New fins for me - Advice?

[stagecoachco]

I currently dive a set of Oceanic V16 split (gasp!) fins. After swapping fins with my buddy on my last trip to Bonaire (Atomic Blade Fins) I realized how much more power a traditional blade fin gives over my splits. I have decided it is time to get a new pair of fins.

First, a little about me. I am a recreational warm water diver. One of my scuba goals is to dive the wrecks in Truk, to that end I would like to eventually take some tec courses and learn to dive doubles. Currently my main kick style is Flutter, however I would like to learn some more advanced kick styles like the frog kick. I use a 5mm wetsuit, and don't have plans to get a dry suit as all of my diving has been in warm water.

I have narrowed it down to four fins:

Dive Rite XT
Zeagle Recon
Deep Six Eddy
Mares Quattro

Any pros/cons of each of these fins? Is there one that might be better for my diving preferences? Anything else that I should be considering?

Thanks!!

Tony

 

[runsongas]

deep 6 eddy should be top choice. the dive rite xt are good but a bit long for truk when going in the wrecks.

apeks rk3 only if you can get a steep discount.

recon and quattro are nearly as long as the dive rite without the power. oms slipstreams aren't bad but the foot pocket is liked better on the deep 6 eddy.

 

[stuartv]

My first fins were Atomic Blade fins. I still have them. I have not used them since I realized how bendy they are and got, first, some Hollis F1 LT fins, and then Deep6 Eddy fins.

I now have 4 sets of "go to" fins. 2 are XL for use with my drysuit and 2 are L for use with my wetsuit booties. 2 pair are more negative (Hollis F1 and F1 LT) and 2 pair (the Deep6) are neutral, for use depending on whether I'm diving wet or dry, single tank, doubles, sidemount, or CCR.

Before I bought any fins after my Atomics, I tried several different pairs of fins, including the Hollis F1 LT, the Dive Rite XT and some others that aren't on your list. (not that the Hollis are on your list, either).

For MY taste, the Dive Rite XT fins were simply too stiff. I felt like I was constantly on the verge of a cramp if I did anything other than gentle frog kicks with them. I definitely preferred the less-stiff feel of the F1 LT fins, so that is what I bought. I had not tried the Deep6 fins at that point as I didn't know anyone local with a pair I could borrow.

Then I tried the Deep6 fins and had to have a pair. They are my favorite fins based on comfort, feel and performance.

However, I still use the Hollis fins on a regular basis. When I am diving doubles (steel 120s), they tend to make me head heavy. The F1 LT fins are about 1# negative in fresh water and I need that extra weight on my feet to keep from tipping forward. But, diving wet with a single tank rig (or sidemount, or my CCR) on, I don't have that extra weight up by my head, so then I use the Deep6 fins and am able to get good trim with no effort.

So, from your list, I would definitely go with the Deep6 Eddy fins. They are awesome! I have loaned mine out to at least 4 different other local instructors and every single one of them now has a pair of their own.

 

[buddhasummer]

I love the XTs but agree maybe too long for wreck diving. I owned the Apeks R3, non HD version, which I quite liked but in a medium the blade was tiny as compared to the XTs in medium, I also found them a bit soft.

If I wore a larger size and was going wreck diving I'd likely revisit the R3s but the HD version. They are very well made fins with a very nice spring strap. No knowledge of the D6 fins.

 

[Kharon]

Take a look at this: Fin experiment with totally unexpected results.
Personally, I don't think it matters. What fits your suitcase and your budget is going to work. Elitist crap aside, I firmly believe all the fin hype is crap.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

If you are using them for travel as well, I like my Deep 6 Eddy fins. I have the Mares Quattro, also nice fins, but a little soft in comparison.

I don’t have experience with the other two fins you mentioned.

I’d suggest taking weight and price into consideration. Good luck!

 

[stagecoachco]

Thanks for all.the replies. I ended up ordering Deep 6 Eddy fins. I think they are going to be the best compromise for me, great for travel, plus they get good reviews on Scubaboard. Now I just need to book a dive trip to try them out....

 

[JBreezy]

I'm loving my Eddy's so far. Got a pair on Blue Friday sale and switched from my Aqualung X-Shots. Difference is basically night and day for the type of diving I am currently doing (Arkansas lakes, Coz, San Pedro, Grand Cayman, soon to be Bonaire).

 

[rongoodman]

You should start working on your frog and associated kicks sooner rather than later. The Eddy fins will be perfect for this. You don't want to be flutter kicking inside those wrecks and being able to position yourself without waving your hands around will be useful too.

 

[stagecoachco]

You should start working on your frog and associated kicks sooner rather than later. The Eddy fins will be perfect for this. You don't want to be flutter kicking inside those wrecks and being able to position yourself without waving your hands around will be useful too.

This is definitely on the agenda!