I haven't used those specific fins, but they look pretty similar to a pretty common design among brands. May even be a little badge engineering going on there at the OEM factory.
Based purely on the photo, I would consider them to be entry level performance, maybe mid-range. (Please tell me you are wearing boots with them and not going barefoot...)
That current/swell you experienced may not be resolved by "better" fins, although it could be mitigated. In a strong current and/or chop, we are all working overtime.
A stiff fin usually has more potential power than a softer fin of a similar design. But if you aren't conditioned for that stiffness, you are more likely to cramp up until you get used to it. If you ever do.
As a general rule, the hinge designs from various manufacturers tend to be at the upper end of their price ranges, and pretty efficient, which translates to more power for less work. See my earlier post re: X-Stream
Based purely on the photo, I would consider them to be entry level performance, maybe mid-range. (Please tell me you are wearing boots with them and not going barefoot...)
That current/swell you experienced may not be resolved by "better" fins, although it could be mitigated. In a strong current and/or chop, we are all working overtime.
A stiff fin usually has more potential power than a softer fin of a similar design. But if you aren't conditioned for that stiffness, you are more likely to cramp up until you get used to it. If you ever do.
As a general rule, the hinge designs from various manufacturers tend to be at the upper end of their price ranges, and pretty efficient, which translates to more power for less work. See my earlier post re: X-Stream
Second, I use a lazy frog kick combined with an efficient trim angle and maintain perfect neutral buoyancy. You'll improve your efficiency just by getting flat in the water more than any fin can give you.
