Charles Hood rates these Mares heavyweight split fins 
Mares Raptor, £109.95The Raptor features what Mares calls an advanced design and combination of materials, including the ‘Whale Tail’ foot pocket for maximum energy transfer fromfoot to blade, which maximises thrust and efficiency. As with other Mares fins,they include ABS Plus buckles, which the company claims needs only one quickmovement to open or close, even when you’re wearing thick neoprene gloves.The double-button release prevents the buckle from opening accidentally.You can’t go wrong buying Mares fins – the company has dominated this sector of thediving market for years, but the Raptor is its first venture into split fins. They work well, and the generous boot pocket comfortably accommodates a large drysuit boot. They area touch on the heavy side, which was noticeable, but this could help if you are prone tohaving floaty legs when diving. The one thing that lets them down is the buckle system –it works well with ungloved hands, but for UK waters is far too fiddly.
Vital statistics
Weight 2.8kg
Colour options black, yellow, red, green
Sizes S, R, XL
Country of manufacture Italy
DIVE SAYS...
Well-made, heavyweight fins
Contact Mares • 01539 724740 •
www.mares.com
