Looking for some advice/suggestions on new fins...

Please register or login

Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.

Benefits of registering include

  • Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
  • A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
  • You can make this box go away

Joining is quick and easy. Log in or Register now!

purbeast

Contributor
Messages
448
Reaction score
167
Location
Rockville, MD
# of dives
25 - 49
As some of you may know, one of my previous fins broke and is no longer usable as I posted here:

What can cause fins to get damaged like this?

I haven't heard anything back from Atomic so I may be in the market for new fins.

I've only ever owned 2 pairs of my own fins. The first pair I owned were an earlier version of these fins here:

TUSA X-Pert Zoom Z3 Open Heel Split Fins

I liked those ones however they also required me to wear booties. At the time I got those I was really only snorkeling and only dove with those ones. When traveling with those, those fins + booties were pretty heavy and added quite a bulk to my luggage.

So when I got my second pair, I did a bit more research and ended up getting the ones that broke in the link above. I liked that they were lighter and that they did not require booties. I also noticed that the fin wasn't as angled as the first pair I got, which is apparently better for snorkeling than the first ones I had which were angled quite a bit more.

So now that I need to get new ones, I'm looking for some recommendations and suggestions.

I'm going to be getting SCUBA certified in the next few months so I intend to pick up more dives. I've only ever done 3 right now. However I'd also like to get some fins that ideally can be used for both snorkeling and diving and be good for both.

I also am looking for fins that are travel friendly. Right now I pack my fins in my main luggage that has a 50lb limit, and the slip on ones that broke were noticeably lighter than the old ones I had. I also felt the lightness while snorkeling around too.

While I really only got the split fin ones because I thought they looked cool, I did like them. I really don't know what the difference between split and non-split fins will actually translate to while snorkeling and doing SCUBA, so I am open to either ones.

I am open to fins that require booties however I'd prefer slip on ones instead, just because it's less stuff to travel with. But again, I'm open to both types so if there is a reason to get ones that require booties I am fine with that too. The old booties I had were fairly heavy and more like water shoes with hard rubber soles rather than a more sock-like booty.

I think I'd be willing to spend up to around like $200 if it's for the right pair, but ideally around $100 or $125 would be great. But again, I'm always willing to splurge if it is worth it.
 
If you are planning on having only one pair of fins, I would suggest using fins with booties - booties with a sole of some sort, not socks. (Buy the booties first, then get the fins to fit them.) Full foot fins may be perfect some places, but there are just too many places and situations where using booties works better. Booties are just not that heavy to pack, or don't have to be. And they do not need to take up much luggage space, especially if you stuff the booties in your fin pockets. They can also be handy for protecting small items.

There are a zillion threads here discussing the pros and cons of split fins. They have their place, but if you are reading reviews from real people (especially here) rather than marketing copy, you will probably see more cons than pros. Most do tend to be heavy.

Spring straps will also be a bit heavier, but are very nice to use and IMO well worth it. There are also bungie straps out there. Some people roll their own.

The ultimate light weight fins might be force fins, if you like them, but you're talking some serious bucks unless you get really lucky.

Fins suitable for scuba can generally be used for snorkeling, but not always vice versa. Some light wimpy fins that are fine for snorkeling won't cut it for scuba.

I'm all for reducing travel weight, but some weight can be useful in a fin. Some people have floaty legs and feet, especially if wearing a wetsuit, and the fin can help balance that. When snorkeling, a little weight actually keeping the fins in the water can be nice. I once bought some "travel friendly" scuba fins that lots of people do like - I hated them and moved on. You just don't know until you try something.

It doesn't sound like you actually need fins yet? You have booties, and the TUSA split fins that you like? And you just don't like that they're heavy? Consider at least finishing your certification with them and you might get a better idea what you need/like. Try and borrow some other styles while you're in the process.
 
@Damselfish You know as I as writing my post, it hit me that you are right, I DO still have my old fins. And they are in just fine condition still. I may however look into new booties because as I mentioned, the ones I have are pretty heavy. They are basically like water shoes. I've actually used them as water shoes when I go fishing in this river and wade in the water. It helps protect my feet.

Are there any specific booties that you would recommend that are lightweight AND offer protection? I may just order some of those and see how they feel with the fins I already own.

I am pretty sure these are the booties that I own.

 
deep 6 eddy, apeks rk3, hollis f1 LT. dive rite XT has a bit more power, but length makes them a problem for carryon luggage. haven't tried the zeagle recons, but they seem hard to stuff in carryon also.

mares quattros come in a full foot version if you still don't want to go with booties.
 
@Damselfish You know as I as writing my post, it hit me that you are right, I DO still have my old fins. And they are in just fine condition still. I may however look into new booties because as I mentioned, the ones I have are pretty heavy. They are basically like water shoes. I've actually used them as water shoes when I go fishing in this river and wade in the water. It helps protect my feet.

Are there any specific booties that you would recommend that are lightweight AND offer protection? I may just order some of those and see how they feel with the fins I already own.

I am pretty sure these are the booties that I own.

I used to wear minimal 3mm tropical booties with soles that offer some protection but aren't like sneaker soles. Similar to this - Akona Low Cut Boots - Dive Boots - Scuba Equipment Dive Gear Best Prices (They've all been demoted to kayaking and paddleboarding at this point.)

I eventually decided I wanted more support (after killing my feet on a trip that involved lots of walking in gear) and now use Seasoft Sunrays, which caused me to need to buy bigger fins.

If you can have both light and heavy booties that work with your fins, great, but I wouldn't get rid of the heavy booties, you may find yourself traveling to a place where you would prefer them.
 
I travel with my fins i use the force fin original for scuba and slim fins force fins for snorkeling. I wear neoprene socks with them about 3 mil. i would say force fins are good quality I wear ml size I have size foot 10.5
 
Usually a solid dive boot is all around a great choice. They serve purpose for entering and exiting from the beaches or other locations. Warm water or cold go with a heavy duty boot. They usually fit an XXL sized fin like the ScubaPro jet fin and the Hollis F1. And those are great fins.
 
I travel with my fins i use the force fin original for scuba and slim fins force fins for snorkeling. I wear neoprene socks with them about 3 mil. i would say force fins are good quality I wear ml size I have size foot 10.5

+1 for the Force Fins. I have the force fin pros.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

Back
Top Bottom