Gavin, let us know how those Pluma's? stand up. we had a guy get a pair of Cressi- Pro Star Light or some such, advert for them described them as the smaller cousin to the Gara (you know big stiff freediving fin loved the world over) any way his pro star's cracked and broke after just a few practice sessions, and he's a fairly slightly built guy. They were Exceptional fins for the time, very light and manuveralbe with great accelleration, and top speed.

What about the technisub stratos? Imported to the states as US Divers Blades FP. A bunch of the Kiwis in 2000 and a few in 2002 wore them, according to the few guys I spoke with they thought they were better than the alas when brand new but kicked out really fast, like two games, (they were going through 4 or 6 pairs during worlds).

For recreational play and practice they should be a fine replacement and I think are still being manufactured but everytime I mention them as fins to buy no one does.

as far as the avanti excel... uh... well they are a fine replacemet for the mares HP if you feel like replacing a $30 fin for $150 that is. To make them work you need a nice quick little flutter kick and be less than 170 lbs err... 77 kg. For me they are worthless.