Fin buying help...

[MXGratefulDiver]

I have never once read any of Uncle Pug's posts that I disagree with. So far he is as constant as the Rock of Gibraltar.

FWIW - Uncle Pug is a friend of mine ... and a frequent dive buddy. We often disagree on diving issues ... and we always do so respectful of each other's skills and knowledge.

Of the two of us, he is by far the more experienced and skilled diver. On the topic of split fins, I have more experience than he does ... however, he still has the greater skill. And if you think for a moment you can't maneuver in splits, he's the one guy I'd pick to provide a demonstration to the contrary ... despite his obvious preference for Turtles.

That said, credibility is based as much on how you say things as on what you say. And FWIW - I've never known Uncle Pug to categorize a diver in a demeaning way because of the gear they're wearing.

Remember what this thread is originally all about ... an attempt to answer a question for someone who's new to diving. You can do that in a way that's informative, or in a way that's inflammatory. The choice, as always, is yours. Either way, you should be willing to back up what you say with more than just someone else's testimonials.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[reubencahn]

CelticRavenVA, This may have been mentioned but the same fin will fit very differently with different boots. So a fin that is loose-fitting and inefficient with one set of boots will be too tight with another and just right with a third. If you've settled on a fin you like, try different boots to get the perfect fit. And I agree with the earlier poster who mentioned full foot fins. If you live somewhere warm and don't do a lot of rocky shore dives, they are the most comfortable. However, you can't get jets in a full foot fin.

 

[Deco Dave]

Hi this is my personal opinion so bare with me please.
I have been diving for 10 yrs now, i am a PADI Instructor and am not biast at all. My first set of fins were sea hornets they were alright, but then I was sold a pair of Scubapro Twin Speeds and then I thought they were the ducks nuts. I then tried a pair of cressi rondines (very nice) Oceanic V12's kick butt they are comfortable and you don't realise that you have fins on!
For my birthday 1 month ago I received a nice pair of Apollo Bio-Fins!
Whhhhhhoooooooooooo they are the best no doubt about it!!! My friend absolutely hates split fins thought they were a waste of time..until he tried the apollos I can't get them off him, it's always can I use your fins today.
My advise for you is to go to your dealer and try all the fins at the local swimming pool I'm sure they will let you especially if they are $200-$300 fins and choose for yourself. What ever you feel comfortable with are the right fins for you. Hope I helped
SEEYA

 

[CALI68]

To say that Slit Fins are "junk" or "useless in a current" is utter CRAP! To say that someone is "gullible" for buying them is just plain stupid and very insulting. The truth is that yes, they are expensive but they are also simply amazing! Don't let my "Junior Member" status fool you, I have been Diving since I was 12 and I am now 35. I feel I am very qualified to say that I highly recommend them but don't listen to me read the reviews from Fins Guru "Lepomis" regarding fins. He's a College professor who has done extensive research on the topic and has conducted several under and above water tests on the efficiency of fins and he regularly finds that split fins (specifically Apollo's) are superior.

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

 

[ronrosa]

He's a College professor who has done extensive research on the topic and has conducted several under and above water tests on the efficiency of fins and he regularly finds that split fins (specifically Apollo's) are superior.

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

He also finds that full foot fins outperform open heel fins. In addition, full foot spilts don't seem to have any advantage over full foot blades and full foot fins are cheaper than open heel fins.

 

[DementialFaith]

eh.......... i dont no, is it convenient to put on a pair of full foot with a pair of 5 or 7 mm boots on?
btw, da volo still outperform other fins. =D

 

[CALI68]

He also finds that full foot fins outperform open heel fins. In addition, full foot spilts don't seem to have any advantage over full foot blades and full foot fins are cheaper than open heel fins.

Right, but us Nor Cal Divers don't have Full Foots as an option really. Full Foots with booties dont feel right at all.

 

[divad]

You should only judge another diver after you have swum a mile in his fins because, if if you do, you'll be a mile away ..........and you'll have his fins.

 

[CALI68]

You should only judge another diver after you have swum a mile in his fins because, if if you do, you'll be a mile away ..........and you'll have his fins.

Nice!

 

[Trigger]

I was in your shoes a year ago and found a cheap pair of U.S. Divers to get started....big mistake. Since, I have tried three different split fins including Tusa, Scubapro, and Oceanic. I ended up with the Oceanic V12. I got them at my LDS. They seem to run a bit on the big side to me. I'm 220lbs. with a size 10 1/2 shoe and I ended up with a medium. My only suggestion would be to get with a group and try as many different fins as you can before making a purchase.