World Renowned Kinugawa Rubber
Now trusted by divers all around the world, Gull’s production history began in the rubber industry as Kinugawa. Kinugawa initially produced rubber automobile parts such as weather strips and other sealants. It wasn’t until 1955 when Kinugawa began shifting its focus to exclusively manufacturing diving equipment team.
More >Natural Rubber:
Unlike synthetic rubber, natural rubber exhibits excellent propulsive force with high elasticity giving Gull fins their signature feel and performance. Natural rubber is also adjustable and can be modified to construct a variety of fins that accommodate to all levels of divers.
Components of Kinugawa Fins:
Three distinct components combined into a single fin.
- Soft Rubber: Foot Pocket & Heel
- Regular Rubber: Blade, Foot Pocket Opening & Ribs
- Very Hard Rubber: Sole
[ Kinugawa Fins Lineup ]
MEW >MEW CYPHER >
GT >
BARRACUDA >
Components of Kinugawa Hybrid Rubber Fins:
Four distinct components combined into a single fin.
- Soft Rubber: Foot Pocket & Heel
- Regular Rubber: Blade & Foot Pocket Opening
- Hard Rubber: Ribs
- Very Hard Rubber: Sole
[ Hybrid Rubber Fins Lineup ]
SUPER MEW >SUPER MEW XX >
Rubber by Length:
Shorter Blades
Shorter-blade fins incorporating a softer rubber compound are easier to control and allow for suitable propulsion with lighter kicks.
Longer Blades
Longer blades with stiffer rubber compounds display higher propulsive force.
Rubber Weight Comparison: On Land vs. Underwater
Rubber may seem heavier than materials like plastic on land, but underwater, rubber becomes remarkably light weight.
Gull Rubber Fin Manufacturing Process:
Only high quality natural rubber with few impurities is used.
Kneaded with a precise formula for premium quality, durability, and elasticity.
The rubber undergoes aging to enhance its properties before being weighed and cut into blocks for pressing.
The blocks are loaded into the rubber molding press and are subjected to pressure for up to 10 minutes.
Excess rubber is trimmed by hand.
Every piece is manually inspected by experiences staff and are then packaged to be ready for shipment.
Ongoing Research & Development:
Unlike synthetic rubber, Natural rubber is an organic substance and challenging to work with. Factors like origin, collection year, and production climate affect its rigidity and color.
Manual blending and kneading stabilize the material, adjusted for consistent quality based on climate and humidity. Kinugawa’s advanced coloring techniques enable a wide range of color options, making each pair of fins truly unique through complex handmade processes.
Kinugawa’s engineers focus on R&D for working with natural rubber, aiming for durable fins with lasting rebound performance. They study component ratios to prevent cracking, ensure color consistency, and enhance overall durability.
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