Cressi-Sub Space Frog Fins

There has been a lot of changes in fin design in the last few years. Much of it is good, and I'm sure the revolution has taken hold, but I know that many classic successful fins will continue to prosper. A great design is, after all, often hard to improve upon. But Cressi-Sub has done just that with their Space Frog fins.

The Cressi-Sub Frog fin design has been around for several years. My first encounter with the design was a small version purchased for my then 9-year old son. He loved them. He eventually became quite an accomplished free-diver using those fins. His younger brother went on to use them as well, enjoying them equally, spending long summer hours snorkeling the kelp forests.

The primary design improvement the Space Frog offers over the successful Frog fin is its use of three compounds in its construction. These work in harmony to provide excellent power and control in the water. Key is how the footpocket is constructed as this is how the power is transferred to the blade. For comfort, soft, pliable material surround the foot. But the blade material reaches all the way back to the back of the foot underneath. The black material on the top of the fin reaches from the top of the foot to the tip of the fin blade. With this kind of construction, power transfer is more complete, more efficient. Looking at the fin shape from the side, you can see how the fin shape makes the blade an extension of the leg.

Another obvious key to the quality of this fin is the blade. It has remarkable "snap." This allows the fin to be "loaded" on the down stroke, releasing power efficiently and effectively on completion of the stroke. The two material construction of the blade, along with ribs and a mild shaping of the fin blade give the fin a mild channeling effect for more efficient thrusting of the water backward.

Although I have dived with more powerful fins, the balance of power with comfort and control with this fin was superb. I could turn on a dime, hover, and then spin about. I enjoyed both beach and boat diving with this fin. It was versatile and efficient. They are also very light. Furthermore, I liked its simple, basic and sleek styling. These are good looking fins. I am a powerful swimmer. I probably would have done better with the new Titanium version of this fin with a 20 percent stiffer blade for more power transfer.

The fin is finished off with a solid, easy to use buckle and strap system. A pull tab on the strap helps put the fin on. The strap is easily adjusted with a single-handed pull. The buckles are also quick release for easy removal of the fins. Loosening the strap is with the push of a button.

The Space Frog fin is available in six color combinations in four sizes each. The Titanium is available only in metallic gray but also four sizes.

For more information on the Space Frog fins, see a Cressi-Sub dealer near you, or visit their website at www.cressi-sub.it, or visit their exhibit booth #247 at SCUBA Show 2000, June 3-4 at the Long Beach Convention Center.