THE HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES THE BEST SNORKELING FINS.

New York, NY, June 1st, 2008 - Hammacher Schlemmer announces the selection of the Best Snorkeling Fins, chosen by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute from a field of leading candidates after assiduous testing for propulsion, comfort, and ease of use.

The Hammacher Schlemmer Institute conducts systematic testing of leading products, often working in concert with experts, independent laboratories, or consumer panels to analyze results and determine which products are "The Best".

A panel of swim coaches and competitive swimmers was commissioned to assess the fins, and the Best Snorkeling Fins were the clear favorite, thanks to their patented blade shape and silicone construction. Unlike rubber, silicone is denser than water and helps swimmers keep their feet below the surface for proper form and faster swimming.

"The Best Snorkeling Fins have patented v-shaped rails on the blades that help to channel water along the blades as you kick, reducing unnecessary drag," explained Product Analyst Jaclyn Gragnani. "And each size has a specific blade-to-foot area ratio to ensure optimal thrust."

Swimmers raved about the best fins' ability to cut through the water with little resistance, leading one panelist to say they provided "the best speed with no effort or fatigue," while lesser fins required vigorous kicking that quickly left legs exhausted.

Scoring highest for comfort, the fins have dedicated left and right feet, rounded foot cavities, and heel straps with ankle cutouts, eliminating the chafing and pinching common to traditional fins. The Best Snorkeling Fins were the easiest for swimmers to put on and take off -thanks to their molded silicone design- and they did not require constant adjustments like lesser fins.

The Best Snorkeling Fins have treads on the soles for confident footing, their asymmetrical blades are short yet wide for improved mobility when walking on land, and they are available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $69.95. For more information, please visit www.hammacher.com or call 1-800-543-3366.

About Hammacher Schlemmer
Hammacher Schlemmer is America's longest running catalog, offering the Best, the Only, and the Unexpected since 1848. The company provides unique products that solve problems or represent the only one of their kind, and backs its products by a rather famous Lifetime Guarantee of Complete Satisfaction. Hammacher Schlemmer's innovative offerings are available through its catalog, online at www.hammacher.com, and at its landmark store on East 57th Street in New York City.