Getting Churchill fins to fit

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bgreen
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Getting Churchill fins to fit

#1

Unread post by bgreen »

As a long time Churchill fin user, the current sizing is a source of frustration.

I can't get my feet into the latest pair. Last year, I tried a few pairs of the same size, at the same shop. One pair I could get my feet into, another pair I couldn't.

I'm considering soaking in warm water for a while. I've left them hanging from the straps for a couple of weeks, but that doesn't seem to have helped much.

I contacted Churchill via their web-site a couple of weeks ago and the response has been nil.

Any thoughts?

Bob
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#2

Unread post by GeoffreyLevens »

In the past, with Vipers, I've bought a size up so they are a loose sloppy fit but I can get my foot in. Then I glued neoprene on the inner side of the heel strap and wore various thickness of fin socks to make them fit right. I would see if I could exchange the ones you've got for big you need to go to get them on then "rebuild" the inside with fin socks and scraps of neoprene.
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bgreen
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#3

Unread post by bgreen »

Thanks Geoffrey. The other pair eventually stretched enough. I might keep trying each day.
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#4

Unread post by GeoffreyLevens »

And ya never know, maybe your feet will shrink ;)
I hope the fins do stretch for you!
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#5

Unread post by bgreen »

I got my foot into the left fin this morning. Gravity is working. I'll keep trying over the next few weeks.
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#6

Unread post by krusher74 »

:arrow:
Last edited by krusher74 on Sat Oct 17, 2020 2:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#7

Unread post by krusher74 »

churchills have been through many changes, the OG natural rubber ones that everybody liked are long gone. what you are getting now is a mystery.

are you wearing them barefoot? i have never purchased a set of fins that have been that tight. if they were the size is too small. why do you get them so tight?
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bgreen
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#8

Unread post by bgreen »

The footpocket is the correct size, same as I've had for years. The problem is that the footstrap doesn't have enough give.
After a few weeks of suspension, I can get my feet into them.

Apparently a Churchill rep, recommended to the retailer, using hot water.

It does make fitting them in a store, a futile experience.
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#9

Unread post by belly rider »

hi bgreen
I just read your trailer
I work in the rubber industry
When I have problems fitting my fins I do the following
1) Buy a tube of silicone jell -- from a dive shop (they use it to keep "O" Rings soft and from drying out)
2) Buy tennis balls and stuff two per each fin inside the shoe. The tennis ball will compress and create pressure
2) Rub a light amount of the stuff ALL OVER the fin body and strap
3) Place the fins close to heat source-- even under sun light if necessary-- but be careful NOT to overheat them
leave them there for a few days
4) After each use repeat this process and you shall slowly notice the rubber stretching out

For the strap you can even use a hard SoftBall as the third ball in line/ sequence once you you inserted the two tennis balls in the shoe area

IN TIME YOU SHOULD DEFINETLY SEE IMPROVEMENTS
Let me know
Dave :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
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bgreen
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#10

Unread post by bgreen »

Thanks Dave and you've obviously come across fir problems.

What is the advantage of gel, heat and tennis balls over gravity?
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#11

Unread post by rodndtube »

It is a real bummer. Same issue with the new formulation of Vipers about 6 years ago... hard heals. Can't imagine real hard and rigid is great for the ankles either.
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#12

Unread post by belly rider »

Bgreen-- Silicone jell serves as a nutrient to rubber and a natural "softener"
LIGHT heat serves to allow the rubber to mold/stretch a bit while silicone "nutrients" help soften and mold the rubber shoes
As far as gravity-- I don't quite understand what you mean by that
its all about the ride
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Re: Getting Churchill fins to fit

#13

Unread post by bgreen »

The weight of the fin, hanging from the strap stretches the strap, is utilising gravity.
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