Need fins that can move loads with currents

[divechk]

I dive in the pac nw there are some currents here. I want something that can move load (as the winter comes I'll probably find some used drysuit- which would make me bulky with extra weights). Probably will add a big light to that too. There are so many options out there. I got lost looking at much of the stuff. Though a few things did linger like old school black scubapro jet fins [not split fins]. Any recommendations?

 

[Lone Frogman]

I'm using OMS Slipsreams they are alot like the Jet Fins only stiffer and lighter in weight. The OMS foot pocket is large for dry suit boots. I use Jet Fins when diving wet.

 

[meesier42]

I am going to start with a major point, FINS CAN'T GET YOU THROUGH A CURRENT, ONLY YOUR LEGS CAN (or a scooter, if its really fast). if you can't make headway into a current, then the problem probably doesn't lay in with your fins, but infact is in your legs. But of course a properly designed fin can make your job easier, so...

I recommend going with the same thing that the videographers from Jean-Micheal Cousteau's Dive Team uses. These guys have to push HD video housings, very very large lights(think large scooter sized lights), even IMAX cameras and large power and video cables that power the whole thing from the boat.
That team dives ForceFins, some in the Extra Force, others in the Excellerator. The Excellerator is my favorite, but the Extra Force is a stronger fin, but its too much fin for many of my dives. If you watch John Chatterton on his recent Titanic series on the History Channel, you'll see him diving the Extra Force TanDelta to push his rebreather, drysuit, lights etc on his deep dives to the Britanic. Just a sample of the people that dive for a living that can use whatever gear they wish, but choose to dive FF.

but, your probably not going to be pushing that kind of load, you may not need that much power. and I see you don't have that many dives so, I more highly recommend the Pro ForceFin for you. This has the fin that I used day in and day out as a navy diver (not to mention this is heavily used by spec ops divers the world over) and its price is right in line with the Bio-Fin XT and the Atomic Smoke on the Water. For a little bit more the TanDelta fin. The beauty of these fins is that they are short, easy to pack, and highly manueverable. And I am sure someone will whine that they don't Frogkick, well I answer, why would you frogkick into a current? These fins are easy to use, easy to kick, provide plenty of power, and feature the best anti-cramping and efficient power transfer from the strongest muscles in your body.

and before anyone else says it, sure these are more expensive then the Jets, whose patent expired over 30 years ago. To quote someone I met at the DC Dive show this last weekend, "really, we have been diving fins that were designed in the 60's, there has to be a better design by now, and this is the first one that I have seen that isn't just a new version of that same old idea"

not to mention with ForceFins you get
1) 100% US made, US owned, US sourced materials, labor, design, and quality
2) 100% MONEY BACK guarantee for 30 days, if you beat the snot out of them and still don't like them FF will buy them back, call 1-800-FIN-SWIM for details

For more information about why the ForceFin design is better read The Truth about Dive Fins

 

[Walter]

Scubapro Lightning Jet Fins are the way to go.

 

[DrDuktayp]

We have lots of tidal exchange here in SE Alaska and some rippin current if you can't make the slack tide.

There are several things to remember when diving dry in the winter. I have 3 pairs of rock boots for my drysuit. size 10 for warm waters 50 degrees or more, size 11 for water cooler than 50 and size 12 for those two really cold winter months. Put puffy fleece and thinsulate on your feet and it affects your trim. AND lessens what fins you can get your feet into.

I tried out a pair of the Extra Force Fins last night. Very interesting as they really can be adjusted with SIGNIFICANT changes in how they perform. They were borrowed but I could get used to them. They were less negative than my Turtles as they were just barely negative.

When I dive my doubles I use a pair of Turtles. If I have to fight a current I can do pretty well with these fins as it is what I am used to. The fins also give me the right trim in the water with out resorting to ankle weights.

With a single tank I like to dive the Manta or Sixgill (same fin) as they respond well to turns, frog kicks etc. I have yet to try them with doubles and see how fast I can go with them.

Keep in mind your kicking style(s), required foot pocket size, and trim. If you can rent or borrow fins from your local dive shop and try several pairs you would be well served.

DrDuktayp

 

[marchand]

The Dive Rite fins are a really good all around fin.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Hollis f-1's . Nice fin, great price, well made and they come with springs!

 

[nereas]

I highly recommend an X-Scooter DPV:

www.dive-xtras.com

 

[Underwater Ogre]

I dive in the pac nw there are some currents here. I want something that can move load (as the winter comes I'll probably find some used drysuit- which would make me bulky with extra weights). Probably will add a big light to that too. There are so many options out there. I got lost looking at much of the stuff. Though a few things did linger like old school black scubapro jet fins [not split fins]. Any recommendations?

I dive a ton of current with a drysuit, a large camera rig and some times a sling bottle. Nothing but the Force Fin Pros for me...
Good luck
O

 

[DaleC]

I like what meesier said. Don't necessarily go with the biggest fin off the bat.
I dive SP jet fins now but used to wear a pair of very big, stiff fins (US divers) that looked (and acted) like canoe paddles. I have pretty strong leg muscles and the old fins moved so much volume that I was constantly stressing my ankle joints. I'm much happier now that I'm not trying to move buckets of water with every kick.
PNW too