U.S. Divers Proflex II Diving Fins

Pros: -Cost effective -Decent size (More to discuss on that) -Seems of solid or "flexible" construction -Great set for first timers Cons: -Can start to hurt your feet after awhile (Until they are broken in) -Not as much push power as a $70-$200 pair (No kidding) -Kinda a "meh" thing. Brand is U.S. Divers but product is made in China...like most things Bunch of friends and I started snorkeling in some lakes where we live and decided we would pickup some diving fins so we can swim in the deeper waters and swim faster. At first I went to a local diving shop (try to support the local biz when appropriate)but was shocked to see diving fins "starting" at 70 bucks. For someone like me who was just starting out I didnt find this very apetizing. I talked with the store owner about the price differences in their shop being so high in comparision but I'm told that Fins like the one in this review are considered "for kids". Well I did purchase the US Divers fins anyway and I can honestly say they are smaller (the fin itself) but there is plenty of push power in the water and for a Novice diver like myself who is just using it for snorkeling. They are pefect! I wear size 13w shoes so obviously I went with the XL size fin and at first I'd say they fit very very snug. Now that I've taken them to the lake a few times they are now stretched a little bit and fit just fine without hurting my feet at all. Conclusion: If your considering yourself a pro diver then this would probably not be the caliber you are used to. But for the 95% of us that are not used to pro series equipment I'd say these work just fine. Bottom line for me was: Pro stuff: $130 for diving fins and boots. US Divers: $25-$30 depending on your size of fins and thats all you need. For me it was a no-brainer.

I received my U.S. Divers Proflex II Diving Fins about three weeks ago. I have used them M-W-F for the last two weeks in an indoor pool working on distance swimming at The Tunica Aquatic Center in Mississippi. I kick with the fins and kickboard for 1/2 mile for leg strength because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I can no longer do any distance running. After the 1/2 mile kick I also use the fins for another full mile as I work on the traditional arm strokes; front crawl and the back crawl. The fins fit perfectly from day one if you buy them one size larger because they do run a bit small. I wear a 12 so I bought the 11.5 - 13 and they fit fine. I did not experience any blistering or chafing. These are the best swimming fins that I have ever owned and I have been at this for 35 years

but you will definitely gets what you pays for with this stuff and going anywhere near something bigger than a paddling pond with these outside of chemically treated water is probably a really bad idea. slightly better than feet with equipment perhaps - but only slightly :)

Xtra large was for 11.5-13. Wasn't sure, but as I wear a size 12 went with that. Fit was great on them. Only used fins with an ankle strap previously. Despite my misgivings these stay on my feet far better than those with a strap. I used tethers, but never needed them. Even better for long snorkeling sessions this type fitted fin is about 3 times as comfortable as those with an ankle strap. Now I did find them a bit too flexible as others have noted. If you are doing very gentle slow snorkeling they aren't a problem. But when you want more than gentle propulsion they seem to flex too much. I also couldn't see how they were less tiring than stiffer, but shorter fins. Which brings me to the length. They are a bit longer than similar fins which is supposed to work with the intentional flexibility and cut-outs on the mid-part of the fin. Longer is a bit more bother to pack in a bag though they fold up okay. I just think a bit more stiffness, no cutouts and a bit shorter fin would have been functionally just as good or a bit better without any drawbacks. Also used them for some body boarding. This is where the extra length was a bit more of a bother and the flexibility was definitely too much. You want to get moving right now to catch a wave, and while these were far better than not having fins the flexibility hurt. In shallow water the length was an irritation. I found the ends would droop much easier so it was worse walking in sandy shallow water than merely the length would cause. Lifting your foot up would droop the tips requiring more than usual care to walk in these. Even walking backwards the droop was more than desired. I will say while body boarding in the turbulent waves and sometimes dragging bottom while kicking they still stayed on my feet at all times. But, not being too negative. I still give them 4 starts. They fit well, stay put, are comfortable, and at least for snorkeling not much of a drawback. Considering the low price I think they are a decent deal. I won't buy anymore fins with the ankle strap after using these. My use was along the Gulf Coast in Florida.

I agree with the 1 star crowd. These fins flex too easily and don't give you much propel at all. Buying a new pair to replace these.

I've had these for about six months now and feel it was a good buy. They arrived promptly and were exactly as pictured. They're well designed and seem to be durable - I have not seen any signs of wear so far. I give them 5 stars because I think they're very good for the price. They're perfect for swimming and casual snorkeling. If you doing any serious diving or spending a lot of time snorkeling, you'll probably want a higher end product, but you'll have to pay 2-3 times as much. Remember that fins are designed to fit tight. For people in the middle of the size range this usually isn't a problem, but if you're close to the cutoff for the size ranges, consider your size choice carefully. For example, I'm size 11 and ordered the L and can barely get them on. Someone with an 11.5 foot should probably order the XL.