XL fins - real sizing experience?

[SouthernTim]

Hey Ya'll:

My feet are size 13, and I'm looking for some new fins, but having trouble finding anything big enough to fit my bootied feet. I'm wearing warm water, 2mm Rip Curl booties, so can't really go any thinner on the bootie and still have a real sole for reef/rock protection.

Churchill XL's no problem. Tight, but no problem.

Everything else is way too small with a bootie on.

Duck Feet will work skinning it, but I'm used to booties and want something where I'm not crushed with booties on.

Anyone have experience on real sizing for other fins?

Vipers?
BZ Rubbers?

Anything else?

Thanks in advance, Tim

[Bob]

If you turn Duckfeet upside down, they are a size bigger. This works for most fins.

Anyone know of a fin that has a flexible blade as opposed to todays' really stiff ones?

[Dr. Bronner]

try XXL(size 15-16) in Da fins.

[Mike Fernandez]

Hydrofinz, the soft original ones. I have 10.5 feet, and they fit with 5mm booties with space to spare. I bought the size 11-13.

[eqKneelo]

XL Vipers with 5 mill Body Glove Fin Socks work for me in Canada.

[Jimputz]

I've been using 5mil Body Glove fin socks in a pair of XL BZ Rubbers and they are painless and crampless. I do believe they make XXL too. One thing I like about the BZ fin is they have a big foot pocket, but not a sloppy one. The pocket is shaped more like a foot, in comparison to my Vipers where the pocket is just big. I use the BZ large without finsocks too and they feel like they're custom made. I have wide 4EEEE dogs and have had trouble finding comfy fins.

[SouthernTim]

eqkneelo and Jimputz, what size feet do you guys have?

I checked out DaFin and they list their XXL as 15-16, and their XL as 13-14 so that seems like a good option.

I can't find XXL in BZ Rubbers, and their XL lists as 11.5-13, which worries me.

So, what size feet do you guys sport? That'll help me with reference.

Thanks for replying.

T

[eqKneelo]

I'm a 12/13 depending on the shoe.

[southpeakbrad]

Mike,
When and where did you get the original, soft Hydrofinz?? I had a pair that were the best fins I've ever had.
Thanks! Brad

[Jimputz]

Like EQ said, "depending on the shoe", Sized 10.5 and 11, 4E width.

[SouthernTim]

Thanks guys, right now it is looking like DaFin either XL or XXL (I'm waiting on their rep to email back with details) or BZ Black Tips (XL=13-14.5)

I also saw the Laguna Surf II, with an adjustable back. They come in a wide range of sizes, with a full neoprene pocket, but I wonder about the thrust. Anyone have experience with them?

Thanks again....T

[Dr. Bronner]

I tried the DA fins in Oceanside last weekend at the bodysurifng worlds. They are super comfy and about the same power as vipers.

[SouthernTim]

Thanks for the info Joe, nice to hear from someone other than what's posted on their site.

I'll likely pick up a pair, and if they don't work, I'll just re-sell them, but they look promising. Good to hear they've got power too.

T

[Bill E.]

Have size 10 feet and wear NW rubber. The XL CH Splashers suck. Too tight and the straps rub through rubber and are a b**ch to get on/off.

I am goin to go back to XL CH Makupuu and maybe tone down the rubber.

If any of the fins you guys have the thrust of the CH's let us know.

[cs]

Da Fins are all out of stock, but they say they should be available mid-october. Once available, I'm picking up a XXL pair for Winter on Lake Superior. I'll file a report when I get them. Size 12 with a high arch, and 5mm fin socks is my goal. (Does anyone make a 7mm fin sock?)I can't even squeeze Viper XL on with a 3mm fin sock. Tech finz work good with 3mm for me, but that just ain't enough rubber.

cs