Posts by Sabatier

^Not really a good photo of the fins: Here's a few more of the footpockets., and one of the tendon. Just wanted to get these on here since I didn't see this fin elsewhere.

Found a great LDS less than 10 miles from my house. The only one that carries freediving equipment from here to Huntington or Malibu as far as I could tell. They carry IST, AQA, Gull and their rebranded (and more expensive) counterparts. I walked out fully equipped at a very reasonable price--well below the prices I've seen on the Internet. As far as fins go, I went with the IST 'FRA01 Fathom Blue' apnea diving footpockets, size M/L, equipped with gray blades (most flexible blade option). Looks like a rebranded Mares Razor, but with more rubber at the tendon joint...perhaps to address the reportedly soft tendon of the Razor footpocket. When I grow out of the soft gray blades I can swap them out for more stiff black blades, or opt to move into a fiberglass or carbon blade. Most importantly, everything I purchased fits me perfectly.

Overall length: 90 cm; Blade dimension, effective (H x W): 22 cm x 60 cm
FRA01 - IST Sports

Here's photo from my phone:

LunkerBuster, Super rad if you're into anatomy, medicine and especially pathoanatomy and pathophysiology. Otherwise it could be hit-or-miss.

Hookinfish, Nah, I don't work at LAC/USC. I do live very close and study and the medical library (NML) often. Rather, I work at the Ventura County ME. It's worth the drive. First off, we don't work in the basement. Also, our caseload is very small by comparison. Other amenities include panoramic ocean view from our examination room, telescopes to check out the surf, 100% outside air circulation, sunlights, sweet examination tables that move up and down... Can I sell this place or what?

LunkerBuster, Yes, budget is a concern. I'd like to spend no more than $150 on fins...after all, I still need other gear. Those are beautiful fins though...in my dreams.

Wishihadgills, I should have mentioned in my post that I'm 6'0", 168 lbs. Lean athletic build. I'll see in person if the 3000's are a good fit, as it has been written time and time again that they're not only bombproof but soft and easy on the legs for beginners.

sdeisen, You're absolutely correct. That's the reason I joined these forums: multipage threads on just about every piece of equipment imaginable. Searching the threads led me to narrow down my search to the two fins listed. I found no threads comparing the two fins in question so I felt it safe to post my question. I just couldn't get a feel for whether or not the Mako fin was as soft as the 3000 LD--which, from John I've gathered they are not. Indeed, as far as masks are concerned, I'm considering the Micromask variants (whether Spetton, IST or Speardiver) due to what I've read on these forums. Also the Omer Zero Cubed. But of course masks only work if they fit, so I'll see what I can find at the LDS first. I was really traumatized by asking for a freediving setup at Sport Chalet and walking out with open heel Avanti x3's, a clear Big Eyes mask and a whizbang Aqualung Impulse 3. :laughing3: I'd like not to repeat this.

Thanks for your input. I'm happy to get feedback from those with real experience, and I appreciate everyone having taking the time to help out. I think the moral of the story is to find a LDS to ensure a proper fit.

Hardline, I really like the modularity of the Razor Pros...and at $109 shipped @leisurepro its a better price than I could get the Cressi 2000/3000's for.

John, Thanks for the heads up on the Makos. Those are off the table now. I'd rather have used gear that works for me rather than new gear that doesn't. I'll consider your offer, but I am afraid the 2000's may be too stiff for me. After I hit up some real dive shops tomorrow hopefully I'll have a better idea of what I'm really looking for (I'll also be able to research tomorrow's question: decent low volume mask). My shoe size is 9 regular (D) btw.

Dan, The fins in the thread title: Mako Competition Freediver and Cressi Gara 3000 LD. I'll take John's word that the Makos may be too stiff for a beginner.

So I go to Sport Chalet asking for freediving fins. I leave with Mares Avanti x3 open heel and Deep See Carribean booties. Fail. Returned. I've done a fair amount of research since and I've narrowed my search down to two fins. It seems the Cressis are super soft (which appeals to be as a beginning freediver), while the Makos are less $$ and able to be taken apart (great for travel; repairs). I've read a bit about each fin independently but I wanted input for people that may have tried both, or strongly feel one way or the other about one of these. Is the Mako a stiffer blade? Minimizing fatigue probably my major concern for now. I wear a tennis shoe/hiking boot size Men's 9 btw.

Hey there my name's Terry. I'm a grad student and I work at the Medical Examiner / Coroner on weekends. I keep running into these forums since I've been looking to outfit myself for lobstering. Looking forward to using these forums as a resource and to meet like minds.