How do I pick a fin to suit me?

[Pittnuma]

My first question and probably 1 of many.

A real Novice question.

Fins:

Question being, what is the difference in the blades?

I want a set of fins that I can wear both with a dry suit and semi, which I presume would mean straps, which would suit me.

I know about fit and making sure it comes upto the point where your foot joins your ankle, but how would you go about making sure the blade is correct for you? My local dive shop has many assorted brands and styles and an equally impressive number of differing answers to my question depending upon who I ask!

My level of fitness is possibly slightly below average due to a spinal injury so my legs are not upto the challenge of really big blades yet, altho they are becoming stronger. Good exercise, even my doc says its a good sport to take up, will only strengthen my back and legs.

Any ideas?

Darren

[Paul Oliver]

Best bet is to try some and see what feels best.

I used to have fairly hard fins and thought they were ok, then i bought some Mares Avanti Quatro's (think you can get them for about £45) and have used them for years and i'm very happy with them.

I got some Beaver Spring straps (£17) for them as well this year and they are even easier to fit/remove now.

Edit:- If you get 50 replies to this you will probably get 50 different recommendations

[Darren A]

The answer to your first question would be, yes heel strapped fins are the most suitable. They are easier to put on/take off with all your kit on. With regard to which fin is best for you, the best advice I can give is a) try as many as possible before you buy and b) the most expensive isn't necessarily the best.

If you are within easy reach of Stoney Cove, I believe they run a try befroe you buy service, so you can have a go before you spend your moola.

Cheers

Darren

[Ivon]

The Mares Volos are very good fins, they are designed to pivot so wont put too much strain on your legs. They are a little bit more expensive though, try

www.scubastore.com

Ivon

[Pittnuma]

Thanks,

What is the reason behind the split blade? That make much of a difference?

Cheers

Darren

[Ivon]

Originally Posted by Pittnuma

Thanks,

What is the reason behind the split blade? That make much of a difference?

Cheers

Darren

It means that the blade is actually meant to pivot, they give a much larger arc than normal fins and this is achieved more easily, giving much better propulsion than most fins for the same effort. I left them at home on a recent trip to Inverkip, i borrowed a friends quatros and found it much harder to fin in them, then proceeded to try everyone elses fins, ouch

Ivon

[Pittnuma]

Ah Right thanks

[BJ]

Hope this can help:
http://www.divernet.com/equipment/fi.../finsintro.htm

[neilh]

Look at investing in some spring straps for whatever fins you get - makes life so much easier.

There's a few places to get some from including the loverly woz here on YD

[Houseplant]

I know you might not be able to, but try before you buy if you can, like Apeks regs and Buddy BCDs, everyone raves about Mares Avanti Quatros. Everytime I use them, I get a cramp. I love my Cressi Frogs, they're heavy and stiff, but they seem to suit my legs.