New from Force Fin is the first truly packable fin for float tubers. Weighing only about a pound each, Fab Force fins have a Cordura-covered foam foot pocket which secures across the top with a full-length Velcro® closure, backed up by two nylon webbing straps with quick-detach buckles. A third strap passes around the heel and buckles on the side.

If you're concerned that all this convenience is going to add up to a compromise in performance, don't be. In yet another eleemosynary (go ahead, look it up) expression of my devotion to the interests of our readers, on November 13th I hiked in to a backcountry pond, broke enough ice along the shore to launch my tube, and headed out for a test drive. I spent ten minutes blasting around the pond putting the fins through their paces (and fighting hypothermia). They felt extremely light, produced, plenty of power, and were the easiest fins I've ever used for rotating the tube and changing direction. Force Fin has another winner here.

Strap some on in your fly shop (Sorry no price was available at press time), or contact Force Fin, 715 Kimball Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93103; Telephone: (805) 966-9628; Fax: (805) 564-8240; e-mail: order@forcefin.com