Apeks RK3 HD Fins Question

[JHumbert15]

Hi All,

I just had a question regarding the RK3 HDs and their weight. I have previously been using the standard RK3s, but I found them too light to stay in trim (would push me feet up and I would go horizontal, head down), and I was wondering if the HDs would be too heavy, or if they would be a happy medium.

In terms of diving, it's mainly saltwater with no wetsuit, just a rashguard, so essentially no neoprene with the exception of my boots. I'm diving a SS BP/W with no weight.

Originally, I was using Scubapro Jets, and they were too heavy and always pushed me feet down. I decided to give the RK3s a try since they were lighter... but they ended up being too light, not to mention they are too floppy for a comfortable frog kick. I went from horizontal head up, to upside-down.

So, would the HDs be a happy medium between the Jets and regular RK3s? Unfortunately, I'm not really in much of a position to take fins on a test run, so I'm going at this from a weight perspective. It looks like the HDs in large are still a little below the Jets, but not by much. I've also read others say that they still don't feel that the HDs are that negative.

Any input you can provide is appreciated, thanks!

- Jake

 

[CaptainChris]

Hi,

I had the same problem as you with SP jet fins pulling my legs down. I was doing a tech course with twins and a 5mm wetsuit. The instructor pointed the issue out and I tried a set of large RK3 HD's from the dive centre and found them much better and solved the problem for the rest of the course. So much so I bought a pair. I have 8 deco dives with them now and really like them and also find the RK fins easier to get on/off (even with a short loop fitted to the SP spring straps). All my dives are in SW in the Eastern Med.
From my research the HD fins are slightly negative but not as much as SP jets. I dive with folks who use HD and others who use jet fins. I think it is all down to what works for you.

My jets will probably soon be on Ebay!

Hope this helps and Happy Diving.

 

[LanceRiley]

Hi All,

I just had a question regarding the RK3 HDs and their weight. I have previously been using the standard RK3s, but I found them too light to stay in trim (would push me feet up and I would go horizontal, head down), and I was wondering if the HDs would be too heavy, or if they would be a happy medium.

In terms of diving, it's mainly saltwater with no wetsuit, just a rashguard, so essentially no neoprene with the exception of my boots. I'm diving a SS BP/W with no weight.

Originally, I was using Scubapro Jets, and they were too heavy and always pushed me feet down. I decided to give the RK3s a try since they were lighter... but they ended up being too light, not to mention they are too floppy for a comfortable frog kick. I went from horizontal head up, to upside-down.

So, would the HDs be a happy medium between the Jets and regular RK3s? Unfortunately, I'm not really in much of a position to take fins on a test run, so I'm going at this from a weight perspective. It looks like the HDs in large are still a little below the Jets, but not by much. I've also read others say that they still don't feel that the HDs are that negative.

Any input you can provide is appreciated, thanks!

- Jake

Hi im curious did you solve your problem. I believe we dive similiaryly bpw in rashies with jets. No weights.

were you able to try out the RK3 HD? If i go with neutral fins i might be too light since Jets are negative.. but going DIR route, Ive had 2 flashlights on my bpw, im a bit negative now. I was hoping the RK3 is a bit less Negative than the jets.

 

[JHumbert15]

Hi im curious did you solve your problem. I believe we dive similiaryly bpw in rashies with jets. No weights.

were you able to try out the RK3 HD? If i go with neutral fins i might be too light since Jets are negative.. but going DIR route, Ive had 2 flashlights on my bpw, im a bit negative now. I was hoping the RK3 is a bit less Negative than the jets.

No, I haven't had a chance to try the HDs. I also have lights on my bp/w. Based on my expereinces, I would say the regular RK3s will be too light, but if you're foot heavy you might cancel it out. I've heard that the HDs are between the jets and regulars (closer to jets), but I'm still trying to get some more answers, so I'm not sure what is going to work yet.

- Jake

 

[LanceRiley]

ac

No, I haven't had a chance to try the HDs. I also have lights on my bp/w. Based on my expereinces, I would say the regular RK3s will be too light, but if you're foot heavy you might cancel it out. I've heard that the HDs are between the jets and regulars (closer to jets), but I'm still trying to get some more answers, so I'm not sure what is going to work yet.

- Jake

actually im good without the flashlights. by adding 2 flashlights im a but overweighted. so i wanted lighter fins. hopefullly also improves trim

 

[MrBigfins]

No, I haven't had a chance to try the HDs. I also have lights on my bp/w. Based on my expereinces, I would say the regular RK3s will be too light, but if you're foot heavy you might cancel it out. I've heard that the HDs are between the jets and regulars (closer to jets), but I'm still trying to get some more answers, so I'm not sure what is going to work yet.

- Jake

I disagree, the hds are in-between regular and Jets but are MUCH closer the the regular rk3 than the Jets. I have very heavy feet and CANNOT use the jet fins or I end up vertical. The rk3 standards were a bit too light, and like Goldilocks the hd's were just right. If I remember correctly the jet fins are about 4lbs negative, the rk3 about 1 pb positive and the hd about 1 lbs negative

 

[JHumbert15]

I disagree, the hds are in-between regular and Jets but are MUCH closer the the regular rk3 than the Jets. I have very heavy feet and CANNOT use the jet fins or I end up vertical. The rk3 standards were a bit too light, and like Goldilocks the hd's were just right. If I remember correctly the jet fins are about 4lbs negative, the rk3 about 1 pb positive and the hd about 1 lbs negative

Okay, awesome. I had heard the HDs were closer to the jets so I assumed so. If that's the case the HDs may be perfect. The jets put me vertical head up, and the regular RK3s put me vertical head down, so there has to be some happy-medium lol.

Thanks for the input.

 

[LanceRiley]

I disagree, the hds are in-between regular and Jets but are MUCH closer the the regular rk3 than the Jets. I have very heavy feet and CANNOT use the jet fins or I end up vertical. The rk3 standards were a bit too light, and like Goldilocks the hd's were just right. If I remember correctly the jet fins are about 4lbs negative, the rk3 about 1 pb positive and the hd about 1 lbs negative

how do you measure how much negative bouyancy they are?

I tried weighing my jetfins large. 1.42 kgs. then I weighted the same fin submerged in a pool water tying a string it register. 0.25 kgs.

 

[LanceRiley]

Okay, awesome. I had heard the HDs were closer to the jets so I assumed so. If that's the case the HDs may be perfect. The jets put me vertical head up, and the regular RK3s put me vertical head down, so there has to be some happy-medium lol.

Thanks for the input.

did you trying moving tank position?

 

[JHumbert15]

did you trying moving tank position?

Yeah, nothing much to note.