NWGratefulDiver:
Which ones are good?
Splits are fairly popular in my area ... but I've yet to see anyone succeed at back kicking in them ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
In general, the stiffer, shorter split fins work best for alternate kicks like frog kick, back kick etc. The back kick technique that works for me in splits is different than what I use in my Jets, but it works well enough. I find it very useful when shooting pics or video.
As crazy as it sounds, Tusa Fullfoot Expert Zooms, which are my favorite travel fin because they are so light, will do a very nice back kick for me.
Interestingly, even some of the relatively soft splits are great for helicopter turns, though I use a different technique for this also than I would with my Jets or most paddle fins. To do a helicopter turn in a split fin I just point one fin out to the side and wiggle my foot. Because of the physics of how they work, it doesn't take much movement to generate thrust, and pivot around. Very easy to do.
I currently own about 8 pairs of fins, and have owned dozens, and tried many more. I bought most of them used, and after trying them and picking my favorites, I keep the ones I like around for loaners. If I loan a pair to someone and they like them, I will sell them if they aren't one of my favorites. I have SP Jets, Mares Quattros, Tusa FF splits, Aeris Splits, etc. I like light fins for travel, bright yellow fins for leading groups, long fins for freediving, etc. Interested in trying the Force Fins, as unusual as they look. People seem to either love them or hate them.
I have proven to myself (at least) with multiple timed runs that what a fin 'feels' like it is doing is often not true. Some fins offer a lot of resistance that makes them feel like they are generating a lot of thrust, but the speed just isn't there. Splits often 'feel' like they are not good in a current, but many of the ones I have tried work great in current. I have also found that taking the time to learn what kicks work best with a specific fin can dramatically affect the performance. Many times I have been fooled by my first impressions. I try to take a relatively scientific approach to evaluate my gear.
For me, there is no one perfect fin for every type of diving. If I was concentrating on one particular type of diving, I might be happy with one type of fin, but I like variety.
As always, YMMV
Safe diving, everyone.
Thomjinx