Full Foot Vs. Adjustable strap

[jrossinitampa]

i was looking for some insight into the pros and cons of full foot fins Vs. Adjustable strap fins. i have never dove with Adjustable strap fins so i don't know what kind to get. i dive in warm water here in Florida so i don't need booties. i was just wondering what you guys think is the better option?

 

[mark G]

To me full foot equals warm water, soft sand, no booties needed
Strap fins equal cold water or rough rocky terrain booties needed
If going off a boat then it is strictly a question of temperature
That is my simple answer but then I like to keep it simple
The reality is a little more complicated I happen to like the connected feel of a full foot fin so I use them if I can but in a current my full foot split fins are not powerful enough so I use my big ass ocean blades I could get more powerful full foot fins but spending more money on fins is not an option because I want to spend money on diving not on equipment If I had unlimited funds I would have a closet full of fins but then I would also have someone to carry my equipment too!

 

[scorpenesub]

I have used both types of fins before. Personally, I now prefer the adjustable straps for the plain reason that you can walk through any terrain and weather with your bootie pre and post dive. Besides, if you travel to dive in different countries, it would be good to go with booties and adjustable fins...

But ultimately, its a personal choice. If you feel you don't need adjustables, hey, why bother to invest in one?

 

[tstormdiver]

What they have both said rings quite true. I made the mistake of trying to use full foot fins during my OW check out dives...... in a rock quarry. Trying to get around on gravel with 40+ extra pounds on your back while bare foot,..... no fun. I decided after that first class, to invest in a proper pair of boots & fins that are appropriate for this locale.

 

[gregorio]

I love my full foot but I use it only in warm water and from boat or swimming pool.
All the rest need full foot.

 

[Alex777]

You get more precise control and better maneuverability with a full-foot fin, IMHO.

 

[robint]

I disagree.... adj fins are more versatile and fit your foot better because of the adjustment. ( I have small feet and getting a fullfoot fin tight enough is tough). I never ever walk around barefoot on piers getting on and off a boat either. And their are decks of boats I would never walk around barefoot on as it is dangerous! I like my booties as they protect my feet out of the water. It's like the debate about wetsuits too - I never dive without a fullsuit as I want the protection and warmth. I have more than one pair so I can wear dry booties for night dives. And ALL my booties are 5mm or 7mm - I want my feet warm throughout the dive even in 80+ degree water I wear my 7mm.

The only people I can see benefiting from the fullfoot fins are crew on boats as their feet need to dry out or they get foot rot (from booties staying wet). If I worked on a boat in tropical waters I would use them.

When we got certified, we bought fullfoot fins - and now only use those for swimming in a pool. The rub blisters on my feet (from not fitting tightly enough) and I just can't kick as effectively in them. I wish I had listened to the LDS clerk who told me not to buy them - they were right about them and the crappy mask I bought too (trying to save $$$).

Just my 2 cents

robin
2 months til Bahamas again on the Nekton!

 

[bmcsteve]

I like the versatility and foot protection that booties and adjustable strap fins give me. Even on vacation when I am diving 3 times a day for a week, I have never really had a problem with my booties not drying out enough.... but then again, I wear an old pair of sneakers until I get on the boat or at the dive site, and then I'll change into my booties. At that point it doesnt really matter if they are damp, cuz they're about to get saturated again anyway.

 

[fisherdvm]

Open fins are nice for all around use. Shore dive, boats, etc. It gives additional protection from dropped weight belts on boat benches, protect your feet and give you better tractions on the boats, and simply nice to use around the pools.

Advantages of full foot fins is it is light to travel with. Disadvantages, is some with irritate your heel, the side of the ankles, and it is hard to get one that fits perfectly. I find divers putting tapes on these sore spots, then you might as well dive with open heels and boots.

Further advantages of open heel and boots is in heavy current and you are clinging on a trailing line, the foot strap and fit around your forearm and you can still hang on with that same arm while removing the second fin with your free hand. Then you can slip both fin straps on the same arm, and climb up the ladder or hand them to the boat hand. It is harder to do with full foot fin, and I've lost a fin just because of rough sea.

Walking around with boots keep athlete foot fungus from infecting your feet, important to think about when you get older and more prone to jock itch, athlete foot, and toe nail fungus.

 

[shotthebreeze]

If you plan on diving in a lot of different places, I'd go with an adjustable strap fin. This way you can add or subtract booties if necessary. If I'm diving in warm water, I still wear booties (or 3 mil socks) and adjustable fins. They just give me more options.