. I HAVE THE GREEN SPINES HEADED MY WAY AS WELL AND CAN’T WAIT TO TEST THEM. I ENDED UP PUTTING BLUE ON THE OUTBOARD AND YELLOW ON THE INBOARD. I HAVE FOUND THIS WORKS GOOD WITH MY KICKING STYLE. IF YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF A CUSTOMIZABLE FIN THEN YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED. I REALLY AM IMPRESSED WITH THE POWER IN THESE FINS. I GET WAY MORE BANG FOR MY BUCK WITH EACH KICK. THE FOOT POCKET FIT ALL THREE STYLES OF BOOT THAT I OWN. MY TRUEFINS ARE HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE FINS TO DIVE. TWO THUMBS WAY UP! "
Have any questions or require assistance? Visit the Yotpo Help Center at support.yotpo.com
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Underwater Cinematographer
Member ACS
Hey guys so here is a quick video I had a student shoot on me with fins. Conditions were pretty poor so can do much better. As it wasn't great footage I just did a quick color grade. I’m heading out again this weekend.
Video from Cinematographer Youtube video
I like the fins a lot, especially powerful with flutter kick which I tend not to use much but fighting a current these fins would be really awesome.
I was able to do a reverse frog kick also which is impressive as I have only been able to do that with Jet fins up until now.
My only small complaint is they are a little buoyant compared to what I’m used to. I would be curious how the feel in a drysuit. I will probably add some ankle weight. (NOTE FROM TRUEFIN: Although not currently available, optional lead weights may be installed at base link 10000 as shown in this video Adding lead weights to Truefin. Alternatively, Truefin may cast terminal link 6XXXX out of lead and make it available as an optional part to install.)
As I tend to trim in a technical position I found myself rolling forward a little bit.
Apart from that, pretty awesome
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Disabled Combat Veteran
Dear True Fins,
My name is Christopher Lee and I'm writing this review to show other potential customers what I experienced. First off I'm 100% Disabled Combat Veteran. I have lower back pains and knee problems. I got introduced into scuba diving August of last year. I absolutely love being in the water. I'm Open water, Advanced, Nitrox and Rescue diver certified. This weekend I'm doing my Master Diver certification. I started out with cressi fins. They are ok but I wanted something better. A dive shop suggested Seac fins. I bought and tried them too. They are heavy and not very good for backing up. I was always worn out by using them. Then there was True Fins. I started using them with the green spines installed. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! I like frog kicking because it's less impact on my lower back and knees. The green spines are perfect for my swim and kicking style. The thrust underwater is incredible. I tried the yellow spines too. The yellow are incredibly easy to kick with almost effort less. I have never glided through the water with such ease. True Fins are the last pair of fins you will ever have to buy. These things are so versatile and you can customize them anyway you like by switching the spines. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRUE FINS TO EVERYONE!!! Now when I get out the water I don't feel like I need a lower back massage or pain medicine. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience and I hope this helps potential buyers who have physical disabilities like myself.
Christopher Lee, South Carolina
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AMERICAN STORIES - TV SHOW
https://americanstories.tv/tv-show/surviving-mann/
Truefin Model 110- The Ultimate Fins for Versatile Water Activities
The contestants of Surviving Mann – All Stars Belize and I recently had the opportunity to use the Truefin Model 110, and I must say, these fins exceeded all of our expectations. As a part of Surviving Mann All Stars – Belize, we rely heavily on our gear to perform at our best, and Truefin proved to be an invaluable addition to our arsenal. I can't help but wish these fins were available during my time as a Navy SEAL!
The versatility of the Truefin Model 110 is simply outstanding. Whether it was training swims, long swims, snorkeling, or dives, these fins delivered exceptional performance across the board. Previously, we had to carry around multiple sets of fins for various activities, but now, with Truefin, all you need is one set.
The flexibility of the fins can be easily adjusted to suit individual preferences, making them truly customizable and adaptive to different conditions. One of the standout features of Truefin is its revolutionary one-way flex. This unique design offers incredible thrust, particularly on the backstroke when the fins lock up. I was amazed at the extra power I could generate without feeling overly fatigued. The load distribution on the dominant muscles and lighter load on the return stroke provided a better balance, preventing exhaustion during long-distance swims.
In over four decades of swimming and diving experience, I have used numerous fins, but Truefin stands head and shoulders above the rest. The quality and durability are evident right out of the box. Made in the USA, these fins are built to last, ensuring they won't let you down in any challenging aquatic environment.
Another aspect that impressed me about Truefin is the attention to detail in their design. The open-heel fin is perfect for snorkelers and divers who wear booties in cold water or need to navigate rocky shores or hot boat decks. The fins are extremely durable, fast, and comfortable to kick, making them ideal for any diving or snorkeling adventure. Truefin includes standard Yellow 415 spines, catering to all kicking styles and ensuring optimal performance.
If you're someone who appreciates researching and analyzing products, you will also see that TRUEFIN have poured their expertise into creating an exceptional fin that surpasses all competition. Investing in quality gear is crucial for any water sport, and Truefin Model 110 is a wise investment that will enhance your overall experience.
In conclusion, Truefin Model 110 fins have earned my highest recommendation. Their versatility, performance, and durability make them a game-changer for any water activity. Whether you're a professional diver, a snorkeling enthusiast, or a spearfishing aficionado, Truefin is the brand that will elevate your aquatic adventures to new heights.
Don Mann
Host Surviving Mann
Navy SEAL Team SIX (ret)
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End
The above are unedited reviews. Users are welcome to email reviews to: info@truefin.com
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BELOW: Full Kit which includes Truefin with Blue spines installed, full set of Yellow spines, full set of Green spines, one pair of Trident stainless spring straps, one pair of Trident ratcheting straps, spine removal tool (not required to remove spines), and instructions.
Full Kit with Blue spines installed
Note the kit shown below has Green spines installed. The kit currently being sold has Blue spines installed.
