Fins

[mainedvr]

Is there a specific reason for not using split fins in the DIR gear configuration. I have a set of SP Novas which I realize are not split but do have that section between the foot pocket and the fin that gives it some flexability, and reading the gear configuration seems that those are out side of the description.

I was thinking it might be just better control for turns and such but wanted to hear something first hand.

Thanks

 

[PfcAJ]

Generally, the stiffer 'jet fin' style is better for precise kicks, especially the back kick. The weight of said fins also helps with drysuit diving.

Having never used Novas (but I've been around them a bit), they seem to be optimized for flutter kicking, which isn't a very common kick in DIR land. DIR diving does use a flutter kick, but its a bit different than the straight leg open-water style kick.

Spring straps are important as well, don't forget that!

 

[mainedvr]

thanks

I did get a set of hollis f1's with spring straps recently I am slowly working to get my gear to a configuration to take some GUE training.

Generally, the stiffer 'jet fin' style is better for precise kicks, especially the back kick. The weight of said fins also helps with drysuit diving.

Having never used Novas (but I've been around them a bit), they seem to be optimized for flutter kicking, which isn't a very common kick in DIR land. DIR diving does use a flutter kick, but its a bit different than the straight leg open-water style kick.

Spring straps are important as well, don't forget that!

 

[Belce]

TSandM found those fins to be very good, the novas. I think she wrote something about them on this forum somewhere.

 

[cozumelkeith]

I was actually in your exact situation myself - had the Novas which are definitely great for the straight leg open water flutter - and scrapped them for the F1s which I love. Although they are not technically "split" I think there is some concern over the possibility of the two post pieces breaking/serving as line traps. SP has come out with a modified "Gorilla" version - supposedly stiffer and better for frog/back kick but can't imagine they perform as well as Jets or F1s. Im actually looking to take Fundies later this summer, send me a PM if you are interested in putting something together.
Happy diving!
Keith

 

[rlynch]

on the weight of the fins (in this case Large jets) you can counter act this with a thicker wetsuit bootie. I use a 6.5mm bootie when diving wet (L Jet) and it feels perfect and trims out nicely which Is most important. I don't dive wet much except in the pool but its a great choice for that configuration. Dry I use the xl jets to fit over my suit (diverite boots grafted on to a TLS350 - don't ask, its not optimal, but it was the only choice I had other than socks at the time which I did not want). I'm hoping with my next drysuit I can use a large jet but we will see when the time comes)

 

[GROBIOG]

on the weight of the fins (in this case Large jets) you can counter act this with a thicker wetsuit bootie. I use a 6.5mm bootie when diving wet (L Jet) and it feels perfect and trims out nicely which Is most important. I don't dive wet much except in the pool but its a great choice for that configuration. Dry I use the xl jets to fit over my suit (diverite boots grafted on to a TLS350 - don't ask, its not optimal, but it was the only choice I had other than socks at the time which I did not want). I'm hoping with my next drysuit I can use a large jet but we will see when the time comes)

How do you mange going from LG jet fin to XLG? I too have LG and the foot pocket could be a tad bigger, but the XLG is almost a new fin, a lot more rubber, not sure I could swim those.
BTW, have you ever put all jets side by side, if you take any other fin (SP) and put all sizes lined up, they will progressively get larger PROPORTIONALLY, not the Jet fins though, MD and LG is one thing and XLG - XXXLG are another, the blade is exactly the same, they only change the foot pocket, and even that the shape is different from size to size, weird.

 

[rlynch]

i have "new" XL jets and the blade is longer than the "L" size by apx 4". I am going from wetsuit boots in the large to drysuit booties when using the XL - with a heavy 4th element artic sock. They are slightly loose (the XL's) but not unduly so.
the Foot pockets are larger of course ont he XL's. I'll see if i can shoot pictures of them today to illistrate what i mean.
You have to go with what works and for me wetsuit bootie (6.5mm waterproof) = Large Jet, Drysuit (dive rite sew on's) = XL jet fin both fitted with Large Halcyon spring straps.

I did dive with the Large Jet on my drysuit for a while but the fit is way to tight and had to lever them on my foot and then only about 1/2 way up my foot was possible - this lead to cramping pretty fast so i went up a size.

important thing here is that 1 set of gear is prbably not do everything for you if your like me moving from wet to dry and warm to cold water on a frequent basis (i travel a lot)

 

[TSandM]

A lot of the evaluation of gear choices for the GUE configuration comes down to simple, reliable, and uncomplicated. In addition, fins in particular are viewed with an eye to versatility with non-silting propulsion techniques, and suitability for proximity to line.

The Novas are, at least in my experience, EXCELLENT fins for translating leg effort into propulsion with the flutter/modified flutter class of kicks. One can also fairly easily back kick in them. But the frog kick is suboptimal, because the little side tabs on the fins impede the loading phase of the kick.

In addition, the fins have a reputation from breaking at the pins that connect the heel and toe portions, and this fails the reliability test. A couple thousand feet back in a cave is not where you want a fin to break (and it's where it WILL break, because Murphy loves divers ).

Furthermore, the peculiar anatomy of the fin offers great places for line to catch and tangle.

The fins are also very expensive, and although GUE diving doesn't avoid expensive items (far from it!) it usually holds the idea that the benefit should be commensurate with the expenditure, or you are better off buying some simpler and putting the other money toward more diving or training.

I have actually ordered a set of Novas on a special deal for pros, because quite simply, I can't keep up with students who are using them in my other fins. But they will be for teaching only, and I would certainly never defend them as meeting the GUE criteria for gear.

 

[Wayne at DiveSeekers]

While the Seawing Novas have a comfortable pocket and provide easy kicking, the down side is that they are more positively buoyant and I found that you can feel the wing/edge almost catching the water (poor balance/control). With them being more positively buoyant it also makes them really bad for drysuit diving as well. When doing all of your advanced finning techniques, it really centers around a fin having torque and what I have found is that a fin that is marketed as easy kicking, doesn't have the proper torque. I always try to get divers to work more efficiently in the water, so can i do the advanced finning techniques with other fins...Yes, but I have to work so much harder at it and thus I am not working efficiently.

My Tec students are all in Jets (most Torque, less energy, more efficient), if not Jets then Turtles, Hollis F1, Slipstreams, etc. are other acceptable fins. Notice the commonality?? Paddle fin, all rubber, spring straps!