CAPERLAN - FLTB FI+

So CAPERLAN recently sent me a new pair of fins they made specially for float tubers.  Now most of us have our fins we have been using for years and we might really like them.  For me I have been using dive fins since I started more than 25 years ago.  So for me to get in to new fins I am not really excited about the idea.  But hey they look good.

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First I notice that they look like dive fins, with a loner blade than most tube fins.  Most don't like this but it works well for me.  The next thing I notice these fins done have a foot cup keeper.  What I mean it they don't come with an insert to help keep the foot cup from losing it shape over time of none use.  They foot cup on these fins is hard and boot shaped.  Now I used these fins with my Seavenger Neoprene booties. This did leave some space between my foot and the foot cup, but it was not a big issue.  Of course a pair of wader boots would be best and I will be getting a pair as soon as I can just because now I can use them with my fins.

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So the flex of the blade seemed to be I would say a medium flex not huge but it does give on the up stroke.  The interesting thing was there is a very good down curve on the fin which leads to a good down thrust and very little bend on the down stroke.  This I feel gives you a lot of power if you need it.  Maybe not so much speed but good power for quick moves.  The other thing I noticed was that they were light weight much lighter then my current fins.  And this can only mean less effort to work you fins in the water.

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What I did not know was that these fins float and so to check this claim I simply tossed them in the water near shore.  Yes they float which is great even though I don't feel you can lose these as the strap holds them very well to your foot.  But is anything should happen you will not lose your fins they will float right next to you LOL.  I think this are a very good pair of fins and in time my muscle memory will take over and the fins will win out over my old dive fins.

Great report on some new equipment.
I have dropped everything from my tube, from my Force Fins (that did not float), to gloves, glasses, coffee cups, and even a pole. So the floating feature is a big bonus.

Is there a price on these yet?

Jerdon wrote:Great report on some new equipment.
I have dropped everything from my tube, from my Force Fins (that did not float), to gloves, glasses, coffee cups, and even a pole. So the floating feature is a big bonus.

Is there a price on these yet?

They are not available here yet but soon I will check in prices.

Agree. I always feel a bit of a fear about loosing the Force Fins as they do sink quite quickly. They are quite dense. But they are very easy on the muscles - higher cadence and lower power required. I would not mind a bit more powerful fins though I still want to maintain a relatively high cadence. From my cycling days, I learned that a good quick cadence allows one to do more work with less fatigue.

FloatTubeIQ wrote:Agree. I always feel a bit of a fear about loosing the Force Fins as they do sink quite quickly. They are quite dense. But they are very easy on the muscles - higher cadence and lower power required. I would not mind a bit more powerful fins though I still want to maintain a relatively high cadence.  From my cycling days, I learned that a good quick cadence allows one to do more work with less fatigue.  

Ya I like the fact these fins float, might be the best thing about them. I can imagine the force fins sink fast LOL.

Great review. Love my Force fins, especially in the wind in the sierras, but I won't go out without my fin keepers. Not only could it be pricey, but it would be a nightmare to kick back somewhere with one fin..

I had dropped one of my Force Fins at 55th St. at Belmont Shore Peninsula in Long Beach, CA and had to use a treble hook to drag the bottom and was lucky that day and got it back! Phew!!

Since then I have always worn fin tethers (leashes).

I also like the feature of the fin’s ability to float!

SP Dan