looking for new fins

[Aerosynth]

I just got a pair of Mares Raptor split fins and am happy with them for the most part. I found that it requires much less effort to move than it did with the paddle fins I used during my certification. All of that being said, so far I am just a recreational diver and not yet into anything advanced or technical. I do have a bit more trouble turning and maneuvering in awkward directions with the split fins, though.

FWIW, one problem I have had with both pairs of Mares fins I have used is weird sizing. The first pair were too long and narrow in the foot fitting, and my current pair are just right in length but too wide (actually had to buy a bigger pair of boots to make them fit correctly). And both were supposedly the same size from the same manufacturer. LOL.

 

[knowone]

What's really interesting is that a clown, whether on ice, up a pole, or swinging from a wire, has to put in heaps of hard yards in order to be able to fall down and get up again.

A dozen years or so ago the flutter kick wasn't invented, the kick was the scissor, which you learned or you fluttered, so the split fin was invented, to ease the pain and strain of the flutterers, folks just having a good time without the time or inclination to develop leg strength to become super diver. Fair enough, split fins get you through and maybe that's all you need to do and maybe one day will cause you to pop an anterior cruciate or something. Split fins make you look like a seal and attract sharks, however I have never had the pleasure of encountering an amorous seal whilst wearing them.

Safe diving is based on controlled propulsion using the legs and body angle to minimise exertion. Cadence is in direct contradiction of this, but works great going up a hill on a pushbike, with split fins.
In other words, therefore, ets, etc, a split fin is also in direct contradiction of building any form of correct leg strength memory, diving style in order to be able to dive efficiently safely in ANY conditions.
Not everyone needs to be super diver but from an efficiency point of view the blade is the only choice.
It is very important to be able to reverse out of a crevice because you can't turn around or just because you can as you have the feeling of impending doom because you can feel the tanka are coming to silt the place up.
There is limited point in challenging a current. The current wins. And if you put the front wheels of a drag car on the back you have split, fins. The only split should be the one between your legs, and the only kick is the frog, effortless, graceful whilst the genderless dude next to you is on a treadmill.
It would be interesting to find percentages between body and fin for propulsion and steering of a seal.
Just my 85 cents AUD.

 

[mpgunner]

Forget the Jetfins. I'm going to replace mine with Bio fins.

 

[kierentec]

For rec and teaching I wear Cressi gara pros. Cannot beat a freediving fin in terms of all out speed. Really nice for chasing down eagle rays and runaway DSDs They do, however, take ALOT of practice and getting used to. I use a frog or scissor kick mainly while cruising, but when it's time to move I use a flutter. I can stll helicopter and back up, just not super gracefully. For tec, I dive jets, but just ordered the new dive rites. Can't wait to see what they're like.

P.S. Split fins are for chicks

 

[Walter]

A dozen years or so ago the flutter kick wasn't invented

The flutter kick has been around since long before I was born (I'm a tad over 12).

the kick was the scissor

The scissor kick is one few divers ever learn and fewer yet use. I learned it along with the flutter, dolphin, and frog in 1983.

 

[knowone]

Dunno what happened Walter?
My first basic accredited course with an agency was circa 1976 where the scissor was demanded and fluttering was frowned upon and deemed unacceptable. Can't really remember the frog.
I've done two basic courses since the last about ten years ago and there was not much emphasis placed on kicking style at all.
It must be different strokes for different instructors.

Also my original instructor makes my suits and wings and things these days and I need to hook up with him to order some stuff and will broach the subject to see if between the two of us we can become a whole and remember anything at all.

 

[dk2943]

My first fins were paddles (Mares Avanti Tres). I got cramps in my calves. I switched to Atomic (yellow) splits. I expected great things, but I was not that impressed, although no more cramps. Then I found Force Fin Pros. OMG. Small, powerful, easy to carry, great performance. I am not saying they are for everyone, but if you are in the market for new fins, you should try them out.

 

[Gingerfish]

My first fins were paddles (Mares Avanti Tres). I got cramps in my calves. I switched to Atomic (yellow) splits. I expected great things, but I was not that impressed, although no more cramps. Then I found Force Fin Pros. OMG. Small, powerful, easy to carry, great performance. I am not saying they are for everyone, but if you are in the market for new fins, you should try them out.

+1 for Force Fins
it is small, powerful, light weight
but be careful to choose the size
you may ask there specialist here in this forum for advice

 

[tracydr]

I frog kick at least 30% of the time with my split fins. Love them but will probably go DIR style as we are going to tech training, caves and wrecks.

 

[scubafanatic]

Forget the Jetfins. I'm going to replace mine with Bio fins.

+1 for the Apollo Bios ! I've got 3 pairs of 'regular' and 1 pair of the 'stiffer' XT version so it does appear as if I really do like 'em!