Apollo Splits vs Force Fin for photography

[paulvay]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice on improving my maneuverability when trying to stay still or make small adjustments in position. I currently dive Apollo splits and have been using them for more than a decade. My only complaint with them is it's tricky to move backwards, stay still, tilt. This is especially important for photography. They are awesome diving forward, they turn on a dime, I've fought hard currents and was less exhausted than others. Yes, I love my splits even though there are lots of haters

I'm hesitant to try RK3 or similar blade fins because I feel like my knees and especially ankles will not enjoy the experience.

Thus I'm doing some googling and Force Fins came up and then I saw the Excellerating Force Fin which seemed to be a thing I'm looking for... It's $$$

Are they really great? Any long term experiences folks can share? How about Force Fin Pro?

Perhaps some comments from @Bob Evans on what's the right fin for the task given my appreciation.

-Paul

 

[rongoodman]

I don't see how backing up or turning with Force Fins would be any easier on your ankles than the same kicks done in fins designed for them, such as the Deep Six Eddy fins.

 

[grantmac]

Both are awful. Get a technical style fin.

 

[tursiops]

We just had a guy with Force fins on a trip with us. We had to ask him to stay away while we were photographing something, because his flutter kick was stirring up too much sand.

 

[PatW]

I like the force fin. It takes a completely different kick motion than conventional fins. It takes some getting used to. It offers good control. I have big feet and when you have big feet, fins can be enormous. It gets hard to get in and out of tight places for photography without kicking things, The fins are a niche sort of thing. I understand that the maker has retired. Scuba Pro nova wings are very good. My wife loves them.

 

[Bob Evans]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice on improving my maneuverability when trying to stay still or make small adjustments in position. I currently dive Apollo splits and have been using them for more than a decade. My only complaint with them is it's tricky to move backwards, stay still, tilt. This is especially important for photography. They are awesome diving forward, they turn on a dime, I've fought hard currents and was less exhausted than others. Yes, I love my splits even though there are lots of haters

I'm hesitant to try RK3 or similar blade fins because I feel like my knees and especially ankles will not enjoy the experience.

Thus I'm doing some googling and Force Fins came up and then I saw the Excellerating Force Fin which seemed to be a thing I'm looking for... It's $$$

Are they really great? Any long term experiences folks can share? How about Force Fin Pro?

Perhaps some comments from @Bob Evans on what's the right fin for the task given my appreciation.

-Paul

I will not get into the debate, other than I was an

underwater photographer since 1968 and wanted a better fin than the Jet fins, which I used for 20 years. In 1971, I started to make another design for my work, thus Force Fins. I use the Pro Model. Thanks, Bob Evans Bob Evans Photography Photo by Bev Morgan

 

[paulvay]

We just had a guy with Force fins on a trip with us. We had to ask him to stay away while we were photographing something, because his flutter kick was stirring up too much sand.

Appreciate the response. Although I wasn't there, it sounds like this was a case of someone not being well trimmed. Hopefully they were able to improve as a result of your feedback.

 

[davehicks]

I use Apollo Splits (100% rubber) in tropical waters and Hollis F1 paddle fins in cold water/dry suit configuration. I don't have any issues with photography with either setup. The stiffer and shorter F1s suit the much heavier cold water load out. I appreciate the Apollo splits in heavy current tropical waters for the same reason as the OP. Less stress on ankles and legs.

 

[rongoodman]

Appreciate the response. Although I wasn't there, it sounds like this was a case of someone not being well trimmed. Hopefully they were able to improve as a result of your feedback.

Even if they're flat in the water, doing a flutter kick over a soft bottom can stir stuff up from quite a distance because the water is being directed down instead of to the rear.

 

[Bob Evans]

I will not get into the debate, other than I was anView attachment 907381 underwater photographer since 1968 and wanted a better fin than the Jet fins, which I used for 20 years. In 1971, I started to make another design for my work, thus Force Fins. I use the Pro Model. Thanks, Bob Evans Bob Evans Photography Photo by Bev Morgan

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