OmegaAquatics FlipFins

[Bobber]

<img align="left" src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/a ... ipfins.jpg">
Manufacturer: OmegaAquatics
Website: http://www.Flipfins.com
Contact: Sergey Dmitriev
E-Mail:
Phone: 877 FLIP-FIN (354-7346)

OmegaAquatics Flipfinsâ„¢ are awards winning, patented, high-performance swim fins, scuba fins, snorkeling fins, rescue fins, military fins, diving fins and float tube fins that make getting in and out of the water effortless. They are as easy as wearing ordinary shoes. Flipfinsâ„¢ are used by thousands of Dive Pros, Military, Navy, Special Forces, Float Tube and Kickboat Fisherman, Rescue and Commercial divers around the world.

In 2009, we tested these out with the Ottawa Fly Fisher Club and received some feedback and reviews from them.


Overall score based on experience with the product and other comments received for those we send out to be tried out. Examples, where applicable, of areas we are looking at include, but are not limited to...
> Look & Feel
> Versatility
> Portability
> Strength & Durability
> Material Components
> Colors
> Sizes
> Effectivness (End Result)


FishinBuddy Ratings:
> 1 - Not a good product at all
> 2 - Disappointing
> 3 - Not Bad, but requires a few tweaks
> 4 - Fish-Hawk Proven Product
> 5 - Exceeds Expectation

The Review:
With the unique flip up fins to allow you to walk around normally while out of the water, these are definately one of a kind looking fins. The flip up feature allows these fins to be used both in the water and out of the water while walking around. The only concern our testers had here was the amount of effort it seemed to take to "clip" the fins up and down, and the fact that the fins, when flipped up, rubbed against shins which made it uncomfortable.

From what we could see, the fins look to be made quite well, however there were questions on whether or not they could withstand a beating as you walk around with them, since the material seemed to be pretty soft. These fins were really tested for only one season, and already they are showing signs of wear. This is not to say that other fins wouldn't show the same signs if used in the same manner "out of water".

The "strapping on" of the fins isn't the most favourable method of wearing them, as opposed to a full "booty" type of fin, but this would be a personal choice.

It was noted that the color of the fins concerned some as they were 2 toned in nature, and it was felt that they may "spook" the fish. A solid dark color would be preferred.

Our testers also indicated that the advertised size of the boot on the fin may not have actually been the actual size, as many people had a hard time putting them on over their own booties.

The cost of these fins was deemed to be quite expensive and really turned off many people who tried them. For an organization who really needs the "flip" feature, the cost may be justifiable, however for the ordinary angler, it is too much to consider purchasing them.

The fins themselves work very well, and in some cases our testers thought they actually got better propulsion out of them. I beleive there are still many questions around the usefulness of the flip feature, and the cost of the fin may be slightly too much for the everyday angler to want to spend. Taking all these points into consideration, in the end the fins were not bad, but really had mixed reviews from the everyday anglers who used them. The final message I got was that the fins work, but with the cost of them, coupled with the questions still around the flip feature, they don't blow anyone away at this time.

The final result of the Product Test was pretty close to getting a "Proven Product" grade, however lacked in a couple areas to put it over the top. We have sent these comments to the manufacturer, who has indicated they have made some improvements themselves since we first got these fins, and he thanked us very much for our honest comments.

Comments from external Fish-Hawk Reviewers

"Overall I have a mixed review. They work well for general walking around. The thing I really did not like about them is flipping them up/down. I found it very hard pressing the "flip button" when coming out of water - basically had to get out water, sit down and press very hard on that "flip button". Because of this problem I really would not consider getting a pair. Also, when flipped up, the flipper rubs on your shins."

"The fins work fine once they are "flipped" out. Getting one of them flipped out proved difficult but that may have been a fin in particular as the other one worked fine. Also getting it flipped up was difficult in that it took a couple of tries and the difficult one didn't go up at all. I didn't like the yellow colour as I think it would alert fish to your presence. Also, I got small rocks up in the foot socket so one hopes there are various sizes."

"Contrary to the promotional material, the fins do not fit size 12 wading boots. That being said, a size 13 paddling bootie was almost too small for the fins. This would explain the problem with rocks in the fins, given his smaller feet."

"They are somewhat lighter than my current pair of fins, though they suffer from the same problem in that with use your foot is forced farther into the fin. Because of the negative pressure they is no way for your foot to slip back out, resulting in discomfort. I actually drilled holes in the toe section of my fins to solve this particular problem."

"The "Flip" feature was nice, though it took a few times to master engaging and releasing the blades."

"Propulsion from the flip fins was somewhat better than my current fins."

"It's not clear as to how long the fins would hold up under regular fishing usage (around wood, rocks, etc), given the relative softness of the materials. Given the limited testing that was performed, the wear was noticable."

"Overall, they are a pretty good fin, however I would not be willing to pay a premium solely for the "flip" feature."

"It should also be noted that a few other tubers had the opportunity to try the fins, however after checking the online retail price, they indicated that at a price relatively equal to the price of their float tubes, they would not be something that they would purchase."

> Overall Rating:
<img src="http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawk-pic/produ ... /3hawk.gif">

With a rating of 3 Stars, OmegaAquatics Flip-Fins will not be considered a Fish-Hawk "Proven Product", however I have been told that since this review many design changes have been doen to the fins. Perhaps with another review, the final results may be different.