A good cold water fin

[george1098]

Hi all
I have been diving for a few months now here in Nova Scotia, Canada (not exactly the warmest waters) and I am growing un-happy with my fins. I currently use a pair of Scubapro Jet fins and I find they are hard on my feet/ankles after a long dive, and the tops of my feet and shins get pretty sore from having my food bent streight down while finning. I am thinking of going with a pair of SP twin jet or twin speed adjustable fins. I was hoping you guys could help me dicide between the two, or give me a new recomendation all together. thanks!

 

[CompuDude]

You have good fins. Learn to frog kick instead of flutter kicking, and you will find you have speed that is the same or better with less strain, and better air consumption as an added bonus.

 

[Jetwrench]

George,
At risk of losing life and limb on this board, I will suggest trying out a pair of Force fins.
The only ones I own and am quite happy with how they perform. M2C.

 

[shurite7]

I use my jet fins in both cold and warm water. Temperature really has nothing to do with soreness. Technique is more of a factor, as mentioned by CompuDude. The twin jets keep your foot in the same position as the jet fins.

Using the frog has many benefits, less stress on the feet and knees, and conserves energy which helps decrease your surface consumption rate.

 

[wjknobles]

i'm gonna have to agree with shurite7 and compudude ... work on your technique first before you change gear, because you will more than likely have the same problem no matter what kind of fin you use

i will admit that i hear quite a few people who like the difference in the force fin ... but i personally have not had enough of a problem with my SP jetfins to switch ... i am thinking about switching to the OMS Slipstreams through since I feel that they have better buoyancy characteristics and might lighten my feet up a bit so they trim out a tad better

 

[meesier42]

i'm gonna have to agree with shurite7 and compudude ... work on your technique first before you change gear, because you will more than likely have the same problem no matter what kind of fin you use

i will admit that i hear quite a few people who like the difference in the force fin ... but i personally have not had enough of a problem with my SP jetfins to switch ... i am thinking about switching to the OMS Slipstreams through since I feel that they have better buoyancy characteristics and might lighten my feet up a bit so they trim out a tad better

You may agree, but I do not agree at all, the problems that you are having are likely due to the high degree of strain that those fins are putting on your calves and hamstrings. I would highly recommend going with a set of forcefins. They are very easy to kick and you can get a set that fits your booties or your drysuit boot. Try out a set of the force fin Pro's and I think that you will be very happy.

One of the key benefits to the forcefin line is that transfer the power from your calves and hamstrings to your quads. Using bigger muscle groups not only reduces fatgiue but greatly improves your air consumption.

 

[CompuDude]

One of the key benefits to the forcefin line is that transfer the power from your calves and hamstrings to your quads. Using bigger muscle groups not only reduces fatgiue but greatly improves your air consumption.

I think you have that backwards. Using larger muscles requires MORE energy (and thus oxygen) to fuel them.

 

[george1098]

Hi guys
I was out for a few dives today and i tried out the frog kick. it did help allot. I agree that if i work on my technique things will get better... that and i checked out the price of the jet fins at my LDS and it encouraged me to give my jet fins some more time to prove themselves. One thing I will say that I deffinately don't like about them is the rubber band that holds them on. It is a pain to get them off when the dive is done, so I would like to get some clips or something to replace the heel stap. does such a product exist? retrofit clips?

 

[PerroneFord]

Spring straps. VERY popular upgrade for jet fins.

 

[CompuDude]

Yes, spring straps. Readily available for $30-60, or more, if you like fancy names. I use EZ Spring Straps from DiveSports.com, for around $33 or so, with my Jetfins.