I have seen a lot of references to monofins lately and have been wondering about them. They seem a little on the expensive side for an impulse-purchase. What are the differences between the different models? What are the advantages of a monofin over a regular pair of fins? Are there things took for or to avoid? Are they a pain to lug to and from workout? Do people look at you funny like when you wear the center-mount snorkels? :eek: Any other consumer advice?
Former Member
Here is the list of monofins for sale through amazon.com with prices and the descriptions given on their site.
monofins at amazon.com
Competitor Monofin $302.99/$257.54
The Competitor Monofin is designed for Monofin Racing. It is the fastest of all FINIS monofins.
Trainer monofin $148.99/$126.64
The Trainer Monofin has a longer fiberglass blade for development of proper streamlining and dolphin kick motion. Ideal for lengthening of stroke, improving body balance, and core muscle conditioning.
The Trainer 1 is the classic model for use by all abilities.
The Trainer 2's fiberglass blade is 25% stiffer than the Trainer 1 - for serious training.
Rapid Monofin $105.99/$100.69
The Rapid Monofin is the ultimate Extreme Swimming accessory. Achieve speeds up to 6 mph!
The Shooter Monofin $99.99
The Shooter Monofin allows for quick kicking action. Designed to simulate race pace kick tempo. Makes it easier to swim butterfly correctly for longer periods of time without suffering from the usual stroke decay. Ideal for butterfly, breaststroke arm recovery drills, backstroke underwater work, starts, and turns.
Tempo Monofin $54.99
For women's fitness. Tone your abs, buttocks and thighs with power swimming.
Wave Monofin $36.95
For children.
I got mine yesterday and tried it out this morning. Immediately found out some interesting things. My streamline isn't very streamlined. At that speed it showed there are all kinds of adjustments I need to make. I can go faster face down than face up. And I'll need to go easy at first to let my feet toughen up so they don't blister. The tops of my feet are real tender now.
I also got a center snorkel. Haven't had a chance to test it yet. Maybe tonight.
Which monofin did you get?
This one.
The Shooter Monofin $99.99
The Shooter Monofin allows for quick kicking action. Designed to simulate race pace kick tempo. Makes it easier to swim butterfly correctly for longer periods of time without suffering from the usual stroke decay. Ideal for butterfly, breaststroke arm recovery drills, backstroke underwater work, starts, and turns.
I see two different looking monofins that claim to be the Finis shooter. One has a solid top on the feet, the other is open. Is one an older model or something? I was so excited when I found one for $88 with free shipping, then I began to wonder about the style change.
Does anyone have problems with blisters when using their monofin or other fins? How long does it take for the feet to toughen up? It was suggested to me by an ultra-marathon runner that duct tape was the best thing for protecting "hot spots" from becoming blisters. Anyone ever try this?
Does anyone have problems with blisters when using their monofin or other fins? How long does it take for the feet to toughen up? It was suggested to me by an ultra-marathon runner that duct tape was the best thing for protecting "hot spots" from becoming blisters. Anyone ever try this?
I thought duct tape was to remove warts and splinters?
I used the mono fin in open water and yes had lots of foot problems, Bodyglide applied heavily to the feet will prevent blisters for distances under 2 miles (for me) don't use vaseline as it may not be compatable with the rubber used in the fin. Once a blister forms or for hot spots, I used 2 layers of tape an inner layer against the skin of "athletic" tape (the cloth white stuff) with duct tape over it.
