In the amazing fins line by Cressi, another model has been recently added, the Cressi Gara Turbo Boost. Lighter, easier and more affordable, these polymer blade fins are the perfect choice for freedivers and spearos who normally dive at shallow to medium depths, but of course can do the job also at deeper depths. They are an easy, light and performing solution, with all the quality and know-how of Cressi. Compared to the Cressi Gara Turbo Impulse, they are though less performing at deep depths.
Cressi Gara Turbo Boost with new materials
With the need to offer a very light, performing polymer blade fin, which did not need to go down at amazing depths, Cressi has researched for new materials. The technopolymer of the Cressi Gara Turbo Boost fins has now a reduced specific weight. This means that the blade with unvaried dimensions has a lower weight. In fact, one blade of the new Cressi Gara Turbo Boost weigh 385 grams, instead of the 420 grams of the Cressi Gara Turbo Impulse.
No water rails for the Gara Turbo Boost
Another key element, which also contributes to a reduced weight, is the absence on the Cressi Gara Turbo Boost of the water rails. They are present on the Cressi Gara Turbo Impulse co-moulded on the blade with an innovative process then followed by many other brands.
The softer and lighter material of the Gara Turbo Boost, perfect for shallow to medium depth dives, works extremely well also without the water rails. The lateral slide control is insured by the convex tip of the blade. This generates a flow a water which contributes to the stability of the fin.
Design of the Gara Turbo Boost
The new fins launched by the Italian Company replicate the geometrical design of the Gara Turbo Impulse fins.
Differentiated thickness
The advanced differentiated thickness design is key. It all starts from the study of the design of the blade from a finite element calculation program. This is an extremely evolute system. The blade , for example, changes thickness from 4 mm in front of the foot to 2 mm at the tip. From there, with the work of the product managers and the testing of the Cressi Team of athletes, the final design has been obtained.
S-shaped curve
Such design permits to have an S-shaped double curve, which is today considered the most efficient solution. The S-shaped curve generates a first push and then a second one which result in extremely high propulsion. This works together with a reduced applied force needed and so minimal fatigue. On the inferior face the blade has two thin nerves on the external sides that slightly stiffen and strengthen the structure. Under the blade, just in front of the foot-pocket, bigger nerves determine a semi-rigid structure in the most critical area of any blade. This helps to strengthen such area and avoid braking.
Foot-pocket to blade angle
On top of this, another key aspect of the design of the Cressi Gara Turbo Boost is the angle between blade and foot-pocket. The value of 29°, in fact, follows the most modern solution for greater comfort of the ankle. This is today considered the best geometry for the most efficient transmission of the force from the foot to the blade. The ankle is relaxed so the comfort is maximum. Also, the bending of the ankle has been studied with the finite elements calculation program.
Design, dimensions and weight
As anticipated, the flap of the blade has a dovetail design for best control and directionality, avoiding lateral sliding. The blade maximum length measured from the curve under the foot-pocket goes from 63 cm laterally to 59 cm centrally. The maximum width of the blade measured internally to the water-rails is 20.7 cm.
The weight of each blade is 385 grams, the foot-pocket size 42-43 weighs around 500 grams and the total weight of one fin, including connection screws and clips, is 895 grams. The additional sole weighs 65 grams.
The evolved Turbo foot-pocket
The evolved foot-pocket by Cressi, the Turbo, has much shorter lateral rails compared to the Modular model. This generates a different behavior of the blade, which is now less influenced by the lateral rails of the foot-pocket. At the same time, the new Turbo foot-pocket maintains all the excellent and unique qualities of the Modular long side rails solution. Still, Cressi offers also the new blades with the Modular foot pocket, in the Cressi Gara Modular Boost fins.
The Modular and Turbo foot pockets ares in a thermoplastic rubber specifically studied by Cressi. There are two different stiffness compounds (light grey softer, 65° Shore, and dark grey harder, 75° Shore). The patented Self Adjusting system perfectly adapts the foot-pocket to the diver’s foot, especially hosting at best the instep. In addition, a third material is used to integrate the clips on the lateral rails which secure the blade to the foot-pocket. Such solution is particularly easy to use.
Also, important is the inclusion in the range of the smallest size, the 36/37, up to the size 46/47. In addition, two anatomical insoles, right and left, made in recycled semi-rigid plastic, can be inserted into the foot-pockets. This makes an even better match with the foot. Such solution is excellent also considering the different thickness of the socks used between the hot and the cold season.