For the SE Asian divers out there...

[BLD_THRST]

Guys,

Just wanna find out your views and observations around the dive groups and DMs you have dived with, on whether a split or a paddle is better for the South East Asian dive conditions. I have recently gotten the Gull Mew Fin (paddle type) but still cant help to think whether the Apollo Bio Fin Pro (split) would be a better choice.... If the benefits (if any) only marginally outweigh the paddle, then I will stick to my paddle cause the Apollo is not cheap.... heheheh

For those who have used the Apollo and paddles, can you tell me yr preference and honest feedback on the Apollos....

 

[u5agi]

If you have no problems using the paddle fins, I would advise that you stick with it. Split fins are easier to use, thus better suited for divers who find the paddle fins too strenous.

In terms of generating enough thrust when faced with light-moderate current, nothing beats the paddle fins. They also perform better on the surface when heading to the decent spot or back to the boat.

If you want a good pair of paddle fins, look for the Mares Avanti Quattros. The Scubapro jet fins can't be beat either.

 

[jonix]

most of the DMs and instructors i dive with use paddle fins as well. current gets a little tricky at times in the PI. i use mares avanti x3 paddles.

 

[terrasmak]

I took note of most of the instructers in Okinawa using paddle fins and of course my mentors and slowly make the swap. Seems like only the new divers used splits and if the got serious they swapped over.

 

[Vie]

For those who have used the Apollo and paddles, can you tell me yr preference and honest feedback on the Apollos....

I use my Apollo Bio-fins for snorkeling - they are great for that. I have used them for scuba diving and they are very light and nice if you enjoy cruising around at speed. I prefer conventional paddle fins (in my case Scubapro Jet Fins) for scuba though. The Jet Fins work in all conditions and are virtually indestructable.

 

[BLD_THRST]

Thanks guys for the input.... Its really mixed feedback really... Terrasmak, you are right... new divers including myself started with the splits as its easy and puts less stress on the legs...

In mild current, I am not sure if its an illussion but I feel as if I am not moving at all even with a quick flutter kick... I may be moving fine but it could be that the absence of strain of the fin gives the illussion tht I am hardly making progress at all..... With a paddle, I could feel tht I am actually generating thrust the harder I kick but again, it could be just an illussion....

Alternate kicks especially the frog seems more effective with a paddle... I feel as if I can move / cruise straighter as compared to a slight body roll at each kick using the flutter or scissor... Also, when using the frog, its easier for me to stop, hover or turn as my body and legs are already in the position to... lets say, if I need to stop and hover when using a scissor or flutter kick, I will still have to bend and tuck my legs in to use the backward kick to stop and hover.... if I have to turn, it would be a wider circle as compared to the helicopter kick.... I guess its all a personal thing.... to perfect yr movement, its practice, practice and more practice using the same fin.....

Anyone has the same experience?

 

[terrasmak]

Thanks guys for the input.... Its really mixed feedback really... Terrasmak, you are right... new divers including myself started with the splits as its easy and puts less stress on the legs...

In mild current, I am not sure if its an illussion but I feel as if I am not moving at all even with a quick flutter kick... I may be moving fine but it could be that the absence of strain of the fin gives the illussion tht I am hardly making progress at all..... With a paddle, I could feel tht I am actually generating thrust the harder I kick but again, it could be just an illussion....

Alternate kicks especially the frog seems more effective with a paddle... I feel as if I can move / cruise straighter as compared to a slight body roll at each kick using the flutter or scissor... Also, when using the frog, its easier for me to stop, hover or turn as my body and legs are already in the position to... lets say, if I need to stop and hover when using a scissor or flutter kick, I will still have to bend and tuck my legs in to use the backward kick to stop and hover.... if I have to turn, it would be a wider circle as compared to the helicopter kick.... I guess its all a personal thing.... to perfect yr movement, its practice, practice and more practice using the same fin.....

Anyone has the same experience?

A lot of it yes, i also like how you can slow yourself down with paddles , very helpfull with a surge.