Avanti Quattro + vs X-Stream vs RK3 vs Supernova - help me choose my next fins

[Robert H. Diver]

Why is it not correct though? I've noticed that on SB people seem to think everybody should be in horizontal trim at all times. Why is that or what's the logic behind this?
IMHO horizontal trim is for when you're cave diving, against a current, wanna move efficiently when you wanna get somewhere etc. but why should people be in flat trim when they paddle around a reef or on safety stop?

So you don’t look like a seahorse and destroy the reef…it’s more streamlined and efficient so you’ll use less gas…and your tissues will off gas at the same rate since your body is at the same ATM.

 

[Joneill]

Just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s correct…

Correct according to who? Sorry, but there is no “correct” way to position yourself during a stop. Folks should use whatever position they are comfortable holding the stop in - Scubaboard, self-righteous judgers be damned!

 

[MidOH]

Yeah, my legs aint 60' long. So no worries about kicking the reef.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

Correct according to who? Sorry, but there is no “correct” way to position yourself during a stop. Folks should use whatever position they are comfortable holding the stop in - Scubaboard, self-righteous judgers be damned!

Whatever you have to tell yourself

 

[Joneill]

So you don’t look like a seahorse and destroy the reef…it’s more streamlined and efficient so you’ll use less gas…and your tissues will off gas at the same rate since your body is at the same ATM.

Right… as folks are holding their stops hovering right above the reef so hanging vertically will have them kicking the reef? I think the reef is FAR below most divers when doing a safety stop.

Speaking of safety stops, I don’t think there is much concern for less off gassing in one’s feet during an optional stop in NDL diving due to hanging vertically in the last 3 minutes of a dive - I’d worry more about how you did the rest of the dive.

 

[Joneill]

Whatever you have to tell yourself

BS answer (and the self-righteous attitude I mentioned clearly on display once again).

I used to try to hold perfect horizontal trim on my SS until I almost missed a whale shark flyby during one (DM swam over and spun me around in time to catch it).

Now, as was mentioned by others, I usually hang vertically and spin around to check for what might be approaching. I find it easier and quicker to scan 360 horizontally as well as to check the surface while vertical - and I can still easily see the bottom as well.

I properly weight myself so have no issue holding my stop. Air consumption hanging at 15-20 ft for 3 minutes at the end of a dive is also negligible: if that is a cause for concern on a dive, you have WAY bigger issues to sort out.

 

[berndo]

So you don’t look like a seahorse and destroy the reef…it’s more streamlined and efficient so you’ll use less gas…and your tissues will off gas at the same rate since your body is at the same ATM.

A slightly head up position is not being a seahorse smashing corals. Most people dive to look at fish and coral in relatively shallow water and don't want to swim long distances. I don't really see the need for efficiency.
Not sure I'm buying the deco issue for people doing a 5 min safety stop.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

I use Avanti Quattro's when I dive on vacation, you won't find a better all around fin.

 

[BoltSnap]

Folks, please go back to the subject of the OP, "Avanti Quattro + vs X-Stream vs RK3 vs Supernova - help me choose my next fins." This thread hijack about trim blah blah is tiresome and irrelevant and certainly stifles and represses people from asking questions for the fear of unreasonable attacks and extreme criticism and ridicule. Enough already of this police state mentality!

 

[UofMI_Divegeek]

Something to consider is how your leg muscles are compatible to the fins, especially with large, stiff fins.

If possible swim with fins under consideration while someone observes your kick.

Your legs should be as extended as possible. I use a visualization exercise ( Visualization ) that has proven effective.

Have someone swim behind you and look at your fin stroke. If your legs have the muscle to properly drive the fins, the fins will move in an up and down motion giving the best forward movement with each stroke. If the fins are too stiff ( a quite common occurrence), the fins will "slip" and move side to side during the kick stroke. This "slippage" is wasted energy and promotes leg cramping.

Next have someone swim beside you. Your legs should be extended (your legs are a lever and the longer the lever, the more energy is used for propulsion). If the fins are too stiff, the leg muscles are not strong enough to drive the extended legs ... from the side, it will look like you are riding a bicycle (cleverly called a "bicycle kick"). Again, this wastes energy and promotes leg cramping.

Wasted energy translates to decreased bottom time.

The above exercise takes a bit of time, but in the long run, matching legs to fins provides longer bottom time with less fatigue.