TESTCENTRE
Now Streaming
Tecline Jet Stream Fins
COMPANY : AQUA ACTIVE PRICE : £ 121.53 TEL : 0330 1221395 WEB : WWW . TECLINEDIVING . EU
WWW . AQUAACTIVE . CO . UK
At first glance , these Tecline Jet Stream Fins look very similar to the manufacturer ’ s own Power Jet Fins ( Reviewed in Test Centre , October 2022 ). Compared side-byside there are several subtle differences , which give them their own unique performance . First off , they ’ re a good 6cm shorter than the marginally-wider Power Jets . In enclosed spaces or when finning over easily-disturbed silt , this can make a significant difference . The foot-pocket itself is extended slightly lengthwise too , which I did find a little more comfortable . The Jet Stream also retains a nice wide fit combined with a more curved-shaped upper . While still very robust , these fins are manufactured from a much smoother and more flexible rubber . A pair of stabilisers run from the foot pocket , past its narrow vents and terminate close to the edge of the scalloped fin .
The stainless steel fins spring straps are extended using the excellent soft rubber handles . The fins easily accommodated both my rock boots or standard drysuit boots , feeling neither over-tight or too slack .
A single fin weighs just under 1.7kg at the surface , reducing to around 0.5kg once in the water . This slightly-negative buoyancy assisted with feet-first descents , then I added just a little air into my drysuit to compensate when underway . While finning , the springy short blade worked well with quick , short strokes and equally as well with longer , full-leg power finning . The Jet Stream is available in three sizes : M / L , XL and XXL . Translated into EU shoe sizes this equates to 37-42 , 42-44 and 44-47 respectively . Unlike the other fins in Tecline ’ s range , the Jet Streams are also available in yellow , orange and red , in addition to the obligatory technical diving black . NH
SCUBA SAYS
Tecline ’ s Jet Stream are a modern-day take on the classic jet fins of the past . A good , solid rubber fin with a just a little more added flex and spring to enhance comfort and performance .
Belter
Much as I prefer integrated weights as a way to ease the strain on my lower back , there are times when a weight belt offers a more versatile way to carry my lead . That ' s obviously the case when using a BCD or harness / wing without the integrated option , but I always keep one handy on my RIB . Not only is it a convenient way to transport extra lead ,
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Heavy Duty Weight Belt
COMPANY : LUMB BROS PRICE : £ 11.00 TEL : 0161 6815790 WEB : WWW . LUMB-BROS-DAS . CO . UK should anyone require it , but it ' s also more practical for snorkelling with seals or basking sharks . Lumb Bros Heavy Duty Weight Belt provides a good 1.5m of thick , strong webbing . This should easily cater for the waistline of the average diver . If it ' s a little lengthy , simply trim off the excess . The belt ' s 316 stainless steel buckle locks in place very securely , while its tapered end has an upward curve to it . This makes releasing your weights a doddle , whether that ' s in an emergency or simply de-kitting at the end of a dive . The belt is supplied in a variety of colours , which I found to be a great way to differentiate between my weights and similar webbing / buckle combinations found on backplate and harness setups . Identifying the non-black webbing during pre-dive buddy checks could make all the difference should an emergency ascent be required . NH
SCUBA SAYS
Your weight belt is possibly the most low-tech of diving equipment but it ’ s also one of the most important . Lumb Bros ’ Heavy Duty version is inexpensive and definitely up to the task .