Aqua Lung Stratos ADJ

AQUA LUNG - STRATOS ADJ
2013 ScubaLab Best Buy
(Open Heel / Paddles Category)

SPECS
• MSRP: $95
• Warranty: Two-year limited
• Length/Weight: 26 inches (size R), 2.3 pounds (size R)
• Buoyancy (in Fresh Water): Negative
• Sizes: S, R, XL
• Info: aqualung.com

**PERFORMANCE: **
The Stratos ADJ is the most traditional-looking fin in this year’s roundup, but looks can fool. The big blade offers enough stiffness to maintain stability with just enough flex to dampen leg and ankle stress. In speed and acceleration, it falls right in the middle of the paddle-fin pack. Using a slow, relaxed kick, the fin will move you quite nicely and will produce decent thrust when needed. It is pretty maneuverable too, in spite of its size, and test divers lauded the foot pocket for its comfort and fit. they also liked the easy-cinch straps with their grab-eyes and large heel loops, making this an easy fin to adjust as well as don and doff. The fin also scored high for its nonskid.

**BOTTOM LINE: **
The Stratos ADJ is marketed as an entry-level fin, but vets will appreciate its performance. For comfort, solid kicking chops and budget price, it earned the Best Buy for this category.

SPEED RESULTS: Medium