Freediving Fins for Scuba Diving

[Neil_Andoque]

Annually for the past 3 years I have joining dive trips to Indonesia. Since I have been certified I have been a solid Jet Fin user all this time but as I have learned that these fins are not really ideal for traveling because of their weight and in very strong current dive sites (Raja Ampat, Komodo). Although I have managed myself in these dives, I have seen that most of the guides here use long/freediving fins and I can see how easy for them to achieve smooth fining with less effort in notoriusly current sites.

So I have decided to get me a pair of long fins specifically for this type of use, but as I have done my research I have found out that there are certain type/brand/model of fins that are rated for only a certain depth. They say that once you descend more than the rated depth that the fins don't function or doesn't do their purpose well.

I want to ask if there's anyone here who can help me choose the proper fins? I am looking at purchasing plastic fins because of their price and the only options I have right now are Mares Razor (not PRO), Mares Concorde, Omer Stingray, Beuchat Mundial One, Beauchat Mundial One 50, Beauchat Mundial Competition, Cressi Gara Modular.

 

[NorCalDM]

I use the Omer carbon fiber fins for current diving and love them I’ve had them for about 12 years. I also use full foot Mares Avanti fins which are a little shorter so easier to pack but still work well in current.

 

[stuartv]

I use these and they are awesome.

https://www.makospearguns.com/Competition-Freediver-II-Fins-p/mcf2f.htm

I especially like that the blades are removable. I take them apart to fit them in my luggage when I fly. They are too long otherwise.

And only $90!

Perhaps @MAKO Spearguns can weigh in here and offer some advice on what would work best for you. I have never heard of fins with a depth limit.

 

[Neil_Andoque]

I use the Omer carbon fiber fins for current diving and love them I’ve had them for about 12 years. I also use full foot Mares Avanti fins which are a little shorter so easier to pack but still work well in current.

I can't find any reason within me to convince myself to get carbon fins, I know they are sweet as hell to use but the price just doesn't seem to fit the number of use I will have on it. I know the Avanti fins are very nice but I don't want to have another short fin on my dive bag.

 

[Neil_Andoque]

I use these and they are awesome.

https://www.makospearguns.com/Competition-Freediver-II-Fins-p/mcf2f.htm

I especially like that the blades are removable. I take them apart to fit them in my luggage when I fly. They are too long otherwise.

And only $90!

Perhaps @MAKO Spearguns can weigh in here and offer some advice on what would work best for you. I have never heard of fins with a depth limit.

I have researched them and I would love to score a pair but the problem is there's no distributor here in the Philippines. I'm afraid if I order them online I'm just going to pay twice as much for shipping and customs tax.

 

[Neil_Andoque]

[QUOTE="stuartv, post: 8540615, member: I have never heard of fins with a depth limit.[/QUOTE]
It's not really a limit but more of a rating, it tells you that at a certain or maximum depth that the fins works well or not.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I've never heard of a depth limit for fins. What may come into play here has to do with freedivers. Freedivers who wear thick wetsuits or dive very deep will experience a significant loss in buoyancy. So the freediver, would be starting their ascent in a heavy condition. If their fins are "too soft" then they may not generate the optimal thrust to get them going and this is not good. To be honest, this hypothetical situation is probably not that relevant, often elite freedivers wear blades that are quite soft - that is my understanding anyway.

I assume this concept might be the basis for the idea of a "depth limit" but it is probably a gross oversimplification of the real issues. The freediver's strength, size, kicking style, type of diving and preference would all be relevant to their selection of a particular blade.

For scuba, I don't think a depth limit would be applicable.

 

[Neil_Andoque]

I've never heard of a depth limit for fins. What may come into play here has to do with freedivers. Freedivers who wear thick wetsuits or dive very deep will experience a significant loss in buoyancy. So the freediver, would be starting their ascent in a heavy condition. If their fins are "too soft" then they may not generate the optimal thrust to get them going and this is not good. To be honest, this hypothetical situation is probably not that relevant, often elite freedivers wear blades that are quite soft - that is my understanding anyway.

I assume this concept might be the basis for the idea of a "depth limit" but it is probably a gross oversimplification of the real issues. The freediver's strength, size, kicking style, type of diving and preference would all be relevant to their selection of a particular blade.

For scuba, I don't think a depth limit would be applicable.

Thanks for the input, I just needed that. I came about it when I saw the description of a few fins I saw online would have a description like "Maximum Depth: 20m" So I assumed that it would be efficient only if it was used 20m and above. Anyway, it's reassuring to know that this is not applicable in scuba.

 

[АлександрД]

same topic...
my answer is here: Scuba with freediving fins
or here Which fins are good for strong currents

 

[Neil_Andoque]

same topic...
my answer is here: Scuba with freediving fins
or here Which fins are good for strong currents

Thanks!