Kit Guide
Each player ends up favouring different bits of kit but if you're just starting out in the sport and you want to know what bits and pieces to look out for and why here's the low down on our club players choice of kit.
Cressi Sub Ala
Despite the fact they ceased production years ago they are club favourites throughout the country. Nimble and reliable they seem to last forever. There are rumours they are produced in one off batches every few years, but I don't know if this is true - if so keep your eyes peeled for this medium sized single mould fin.
Cressi Reaction Pro
Closed-foot version of the Reaction fins, the buckle-up version has met with full approval from divers.
The frame is moulded in three different materials, according to the Cressi patented system that guarantees surprisingly smooth and powerful kicking.
The blade is rather long, and has a differentiated thickness - thicker at the front end of the foot, it gets progressively thinner towards the end of the blade.
Mares Plana Avanti Quattro Power
These are the big daddy of the fins and the choice of most competitive octopush players. Enormous power and speed though less manoeverable than the Ala's. For some the blades are too big and place too much strain on the ankle's and lower legs. Not so good for small people.
Mares Plana Avanti Tre & HP
The smaller fins from the Mares Plana range. The Tre blades are slightly larger than the HP's and are popular with smaller players and those that can't get their hands on the Quattro's
Mat Mas Fins
The new UWH fins developed by Mat-Mas are now available. Mat-Mas have been leaders in the development of finswimming fins since 1984 and hold numerous patents and records.
These new fins show superb stability, action, power with a very technical foot packet and they are not fragile at all!
Breier Fins
A new breed of fins purpose made for underwater hockey in small numbers. Hence the price is steep and they feel very different to the fins above. Carbon blades have a lot moe flex and make for nimble movements. Opinion is split and they are either love or hate items. They are practically custom made so there are many options on various features.
Leader Fins
Another low volume manufacturer making underwater rugby and underwater hockey specific fins as well as freediving and spearfishing kit. High quality products, again not cheap and come in a wide range of models and options.
Technisub Falco (also called the Aqualung Falco)
Very low profile and the incredible field of view with no distortion due to flat side windows. A great mask if a little fragile and prone to breaking.
Technisub Sphera (also called the Aqualung Sphera)
Very similar to the Falco above but the mask is even more low profile which it achieves by having single curved lenses each side of the mask. Whereas the Falco has flat lenses on the front and sides the Sphera\'s lenses curve around to the side of the mask. The major downside of this is it can give some players blurred vision, headaches and sickness all caused by the distortion of the lense. Having said that some people swear by them. One to try before you buy!
Scubapro Futura 1
An old skool mask built to take punishment! Where the Technisub masks break from bumps and knocks this mask will still be going strong. Despite the sturdy frame the visibility is impressive and it still maintains a very low profile.
Scubapro Twin Valve Shotgun 2
A popular model with two valves reduce inhalation of water and the flat profile.
Beaver Europa
Good wide bore and two drain valves for those that struggle with water in the mouth. The downside is the silicone mouth piece is fixed to a solid plastic valve housing which could damage your teeth in an impact.
Beaver Prestige
My favourite snorkel. Once it's cut down the entire snorkel is robust, flexible and the mouth section is very safe for the teeth as the mouth/valve housing section is entirely silicone.
Bony Glove
Now available in St Albans colours and a real favourite amongst the players. This glove features a heavy duty Nylon base fabric with a large elastic wrist band and is completed with high quality strategically placed silicone rubber for hand and finger protection.
A real must to prevent your knuckles getting wrapped during a game!
Snorkel Mouth Guard
Not essential but recommended on the off chance the puck comes flyng your way!
Fin Retainers
Great for keeping your fins on your foot during a power sprint.