Split fins?

[Paladin]

Okay, so I've read the verbal warfare between the pro-split-fin crowd and the anti-split-finners. But what is the real story here? I've never used split fins so I don't know jack about them. What are they for and why the argument about them?

This is not a troll, I am honestly curious about all the hubbub.

 

[mike_s]

heh... this should be good.

 

[Blackwood]

My understanding is that since they induce less resistance, they're easier to kick, but since they don't move as much water, they don't create as much thrust per kick. If you are a swimmer, think of doing a crawl stroke with your hand in the vulcan "live long and prosper" position as opposed to with your fingers together.

Different people have different physiology, so while paddle fins work well for me, splits may work better for you.

 

[merxlin]

Try them. If you like them, buy em and use em. If not, buy blades. Or join the ranks of us who have both. They work and feel differently for everyone that uses them, and all the debate is just personal opinion. The only one that counts is yours.



I forgot option 2- read and argue about them ad naseum here on Scubaboard, then go to the above.

 

[BarrelRoll]

It depends on your bp/w situation.

 

[ben_wilson3301]

As I understand it split fins "in general" offer more thrust with less resistance than paddle fins do. So split fins offer less leg fatigue in normal conditions. However, paddle fins offer more total thrust than split fins do, or greater top speed, they just require more effort. I really depends on what kind of thrust, top speed and physical condition you are in.

I have split fins because I noticed that when diving in a group, no-one goes very fast. If I were diving in heavier current, Id go paddle.

 

[highdesert]

My congratulations to merxlin for telling the OP everything he really needs to know about this subject ... seriously!

 

[Paladin]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen so much infighting over the issue, I thought there was something of earth shattering importance in the debate! Well, my curiosity has been satisfied. Thanks again, guys!

 

[InTheDrink]

Thanks for the replies. I've seen so much infighting over the issue, I thought there was something of earth shattering importance in the debate! Well, my curiosity has been satisfied. Thanks again, guys!

Glad you got what you needed from the discussion.

J


of course if you have any sense whatsoever you will get jet fins, turtles or similar. The additional control from these types of fins is amazing and I would sooner eat my granny than go back to splits. They won't kill you, but they do make life not worth living.

 

[orm]

You'll be laughed off the boat as a nerdy gadget freak that has more money than sense before you even have chance to say, hey check out my new integrated air computer/bcd thingy.

Did I say that? :blinking: