Advice on fins, please.

[seastar]

Hi!!! I just took my open water course in february 2003 and my advanced course last month and am considering getting my own personal equipment ie. fins, wetsuit and booties. (got my mask already) Thus, need some recommendations regarding...

1) Fins - paddle, cupping or spilt fins? Some reliable fins?

2) Wetsuit - saw an Oceanic one recently, fit quite nicely too. However, should i invest in a Bare/O'neil/Neilpryde/Body Glove wetsuit instead? Is the fit all that matters in finding a good wetsuit?


Thanks!

 

[Walter]

I've used many different fins. I've yet to find any I like as well as Scubapro Lightning Jet Fins.

Fit and comfort are very important for a wetsuit, but don't neglect the quality to the stitching. Most name brands are well made.

 

[Grajan]

This thread might be useful

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26331

 

[MantaRey]

I wouldn't go with split fins. I have Cressi spacefrog, kinda old, but great fins, lasted me a long time, haven't gone soft or anything and I've had them for well over 3 years. and they seem efficient to me.

 

[Walter]

3 years is old?

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

If you have a good LDS you should be able to test drive some fins at least in the pool. We are all so different and have different styles. My wife loves her Volos and I can't stand those things.

 

[raviepoo]

seastar once bubbled...
2) Wetsuit - saw an Oceanic one recently, fit quite nicely too. However, should i invest in a Bare/O'neil/Neilpryde/Body Glove wetsuit instead? Is the fit all that matters in finding a good wetsuit?

The two most important things to consider when buying a wetsuit are:

1 - is it the right thinkness for the type of diving I'm doing?

The thin suit that might do fine in South Florida will not be warm enough for you in San Diego.

2 - Does it fit?

Does it really fit? Is it like a second skin, with no loose areas and no overly tight, restricting bits? You should be able to breathe in the suit. You should also be able to twist and turn and touch your toes. A suit that restricts blood flow or movement might end up being a problem. I've also seen people shivering in wetsuits that didn't come anywhere near touching their bodies. In that case the cold water gets in and cools you down.

I see no problem with Oceanic suits. You might want to try on a few other reputable brands just to be sure you really do have the best fitting suit you can find.

Is the suit the style that you want to own? Is it a jump suit or a two piece? Does it zip up the front or down the back? I prefer something that zips down the back because they have neck seals. On the front zip varietyI find that el boobolas create a wide, open gap that has a brisk stream of refrigerating water pouring into it throughout the dive. Brrrrr!

 

[seastar]

Thanks for all your advice!

Regarding the fins, i was just wondering if the different types of fins would require different finning techniques. My instructor once advised my friend not to try frog style with the scubapro twin jets because it's not meant to be used for that particular type of kick. As an novice diver, would fins other than the normal paddle fins be advisable?

And i am thinking of getting a 1.5 - 3 mm thick wetsuit... something more for the tropical waters. By the way, how long should a wetsuit last you?

just me...

 

[Grajan]

Fins:

My wife and I both just switched from 'conventional' fins to Atomic Splitfins. We did not notice any particular difficulty other than the need to shorten the power stroke a little for max efficiency. They are much more manouverable than I expected. I think this is due to their relative stiffnes compared with other splits.

Having been very sceptical of splits I am completely converted but I would be more cautious of the softer biofins etc. although they have many fans.

Wetsuits:

We use 3mm for the tropics and have had them for YEARS (good thing they stretch......). It really depends on how much you dive and how you treat them. If you dont use them for rock scrambling, you rinse them well and store them properly (flat or hanging - not folded up) they will last a very long time. Five to ten years is probable (unless you are a professional diver).

Have fun with it all.

 

[Diver Kat]

Seastar .....

I'm a split fin fan .... spouse & I both have Apollo bio-fins and have yet to find a negative on them. Although we're still relatively new to diving (9/02) we have used them in lake diving, Cozumel current, Florida wreck and general blue water. Coincidently our OW/AOW/Nitrox instructor also swears by them .... of course many dive shops will let you test the equipment they sell in their pool, before you buy - if you're up in the air, it would be well worth a few test runs to get a feel for the different types ....

As for wetsuits - I love my Henderson Hyperstrech for fit & comfort - and that's what I would go by - fit & comfort!! #1 rule is to try them on before buying - every brand & type fits a bit different ....... there's nothing worse than an uncomfortable wetsuit!!

Good luck!!