Diving Fin Recommendations, please!

[buddhasummer]

I have owned all three. The F2s are a nice travel fin but lack length and surface area so are not so good in any sort of current. The F1s are a super cool looking large heavy, relatively speaking, fin and if you've got the legs for them they will propel you very nicely. The DR XTs are also a nice fin heavier than the F2s but lighter than the F1s, they have a nice long blade so as with the F1s you can get some power when needed. At the moment the DR are my favorite local fin in the most part because they actually fit well unlike the F1s and F2s unfortunately.

 

[Mike.D]

Thanks for the advice mate. Im trying to test drive all three fins but as there isn't a huge amount of dive shops in australia which stock these fins its hard to borrow them to try them out.


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[MAKO Spearguns]

Hello out there!
Forgive me if this has been asked before, but, as a newbie in the world of spearfishing, I am seeing if I can get some advise from those that have gone before me!

It’s time to start buying my own gear, now that I have decided to take the whole scuba thing more seriously.

Got the knife. Got the torch. Next on the list is the pair of scuba fins. As with everything, there’s so many to choose from, but I like the idea of split fins – they just look so cool (sorry to be so superficial!)
Can anyone provide me with what they think is the best pair of spearfishing diving fins!?

Thanks!




---------- Post added February 13th, 2014 at 02:49 AM ----------

What, nobody?!

What about these scuba fins by Oceanic?

Not cheap, but they look real slick and that split fins design apparently means you have to kick less to move forward (putting it in very basic terms here...!)
Anybody using the Vipers or heard anything about them?
Are split fins cool or just a gimmick?
Thanks

Freedive spearfisherman generally use freedive fins. Many scuba spearfisherman select freedive fins as well. Freedive fins generally have long blades, a foot pocket that has a closed heel (is not adjustable) and use a variety of blade materials. The full foot pocket allows a better fit and better power transfer and often a more comfortable and secure fit.

Freedive fins can utilize a wide variety of blade materials ranging from inexpensive thermo-plastics up to very expensive carbon fiber.

We offer a broad selection of freediver fins whith a price range between $50 and almost $250. These prices are CONSIDERABLY lower than you will find for other similar fins.. We sell direct from our website, with no retail overhead and no retail stores, we can offer some incredible values.

Please take a look:

Fins

 

[buddhasummer]

Thanks for the advice mate. Im trying to test drive all three fins but as there isn't a huge amount of dive shops in australia which stock these fins its hard to borrow them to try them out.


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No worries mate. FWIW if the F1s had have fitted me properly they would have been number 1 choice of fin for local diving in my drysuit. I am pretty small but was surprised how much power I could generate frog kicking. Yes, they are a very nice fin. I hear you re difficulty finding stock I have the same problem here in Japan so end up having to make best guesses re size and order off shore. Unfortunately both my F1s and F2s were the smallest sizes and were still too big. The foot pockets on both the F1s and F2s are huge, very roomy. Good luck with your search.

 

[Mike.D]

I have tiny midget feet so i might have some troubles too


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[buddhasummer]

I have tiny midget feet so i might have some troubles too


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I have little people feet too, I'm a 6.5 US in a wet boot and around 7.5 US in my drysuit boots. Length wise both the F# fins were fine but I had some serious lateral movement, very sloppy.

 

[Mike.D]

I have the same size feet. Did you go for the regular?? With rock boots?


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[buddhasummer]

I have the same size feet. Did you go for the regular?? With rock boots?


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Yes, F1s in regular but not rock boots, neoprene dry suit boots. You might be ok with heavy rock boots. I bought F2s in small and was wearing 5mm wet suit boots but as with the F1s sloppy lateral movement. DR XTs in medium fit me very well.

 

[ChrisADDICK]

From speaking with other divers, it appears that without doubt the split fins are best. I am looking for a suitable pair and would be interested to know if anybody has used the Atomic Split Fin Smoke on Water fins. They are quite expensive so before opening my wallet, I would be interested hear opinions from other divers

 

[Mike.D]

From speaking with other divers, it appears that without doubt the split fins are best.

I'm not sure if your being serious or not but I'll give you my advice anyway.
I dive split fins at the moment and am currently making the jump to the shorter rubber fins. I dive using Apollo Bio Fins. (Split fins)
During your standard dive these fins are awesome. With not too much current these fins are so easy and barely have to work to get moving, HOWEVER,

Split fins are not very suitable for (IMHO) diving wrecks, with lots of gear or if your an avid photographer. You have to realise splits don't push you through the water the same as normal fins do. With strong current they tend to be fairly useless and you won't be moving forward very fast.
They also don't have the stability that normal fins have for wreck diving and photography.
Choose a fin based on the type of diving that you do and not because you heard 'without a doubt split fins are the best'.
Mike


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