Apeks RK3, Hollis F1 LT, or other?

[jgoldman46]

Hi I am buying my first set of fins and I'm between the Apeks RK3 and the Hollis F1 LT (budget of around $200). I've tried on some Jet fins and liked the feel of the vents but they were overall too heavy and negative so I am looking for something with vents that is not too heavy which has been hard to find. I will be doing scientific diving in Florida this winter and will be wearing a 7mm wetsuit in 70ish degree water. I would also like for the fins to be able to be used for more tropical diving in warmer weather and even snorkeling (I like to wear boots when snorkeling so open heel will be fine). Any suggestions for the two I mentioned, which were the lightest vented fins I could find, or other recommendations? Thanks!

 

[bradStyle]

Take a look at OMS Slipstreams. I've used and loved Apeks RK3 for years, and only recently tried Slipstreams, but I plan to replace my RK3s with them.

 

[runsongas]

dive rite XT for open water and currents, deep 6 eddy for enclosed spaces

 

[grantmac]

Not the RK3, they are extremely floppy.

 

[jgoldman46]

Take a look at OMS Slipstreams. I've used and loved Apeks RK3 for years, and only recently tried Slipstreams, but I plan to replace my RK3s with them.

Thanks! How similar or different are they to scubapro jet fins aside from being lighter?

 

[USdiver1]

Apeks RK3 HD [high density] are a good alternative to Jet Fins. They are not floppy like the standard RK3s and about half the weight of Jet Fins. I use them for my single tank propulsion and travel fins. If you like Jet Fins, you will probably find RK3 HDs to your liking as well.

 

[noserider]

RK3's in Europe are almost in impossible to find, only RK4's appear to be available now. I picked up some fourth element tech fins recently, slightly negative but very pleased with them

 

[jgoldman46]

Apeks RK3 HD [high density] are a good alternative to Jet Fins. They are not floppy like the standard RK3s and about half the weight of Jet Fins. I use them for my single tank propulsion and travel fins. If you like Jet Fins, you will probably find RK3 HDs to your liking as well.

Wouldn't the rk3 being floppy help it also work for snorkeling and warmer dives?

 

[jgoldman46]

Not the RK3, they are extremely floppy.

Would the rk3 being floppy help it also work for snorkeling and warmer dives?

 

[USdiver1]

Most of the criticism for the RK3 being floppy concerns the ability or lack thereof for reverse kicking / helicopter turns. The RK3 HD does not have that issue.