Confused

[Silkynuts]

Hi All

New to these forums and the sport and in need of some advice.

For a first time diver what would be a good purchase of fins?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JamesK]

Scuba Pro jet fins. Nothing beats a nice set of stiff rubber blades to help propel you in high flow. Plus, these fins work with just about any type of kick, unlike a lot of todays gimmick fins.

 

[Walter]

There are lots of opinions on this topic. Try out several to see what works best for you. Personally, I don't think Jet Fins can be beat. They are not expensive, last almost forever (I've had mine for 13 years and only bought these bevause my first pair were stolen) and perform better than the more expensive options.

 

[joens]

I had 2 other pairs of fins before I got my jet fins and both pairs wore out in less than a year. They also cost twice as much as jet fins. I wouldnt even consider anything else . However some peoples drysuit boots dont fit the XL jet fins . and that would be the only reason to consider something else.
Joens

 

[cyklon_300]

the Mares are collecting dust since I prefer the Jets.

Have also used USD Blades (ok, nothing special about them), ForceFins (hated em) and Mares Volos (expensive, mushy feeling, hinge looks fragile and is reportedly prone to cracking).

 

[ckharlan66]

joens,

That is when you switch to the IDI Turtles....same great features as the Jets with a bigger foot pocket.

Cheaper too.

Actually I use the Jets and Quattros and I like them both but for the price the Jets are the way to go.

Chad

 

[leadweight]

Fins are somewhat application specific. Although they are fair for general use, the real area where the Jet Fins (and their variants) shine is in silty enviornments where a frog kick is used. For drysuit divers there is the Trutle fin, a Jet fin copy with super large foot pockets. The other very popular conventional open heel fin is the Mares Quattro. Diver magazine got good results with the inexpensive Sporasub Twins.

See this recent test based on top speed:

http://www.divernet.com/equipment/fins0902/finsintro.htm

This 1999 test is for static thrust, many of these fins are still around:

http://www.divernet.com/gear/fins999/fins999.htm

Different application? How about warm water boat diving, or shore diving from docks or sandy beaches. Nothing can beat a slipper fin. Fit is critical here. Brands to try: Mares (all except Race), Technisub (stratus fp and Ala), Cressi, Aeris etc.

Split Fins: nice for swimming around in a non silting enviornment when slipper fins can't be used due to rocky entry or cold. Usually expensive. Photographers often don't like these as holding position is difficult. Main advantage is an easy kick and freedom from leg cramps. Brands to try: Apollo, Atomic, Tusa, Scubapro.

For an intersting fin test check out this link:

http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/grier/fins.html

The author found a correlation between top speed, static thrust and air consumption (efficiency).

Also Rodales:

http://www2.scubadiving.com/gear/fins.shtml

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

I still own 2 sets of jet fins. They do last for decades, however; I will never go back to them. The new materials they have today and the new designs can't be beat. I used my jet fins for 14 yrs. They served their purpose for the times but shop around and try out as many as you can before you drop the cash. So many good designs out today.

What type of diving will you be doing?

 

[Waterborne]

My first pair of fins that I still have are the Sporasub twins. They are the same desing as the Mares Avanti but with a bigger foot pocket. Right now I have Tusa Imprex fins that I really like. I use them for wetsuit diving and the rescue work that I do. My new drysuit has boots that don't fit into the SP Jet fins so I have to buy the Turtle fins with the huge foot pocket. I got a new pair of XXL for 30 quid. I know great deal huh?

 

[basiakm]

Thanks. I tried jet fins last year but they don't fit me. They are too loosen for my boots size 5.
I'm going to Marsa Alam Red Sea in 2 weeks and later on Maldives so I need fins good for currents.