Split fins or Normal

[Ivan66]

I currently own a pair of Mares Quatro's, I wanted to treat myself to a new pair but can I have some opinions on Split fins in comparison to normal ones, pro's, cons etc. Some say split are better, others say not, what about some of the other wierd shapes on the market. Comments please.

[Sparky750]

FORCE FINS

[Scuttler]

I have Quatros and Jetfins.

I tried Split fins but wasn't that impressed as the Quatros were just as good.

I use the Jetfins for all my UK diving because the propulsion is good, suits my finning technique. Whereas I use the Quatros abroad because they are light so don't impact on my baggage allowance too much.

[Mark Chase]

I have had Avantis, Apollo Bio fins (split) and i have Turtle fins which are like Jet fins with bigger foot pockets


Avanties: Fastest, most powerful, excellent maneuverability but big so they are a sod on the boat and gave me cramp a lot.

Apollo Bio fins: Most comfortable, Most power for the least leg effort, good on the boat but limited maneuverability in the water

Jet/Turtle Fins: Least powerful by some margin. Excellent maneuverability, very comfortable, excellent on the boat. Largest range of fin stroke options.


My conclusion is:

If you want power & maneuverability at a good price, go for Avanti Quatroes £50

If you want comfort and power and are willing to give up some fin strokes, go for the Apollos. But they are expensive £100+

If you're not that bothered about power and want a fin thats excellent at everything else go for the Turtle/ Jet Fin. Still expensive @ £90+ with spring straps.

HTH

ATB

Mark

[yazzyfooty]

Originally Posted by Sparky750

FORCE FINS

NOOO they aint DIR compliant!! Apart from that diving wearing force fins is like diving bare foot you dont actually feel as if there is anything on them and you go very fast! The ones I tried at weekend I didnt like the way this model attached to the foot and I needed the assistance of someone as it had binding and a squeeze clip and a foam bit for the foot pocket as well as the elasticcy bit for the heel. I have seen other models whereby you just put your foot in and pull elasticcy bit on heel.

Cressi frogs are great if you have strongish legs and dont mind cramp.

Scubapro split fins are so lovely............but rubbish for backward finning.
I am going to try jet fins next.

[B]

I have Quattros - dont like them (must be the only person in the world who dont) - then got TUSA X-Pert Zoom splits and I love them they are so lovely and light to use would not swap them for the world

would love a pair of Turtle Fins though...

B x

[Dan Wilko]

treated my self to split fins, wasn't impressed, swiftly sold.

[Col]

Originally Posted by Sparky750

FORCE FINS

Yip, I'll second that.

Don't think I'll go back to normals now after using Force Fins for the last few years.

[quoggle]

Force fins

Yep Third that.

Less stress on the back (no more back ache for me). and very flexible.

[Howard Payne]

Split fins are great for ease of finning and outright speed with a normal flutter kick. Trouble with them is that when your trying to swim in a current - the current seems to upset the hydrodynamic action of the split and they turn into useless lengths of mush on your feet
Jet / Turtle fins are great with a drysuit coz the weight of them damps your legs down a bit and does away with the need for ankle weights. As Mark points out - they're relatively compact and very maneaverable with alternative kicks like frog and back-kicks.
I have a pair of Quattros for warm water wetsuit diving - they're fine - but hard work on the legs. Plenty of power with a flutter kick.
HTH