Fin stiffness

[landphil]

I had the same issue with my go sports. Any time I really laid down the power, like swimming against a little current, the fins would just give out. The gorillas are probably better if you want the same fins, but stiffer. I tried deep6 eddys- they are the complete opposite- super stiff. Really made all of the tech-style finning, like back kicks super precise and easy. But flutter kicks and long surface swims were just uncomfortable for me in the eddys. I’m currently on fourth element tech fins, which are a nice compromise, with more flex, but still powerful. My wife is on seawing gorillas, which she likes. My only issue with them is that they leave an incredible wake that can stir up the bottom from 6 feet away if you’re not careful about where you point them while you flutter kick.

 

[Cornbread O'Malley]

I’ve been using the ScubaPro Go Sport fins for the last 80 or so dives, and in general they have been great. Most of my dives are pretty lazy and I frog kick 90% of the time. I tend to be feet heavy and travel a lot so the light weight is great. I even swap spring straps on them for rock boots when dry. They work great for this!

What I’ve noticed is that when I’m carrying more gear, in my drysuit, working against a current, or want to get somewhere fast, they feel like they flex a lot and don’t give enough power. Someone took the picture below of me recently against a current, trying to catch up with an eagle ray, while carrying a pony and GoPro. I’m flutter kicking hard and felt like I was going nowhere. In the picture you can see how flexed the fin is, I can’t imagine that’s effective at that point? Should I consider a stiffer fin like the Gorilla or a different style?

I think you should try stiffer fins but no need to buy anything new. I purchased a set of Go Sport Gorillas a few months ago because I needed something lighter than my Jet Fins (my Jet Fins weigh 6.7 lbs) since my international travel has increased. I found the Gorillas, albeit light at 3.4 lbs a pair, did not have the responsiveness nor the propulsion as the Jet Fins. I decided to take a gamble and purchased a set of old but very serviceable Mares Power Plana fins from a guy in my local area. I paid $20 for the fins. The Power Plana set weighs 4.3 lbs; I can do all the kicks I do with the Jet Fins to include back-finning; they are stiffer than the Gorillas. I love these Power Plana fins! I feel so free zooming around in them! For $20 I cannot be happier. I have buyer's remorse with the Go Sport Gorillas. They tested well in the pool but did not deliver for me out in open water.

You can try the approach that I took if you're in no rush to find another set of fins. This link is a good illustration of what I purchased that superseded my Gorillas: Mares Power Plana Open Heel Fins Medium | eBay.

 

[DivingSD]

That lines up with what I was thinking, I’ll check out my options.

Thanks everyone!