Seawing Nova vs. Jet Fins vs. Poseidon's Trident Fins
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I use Nova and Rocket fins. I swim 1.5-2mile about three times a week. Novas have positive buoyancy, so I do notice a major difference when surface swimming compared to a negative buoyant fin such as Rockets or Jets. Also a stiffer Rocket or Jet fin may have better initial acceleration, but long distance swims in a current will definitely be easier with the Novas for me.
When the Novas came out most of the people I dive with raved about them and the white ones looked as though they were designed for the Star Wars' stormtroopers scuba detachment; but I was left a bit disappointed when I tried them out and one of the reasons was the lack of accelaration to which the OP refers. However, shortly thereafter, I tried the Nova Gorillas - which are the stiffer version of the standard Seawing. Unfortunately they are not available in Stormtrooper white, but they really rock and I have switched to them. Most of my sea diving is in strong currents & surge, while inland there is quite a lot of surface & underwater swimming; the gorillas work in both environments and offer excellent accelaration, neutral bouyancy and I don't struggle at all maintaining a steady speed over long distances.
I've only tried the Jetfins once, but I far prefer the Seawing Nova Gorillas for overall comfort and general 'usability'. Before going the Jetfin or Trident route, give the Gorilla a bash
There's a reason why scubapro still has jet fins around. They work! That being said they are extremely heavy. The novas are the next great thing and they will be around for awhile. I personally have no problem kicking into current with the regular novas but the gorillas would stop that problem if you still have it.