in the market for fins

[kamalh9]

hello,
I'm looking to buy new open heeled fins, and I was wondering if I could get peoples opinions about what's good out there...I'm leaning towards mares...but I don't know if I should go with the split kind or the non-split...sorry for the terminology.
Thanks

 

[scubatoys]

hello,
I'm looking to buy new open heeled fins, and I was wondering if I could get peoples opinions about what's good out there...I'm leaning towards mares...but I don't know if I should go with the split kind or the non-split...sorry for the terminology.
Thanks

You will get a lot of opinions here... Most people on the board do not favor split fins... But I do. I'll take the Apollo Split Bio Fins Pro over any of the mares fins - no question. And that is based on actually testing them side by side in Cozumel currents, and Cayman still waters - (along with murky texas lakes).

 

[paulwlee]

For gear advice, it's always helpful to let people know what kind of experience you have, what type of dives you usually do, and where you dive.

I like the Atomic Split fins the best for everyday diving. These days I mostly use the Scubapro Jet fins, but I still recommend the Atomics unless you dive doubles or are getting into tech diving.

 

[MtnDiver]

I've got a pair of ScubaPro Twin-Jet fins and absolutely love them.

You might want to hop over to the "Fins, Masks, and Snorkels" forum here and browse through some of the discussion threads there.

 

[gehadoski]

I got pair of techisub stratus, I like them the most they are very good with the currents, I am using them since 1998 and they are working in excllent condition, I never tried the split kind, I can't give you exact information about it, my buddy had scubapro twin-jet he used it once and he didn't like it.

 

[TravisT]

Well, I'm not sure how much you're looking to spend. However, I know my father is not in very good shape. He has purchased some Atomic Aquatic Split Fins that up to now have been really great for him. We have not done a lot and just now taking our OW certification but he had to have some great fins since he's had a broken hip after being injured in the 80's, has a steel plate and 9 screws still in it. That hip can get sore easily with very little work. He's been doing very well and if anything, the only problems he's had with it is all the weight he needed to carry in his BC.

So if you're looking for something with very good performance, I highly recommend them. Like I said though, i'm a newbie and have not tried any other fins except for the current Cressi Frog fins I own which have done the job for me.

 

[Kestrell]

If you want splits; Apollo Bio's or Atomics are good.

If you want a paddle fin go for Aqualung Blades or Mares Avanti's

Many people here will warn you against splits, but my wife has them and loves them. I have the Mares Avanti Quatro's.

Many people here will also warn you away from Volos and Tigers too, but I have no experience with them.

 

[goodknight411]

I don't like split fins. I found that if i tried any kick besides a flutter, they just didn't work as well.
I think it's very much personal preferance and style though. Try out both types befor you buy.

 

[Scubaguy62]

I have three different pairs of fins; Mares Quattro, Mares Volo (original volos, not volo power) and Scubapro Jet Fins (the old style) with spring straps. Of these my absolute favorite are the Jet Fins, with the Quattros not far in trail. The volos I use mostly for snorkeling. So if you're serious about Mares, don't fittle with the Planas and the X-3s, the Quattros are the best paddle fins Mares makes...(IMHO).

 

[Rubis]

hello,
I'm looking to buy new open heeled fins, and I was wondering if I could get peoples opinions about what's good out there...I'm leaning towards mares...but I don't know if I should go with the split kind or the non-split...sorry for the terminology.
Thanks

If you decide for the Mares, I have a pair of Mares Quattro size regular for sale. Almost new (maybe 20 dives). Can come with Spring Straps or the usual ABS buckle. PM if interested.