Nerdmaid faith is possibly the best person to see reviews on. And I love that you really promote to support local and reputable companies. Because of you and Faith, my tails evolved quickly and safely. My very first tail was indeed a knockoff and it was thin and damaged after the first swim. Then I went to fin fun for two custom tails and now an invested full tail by a tail maker that I really love this tail. Still learning, but your videos absolutely have been making it so easy to have fun and be mindful.

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

not possibly, definitely

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

deFINitely

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

get it

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

fin, mermaid okay I'll shut up now

@horsewomn

4 жыл бұрын

I have two Fin Fun tails and monofins. My mermaid sister Savy Horn, ( Hey Savy! 👋). Gave me a really nice tail, I bought another from crater.com it took close to six months to get. It is pretty but heavy, and traps air in the tail and came with a crappy set of bi fins. I like FinFun. I would like to try fin folk.

Thanks for making this video!! I get so many comments from my subscribers about buying cheap, unsafe tails from wish and then regretting it - so this info really needs to exist!! 💕

I've had friends tell me they were thinking of buying the knock offs off of Wish just so they can try a tail before they spend a ton of money. I always tell them please do not do this. Then I invite them to try out some of my monofins so they can get the base feel of what the whole experience is. If they're still interested, I direct them most of the time to Fin Fun since those are great beginner tails (even if I don't much like the monofin) and then give them other options as well. Yeah it's not a cheap hobby but what is? Like for my crafting, I'd rather spend a little more money on that tube of E6000 to hold a big project together than relying on just my hot glue gun.

@yuleforrest6290

4 жыл бұрын

I always advice to keep an eye out for second hand beginner's tail. When I started I got a Magictail from Ebay. It was old, used and washed out BUT it was enough to know that I loved that new hobby. I still have the tail for friends to try out.

@doreenp632

3 жыл бұрын

FinFun is always my go to for anyone who wants to get started in Mermaiding.

I completely agree. I have actually bought a tail on wish and on Ali express I bought them to do a review on them compared to my fin fun tail and the fakes have to much fabric and they get really draggy and if feels like your swimming in a huge skirt it’s very unsafe. I recommend Finfun tails they are always have good sales if you want something cheeper

Courtney, I completely agree with you.

@lakemaidlyra

4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you! This is what I tell to all of the parents I meet, and give them a few starter tails names. The only thing I don’t get is why is it hurting the industry and the tail makers? Because as what I see, they are still selling a lot nowadays even more than before for aime companies. Can you explain what you mean?

Thank you so much for talking about this subject Courtney! When my daughter asked for her first tail, luckily.she had seen a video on a family who were swimming in Fin Fun tails, and after we made sure she could swim confidently, we finally got her a Fin Fun tail and monofin, because they emphasized so much on safety. When. I started mermaiding with her, I also bought a Fin Fun based on their safety. Had she not seen a video with a reputable tail company featured, we wouldn't have known where to start. I greatly admire your personal story, passion for mermaiding, and emphasis about swimming and mermaid safety. I believe your channel really educates young, amateur, and professional Mermaids and Mermen to know a lot about tailskins, monofins, and other useful tips like emphasizing goggles for vision safety. I certainly learn a lot from you, and appreciate your expertise, humor, and great artistry. :)

I completely agree and I've made the mistake a wial back from buying off eBay and now im a proud fishie with my to finfolks and finfun tails.💙

Great video! I also have to add when you are interacting on Social Media when you see a someone in a Knockoff tail, please NICELY inform and educate the poster of the Knockoff. Assume they do not know it’s a knockoff. Assume it was a gift from a Grandmother. They are excited to post their new mermaid tail and thinking they are fulfilling their dream to become a mermaid. Do not crush their dreams with a horrible experience.

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

100% agree with this!!

@therealmermaidliv

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I hate when mermaids shame other mermaids for things like that.

@mermaidmaira

4 жыл бұрын

Yes!! We know for a fact that the most effective way to change someone’s opinion is to be kind to them. This is true of radical extremists, and also true of people with problematic beliefs like thinking that art theft is no big deal. So even if they DO know their tail is a knockoff... attacking someone doesn’t actually accomplish anything but make them defensive and often more firmly entrenched in their beliefs.

The monofins in the knock off tails, are a pair of flippers glued to a vinyl sheet. Other places to avoid are alibaba, aliexpress and places that sell swimwear for extremely cheap prices.

Another reason you have to be very careful, particularly with places like ebay, facebook, etc, is that people will try to scam you. I've seen far too many merfolk get ripped off by people who claim to sell tails, monofins, tops, etc, take their money then they don't send the goods. Reputable sellers are always the best bet!

Preach mersister!!! Unloved your point of: by the time you have bought 3 cheap items you would have had enough to by something decent. Spot on!

Thank you for making videos like this one. I really APPRECIATE the truth and giving safety information is always important !!!! All your videos brighten up my days. Happy swimming 😁🧜‍♀️

Sadly All my Mertailor tails have never held up. Always been disappointed in Eric's service and the products. Most the other makers I've dealt with are great. Thank you for what you do!

I didn't purchase a monofin until I saw your review on the Luna! I really REALLY wanted the Mahina because I was attracted to the size and the shape, but I'm glad I went with the Luna in the end because the comfort is unbeatable :)

LOVE THE INTRO 😍... This video is the best especially to inform the early and learning merfolk...I hate fake mermaid tails ... its hard to find real ones where I live but I make my own.

My fav way of explaining to ppl why they need to get quality tails and monofins is that just like any other sport u need to get the correct gear. Every sport has knock offs that r dangerous

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely!!

@yuleforrest6290

4 жыл бұрын

I always try to explain it a bit more graphic. I tell them to imagine that you swim in your knock-off tail. It rips. You get entangled in the fabric, panick and drown. Or your monofin breaks, cuts open your feet, you bleed, panick and drown. Sometimes I feel that only such examples help.

@vallorybathory5065

4 жыл бұрын

@@yuleforrest6290 I can see how that would work, but some of the ppl I've shared this info with are usually young kids just getting into the sport. I don't wanna scare them into never trying

@yuleforrest6290

4 жыл бұрын

@@vallorybathory5065 I always talk to parents so they should be able to face the truths :D

@vallorybathory5065

4 жыл бұрын

@@CourtneyMermaid omg u noticed me!!!

Agreed - similar to most things - you get what you pay for! :) Most hobbies are expensive in one way or another (I have quite a few hobbies!)

@shotomacaroni3910

3 жыл бұрын

Hello 👋 Merman Myrddin, I'm Topaz! It's really amazing to see other mermen. 😁 I have not personally met other mermen, but seeing mermen from around the world makes me feel like I'm not the only merman! Thx -Merman Topaz 👍

@mermanmyrddin

3 жыл бұрын

@@shotomacaroni3910 Hi, you're welcome - nice to (virtually) meet you to! :)

Don’t review your own mermaid tail cough *Aquamermaid* cough

The shade XD XD , we all knew which company you were talking about regarding reviewing their own product. And yes, I made my decisions based on what Faith said (finfun and magictail).

@laceyj7335

4 жыл бұрын

Ok I’m new to this stuff, sooo what company is she talking about?

@potterheadwithabluebox3508

4 жыл бұрын

@@laceyj7335 I believe it to be aquamermaid. They teach mermaid classes, but have some weird ideas. A few weeks ago, they made a video that kinda recommened silicone tails for children. That's not okay and very dangerous to recommend. Silicone tails need an experienced mermaid. They also make tails (fabric and silicone) but I have never seen a review of them, outside the ones on their own channel.

@laceyj7335

4 жыл бұрын

Potterhead with a blue box ahhh gotcha. Thank you!

@potterheadwithabluebox3508

4 жыл бұрын

@@laceyj7335 just saw that finfun uploaded a tail review with aquamermaid in the thumbnail. I'm going to watch it now. So we have one review of an independent source now 😜

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

Unfortunately their video has disappointed me a bit. This is exactly the kind of video I was talking about. It's too awkward to do a comparison of your own product in this kind of a video...

Guys, please, please, PLEASE Just save up for a good tail. knock offs can be dangerous because they don’t include any instructions on how to safely swim in it, and also they are just crap in general.Trust me, Buying a more expensive good tail is so much more rewarding and they will most likely last a lot longer.

Love the new intro and outro

Courtney I have seen some of these cheap tails on Ali express. Great video!

I loved hearing your opinions on this topic, I would really like to one day- not sure how to say this without sounding weird but talk to children? I had one approach me in my tail with so many questions and wasn’t sure how to answer them with out confusing her or have her parents get protective.. anyway I love your videos! And really do think tail safety is so important.. thanks for putting in the time for this video your so amazing 💜🐠

THERE IS A BEEPING SHIEN ADVERT ON MY SCREEN AS YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THEM WTF. p.s. your tails are so amazing

@aquaticangel3380

4 жыл бұрын

lol the irony!

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

@@aquaticangel3380 IKR they do do nice joggers tho....

I am really glad I did a lot of research before buying my newest tail (Moon Maiden tail skin and Fantasea Fin 3). I started with FinFun, I have three, and they are great way to start a mermaiding adventure. This year I decided to upgrade my fins, so to speak. I admit, I almost bought a knockoff tail, but something about them wasn’t quite feeling right about it when I was getting ready to buy it. Thankfully, I had seen a video review from another mermaid who had gotten one of the knockoff tails as a gift, and after watching I immediately knew it wasn’t worth the risk. So I did some looking around and watching more review videos which brought me to Mertailor. 🐚🧜🏼‍♀️ P.S. I love watching your videos, I always look forward to whenever you post a new video 😁

I understand that when you want to start a hobby, it's natural to want to buy all your gear and get going on it. Mermaiding is exciting! Then you realize there are several companies, several monofins, some companies do tail releases, it can take several months or even a year to get a tail. It can be tempting to buy something now instead of waiting. I'm a little older and 100% I agree with you that I used to buy something, it's not what I want, I buy something else, it's cheap and it breaks. I did a little research, got a monofin and practiced swimming to make sure mermaiding was from me. Between you, Nerdmaid Faith, the local pod, so many people gave input to where I felt like I had a good idea of what monofin I would like and I saved my money for what I really wanted. It's worth the wait, especially when we're all dealing with covid anyways.

I love this video!

I did buy a tail from Amazon and honestly it did suck, it ripped very easily but I was an okay first tail.

Yeah, I agree with you. You can make better experiences with a high quality product 👍🏻 The things I ordered from Fin Fun also arrived today and it was quite a fast delivery, I must say. The towel is really nice, because it's quite huge and thick. Perfect for trips to the beach or the local pool. The bag is also very cool, since my new monofin really fits into the net on the outside, while I can store all my other stuff inside. And the leggings (which I named Pearl) is just so very pretty. Just so... mermaid! I don't know how it feels in the water, but I bet it's just as comfortable as on land. I'm probably still gonna use my tailskin every now and then, but I definetly prefer the leggings. Now, the AMP (which I decided to call Wavery) is a very neat monofin, compared to my old monofin (Copycat). I do like Copycat's shape a bit more, but Wavery's blade is actually thicker and I can move through the water much faster. His neoprene also got a very nice design and the monofin is overall very comfortable. The only thing I really have to criticise about the AMP is that the foot pockets are very tight and narrow. I managed to squeeze my feet inside, but it wasn't that easy. That's the only thing Fin Fun should work on, in my opinion. But otherwise, it's a very good monofin, that also fits inside my tailskin (Shimmer) ^^

@teannabyerts1904

4 жыл бұрын

I also love the Fin Fun stuff. I have several pairs of leggings (and tails) and swim all the time in the leggings as well as kayaking in them. They are quite useful, sturdy and comfy. Just never put them in the dryer, they will stretch, line dry! I have large, wide feet and found both Fin Fun monofins EPIC to try to get my feet into. Not a bad design for beginners, easy to kick out of but definitely designed for Tinkerbelle. The Luna, Mahina and Linden (my personal fav) are much better. The Luna and Linden fit inside FinFun tailskins. The Mahina can be used with leggings (or get Courtney to make a tail!).

@HeartOfArt7

4 жыл бұрын

@@teannabyerts1904 Alright, thank you ^^

This is good to know Courtney my first tail was a knock off with a cheeply made fin from Amazon I'm glad I listened to my husband nerdmaid faith was the one my husband found on KZread after careful searching we bought one from magic tail Iam pleased and glad I listened to advice ❤️ xxxx

As somebody who has just fallen headfirst into this world of mermaids and knows NOTHING about it yet, this is so helpful ! Thank you !

Knock offs are the worst!

@Clara-uw2lb

4 жыл бұрын

yas they are

things like this annoy me, you can't buy a knock off of anything then judge the original, good quality off of that product, especially when it comes to something that is a safety issue. Sure, I do this for things that aren't a safety issue, to try the idea of that product without shelling out the big bucks, like a wetsuit. The wetsuit I own was $50 from a warehouse because I wear it sailing for work and it has been beaten up, but a wetsuit is for warmth and doesn't impede my ability to swim if this wetsuit did I wouldn't blame all wetsuits, I'd blame that wetsuit because I know lots of people use wetsuits fine. I agree with your point about 3 cheap products equal a good product, I used to buy cheap phone cases until I realised they broke all the time, and I should just buy a better case. But at the end of the day, the worst-case scenario of the phone case is my phone breaks, sad, but I am still alive. Take safety seriously and be willing to spend money on a good mermaid tail or any other product that impacts your or your child's safety, especially around the water. There is a recorded death in Australia (where I am from/live and have done swim lifesaver training) of drowning in a cereal bowl, by a man with a hangover, you only need enough water/liquid to cover both airways, the nose and mouth, to drown.

Well said! It's kind of like kayaking... yeah you can buy the bucket that floats cheeeeeep! but you're going to be frustrated, or sunk, and hate kayaking. Better to A. research. B. talk to people who do the sport C. borrow some gear D. now shop (maybe for used gear). I have a tiny little budget. I am also an artist so I appreciate the hard work and creativity that goes into handmade items like Courtney Mermaid tails. They are worth every penny. And certainly something to save for. Mermaiding doesn't have to be expensive. With some research, you can find a good monofin that works, and a pair of leggings and one tailskin (FinFun does do good stuff inexpensively and they are safety oriented). Or save for that One Awesome Courtney Tail. Nerdmaid's reviews are fabulous. Several online forums are good too. I really appreciate the insights of Courtney, Nerdmaid, Justine and others. Just keep swimming...

Omg I’ve never seen a video with 0 dislikes I luv your content keep going gurl 😁

I'm a little Tailmaker from Italy and I agree 100℅ with you 💛🧡❤💚💙💜🖤🤎🤍💗

I started my merman experience with a knock off tail, and it wasn't what I wanted. So I did some research and now am really enjoying my time as a merman. Lesson learned

I was wondering maybe how you would recommend going about buying a used tail within the community? I’ve looked on eBay but there’s not much I can find.

Oh, I think I know who you are talking about. Totally agree!

Totally agree and I trust your and faiths reviews!

Nerdmaid Faith likely saved me a bunch of money. 😅 When I first wanted to get a tail Swim Tails looked like such a good option for my very plus sized self. Her videos & research on the refund and fulfillment issues were super helpful. (Now I'm attempting to patiently wait for my new FinFolk to arrive ^_^)

everything you said in this video i completely 100% agreed. I wish when I first started mermaiding that I had this. to watch . Because I will admit I was very Naive about purchasing. and ended up with not just one but two rip off tails finding out much later that they were stolen designs from finfolk productions ☹. I remember getting a lot of hate for it when I was just figuring it out. I had to used them in the time of saving from an ACTUAL sorced tail maker. it was hard and I had to make those knock off tails work which was trying to make the so and so "monofin" safer and be and actual working monofin rather than just strange cheap foot pocket that fallapart and hurt your feet.

Today is my chickens birthday! :)

Oooooo the shade teehee But I completely agree with you

Yep. I got a mermaid tail from wish, tried to swim with it. I couldn't even move, only dive while i was panicking. Cuz all the water got inside my tail and i couldn't even get up from the water.

Some people really don’t care. 😔

So right ... besides the cheap websites are like 10+$ plus shipping your waiting for A month unless you add more money and all that for cheap 1-2 time usage and it’s not safe your legs need to stay together and if you don’t agree the monofin are cheap and that by itself is dangerous just save for a Monofin and then get a tail that will help you cut the cost plus it will give you time to practice in the Monofin first anyway

@natashav3442

4 жыл бұрын

Legs need to stay together I mean because the fabric is cheap and not supportive they rip ans you need to be pretty secure in your tail and to those who say not me.. I’m not trying to poop on your dreams but your better if you buy from a better trusted co your paying the same really wish and Amazon make you think it’s cheaper and it not amazon it sellers through amazon these rip off sellers have many platforms you can’t call yourself a mermaid in my opinion if you don’t take safety in mind plus’s they rip off artists just to make these tails

In summary- 1) Research, research research! 2) Safety, safety, safety!

The best part was when u were talking and then it cut and all of a sudden the dog was on the bed

I bought at shopee and lazada.. I'm first time and beginner.. hopefully all arrived right in size

I made my firs tail by myself because I don't really like finfun tails and I want to save money for one of your incredible custom tails. Knockoffs are the worst: bad quality and stolen designs. I don't like seeing new mermaids/mermens that simply buy from ebay ad amazon without awareness of who are the tail makers

I have a fabric mermaid tail made by my grand_mother and I but I think it's not the best quality mermaid tail so I think I'm going to upgrade it and change the shape of the fluke. It will be more secure and I will enjoy my time swimming in it

I HAVE THE SAME SHARK PLUSHIE AND HIS NAME IS SUSHI AND HES MY CHILD- sorry had to say that I got a lil too excited to see shushi’s cousin xd

I have a question. Does the monofin have to be the same shape and size as the fluke?

Hello!

I have one arriving from Amazon in two months I don't know if I should cancel I just ordered it earlier today it's a water blue play on the only thing I'm really worried about is will it fit me

I wish you could somehow reach out to parents. On ebay I always keep an eye out for second hand tails to buy. I LITERALLY see 10 knock-off cheap tails being sold from parents of small kids every f.... day. And lately I am in a mood that I wish to message them all and ask WHY DID YOU as a responsible parent who wants your kids to be save and not drown buy such a tail. WHY. I fail to understand this.

The only reason why I got a tail from wish was because it was what I could afford

Just bought one for 76-77 dollars. I hope it's not a knock off

@Roses6858

Жыл бұрын

I got like a week ago. Tail is great quality and the monofin is kinda like the finfun mono fin

I bought a cheap monofin for the first time from Shopee.. at first i thought it was good, but when i try it.. i struggle a lot, my feet hurt a lot and i got cramps... I almost drown a few times and I can't simply take it off when im struggling in the water.. it was dangerous if not because of my friends were there looking out for me.. I'm thinking on buying new monofin and mermaid tail soon 😬

Any advise for a plus sized mermaid finfolk carries my size but is sold out in the blink of an eye is there another place that i could get a 2x but is still relatively cheap under 500 but still good?

@meganesimpson3709

4 жыл бұрын

Mertailor sells up to size XL in the whimsy line, but they run much larger and are super stretchy! I normally wear a medium bottoms and I’m an XS in whimsy’s. They typically say your waist measurement is the most important for sizing them and the whimsy goes up to a 47” waist!

@calli509

4 жыл бұрын

@@meganesimpson3709 thank you so much i have wondered if if they would strech but have been afraid to spend hundreds if it wouldnt fit. Thanks again for the advice I will definitely look at mertailors tails

@pizdushka

4 жыл бұрын

I would also suggest checking out the Society of Fat Mermaids, there's a lot of folks with good recommendations in that community.

My ma bought me a monofin from.....somewhere as a present and holyyyy hell it hurt. I literally switched it out with my finfun as soon as she looked away 😅

hi courtnety I just wanted to thank you for giving me all this advise because I have alwys dreamd of being a mermaid and you and mermaid faith actualy helped me make that dream come true and I am hoping to bye a tail from you one day

Hi Courtney! I have known designer mermaid tails, just wanted to know.. I've heard you for Amazon, but you showed the lower cost fabric tails, have you (or someone you know) had experience with the ones that are in the same price range than the true designer ones, I saw fabric tails on amazon that are from 300$ to 700$ and was wondering if you had an opinion on them! (The seller doesn't seem to be quite the expert, probably wouldn't buy if no reviews, but they seem good quality and they are beautiful) 🤷‍♀️ Thanks! ❤

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

In my opinion, "true designer tails" come from within our community and the companies that cater to us specifically. In my experience you aren't going to find "designer" quality on places like Amazon.

@carob2724

4 жыл бұрын

@@CourtneyMermaid Thanks for the answer! I wanted to try them so I could give my opinion, but at that price, I will spend it within the community and it will be much better! Mermazing day to you! ❤

Hi I'm new to the channel I was think about getting a mermaid tail at Amazon for only 46 dollars and I was trying to see reviews and did not find some do you think I should get the mermaid tail and it will work please respond 😄😄😄☺️☺️☺️😑

@jentinnell

3 жыл бұрын

Please respond

How much do your talis cost

i have always ways wanted to be a mermaid but my mom and my nana think it is not safe at all

@teannabyerts1904

4 жыл бұрын

Watch the videos on mermaid safety. Various mermaids like Courtney have them, and Fin Fun has a few as well. It is no more dangerous than any other water sport if done with skill and safety in mind.

I tried buying one, out of curiosity and the fabric is soooo thin...ahmm, the fabric has poor quality. Il gonna make a video as a follow up of that after one swim. Lol

for people in indonesia, don't buy mermaid tail from a traditional market and from lazada or tokopedia please........

I think you forgot to link the safety videos!

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

I did! I'm so sorry about that! They are in there now! Thank you so much for letting me know, I really appreciate it!

@aquaticangel3380

4 жыл бұрын

No worries!

my monofinn is from amizon and its perfictly good.

@CourtneyMermaid

3 жыл бұрын

Not all monofins off of Amazon are knockoffs, but some of them are and it can be really hard for people to tell. Glad to hear your fin is fine. :)

Waitt WHATS ur tail shop???

@CourtneyMermaid

4 жыл бұрын

Information on my tails is available over at VancouverMermaid.com under Services. :)

@chxrryxblssom5495

4 жыл бұрын

Courtney Mermaid OMG U JUST REPLIED I DIDNT THINK U WOULD ACTUALLY REPLY UR MY MERMAID IDOL!!!! AHHHHHHHH 💞🥺 U JUST MADE MY DAY OMGGGGGG🥺💞💞

go to finfun

But... my tail is not a knockoff! I really dont want to be rude though!

@Kyra.slay.

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for liking courtney!

I found rip off fin folk tails from amazon

Thanks for this video! ❤️ Does anyone know anything about the Thai company Ladonna Mermaid on Instagram? Their sequin mermaid tails and other products look incredible, but I just don’t know anything about the company or the genuine quality of their products. I would really appreciate any information a fellow mermaid might have for me. Thank you!

Taba tha hall Happy April 27 33

Hmmm I guss wach this video I have a amazon tail and people think it is the I think you Gust want people to buy your tail

@CourtneyMermaid

Жыл бұрын

LOL Dude. I only open for slots once a month and my waitlist is LONG. Why on earth would I not want mermaids to buy tails from other companies? Who does that help? I physically cannot keep up with demand. So clearly you missed the point of my video. I want mermaids to be SAFE and I want to stop getting RIPPED OFF by shitty companies who think my work (and the work of my fellow makers) is free to use!

Thanks for making this video!! I get so many comments from my subscribers about buying cheap, unsafe tails from wish and then regretting it - so this info really needs to exist!! 💕