After replacing broken buckles on both my TUSA
Imprex and Scubapro Twin Jets, I finally popped for
a set of spring straps. It is one of my best purchases
ever. I’d first seen these unique after-market straps on
California dive boats and realized that their sleek
design, attaching directly to the fin with no
buckles, would be resistant to catching on
kelp. Then I discovered added bonuses.
Wearing my tank, BCD, and weight belt,
supporting myself at the exit gate with one
hand and pulling on each fin with the other
was tough. (I’m not one of those silly people
who walk across a dive boat deck with my fins
on and I’m sure you’re not either.) However,
my spring straps slide on and off with little effort.
Because they compensate for the compression of
boots at depth, they keep my fins secure and comfortable
whether I’m wearing 7-mil boots or tropical
slippers. Unbreakable springs mean you won’t lose a
fin to a snapped strap. And a protective sleeve around
the coiled steel keeps them from chafing.
John Bantin, technical editor of Britain’s Diver
Magazine, found another advantage while testing Apollo
Spring Straps. “During finning the pressure of the
springs pushed my boots further into the foot-pocket of the fins, so that they really felt like extensions of my
legs.” That fit, plus added stability and reduced drag,
makes some divers feel that spring straps improve the
performance of their fins. I can’t vouch for that, but for
comfort and convenience, they’re a winner.
There are several brands on the market, and many,
like the XS scuba line, can fit a wide range of fins. Be
sure they fit your fins and feet. Some models feature
pull loops or grips, rubber or nylon spring covers, heel
pads (some in a choice of colors), or quick release
buckles (if you think you need them).
Expect to spend from $65 to $95 a pair. That’s steep,
but these straps will probably outlast your fins. Many
models are challenging to install, so it makes sense to
buy them from a dive store that can attach them. Fin
marketers Apollo and Scubapro have their own lines of
straps. For comparison shopping, go to Leisure Pro’s
selection at www.leisurepro.com and search for “spring
straps.” Most manufacturers have their own websites
with more information and local dealer listings.
Do-it-yourselfers can get instructions for making
their own at:
www.cisatlantic.com/trimix/fins/sprstrps.htm
www.scubase.net/pers/FinStraps.html
– Larry Clinton