MyPaipoBoards Forums

What's everyone using?
I'd like to try some Viper 7's or UDT's but would have to order them on-line as I don't know of anywhere selling them in Australia.
Currently using Pod 2's which I've found very comfortable sans booties/socks.
Would like a little more kicking power though.

I am using Vipers V5 Orange and Yellow Dots, in cool water and warmer water, respectively. The Orange Dot is the flexi blade and the Yellow Dot the stiffer blade. Used Orange Dots for a number of years but noticed that they started to flex too much in warm waters (let's just say tropical waters, 73F and above). Orange Dots are used when I start putting on any kind of rubber down to about 58F to 60F, at which point they do not scale up when using 3mm of wet sox/booties (meaning that even though I move up to XL from L when using the 3mm or more of wet socks, the foot pocket does not get larger in width and height). In cold water I currently use Hydro Techs, although I would like to find a good fin without such a wide, heavy blade with all the angles (see http://mypaipoboards.org/flippers/MyHydroTechs.shtml).

I like DaFin

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I have some Toobs Blunts that I like. I have some fairly big/wide feet, they fit well. I had orange dots (V5 I think) and I put them on, walked to the water...then cramped up. I paddled out, hoping they'd loosen up but no. I had cramps in both legs before I made it in.

I've been using full size UDT's for several years. Heaps of power and plenty of rubber for modifications if needed.

I also have a pair of kicks by dafin A little more flip to them I use them in the summer without booties smaller surf super soft on th feet

V7s all the time. Maybe we should have a sticky or something with our fin preferences because this comes up about one every two months.

Just found a used pair of V-7s for $35 bucks with that "anti stick film" crap that you rub off of new fins. I dont think they ever touched the ocean. Cant wait to try them out. Other than those Viper V-5 yellow dot w/ 2m fin socks.

Churchills with fin socks for comfort and warmth. 2mm open heel in summer.....3mm closed heel in winter.

kage wrote:V7s all the time. Maybe we should have a sticky or something with our fin preferences because this comes up about one every two months.

Good idea.

Recommendation implemented. Please post a couple more comments on your favorite fins so I know everything is working (I don't have my admin/users guide with me!).

I've been using Viper V-5 yellow dots for the last 2 years I've gotten back into riding paipos. I agree with Rod's comments about the noticeable difference when using the yellow & orange dot fins in different climates. I find the yellow dots work well in the water temps I usually surf (mid 50's avg year round) when I'm riding a ply paipo or bodysurfing with my legs starting the kick mostly well below the surface. When riding a bodyboard or similar in cold water with legs elevated just at the surface or above, it seems that more effort is required for the down kick than I prefer. The orange dots I was using before for bodyboarding seemed more comfortable. I had the opposite experience using the yellow dots in Hawai'i the past week. Felt more comfortable on the bodyboard, but seemed to require much more kick effort on the paipo or bodysurfing. My surf time was very limited though, and there was usually a lot more fine food & alcohol digesting in my system than I'm used to.

I have been using Pro-force fins by Force fins for the last 6 years or so. I can kick for three to four hours without cramping. Regular force fins and Rip force fins don't have enough power. I have used both before switching to Pro-Force fins. I talked to the creator Bob Evans and he said that they have a great new material for their Tan Delta fins that is really snappy. I might try them out. He also said that they are probably going to lower the price soon. If you can't tolerate regular fins, these are great choice. They also have couple new models: hockey force and surf rescue. I recommend getting big enough to accomodate the comfort pad.
http://www.forcefins.com

Orange dot Vipers for either crappy East Coast surf or dropping in on critical reef breaks in warm water. The XL's can't be worn with booties in the PNW as they are too small.

Unmodified UDT's for the big stuff. Nothing beats full power thigh strokes for getting up to speed in order to catch long period swells.

Are there any Aussies using Vipers and/or UDTs?
If so did you buy them in Australia or have them shipped over?
If I have to buy them from the US I may order a pair of both Viper 7 yellow dots and a pair of UDTs.
I wear a size 11-11.5 US shoe and in tropical waters (no booties required) so I'm thingking XL in both should be correct.
I know this place has both fins I'm after so if I have tohave them shipped makes more sense to buy from only one supplier.
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/Swimfins
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Jay Reale, owner/operator of ebodyboarding, is a good guy to do business with -- a bodyboarder originally from Ocean City, MD.

Cuttlefish,

I bought yellow dot vipers at a bodyboard shop at Burleigh. Not sure if they only have 7s. http://www.burleighbodyboardshop.com.au/ You could try http://www.bodyboardshop.com/

I ordered UDTs from the US (before the Oz dollar improved). Sizing is a bit difficult. I ground them down a bit - they're heavy, but those with sturdier legs seem to enjoy them. I'm still getting used to mine. I reckon they would be great in smooth conditions at a long lined point. Wouldn't like to do the rock scramble at a place like lennox, with the long blades. In our typical
short period waves, I found the weight slowed me down having to turn around etc. In contrast, they shine when you get momentum up.

My favourite are the blue/yellow churchills. I don't like the smaller blade fins (Hydrotechs / pods).

Bob

I've been using DMC Tech 2 fins for a couple of years. I have bad knees, so I need fins that don't load them, but still have power. These do. I've had people try them then buy them a couple of times. Started using them on knee boards and now paipos. They are silicone construction and very comfortable. I've heard complaints of tears, but haven't experienced that and still have my first pair. I was put on to them by another knee surfer. Now my son and most of the people we surf with use them. Also, never have left the water with cramps or leg fatigue and catch a lot of waves. http://www.aquagear.com/hydro-tech-2/

After 20 years and many fins, Vipers, the mikes stewart orange dot model are the best i have had.