A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
Forget the days when you had to struggle to don your fins. Finclip is the fruit of a group of experienced professional divers, designers and engineers. With Finclip, donning your fins has never been easier.
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Finclip is a device that has been specially designed to don the most popular models of adjustable fins with exceptional ease, without having to bend down or use your hands.
Finclip is fixed to the base of the fin with a serrated clamp hinged to an ergonomic heelpiece. This features a grooved track and a sliding cursor to tension the bungee cord that allows the heelpiece to hold the fin firmly in place during diving.
Finclip couldn’t be easier to use.
Once the fin is on, just gently push down with your heel. The cursor slides upwards and the bungee cord pushes the heelpiece against your ankle.
It only takes a few seconds to be ready to enter the water.
To fix Finclip to your fins simply clamp it to the rear end of the fin and secure it by tightening the screws. Once the elastic has been hooked onto the posts on your fins Finclip is ready to be used.
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One of the features of Finclip is that the distance between the heel and the end of the fin can be adjusted. This adjustment, combined with an elastic that can be varied in length, allows Finclip to be used whatever the size and model of fin you are using.
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To regulate the tension of the bungee to meet your personal needs, we have developed an adjustable system that allows for 3 different lengths up to a maximum of 36mm.
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When putting on your fins, all you have to do is pull the heelpiece down until the elastic is below the fulcrum point. This way the heelpiece will remain down when you slide your foot into the fin. Finclip will then close when you gently push down with your heel.
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Thanks to the particular design of the heelpiece, the force exerted by the elastic is no longer concentrated in one point but distributed all the way along the back of your heel, resulting in never before experienced comfort and avoiding the annoying consequences of constant rubbing during swimming.
The rubber sole applied to the base of the clamp avoids slipping on the fiberglass surfaces of boats and can be replaced when it becomes worn.
Finclip is also an optimum solution when removing fins in the water. Once opened, the heelpiece can be easily held and used to overcome the suction effect between your feet and the inside of the fin.
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At the end of a dive, just move the heelpiece forwards. Finclip’s reduced size will allow you to place your fins back in their bag as you always have done.
Finclip can be attached to the most common models of adjustable fins, regardless of the size.
The Finclip bungee strap is compatible with all fins that have posts similar in design to Mares. Compatibility with other popular brands is being developed and will be available soon.
We have found a way to make Finclip suitable for fins that have a thicker rear edge: such as Scubapro Seawing Novafins.
We reached our goal by developing a new lower clamp part, characterized by two holes for the positioning of the upper clamp part. If the lateral pins are positioned in hole (1), Finclip can be fixed to fins with a rear thickness of up to 10 mm. If instead the pins are positioned in hole (2), the maximum rear thickness of the fin can be up to 18 mm.
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You can mount and adjust Finclip in a very short time.
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Finclip will be available in four colours: black, blue, magenta and yellow. You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
We spent over a year looking for an innovative solution. With the help of a design studio, many ideas were experimented and several prototypes were developed and tested.
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Risks and challenges
This project is the fruit of over 20 years’ experience in the field of recreational scuba diving, together with my natural aptitude for analytical observation and the desire to find solutions to problems.
For the first 20 years of my professional life I successfully owned and ran a motor spares distribution company where I put into practise my management and innovation skills on a daily basis.
I created revolutionary solutions in the motor spares distribution sector and, thanks to a very competent and efficient team, enjoyed recognizable success.
In 1998 I decided to sell my ongoing business to dedicate my time and energy to what has always been my true passion: the sea.
Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately!) my powers of observation and the pleasure of researching solutions to improve things and situations never abandoned me.
I believe that FINCLIP is a great solution to a minor problem that is in fact experienced by many divers.
Thanks to the experience I gained in the automotive sector and together with the collaboration of a design studio composed of innovative engineers, I am convinced that I can produce an optimum product.
I am well aware of the problems related to the manufacturing of plastic materials and can confidently affirm that the supporters of this project will most definitely not be disappointed.
1 set of FINCLIP
Retail price will be €55 - You save €12
Colour option: black - yellow - blue - fuchsia
You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
2 set of FINCLIP for you and your buddy.
Retail price will be €110 - You save €30
Colour option: black - yellow - blue - fuchsia
You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
4 set of FINCLIP for your family or friends.
Retail price will be €220 - You save €65
Colour option: black - yellow - blue - fuchsia
You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
12 set of FINCLIP for your Dive Center or School.
Colour option: black - yellow - blue - fuchsia
You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
24 set of FINCLIP for your Dive Shop
Colour option: black - yellow - blue - fuchsia
You will be sent a survey allowing you to choose a colour after the campaign has been funded.
An invitation for 1 person to spend a week at our Diving Resort on the island of Ustica (Sicily), Italy's first marine reserve. Full board and lodging, 6 dives and a set of FINCLIP in the colour of your choice included.
Invitation subject to confirmation between May -October 2017
An invitation for 2 people to spend a week at our Diving Resort on the island of Ustica (Sicily), Italy's first marine reserve. Full board and lodging, 6 dives for each person and 2 set of FINCLIP in the colour of your choice included.
Invitation subject to confirmation between May -October 2017
