Choice of fins for new diver

[stingraysg]

Am a newly minted diver here. Am looking to buy a pair of fins, but am overwhelmed by the choices, and very much confused by the different terms. What are split fins and force fins and jet fins, to name but a few that are mentioned in this forum.

Will be diving mostly in warm waters, and hope to get the open heeled ones, as I like the convenience of being able to wear booties both in and out of the water.

Also, as I am a small-sized female (thus not too strong), would like something that provides maximum control but minimum effort. (Does something like that exist?)

Appreciate any advice! Thanks!

 

[djanni]

The only thing requiring a little thought is whether or not to go with split fins. I've used split fins for 5 years. I like them. So does my wife. www.atomicaquatics.com

Split fins are generally easier on your ankles, hips, legs. Split fins are faster, given the same force as used with standard fins.

Some say you have better control with a standard fin. I wouldn't know.

Force fins, twin jets and the like are just model names for split fins.

Being that you're a new diver and fins are not real expensive, I'd say decide if you want splits or not. Once you've made that decision choose the color and shape that is the most appealing to you.

Don't worry so much about the rest of it and just have fun.

 

[Kray_Z]

well it depends on what kind of diving you want to do.. if you have to go against a current then splits tend to lack in the power there when your trying to keep up with someone who isnt using splits... also splits are not all that great for anything other than the regular kicks... although as you said you would like to be able to dive easy(who doesnt) and splits really do give you that easy dive. Had to be the devils advocate to Don

 

[DandyDon]

well it depends on what kind of diving you want to do.. if you have to go against a current then splits tend to lack in the power there when your trying to keep up with someone who isnt using splits... also splits are not all that great for anything other than the regular kicks... although as you said you would like to be able to dive easy(who doesnt) and splits really do give you that easy dive. Had to be the devils advocate to Don

Based on this excerpt...

Also, as I am a small-sized female (thus not too strong), would like something that provides maximum control but minimum effort. (Does something like that exist?)

I don't think she wants to swim into a current or get fancy. I think she wants something easy swimming - like splits.

I like the Oceanic v-12 fins, altho not commonly seen. There are many good brands, but open heeled splits would be a good choice. Not good to go barefoot anywhere, so the booties could be worn as deck, dock, shore shoes as well.

 

[Kray_Z]

Based on this excerpt...

I don't think she wants to swim into a current or get fancy. I think she wants something easy swimming - like splits.

yeah thats what i was thinking but saw that.... maximum controll...

either way you will never know till you try something... fins arnt that expensive so give your split a try and if you notice a lack of power or what ever you find lacking... channeled fins will pick that up for you... if its all great then enjoy!

 

[DandyDon]

yeah thats what i was thinking but saw that.... maximum controll...

either way you will never know till you try something... fins arnt that expensive so give your split a try and if you notice a lack of power or what ever you find lacking... channeled fins will pick that up for you... if its all great then enjoy!

Yeah, I have never had anything but splits - at least since I started shopping at Dive Stores instead of sporting goods - when I just snorkeled on vacation. I knew I wanted to max my air and minimize strains. Started with Tusa, now have Oceanic open heel and full foot. A little slow on the starting block perhaps, but give me the most push for the output overall, I think.

 

[ScubaNorth]

I didn't like split fins myself. I really like my Mares Volo Power. Then again I am not a small woman. Seriously I think it is less about the fins than it is about proper form and comfort level. I noticed most people will favor whatever they have used the most and have gotten used to using.

P

 

[Paco]

I have split fins (scubapro twin jets). I tried both and even owed regular blade fins at the same time. I like the splits better for the ease of kicking. My knees and ankles felt a huge difference. Frog kicking, though, seems less effective.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Am a newly minted diver here. Am looking to buy a pair of fins, but am overwhelmed by the choices, and very much confused by the different terms. What are split fins and force fins and jet fins, to name but a few that are mentioned in this forum.

Will be diving mostly in warm waters, and hope to get the open heeled ones, as I like the convenience of being able to wear booties both in and out of the water.

Also, as I am a small-sized female (thus not too strong), would like something that provides maximum control but minimum effort. (Does something like that exist?)

Appreciate any advice! Thanks!

I have two pair of Scuba Pro Twin Jet split fins. My wife has a pair of Tusa splits.
We dive in Cozumel a lot and have no trouble handling the current or manuvering the camera for shots.

I started diving with Scuba Pro Jet paddle fins years ago. I find the split fins give me more speed on the rare occassion I need it but they also helped reduce my air usage. I don't use as much muscle to do the same thing.

 

[PaulChristenson]

Force fins, twin jets and the like are just model names for split fins.

Being that you're a new diver and fins are not real expensive, I'd say decide if you want splits or not. Once you've made that decision choose the color and shape that is the most appealing to you.

Don't worry so much about the rest of it and just have fun.

Not exactly...

Force Fin is corporate logo for all of their fin models

http://www.forcefin.com/FF_PAGES/FF_Products/foil_force_product.htm

Foil Force is the Force Fin split fin version

and in terms of a non-split fin...with this one there is control...

http://www.forcefin.com/FF_PAGES/FF_Products/forcefindive_product.htm