Pro Gear Isn't For You - And Here's Why
Recently, the price of high-end underwater sports gear has risento the point of absurdity. You can expect to pay £300-500 for an elite pair of fins - they might give you the upper hand in matches, but offer diminishing returns for your investment. In my experience, they largely serve as a shiny social statement, to prove that your wallet can make it in the big leagues.
The vast majority of players and club owners want equipment that is affordable, but still at a standard that keeps them comfortable and competitive. It's a fine balance, but definitely achievable. But what makes pro equipment so inaccessible? Let's take a look.
1. They're not made for the everyday player.
For professional equipment suppliers, the intended audience is mainly elite players who want to take their gameplay to the next level. However, the higher the price point, the more difficult it becomes to make a significant development. These include fibreglass-infused UWH sticks, or full carbon fiber fins to cut through the water more efficiently.
Even so, most players occupy the middle market - competing at a low to medium division of competition, valuing getting involved with their team without giving up too much of their disposable income.
Credit: DavidUnderwater via Wikimedia Commons (LINK)
2. For club owners, it's all or nothing.
For club leaders seeking to improve their kit offering for new players, they are often tasked with making bulk orders of equipment. Unsurprisingly, they want the best for their team in order to climb the ranks at competition, but this isn't possible on a budget.
Cheap equipment is scalable, but untrustworthy, lacks features and breaks quickly. As such, the culture puts pressure on individuals to shell out for professional gear in order to keep up with other players. Club owners should be able to access a middle-range of equipment, enjoying pro features with the badge of trust they associate with the heavy hitters.
Credit: Peter F. Schemdling via Wikimedia Commons (LINK)
3. Success is more than a status signal.
Arguably, spending hundreds of pounds on ultra-elite equipment will not transform your gameplay. You would feel some sort of difference, but it won't move you up a division! Middle market equipment gives you comfort and reliability - less kit failures lets you get in the zone, and develop your skills sequentially with your team.
Let's face it - real, steady growth beats status signal spending every time. Flashy fins might get you compliments for a few sessions, but real skill development is what gets you wins!
Credit: Waidi via Wikimedia Commons (LINK)
So, if you're looking for middle market equipment that has the pro features you want, at a price point that makes sense for every player, check out our D.finitive Mask! With crystal clear vision, panoramic curved lenses and a neoprene mask strap included, it's a killer piece of kit you can rely on for all your underwater sporting needs.
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