i’ve been using udts for about 5 years now… when i don’t use them for more than a week, i get blisters. way uncomf.
sooooo… i’m looking at the viper v-7s, since they look closest to UDTs in design… good move, or no?
( i tried da fins a couple yrs ago… not my cuppa)
i ride a mat … i think longer fins work better.
sell me your das!
I use UDT’s on the mat or paipo’s and recently bought a pair of V5’s for bodysurfing. When I replace the UDT’s it’ll be with V7’s. The UDT’s work great, but I always have to wear neoprene socks with them. From day 1 the Vipers felt like an old pair of slippers. Comfiest fins EVER!!!
If you can find the Vipers in approx your size and try on before buying that is the key. Everyone’s feets a bit different in shape. For me, Vipers very comfortable. UDT’s way to much flipper for me and I would have had to cut them down to Viper size to be able to use them so why bother. Also, just too thick/meaty etc so very much effort to put on take off. I pool tested the Vipers vs regular Duck Feet and found the V-7’s slightly faster for distance cruising, burst speed, and also more maneuverable for quick turn around to get in wave catching position in line up. Favorite flippers so far ever. Have pair of ForceFins (I got for $3.00 at thrift shop!) but haven’t tested them out yet. Very pricey if you buy them new though, near $200.00
i got some 2mm fin socks off amazon… they make a huge difference with the udts. much much more comf.
got some viper v-7s on the way too. will post my observations when i can.
Funny when the first vipers came out they were the most uncomfortable fins ever. This was before they added the neoprene insert. You could tell who used Vipers because they had holes all over the front ankle area of their foot. Unless you stayed out of the water for an extended period(probably a couple weeks) they would never really heal. Everyone carried these on their feet as their badge of honor. Some 15 years later I can still see the scars on my feet where the fins used to gouge.
Scars, staph infections and Duck Feet go together for me. Socks of any sort are the answer, if you don't have penicillin handy.
yea, ronin. that’s what i have - scars on my ankles and toes. they turn into like caluses. but after a coupla weeks no surf, they soften up… next surf: big blisters and sores.