Split fins? or conventional ones?

[b3l3ns]

Can anyone tell me the real difference when you are diving???
Which ones are better?

Thanks!

 

[ROMO DIVER]

Depends. Don't you love that answer. Seriously though, split fins are very comfortable and give a lot propulsion for the effort. Drawbacks are price and not appropriate for all environments. They do not do as well in a current as jets and you cannot move backwards with them very well. That being said I do dive them a lot more than my jets. In fact, the first time I tried a pair I had to look back to make sure my feet were not out of the water they were that easy to kick.

 

[TSandM]

Although I rarely say this, I would recommend doing a search. This topic has been covered in utterly wretched detail on a multitude of occasions, even a few recently, and never fails to excite controversy. People who like one type of fin will defend it to the death, of themselves or their keyboard, whichever comes first

My take? Split fins are easier to kick, and work just fine for going fast forward. They kick up a lot of silt, because of the way they work. They're expensive.

Paddle fins are cheaper (ranging from really cheap, but most of those are either floppy or brittle, to middle-priced). They impart more of the energy of the kick to the water, but they do it by resisting motion, which means they take more effort to use. They are better suited for alternative kicking styles, like frog and back kick, than splits are.

My advice would be to start with a moderately priced paddle fin, like the Dive Rite paddles or ScubaPro Jets, and see how they work for you. If you have big problems with cramping or leg fatigue, these fins hold their resale value relatively well and you can move up to something softer and more expensive.

 

[NeptunusRex]

Exactly what TSandM said. I spent 40 bucks on my first pair of paddles. They did the Job and I figured out what I actually needed. Sold em to my buddy for 35. I dive with the Atomic spilts and love them! They are NOT good however in a strong current or excessive surge. But for everything else I swear by em. No cramps, better air consumption and the harbor seals love to nibble on them. This of course comes from my limited experience.

 

[NAUIwowee]

As has been stated, both have their ups and downs. I started out using paddle fins and now use splits. If your looking for a good starter fin, I'd recommend the TUSA Liberator X-ten. It's an inexpensive paddel fin that performs well. It's lightweight and flexible, so it's easy to kick; but has a lot of snap to the blade, so it gives good propulsion with each stroke. I used these for about ten years before going to a split fin. Another relatively inexpensive paddle to come into the market recently is the ScubaPro Jet Sport. I haven't tried a set yet, but they look like they may perform well.

 

[kjvander]

I have and use both...depending on the situation. My split fins mostly see time in the pool or on days when I know I'm going to be in the water for long durations of time and not swimming. They provide just a little bit of ease to my legs and I'm not as tired when I'm done for the day.

My paddle fins ( Hollis F1) I use most of the time when I'm out diving dry. They give a little more thrust but you know you are wearing them by the end of the day.

Overall they both have their merits and their uses. My suggestion is to try them if you can or talk to people that do diving like what you do and see what they use.

 

[RJP]

Can anyone tell me the real difference when you are diving???
Which ones are better?

Thanks!

Hey, that's a great question!

 

[scubadada]

Very tired topic, I would say exhausted. Dive what you like, don't ask if it's right.

Good diving, Craig

 

[Mopar]

Hey, that's a great question!

I always like your pics. you put in threads. I always have to settle for using the popcorn icon.

 

[RJP]

I always like your pics. you put in threads. I always have to settle for using the popcorn icon.

You could use this one...