Phantom Aquatics Speed Sport Adjustable Snorkeling Fin

I should have read the ad and left it at that. I needed a size 11 shorter fin for long distance endurance swimming in a harness in my pool year-round and for kicksets. I did not need a fin that was too buoyant and would make me lazy in my kicking. I certainly didn't need such a whippy fin useful for long lazy kicks while snorkeling.I compared the yellow and black Phantom Aquatics Speed Sport Adjustable Snorkeling Fins L/XL (size 9-13); the US Swim Divers Grey and Black Large Fitness Fins; the black and yellow Cressi Palau Short Snorkeling Fins size LG--XLG; the SEAC Black (Large 9.5 --11) Fins with the fixed heal strap and open heel; and the TYR BP Burner Fins LG (size 11 -- Blue & Black). First off I had to send back the large SEAC's and large TYR EP Burner's to get the XL size. Both of them were painfully tight on my size 11 feet.The worst first. The yellow and black Phantom Aquatics Speed Sport Adjustable Snorkeling Fins L/XL (size 9-13) are for snorkeling and not for training of any kind. The boot and heel strap are amazingly comfortable and strong, but the composite fin is too long and whippy for training in either a pool or open water. I would not even want to do kick sets with these. I personally would not even want to use these for snorkeling because I would always be waiting for the tips of my fins to catch up to what I was trying to do in the water to position myself for snorkeling/sightseeing.The disappointment next. The U.S. Swim Divers Large Fitness Fins had an open heel which I generally prefer because I wear different booties during the 12 months of the year. The length of the boot was perfect, the heel strap was strong, easily adjusted, and comfortable, and the boots felt really comfortable in shape and foot support EXCEPT for the constant pressure on the knuckle of the little toe on each foot. I'm absolutely a typical size 11, but they hurt my foot, and if you have a slightly thicker or wider size 10.5--11 foot go up to the XL. I personally didn't order the next size up because while I was kicking with them I could really feel that this fin was not stiff enough for training, and certainly not for kick sets. The rubber fin was bending too easily on every kick at the seam just beyond my toes on both fins - IMOP a serious design flaw for a "fitness fin." I could never do kick sets in these, but I could use these for snorkeling since the tips of the fins do spring back almost quickly enough to be responsive to my changes in direction and speed.SO COMFORTABLE BUT SO LONG. The black and yellow Cressi Palau Short Snorkeling Fins size LG--XLG had a great shaped boot, a strong and flexible heel strap, and they were absolutely the MOST comfortable boot of all those I tried, BUT these were definitely a better snorkeling fin and/or an open-water training fin. They were absolutely strong enough for open water training (which I rarely get to do anymore), but too way too long for endurance training in a pool with a harness. If these were 2 inches shorter they would have been my overall pick of a stiff training fin.I liked the way the SEAC Black Fins looked, but had to go up to the X-Large (11-12.5) and they were perfect. They have the fixed heal strap which I usually don't prefer, but this one is strong and stretchy enough to be very comfortable. The open heel did not make my feet feel unsupported at all. With barefeet they were a little soft, but with a 2mm or 5mm neoprene bootie they fit my feet perfectly. The front of the boot is comfortable lengthwise and widthwise, and there's no unnecessary gimmics in the fin design. As the ad says these are ideal for open water snorkeling for a good swimmer, and ideal for pool training. The fin is short enough and stiff enough for what I wanted to do. I can do flutter kicks or slow subtle kicks just to keep my feet afloat when I am working on my upper body. The fins do not add any extra buoyancy which I don't need with easy kicking or with a wetsuit on six months of the year. I am so glad I loved these.I just had to try something new with the TYR BP Burner Fins LG (size 11 -- Red & Black). They had to be exchanged for the XL - the Blue and Black, and I feared they might be too big, but I found they have a very stretchy and supportive heel pocket, that was as comfortable and supportive as the adjustable heel straps I usually prefer. The TYR EP Burners boot will be my spring and summer fins as they fit my naked foot or with a 2mm bootie perfectly. It's good that the fin is just that short because just another inch or so and the fin would be too flexible. Perfect design by TYR for a training fin. As the ad says "The perfect fins for training at race cadence." I kept these for warmer water training and the SEAC's for cold water training. I would also use each of these for snorkeling, as I am a strong swimmer and I want my fins to be very responsive to the demand I am putting on them to change direction or to accelerate and change speed.I was not asked to give this review or compensated by anyone. Happy training.

Fins are a little stiff but I was still able to get good propulsion with not much effort. I'm planning to use as a secondary set to my long fins. These are going to be part of my regular water workout routine though. They fit really well just remember to remove insert as the other reviewers have mentioned. Plenty of room in the mesh bag to stow your mask and snorkel. My 10 yr old is wanting into scuba. Will definitely consider a small set for her to start to build up leg strength.

Fits inside a standard size carry on bag (about 19.5" long). Provides adequate power for snorkeling. Quality is good. A little more flex than my diving fins but okay. I wear a size 9.5 (mens) shoe and the large/x-large fit fine (with the h2odessy fin sock). As other reviewers have noted don't forget to take out the plastic inserts!

low quality snorkel fins . I bought these for a trip and everything was good until my second snorkel where the buckle broken suddenly and I was stuck with a fin that was falling off. There is another review that mentions that the pin that holds the buckle assembly breaks and you can DIY fix it but its not good to have it suddenly break when you are snorkeling in a current. The fit is fine but having something break is a deal breaker

They broke first time out left them in the Bahamas.

Quality built, fit great!

Fins work very well, but you need booties in them otherwise the tops of your feet will get pinched which is the same for most fins.

Good until plastic piece broke that holds strap. Can’t use anymore.

excellent little fins

Beau produit de qualité pour le prix!