I need help narrowing down the fin search

[abehunt]

I dive the majority of the time from the beaches along the southern cali coast and spend a lot of time kicking out through the surf and currents so I need some power. I have tried several different fins already but nothing has really been better then the rest. I am a very strong swimmer and on a budget. I know I want an open heel and I am not a big fan of split or bio fins. Any info to narrow down the search would be helpful

 

[altitudemike]

I use the Mares Plana Avanti open heel they are very stiff on the outside but soft in the middle. They cost about 70 USD. I found they work very well for a strong kick cycle. Most of my buddies think they are to stiff. But I kick less to cover the same distance.

 

[JKSteger]

I've heard good stuff about the Mares fins. Funny thing is that I in reguards to paddle fins (not splits) I usually see the Mares stuff the most followed by the good old fashoned Scubapro Jets.

I dive both the standard Jets and Black Twin Jets

Jeremy

 

[PhotoTJ]

I had good results with my Cressi Frogs, till I lost one in the surf. Now I dive Twin Jets. No problems on beach dives.

 

[abehunt]

Thanks for the help

 

[havnmonkey]

I use Genesis Response fins, I hav no complaints and they were less than $50.

 

[John C. Ratliff]

If you are on a budget, I have some advice. Make your own "scoop" fins. I have been using this concept since 1969, and developed it myself. Get a pair of used Power Plana fins (or actually any of the Plana variety, but you can sometimes get the Power Plana very cheap), then modify the blade. If you are interested in the exact technique, you can PM me. For more info on this fin concept, see:

http://vintagescuba.proboards2.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=1133330933

These fins out-perform the best Mares fin available now. Be sure to read the entire thread, as it is a about four pages long.

SeaRat

 

[Gary D.]

Like phototj I like Frogs.

If you have the power try original Duck Feet.

Gary D.

 

[robbcayman]

Check out the fin section it's really helpful. However, I feel the 2 best fins on the market are the apollo bio fins and scubapro's twin jets.

 

[jbichsel]

My first fins were Cressi Sub Maxi Rondine, circa 1989. Long, stiff, very powerful. Caused leg cramps in many people that didn't have enough muscle to use them properly. But never had anyone outpace me wiht the ease it took to move through the water. But they were also heavy.

I used them from 1989 to 2004. Tried Mares, Scubapro, Aqualung, just never found anything to compare to the Maxi Rondine.

Then I found the SeacSub Vela Flex. Very light weight, nearly as stiff but has a soft, flexible band in the blade that allows the blade to "scoop" and provides more thrust. Very comfortable foot pocket. And at about $70, quite a nice fin.

I'm extremely happy. However I want a backup and will either get another pair or try the Cressi Sub Rondine A or Reaction.