Fin Softness

[hongrace]

Suppose a manufacturer makes a kind of fins with different softness (hardness). All fins are same in geometry and size and material. The only difference is in the softness.

My question is how the softness of the fins affects the thrust (power) and the controllability?

Thanks.

 

[meesier42]

the answer is that it depends.

Some fins the "standard" material is too soft for maximum thrust, some the standard is actually quite good and the stiffer material is now too stiff. depending on usage, a stiff fin can be quite good for positioning and control while the softer fins may be better for endurance into a current. Then for some people a stiffer fin will fit them better as they are more athletic than the average person and they can take advantage of the stiffer material without becoming hypoxic.

different people prefer different things, for each person there will be a good fit, unfortunately the only way to know for sure is to try it and see if it works for you

BTW- lots of company's in fact do this