Torben Lonne, DIVEIN.com Editor
Hollis’ F1 LT fins cater to a specific type of diver: techies who want to cut back on their scuba bag’s weight for easier travel and techies after a lighter version of Hollis’ very popular F1 fins. That said, the F1 LT’s do have an application outside of technical diving, and we think demanding recreational divers who dive dry will also appreciate the maneuverability and power of these fins. We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think: Below are some of the F1 LT Fins’ most notable features: See the complete list of the best Scuba Fins here! Whether you’re a skilled recreational diver who wants to perform helicopter kicks for the sheer joy of it or a die-hard cave explorer who needs top fin performance, the F1 LTs will deliver. Designed for optimal hydrodynamic performance, the blade’s vents mean more power with less effort. The fins have a decent amount of flex to boost efficiency and help prevent fatigue on longer dives. The shortened blade means these fins perform well in tight spaces such as in a wreck or a cave when you really don’t want your fins scraping the sides or silting up the bottom. Although best suited to a frog kick or a modified frog kick, the F1 LTs can handle a flutter better than we expected. All too often tech fins come in one color option: jet black. While these might look sleek and fit into the overall tech-diver aesthetic (not that techies care about these things, of course), black fins are hard to spot in a dark, enclosed environment. To shake things up a bit, and make it far easier to spot your mates underwater, Hollis has released the F1 LT fins in two high-vis color options: white and a glaring sunshine yellow. The third option is a more muted grey that, although not as bright, still offers decent visibility in low-light or silty diving situations. As an added bonus, you’ll have no trouble spotting your yellow F1 LT fins at the back of the dive boat. In fact, your fellow divers might have to put on their sunglasses. Hollis’ F1 fins proved popular and divers across the world were singing their new fins’ praises. But one common complaint was the weight. We’ll preface this by saying that tech fins are often heavy, that’s a standard feature and it allows divers to compensate for increased buoyancy when diving in a drysuit. But the F1s were heavier than many other comparable options. To solve this admittedly minor dilemma, Hollis introduced the F1 LTs in 2018 or thereabouts. Crafted from a “lightweight” SEBS material (or styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene for compound experts) the lighter version of the F1 fins dropped some of the weight, making the F1 LTs more travel friendly. If you’re wearing a heavy rig, you really don’t want to struggle to get your fins on. The F1 LTs are quite easy to get on and off thanks to the generously sized foot pocket and the tab on the spring strap. In the water, that same roomy foot pocket means the fins are comfortable and happily accommodate both wetsuit boots and drysuit boots. Hollis has an excellent reputation for after-sales support. If you need help, or in the extremely unlikely event something goes wrong with your F1 LT fins, get in touch with the company via their website or drop them a line on social media, they are generally quite responsive. In terms of ongoing maintenance, after each dive rinse your fins in fresh water and store them in the shade. The spring straps have a shorter lifespan than the blades themselves, so you may need replacement straps in a few years depending on how rough and tough you’ve been. You love your Hollis F1 fins but you want to ditch a little weight, or you’re looking for a comfortable pair of tech fins that also suit demanding recreational diving. Do you dive Hollis or have experience with the company’s fins? Let us know your thoughts on the F1 LT Fins in the comment section below.Dive Equipment Review: Hollis F1 LT Fins
Our Overall Review
Reasons to buy
Reasons NOT to buy
What You Need to Know About Hollis’ F1 LT Scuba Fins
Maneuverability and Power
Dive Equipment Review: Hollis F1 LT Fins: Key Specifications
Where to Buy:
High-vis Color Options
Lighter Than F1s
Comfort and Donning and Doffing
Hollis’ After Sales and Servicing Support
Buy These Fins If:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Where to Buy:
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