|
*I am not a representative of Performance Freediving or Waterway
Fins. I paid full price for my monofin, and offer an impartial review.
Waterway Wings Nemo Monofin Size 41-43 Stiffness: Soft (Long-distance)
After much research and equally as much hemmin and hawin, I finally put
down some cash and made the leap to my first monofin. I purchased this
fin through Performance Freediving - who, in turn, places their order
with Waterway. During the course of the transaction, I threw continuous
emails at Mandy-Rae (PFD) and Bogdan (WW). In short, they were great -
answering emails promptly and thoroughly ever time. They were also
sensitive to the fact that I needed it soon (3 weeks from time of
order) because I was traveling to Bonaire. They got it to me in 2.5
weeks (US customs held it for 5 days - don't know why so long). Top
notch guys!!
First inspection:
Some serious thought went into this fin. Jon, local monofin guru,
quickly identified many features that stand out. First, the rails are
not cut from the footpocket. Rather, they are extended and glued to the
blade. Jon remarked that this is different that his Specialfins monos,
and that it is this lack of attachment surface that he believes has
been causing one of his older fins to seperate from the blade. This
isn't to say that waterway makes a superior monofin, simply that it
seems that manufacturers are learning and that monofin construction
seems to be improving.
Other notable differences:
The thickness/stiffness of the Nemo fin is machined, like waterway
bifins and Omer BAT fins. You can recognize this by viewing the bottom
of the fin. Specialfins uses a tapering molded polymer, and,
consequently, you don't have those patterns on the fin bottom. Because
Specialfins molds the fin rather than machine it, they can create more
angle to the footpocket. The Nemo fin appears to have about 33% less
angle. Still, for those who have used Waterway Bifins, you know that
the fins do have enough angle to make a significant difference when it
comes to surface swimming.
As a long-time wearer of Sporasub Dessault pockets, I was please to see
that the Nemo footpockets are very similar. I normally wear 40-42
Sporas, so I purchased the closest size in Nemos - 41-43. As expected,
they are a little larger than the Sporas, and also a bit
softer/stretchier (no complaints). For reference, I wear a size 8US
shoe. The Sporas fit snuggly with a 3mm sock, and a bit tight with a
5mm. These Nemo pockets fit snuggly with a 5mm, but feel equally secure
with a 3mm (albeit, they are easier to get into with the 3mm socks).
Since I have yet to try the fin in the water, I'll have to get back to
you regarding long-term use with the two different size socks.
Tomorrow, Jon and I hope to get in the pool. I will write more if we
do. Otherwise, expect a full review upon my return from Bonaire around
Christmas time. No doubt, I will have video footage as well.
Ted
|
