TEST PALMS HOT SHOTS AQUA LUNG

May those who have never tangled their fins on a boat deck raise their finger ... May those who have never cursed them while preparing a diving trip make themselves known ... We must admit that fins still take a significant place in the travel bag. And AQUA LUNG has created the HOT SHOTS: at first glance, one might think that these are 1 fins. A surprisingly small size, coupled with a "bizarre" system allowing them to adjust their hardness, nothing more was needed to make me want to take the plunge.

COMPACT

Just imagine, fins that can be slipped into a regular cabin baggage… fins with a total length of 53 cm !!! Well, you're not dreaming, HOT SHOTS do exist. In terms of size, it's a real treat. While your partner struggles, like the balancing act, to climb the 3 steps that separate them from their straight jump, it is a walk for you. And all the divers present notice it and find it very practical.

COMFORTABLE

The liner is made of a very flexible material specially designed to be able to use these fins barefoot, without boots, while they look more like adjustable than shoes. The rear "strap" is without adjustment, you just need to position it above your heel. As it is also made of this very flexible material, this is done effortlessly. The comfort is truly remarkable. Small detail, however, in the long run the upper loop allowing the "strap" to be pulled can cause irritation at the point of friction above the heel. Nothing prevents you from putting on a thin neoprene sock.

PERFORMANCE

Unlike most "classic" fins, the blade is connected exclusively by 2 anchor points located in the middle of the liner and giving it an incredible amplitude. AQUA LUNG engineers have added silicone tensioners, the "power bands" which stiffen the structure. They also allow adjustment since under the fin you can choose between 2 positions to harden or soften it, both on land and under water. In use, we haven't really felt a noticeable difference, however.

AND FOR USE

"Small but strong" as the other would say. You saw in the video that the canopy, when you really step into it, is able to form almost a right angle with the liner. You then use all the power available and can without blushing hold the dragee high on most fins on the market. It took me a few days, however, to tame the beauties. Indeed, very reactive when you are really going to swim and therefore call on the "power bands", they turn out to be confusing at the start at low speed since you hardly use them. You will also need to show kicking worthy of the best theoretical courses. If you are a fan of “spoon” kicking, you will only use a small part of the resources of this fin which reveals its true possibilities when you fin from top to bottom by making a wide movement starting from the hip.

IN CONCLUSION

These fins are clearly positioned on the diver-traveler market which goes to exotic destinations and which seeks to limit the weight of its equipment. After more than 50 dives in warm waters with James' palms, I recommend them without hesitation.

Text: Manuel Lewin