Advice on fins, please.

[seastar]

Hi!!! I just took my open water course in february 2003 and my advanced course last month and am considering getting my own personal equipment ie. fins, wetsuit and booties. (got my mask already) Thus, need some recommendations regarding...

1) Fins - paddle, cupping or spilt fins? Some reliable fins?

2) Wetsuit - saw an Oceanic one recently, fit quite nicely too. However, should i invest in a Bare/O'neil/Neilpryde/Body Glove wetsuit instead? Is the fit all that matters in finding a good wetsuit?


Thanks!

[Walter]

I've used many different fins. I've yet to find any I like as well as Scubapro Lightning Jet Fins.

Fit and comfort are very important for a wetsuit, but don't neglect the quality to the stitching. Most name brands are well made.

[Grajan]

This thread might be useful

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26331

[MantaRey]

I wouldn't go with split fins. I have Cressi spacefrog, kinda old, but great fins, lasted me a long time, haven't gone soft or anything and I've had them for well over 3 years. and they seem efficient to me.

[Walter]

3 years is old?

[Al Mialkovsky]

If you have a good LDS you should be able to test drive some fins at least in the pool. We are all so different and have different styles. My wife loves her Volos and I can't stand those things.

[raviepoo]

seastar once bubbled...
2) Wetsuit - saw an Oceanic one recently, fit quite nicely too. However, should i invest in a Bare/O'neil/Neilpryde/Body Glove wetsuit instead? Is the fit all that matters in finding a good wetsuit?

The two most important things to consider when buying a wetsuit are:

1 - is it the right thinkness for the type of diving I'm doing?

The thin suit that might do fine in South Florida will not be warm enough for you in San Diego.

2 - Does it fit?

Does it really fit? Is it like a second skin, with no loose areas and no overly tight, restricting bits? You should be able to breathe in the suit. You should also be able to twist and turn and touch your toes. A suit that restricts blood flow or movement might end up being a problem. I've also seen people shivering in wetsuits that didn't come anywhere near touching their bodies. In that case the cold water gets in and cools you down.

I see no problem with Oceanic suits. You might want to try on a few other reputable brands just to be sure you really do have the best fitting suit you can find.

Is the suit the style that you want to own? Is it a jump suit or a two piece? Does it zip up the front or down the back? I prefer something that zips down the back because they have neck seals. On the front zip varietyI find that el boobolas create a wide, open gap that has a brisk stream of refrigerating water pouring into it throughout the dive. Brrrrr!

[seastar]

Thanks for all your advice!

Regarding the fins, i was just wondering if the different types of fins would require different finning techniques. My instructor once advised my friend not to try frog style with the scubapro twin jets because it's not meant to be used for that particular type of kick. As an novice diver, would fins other than the normal paddle fins be advisable?

And i am thinking of getting a 1.5 - 3 mm thick wetsuit... something more for the tropical waters. By the way, how long should a wetsuit last you?

:) just me...

[Grajan]

Fins:

My wife and I both just switched from 'conventional' fins to Atomic Splitfins. We did not notice any particular difficulty other than the need to shorten the power stroke a little for max efficiency. They are much more manouverable than I expected. I think this is due to their relative stiffnes compared with other splits.

Having been very sceptical of splits I am completely converted but I would be more cautious of the softer biofins etc. although they have many fans.

Wetsuits:

We use 3mm for the tropics and have had them for YEARS (good thing they stretch......). It really depends on how much you dive and how you treat them. If you dont use them for rock scrambling, you rinse them well and store them properly (flat or hanging - not folded up) they will last a very long time. Five to ten years is probable (unless you are a professional diver).

Have fun with it all.

[Diver Kat]

Seastar .....

I'm a split fin fan .... spouse & I both have Apollo bio-fins and have yet to find a negative on them. Although we're still relatively new to diving (9/02) we have used them in lake diving, Cozumel current, Florida wreck and general blue water. Coincidently our OW/AOW/Nitrox instructor also swears by them .... of course many dive shops will let you test the equipment they sell in their pool, before you buy - if you're up in the air, it would be well worth a few test runs to get a feel for the different types ....

As for wetsuits - I love my Henderson Hyperstrech for fit & comfort - and that's what I would go by - fit & comfort!! #1 rule is to try them on before buying - every brand & type fits a bit different ....... there's nothing worse than an uncomfortable wetsuit!!

Good luck!!:)

[RavenC]

Comfort and fit and then thickness. Don't think because you are diving an area that is noted for being tropical diving that the water temps won't be cold sometimes.

This will sound strange but I dive a 3/2 m O'Neil most of the time but when it got colder I purchased another 3/2 mil suit identical, just one size larger, and when I need more I use two for 6/4 mil. Since it was time for the "winter" gear the summer gear was on sale. I got a great deal on my second suit. Also, sometimes I can get away with a 3/2 but I get cold at the end of the dive or in between and I might need a little more mil for the next dive or just to have a dry suit to put on. This way I can have the extra mil I need for colder waters and I can easily put on two suits without a problem, or I have a dry suit for the next dive. It all works for me. I also like the fact that they are the same so my gear matches. I am a little anal that way. I love my O'Neils. BTW. Someone made the point that they all aren't the same. This is true. You can't buy the same size from different manufactors and expect them to fit the same. I tried several suits before making my purchase and because of my measurements I found it difficult to get the right size without purchasing a child's suit which I didn't want to do. The O'Neil I found was cut so that I got a good fit. They also made his and hers which worked out nicely.

R

[Ginger]

I don't get to dive very often at all and had many problems finding gear that was comfortable and functional when I decided the best way to go was with my own. I tried several fins and then discovered the TUSA Xpert Zoom split fins. They don't require a great deal of strength to generate plenty of propulsion. My dive buddy (a man) tried them out one trip and immediately purchased a pair for himself.

[victoriawtx]

are ScubaPro Jet Fins with spring straps. You might need to get a smaller size, I wear a size medium, and they seem to be mainly available in large and XL. I had to hunt around for awhile to find a pair that fit me. They work great, and I would highly recommend them.

For a suit, I would suggest that you go to a LDS and try on various brands and sizes. I had to try on several manufacturers before I found one that wasn't too long for me in the legs (I'm a bit on the short side). I know that on-line you can find size charts with height and weight specifications also.

Once you find a brand/style/size that fits your needs best, you may be able to find it on-line for a lot less than LDS prices. Or, even better, you can wait for an equipment sale at a LDS and get one at a great price. (if they are selling last years merchandise, or used scuba stuff).

My wetsuit was last year's 'model' and it retailed for $300, and I got it for $100. It was exactly what I wanted and it fits great.

good luck in your purchases:)

[Walter]

OK, that's the one thing I don't like about Jets. The sizing is confusing.

Scubapro size "Medium" is really small, size "Large" is really medium and size "Super Extra Large is really large. They also need a bigger fin for folks with big feet.

[AliKat]

I switched from paddle fins to Scubapro twin jets a year or so ago after trying a friends in the pool. I swam (surface) about half the length of the pool and was sold. Haven't regretted it at all. I have the black, which are the stiffest. I feel like I get twice the speed (when I need it) for half the effort.

As for wet suits, you want a good fit above all else. How long it last will depend on how well its made, which will have a lot to do with how much you pay. I have a 1.5 bodyglove which I bought on Guam in 1992, which other than the fact it doesn't fit quite like it used to (darn closet knomes), and a few littles tears, it still works great.

I also have farmer john and shorty I had custom made from Aquaflight. I got some bells and whistles which I really ( and also paid for) like ankle and wrist zippers and a lining which makes it easier to get off and on. Aquaflight has a website; just do a search for that name. Also do a search for liquidfit. I've heard good things about them as well.

[MikeFerrara]

victoriawtx once bubbled...
Once you find a brand/style/size that fits your needs best, you may be able to find it on-line for a lot less than LDS prices. Or, even better, you can wait for an equipment sale at a LDS and get one at a great price. (if they are selling last years merchandise, or used scuba stuff).



If you're so poor as to need to use folks for the free services they offer then maybe you should take up a less expensive sport.

I think all shops should put coin oporated locks on their fitting rooms and suit hangers, with a flat fee for entering the shop.

[Doc Intrepid]

Now Mike,...play nice. ;)

BTW, are you completely out of the shop yet?

Doc

[MikeFerrara]

Doc Intrepid once bubbled...
Now Mike,...play nice. ;)

BTW, are you completely out of the shop yet?

Doc

Not yet. The end of the month we'll be closed and then we'll be there a couple more weeks cleaning up.

[Grajan]

If you need the LDS to select your gear buy it there.

I have purchased a number of things on-line but I wanted to test the fins so I went to WW and tried out a bunch - found what I wanted and could have got them for less on-line but fair's fair I bought them where I found them (two pairs). Same with BC's wanted to check a few out in the pool so we got them at the LDS.

I havce to say that in the case of the BC's I could have probably hired a pool for less than the difference....but there needs to be some balance in the on-line v LDS issue and thats where I, at least, think you need to draw the line.

[seaurchin2003]

Hi Seastar,

For fins - I began diving with force fins years ago (when they were the bomb), but later got split fins as a gift - and I love them!

Minimal effort and very fast

As far as wetsuits - it totally depends on your dive activities and water temps.

I primarily dive in the Caribbean - so I bought a Henderson shorty for spring/summer dives.

(you can slip into it relatively easily in hot weather - it's coated with a teflon material inside - a bit more pricey but worth every penny on a hot, crowded boat). I also have a 3mm full suit for times of jellyfish environments.

It's worth researching your dive environment to get the best suit and fins.

Happy diving!

[Dyno Bill]

For my two cents worth I would suggest that you try the Mares Plana Quatro, its a single blade that delivers a powerful stroke which you will learn to like in any type current and it is very easy to kick. It does take some effort to run a good pair of fins but one adventure in a current and you will be glad you had them that day.
Bill