2012 ScubaLab Open-Heel Fins: Tilos Saber
ScubaLab 2012 Gear of the Year: Tilos Saber
Katy Danca Galli
TILOS SABER
Price: $70 Overall length: 24" Sizes: 5
Weight: 1lb., 5oz. Warranty: 1-year limited Website: tilos.com
The Saber’s multicomposite blade, big rubber side rails and a soft center allows for decent downstroke blade flex, and its thermoplastic-rubber foot pocket’s upcurved heel pad provides enhanced heel support. In water, the fin delivered solid kicking performance. It did take a couple of strong kicks to get it going from a dead stop, but when test divers "turned it on," the fin generated some pretty good power. It was not as maneuverable as others when negotiating tight spots, but for gentle tropical-reef diving, the Saber is a good performer and feels very comfortable. It comes in five sizes and includes a handy mesh bag.
Bottom Line: Respectable kicking performance combined with its low price tag ($70) earned the Saber our Best Buy award in the open-heel category.
Katy Danca Galli
TILOS SABER
Price: $70 Overall length: 24" Sizes: 5
Weight: 1lb., 5oz. Warranty: 1-year limited Website: tilos.com
The Saber’s multicomposite blade, big rubber side rails and a soft center allows for decent downstroke blade flex, and its thermoplastic-rubber foot pocket’s upcurved heel pad provides enhanced heel support. In water, the fin delivered solid kicking performance. It did take a couple of strong kicks to get it going from a dead stop, but when test divers "turned it on," the fin generated some pretty good power. It was not as maneuverable as others when negotiating tight spots, but for gentle tropical-reef diving, the Saber is a good performer and feels very comfortable. It comes in five sizes and includes a handy mesh bag.
Bottom Line: Respectable kicking performance combined with its low price tag ($70) earned the Saber our Best Buy award in the open-heel category.
