Help with fin purchase!

[BPaith]

I (re)decided on a mask and am returning my Mares X-Vu in favor of an Atomic Venom. Went to another dive shop today and tried one on, it was my favorite. I wanted the subframe, but the narrow one felt "too" narrow and the regular felt wider than the Venom, so since I was the venom felt perfect on my face, I opted to spend a little extra.

Now I need fins.

I have narrowed it down to these. I decided I do not want a split fin, would really like to have spring straps, whether or not I add them myself! Any recommendations from these?

-Mares Avanti Quattro
-Oceanic Viper
-Mares Superchannel


Is there any others I should consider? I am leaning most heavily towards the Avanti Quattro, but don't want to make a bad purchase as these are my first set.

 

[uncfnp]

I have the Mares Avanti Quattro but I have a small foot (I have no idea if this applies to you) and I have to cinch them tight and wear a thick-soled boot. But this is true for most all fins I have tried. Otherwise, I love them.

 

[TXreefer]

Can't go wrong with quattro's. I have SP seawing novas now and like them as well. I have seen them around for $125 (much less than the $200 I paid).

 

[BDSC]

I have had many fins over the years but now only have two. I have the Scubapro Seawing Novas in an open heel and the Avanti Quattro Power in a fullfoot fin. Unless I am going to a place where a need a bootie for possible shore diving entries, I always dive my fullfoot Quattros. They are a little longer than a standard fin and I can now say they are the best fin I have ever owned. Here is a link to them:

Mares Avanti Quattro Power Full Foot Long Blade Fins, Black

 

[Joe Bailey]

Have you considered Hollis? They come standard with spring straps and they are reasonably priced. The F1 is a robust solid fin, great fin almost everyone I dive with has a pair. However unless you have strong legs I don't recomend these as a first fin. On the other hand the F2 is more forgiving, with the dual layer design it maximizes your effort. And due to their size and weight they make a great travel fin as well.

 

[uncfnp]

I also like the buckle system on the Mares. I had planned to go with the springs but don't feel a need for them with these fins.

 

[djanni]

We just ordered new Mares X-Streams because we wanted something that fits between a paddle fin and a split. It's often said that the Avanti Quattro is the fin all others are judged by. Here in Cozumel I see more fins by Mares than by any other Mfg. It's probably 3 to 1.

The Quattro and the Superchannel are reletively stiff. If that's what you're looking for you can't go wrong.

 

[Jungho Kim]

Go with the Avanti Quattros... Tried and true fins. I see Mares has updated the model with new bungee straps...

Avanti quattro + - Open Heel - Mares