Fin Preference...?

[DiverDudeCt]

Hey everyone!

I'm sure this discussion happens all too often... Which fin?

Rocket or Jet??? Long or short??? And why???

I've gone a little fin crazy and I'm curious what other peoples opinions are on this topic.

Also what are your opinions on the benefits or drawbacks of these fins verses split or composite fins?



Thanks,

Ct.

 

[Boiler_81]

Since you assume this has been discussed many times, I suggest you use the search function.

One of many http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/381470-jet-fin-vs-rocket-fin.html

 

[g1138]

Google search: site:scubaboard.com subject

I think you might be one of the few who has the opportunity to try out different set of Jet-type fins that are out there. I'm sure many of use buy a pair that are easily available then stick with it if it works.
I personally like to have a stiff but short and compact fin blade. So I stick with two left footed Jet fins. For the life of me I just can't find one for my right foot.

As for a comparison with split and flexible fins, it's night and day. Stiff fins such as Jet fin types are really good for maneuverability and long glide times. There's other fin types that hold their own against jets like Mares Avanti Quattros and Cressi Frogs.

Flexible fins I find, really only shine when flutter kicking. And you can't get much acceleration or glide time out of them. You can get some decent speed and the ability to hold that speed for a while (especially with splits). But personally I find that I like to conserve my energy by gliding more and kicking less. I also like being able to back kick and turn on a dime with my jets.

If I need to break out of a surf zone, I can do it in Jets, can't in flexible fins. That's the main reason why I made the switch.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I have a pair of Cressi Frogs- big and black- good for moving alot and dealing with current. I have a pair of green Blades, long stiff and narrow- I use for training in bad viz so students can see me, and they have "towing power." My 59 year old legs appreciate the split fins I use when I am diving for fun with my wife. I am less prone to cramping, and mine split fins are stiff enough to give service with a flutter or frog kick. I have some cheap full foot fins that are strictly for the pool. My next fins will be the short jet fins becasue I have heard so much good about them.
DivemasterDennis

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

I use Dive Rite fins and Hollis fins for wreck and cave. They do well for moving a lot of equipment through the water if you have the the legs to do it. If you don't you will eventually cramp up. Fin selection should be about what you have to move and how much energy you can put forth doing it.

 

[JamesK]

I use Dive Rite fins and Hollis fins for wreck and cave. They do well for moving a lot of equipment through the water if you have the the legs to do it. If you don't you will eventually cramp up. Fin selection should be about what you have to move and how much energy you can put forth doing it.

Dive Rite EXP's Rock!!! It's either those or XL Jet Fins for me.

 

[jamiep3]

Rocket Fins for general Scuba, I've had mine since 1978. Use the new rockets (Rocket II?) at work and with my drysuit for the larger foot pocket. Cobalt Twin Jets for snorkeling when I will be on the surface most of the time (with my wife, her twin jets are yellow), Full Foot Blades for snorkel/free diving.

No one right fin for all occasions.

 

[Davemohio]

Just my brief .02 cents:

Most of my very experienced dive buds/Instructors wear a version of the Twin Jet/Turtle with the spring straps.

I tried several different fins last year. I found the split fins did not give me the power I wanted.

I ended up with a paddle type fin. Aqualung Express. I also needed the orange trim so students could see me in bad viz.

 

[DaleC]

For cold water I prefer Jets, for warm, Voit Custom duck feet (with a thin sock in).

G1138, it's my fault. I've been buying all the right foot fins I can.

 

[supergaijin]

I use Quattros for teaching/guiding.

If I was only diving for myself (cruising the reef) I actually prefer freediving fins. For photography I'd go back to the Quattros. Have Jetfins in NZ but at 3kg for the pair (XL) they aren't leaving the country any time soon.