Halcyon Vector Pro HD review: I really don't want to send these back

We need to talk. I always say I am not sponsored and get nothing from Halcyon, and that stays true. But Halcyon did send me something: a pair of fins, the Vector Pro HD, to try. Not a present; I have to send them back. And that is exactly the problem.

Two years ago I did not like them

Let us agree on the price: they are expensive. We know that now, no need to discuss it further. Two years ago, in Mexico, an instructor had them in the back of his truck. I dropped my own fins and took his, to his displeasure, and did one dive with them. Honestly: I did not like them. I could not swim backwards, felt no difference and had trouble getting them off my feet. Not enthusiastic.

A week of filming in Turkey

Just over a month ago Halcyon sent them over. A few ordinary dives: fine. But last week I was in Turkey with friends, filming the recovery of ghost fishing gear. I was busy with my camera, my shot, my whole setup, and did not think about my fins for a second. The only fins I had with me were these.

At the end of that week I had to admit it: these fins are amazing. They swim comfortably and give exactly the feeling of control over your movement that you need when filming. Swimming backwards, which I could not manage in Mexico, came naturally after a few dives. And one small kick already gives you speed. I am genuinely enthusiastic about them, and I wanted to share that.

The details

I loved my yellow-tip Hollis fins, so that is what I compare with.

• Stiffness. Without any load on them you can already see it: the Vector is stiffer and harder than the Hollis.
• The foot pocket. With Hollis I always took XXL, because my size 45 did not fit anything smaller. Halcyon’s XL is different: wider and deeper, and the strap stays adjustable. If you have big feet, try the XL first.
• Water in the fin. After the dive you keep some water in the foot pocket, handy for rinsing your drysuit boots at the car. If you do not want that, the markings for drain holes are already there. You drill them yourself; they leave you the choice.
• What I miss. With thick gloves they are hard to pull off. You can do it with your other foot, or fit a loop yourself, but I do not see why there is no pull tab from the factory.
• Grey or black. Both colours exist. I weighed them: the difference is only about 60 grams, and the grey one is the heavier because the material is denser. They are fairly heavy, and I like that, because my legs always want to float up.

And then the funny part. In the past you were laughed at for wearing ankle weights; it was not done. Now they make fins you can slide extra weight into. Ankle weights are not allowed, weight in your fin is. It is a bit silly, but it is what it is, and it works.

Am I buying them?

Not yet. It is a lot of money and I have to choose what I spend it on; I have not won the lottery yet. But I think they are worth it, so a big thumbs up. Go to your dive shop and ask for demo fins, they should have them. And let me know what you think. I am going for a swim.