Splits vs. paddles. Back to back comparison.

[fjpatrum]

That is certainly fair.

I haven't really shopped much for either type of fins. The only reason I looked at fins at all is because I can't fit booties in my whole foot blades, which I bought as a package for snorkeling many years ago. I just thought it was interesting that people said "$200 splits" when I found several pairs, even in dive shops, for significantly less than that and it didn't seem to me they were ridiculously higher prices than blades were.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

That is certainly fair.

I haven't really shopped much for either type of fins. The only reason I looked at fins at all is because I can't fit booties in my whole foot blades, which I bought as a package for snorkeling many years ago. I just thought it was interesting that people said "$200 splits" when I found several pairs, even in dive shops, for significantly less than that and it didn't seem to me they were ridiculously higher prices than blades were.

Not all split fins are created equal ... people shouldn't class them all as though they were the same thing.

I haven't used splits now for several years ... primarily because they're inappropriate for some of the diving that I do ... but I once used and very much enjoyed using the Biofins. For many recreational divers, I think they're a viable option.

A lot of the arguments against them have less to do with the fins than with the way they're being used. Silting, for example ... if people kick properly and keep their fins inside their slipstream, they won't silt. That's true no matter what fin you're using.

Most of the split fin arguments ... like most arguments on a lot of other subjects ... boil down to personal preference, the type of diving you're used to, and quite often simple ignorance (i.e. repeating something you heard your LDS owner or staff member say about something you have no experience with) ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[elmer fudd]

Thanks for a fair comparison. I really nice to hear this without the split fin bashing by those who just don't know how to dive with them. Obviously there is a place for both types.

I've developed a bit of an obsession with fins recently. I've used paddles for years and the more experienced divers online definitely seem to prefer them, so I'd always just written splits off as being akin to front inflate BC's and tank bangers, but a month or so ago I had an opportunity to dive with my buddy's Bio Fins, and while I wasn't blown away by their performance, I was pleasantly surprised. They were obviously good fins and when it came to flutter kicks I found them better than any paddle fins I had used.

I wouldn't really say either design is superior. They just excel at different things. On the whole I still prefer paddles, but I'm going to repeat this test a few more times to try and get a more thorough understanding of things.

 

[elmer fudd]

My own research has clearly shown that the gross margin for a pair of $200 split fins is much higher than for a pair of $90 paddle fins.

I don't think there can be any doubt about that. That split down the middle certainly doesn't add to the material costs.

 

[Tortuga68]

My LDS wants AUD$428 for SP Jets with spring straps. Up until some severe currency fluctuations last week that was just under USD$400

Uh, no thanks

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

My LDS wants AUD$428 for SP Jets with spring straps. Up until some severe currency fluctuations last week that was just under USD$400

Uh, no thanks

Goodness gracious ... you can get a decent pair of Force Fins for that kinda coin ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Tortuga68]

...or two pairs of Jets

 

[redacted]

Goodness gracious ... you can get a decent pair of Force Fins for that kinda coin ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Not if you also want them to frogkick unless you get real lucky on ebay.

More importantly, for that kind of coin, I believe I could buy a complete set of basic, warm water scuba gear.

 

[diver_doug]

This thread is unfair and biased! It erroneously leads one to conclude that split fins don't suck!

In the interest of objective truth, I also did a side by side comparison:
With the splits my maneuverability was poor, I kicked up silt, I was attacked by a shark and a Humbolt squid at the same time, I drowned and died twice, plus I got DCS and an earache. With the paddles I swam faster, sea life increased 5-fold, visibility increased from 15ft to 100ft, a killer-whale was making a b-line right for me but was attacked and dismembered by 4 great whites, plus I got 3 hours of bottom time on an alum80. Can there be any doubting of the paddle fin’s superiority now?!?

 

[mdb]

Nice to see some Memorial Day humor in this thread.

The OP did have a good post.

The split/paddle discussion continues.

I still have my Jets, Mares Plana and Avanti fins. I also have two pairs of the Apollo Prestige, and others.

What I use depends on the dive. I like the "feel" of my Prestige paddle fins, nice wide open scissor kick, good for the frog kick etc. For most of my local diving in Monterey Bay, The Channel Islands, or the North Coast, I like the bio-fin XT c-springs.

I guess that is why golf bags have more than one club.