FAQ & MORE
To learn more about Moana or other Headhunter Brands please visit our main website: headhunterspearfishing.com
4th Generation Overview
Moana 4th generation fins are unparalleled in the market. We use premium prepreg carbon with a unique core, essentially a monocoque of carbon fiber, no woven fabric at all except cosmetic layer outside. This means no weaves/crimps where stresses multiply and delamination starts. Others ignore it, or maybe reduce it with those big check patterns you see out there (spread tows), but we ELIMINATE those stress points. The Gen 4 core has much greater fiber content involved in the reaction of the fin and substantially improves the durability. By design, it allows us to have a thinner, lighter, stronger laminate. In the case of composites, thicker is not better. Due to the materials we use, we run the lowest possible resin ratios and have industry unique compression technology to ensure incredible consolidation of the materials and elimination of air and extra resin. Our methodology ensures an even press across the angle, which is problematic for many manufacturers.
Our fins are unique in that they do not twist off axis or veer to one side once flexed. This improves control of the fins and your kick, thereby improving form and efficiency.
People have been trying to copy our fins since we started, but as they try, we just keep innovating and improving. Given the expense involved in bringing this product to market, it is unlikely anyone will be copying this generation anytime soon, so get out there and dive them today!
Euro
Technical Specs
- Blade’s Length: 74 cm (29.13 in)
- Blade’s Width at Mid Body: 21.3 cm (8.39 in)
- Blade’s Width at Tip: 20.3 cm (7.99 in)
- Blade’s Angle: 21 degrees
- Weight with water rails: Euro Soft- 250.5 g & 268.5 g for Pathos. Euro Medium- 253.5 g & 271.5 g for Pathos
- Material: Non-Certified Aerospace Grade Carbon Fiber Prepreg
- Carbon fiber layers: 10-15 layers depending on stiffness and model
- Designed to fit pockets: OMER Stingray, Salvimar, Riffe, Neptonics, Mako, Hammerhead, Spora Subs, Pathos and a few others.
Overview
- Available Stiffness: Soft & Medium (Hard available soon)
- With our recent generation (Gen 4), there has been a change in stiffness. The Euro Soft (softer than Gen 3 soft) and Euro Medium (tiny bit stiffer than Gen 3 Euro Soft).
- Shorter length means less load, more maneuverability and comfort.
- Particularly well suited for long days on the water, surface swims, or in tight spaces.
- Excel in general conditions and well suited for deep diving with smaller, faster kick strokes.
- Adhering to our love for convex tips, we tried to squeeze in as much surface area into a short fin as possible. We chose two convex shapes rotated inward to give an overall concave but with nearly the flow and release of a pure convex tip.
- Our most popular choice of blades for spearfishing and general use.
- Keeping up with the namesake, shorter, softer fins are the rage in Europe for deep diving.
- (3) Year Limited Warranty
- Staff Footpocket preference: OMER Stingray Shorts / Salvimar Steps
Hybrid
Technical Specs
- Blade’s Length: 87 cm (34.25 in)
- Blade’s Width at Mid Body: 21.3 cm (8.39 in)
- Blade’s Width at Tip: 20.2 cm (7.95 in)
- Blade’s Angle: 21 degrees
- Weight with water rails: Hybrid Soft- 309 g & 321 g for Pathos. Medium- 316.5 g & 328.5 for Pathos
- Material: Non-Certified Aerospace Grade Carbon Fiber Prepreg
- Carbon fiber layers: 10-15 layers depending on stiffness and model
- Designed to fit pockets: OMER Stingray, Salvimar, Riffe, Neptonics, Mako, Hammerhead, Spora Subs, Pathos and a few others.
Overview
- 100% carbon fiber. "Hybrid" performance, not materials.
- Available Stiffness: Soft & Medium (Hard available soon)
- With our recent generation (Gen 4), there has been a change in stiffness. The Hybrid Soft (softer than Gen 3 Hybrid Soft) and Hybrid Medium (tiny bit stiffer than our Gen 3 Hybrid Soft).
- Short, relaxed kicks feel softer. Larger kicks generate more power – “hybrid” performance.
- Hybrid soft has a firm base and soft tip with rapid progression of flex.
- Hybrid medium has a firm base and a medium tip with rapid progression of flex.
- Efficient like a soft blade during easy kicking (surface, drifts, steady ascents).
- Incredible medium to stiff blade power when you kick harder or dolphin kick.
- Improves form by matching power with resistance.
- Longer length and firm base equal more load, so if you are used to medium fins, order the hybrid soft.
- (3) Limited Warranty
- Recommended Foot pockets
Refund Policy
At Moana, we want every customer to be 100% satisfied with their purchase.
We understand that when purchasing a new product, it may not be what you expected. Our return policy is as follows:
- ALL PATHOS/BLADE COMBOS that are glued together are NOT eligible for a refund.
- Returns of unused product are accepted within thirty days from the date you receive the merchandise.
- We will accept returns of all unopened, unused products. You are responsible for the shipping cost to return the product to us. Once received, we will credit your original payment method. We cannot accept returns if the product has been opened or used unless the product is damaged or defective.
- If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 72 hours to report the damaged items. We will reship immediately and arrange for the shipping company to pick up the damaged item.
- We often offer items for pre-sale or we will keep back-ordered items available for purchase so that you will receive these items as soon as we can ship them. If at any point before we ship you want a refund just ask. We will be more than happy to cancel your order.
Warranty: We've Got You Covered
The Headhunter Spearfishing Co. warranties Moana Waterman carbon fiber freediving fins to be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of three (3) years following the date of purchase. This limited warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, accidental damage or when repairs have been made or attempted by anyone other than The Headhunter Spearfishing Co.
Contact sales@headhunterspearfishing.com to initiate a warranty claim. Proof of purchase is required.
Buyers Guide
1. How to select the right blades length? Difference in performance: Euro vs. Hybrid
Answer: The general notion of blade length is that a shorter fin will increase agility while requiring more energy propel you forward. With a longer blade design, it will propel you through the water while using less energy, but there will be a reduction in agility.
When choosing the between the Euro and Hybrid models, think about the type of diving you do on a regular basis. If you are a freediver focusing on depth and pushing the limits to reach a new personal record, the longer length of the Hybrid design will suit you the best. If you are diving around structure, in tight areas, or spending multiple hours in the water, the Euro model would be the ideal choice.
2. How to select the right stiffness?
Answer: Choosing the right stiffness can sometimes be challenging when making the transition to a carbon fiber fin. There are a variety of factors that can determine the best match for you. These factors include height, weight, athleticism, general use, location and your typical dive style. Out of these factors, the most common ones used are weight and athleticism. For the very athletic drivers or divers over 90kg, we would recommend the Medium stiffness.
Our most popular blade is the Euro Soft. Divers enjoy these blades because they are easy on their legs during long days in the water. Most divers would consider our softs on the stiffer side when comparing to a few other brands in the market. With our recent generation (Gen 4), there has been a change in stiffness. The “Soft” (softer than Gen 3 Soft) and “Medium” (tiny bit stiffer than our Gen 3 Soft).
3. What are the benefits of different blade angles?
Answer: The difference in blade angles will impact the strain on your knees during surface swimming as well as efficient energy conversion during your kicks. Larger blade angles will decrease the tension and strain on your knees while allowing for smoother surface swimming. Smaller blade angles will increase the energy conversion through the blades but will increase in the strain on your knees during surface swimming.
4. How do I choose the correct foot pocket size?
Answer: Choosing the correct foot pocket size is a very important step when pairing with your blade. The foot pocket should be tight enough on your foot so that it will not slide out while kicking. This will cause you to lose efficiency through water spillage as the fin blades twists.
Please refer to the sizing charts below. Note that these charts account for a 3-5mm booty. If you plan on using fins without dive socks, we would recommend going one size down.
OMER Stingray
EU 39-40 |
US 5-6 |
EU 41-42 |
US 7-8 |
EU 43-44 |
US 9-10 |
EU 45-46 |
US 11-12 |
EU 47-48 |
US 13-14 |
EU 49-50 |
US 15-16 |
Pathos Foot Pockets
EU 36-38 |
US 4-5 |
EU 38-40 |
US 5-6.5 |
EU 40-42 |
US 6.5-8.5 |
EU 42-44 |
US 8.5-10 |
EU 44-46 |
US 10-11 |
EU 46-48 |
US 11-12 |
EU 48-50 |
US 12-13 |
5. Why make the switch to carbon fiber fins?
Answer: While plastic fins are cheap and great for most purposes, materials like carbon fiber will take your diving experience to the next level. Carbon fiber fins are the most reactive and lightest material on the market. They are extremely durable but over time you can expect cosmetic blemishes.
6. Changing footpocket styles. What pockets work for predrilled blades?
Answer: Moana Universal Blades can be shipped with pre-drilled slots to accommodate a wide range of footpockets for easy installation. This includes but not limited to OMER Stingray, Salvimar, Riffe, Neptonics, Mako, Hammerhead, and Spora Sub.