Foot Heavy fin suggestions

[Benderr]

I always seem to be a bit foot heavy, and assumed, until recently, that the cause was 100% operator error. I could always find trim if I concentrated on the process, but seemed to drop feet or knees when otherwise occupied.

But.......

I just started diving a drysuit, and now it's VERY noticeable that I'm heavy in the feet. I tried a different set of fins, and it seemed to make a difference, but they actually seemed too light, even so, it was almost easier to manage too light than too heavy.

I'd like to try to find fins that are like the third bowl of porridge (just right). I currently dive XL Dive Rite fins (current production model) which fit my wetsuit boots, and my drysuit. What's the next step down on weight for tech fins, and/or what would you recommend that I try next?

[next gen]

You might want to try wearing a thicker set of boots.

[scububa]

My recommendation is to forget about changing anything if you just started diving dry. I can still remember the fits I went through (I was also adding a lot of other gear/stages.) Then things started to settle down. Now, I don't know where all that trouble went? (Obvious acclimation - practice, experience and technique.) I did eventually change from Jets to DR XLs, but at that point it was a minor adjustment and I'm not sure it would have helped back in the beginning.

Anyway, my suggestion is to learn the dry suit and have a stable base to make changes.

[skip]

I like OMS slipstreams. They are light, but still negative. I was diving the OMS, then switched to Dive Rite's, then went back to OMS. Partly I preferred the wider fin, but I found the trim better with OMS. I also pay attention to the air in the drysuit and keep it in the legs/feet. It was side mount that made me feet heavy; in back mount I just hitched the tanks a bit higher.

skip

[OFG-1]

Just take your heavy fins to a bandsaw. Start cutting off the tip, one inch at a time. Stop when they feel better, just don't cut into the foot pocket.

[Sludge]

just don't cut into the foot pocket.

... especially when you're wearing them.

[MORGAN]

... especially when you're wearing them.

...and don't use a chainsaw.

[Benderr]

Just take your heavy fins to a bandsaw. Start cutting off the tip, one inch at a time. Stop when they feel better, just don't cut into the foot pocket.

too late!

... especially when you're wearing them.

also too late!

...and don't use a chainsaw.

honestly folks, I'm going to need faster responses!

[divindoc]

Same problem here. Hollis F1's my all-time favorite = comfortable fin for BM but too damn heavy in SM. SlipStreams and DiveRites seem light enough but dont' fit my feet nearly as well. I emailed Nick Hollis and begged him to make the F1's in a lighter compound - he said they are "considering" it. Maybe if he hears from enough people they'll do it - I'd buy a pair in a second if they would only make it!

[w ripley]

I like Hollis the best, but agree the F1s are too heavy.

Agree with the SlipStreams (my preference) & Diverites, both with rubber heel straps, not stainless steel. Check your DS leg pockets. Anything heavy there works against you. Good time to check positions for backplate (if using one), wings, harness & tanks (if applicable). Try loosening up your crotch strap, too, to help shift weight forward. It all counts.