Split Fins WHich ones?

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Regular Bios. I DID have the chance to try them all out. The XT's and twin jets took more work. There was actually quite a bit of difference, suprisingly so. You might consider the regular (not split) jets. Much cheaper than the Bios and you have more manueverability. Splits are good for a fast flutter kick and not too much else. Frog kicks are almost impossible and forget about backing up.
 
I have the Biofin Pro in Black. Don't make the mistake of thinking the yellow ones are stiffer. They are not. (sorry Frank) The XT version is the higher derometer (stiffer). I am also a fan of the spring strap ALOT. I didn't get the Apollo ones but bought the cheap $30 pair and switched them out from the rubber straps. 110 dives later and they are still like new.

BTW: I completely don't agree with the comment on the frog kick. I use it all the time. Its different but it still works about as well if not better for me. I will admit that they don't back up nearly as well but I don't back up that often unless taking pictures close up. The trade off is minor in comparison to how easy they are diving for me.

Check out www.apollosportsusa.com/Products/Fins/index.htm for a breakdown on the models/colors/etc. I would also endorse www.Scubatoys.com as the best price and service you would get anywhere. (man they have to start paying me for this advertisement)
 
tjmills:
Don't make the mistake of thinking the yellow ones are stiffer. They are not. (sorry Frank)
According to the manufacturer..
"Yellow does have a hardness level closer to 70 and out of the water it does feel just a touch more rigid. Some people prefer the Yellow option because the slight increase in hardness level means they can feel it a little when kicking."

The yellow Scubapro twin jets (my wife has those) are softer than the black, but apparently not so with bio-fins.
 
I just bought a pair of Apollo Bio fins ( yellow ) and they're great. Used them during a week in Bonaire and I was very pleased with how they perform. I mostly used a short flutter kick as suggested by the manufacturer but a frog kick seemed to be ok too.
A dive master on a few of my boat dives told me they're considered one of the top fins. They're a little heavy to pack compared to my Cressi Rondines but they sure are comfortable and work very well in the water. I haven't tried many other brands or styles so I don't have much to compare them to.
I got 'em from Scuba Toys. They recommended the standard strap which I'm pleased with. It's nice of them to provide the ScubaBoard members discount which I asked for and it covered the cost of rush shipping.
During my trip to Bonaire I often checked out what other divers used and I saw every kind of fin you can imagine. Not one brand or style seemed to be the most popular, but it was the first trip I've been on where I saw a number of people using the odd-looking Force fins.
Bio fins have received great reviews for years and that influenced my decision to give them a try, but on this site you'll read alot of praise for Jets. They seem to be very popular.
Rex
 
OK I think I aqm now leaning toward getting the Atomic Splitfin liquid blue. I am told that they are slightly positively bouyant. Does anyone have any experience with this fin?
Thanks.
Sheryl
 
747pilot:
Splits are good for a fast flutter kick and not too much else. Frog kicks are almost impossible and forget about backing up.

There's a load crap. I have the Aqua Lung V-tek and have no problem what so ever doing frog kicks, skulling, and backing up with them.
 
SCheckman:
OK I think I aqm now leaning toward getting the Atomic Splitfin liquid blue. I am told that they are slightly positively bouyant. Does anyone have any experience with this fin?
Thanks.
Sheryl
I have the Atomics in yellow, and I've been happy with them. I've been considering a pair of Apollo Pros, as well, because a) I like the all-rubber comfort factor, b) spring straps.

However, it seems Atomic has come out with a new fin, using the same polymer as the Liquid Blue (so I assume the same stiffness and buoyancy properties), as well as a new spring strap (spring 2007), retro-fittable to any Atomic. Additionally, it's a very cool looking new color: "Smoke on the Water." http://www.atomicaquatics.com/
 
BKP:
I have the Atomics in yellow, and I've been happy with them. I've been considering a pair of Apollo Pros, as well, because a) I like the all-rubber comfort factor, b) spring straps.

However, it seems Atomic has come out with a new fin, using the same polymer as the Liquid Blue (so I assume the same stiffness and buoyancy properties), as well as a new spring strap (spring 2007), retro-fittable to any Atomic. Additionally, it's a very cool looking new color: "Smoke on the Water." http://www.atomicaquatics.com/

I took a look at the new Atomic with the spring strap but it's a good $50 more than the liquid blue model. I don't think I need the spring strap (I only dive about 1-2 weeks per year). I was just wondering if the slightly lighter polymer in the liquid blue has any negative effect vs the regular splits. I do think the liquid blue is cool looking :D
 
Go buy the fins and go diving more than 2x a year!! Either are good choices. I like the rubber on the Apollo's but like I said they aren't very "pretty". I agree the Atomics are hot looking. Fact is.....both are good fins and highly rated. You won't make a mistake here either way.

I know on the Atomics I purchased the after market spring straps for $30 rather than the ones from the manufacturer. At the time, it was my only option. I do highly recommend the spring straps regardless of which one you go with. Easy on, Easy off which to me is nice when you are hanging off a ladder in 4-6 foot swells. Again, comfortable. Do you need them? Nope. Are they a really nice thing to have? Yep for sure.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

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