long fins

[Jasoncassanova]

what are the disadvantages of using long fins in scuba diving?

how long is too much when it comes to scuba diving?

i've read a few statements here about long fins, but i want to know more, so i hope you don't mind me asking?

 

[Jupiter31]

One disadvantage is you need to have strong leg mussles to use long fins; if not you can experience cramping, never a good thing

Another disadvantage is you need to remove them before using a ladder to climb up on many dive boats (like the one I frequently dive from) - otherwise they can snap.

While some SCUBA divers use these fins, they were designed for free diving, and I believe in matching the equipment to the task.

Other reason against them is cost; more expensive.

I've been diving for over 30 years, have upgraded my equipment more times than I want to think about, and have never considered purchasing these fins.

Possible others may totally disagree, which is fine b/c its personal preference, and if you feel for whatever reason you want to use them, go for it.

 

[Doc]

I own both- the longbladed Free Dive Fins and standard Force Fins.

There is a purpose for each. If you have the legs, and if you have the need, the long blades can deliver. For everything short of dragging a man 300 yards, I'd go with my Force Fins.

I have never seen a pair of Long Blades that retailed for even 1/3 of what Force Fins are MSRP'd at. Long blades go for $80~140. Just saw a wall of them at Divers Discount in Ft. Lauderdale.

I do not believe that these two types are on the opposite ends of any spectrum, it's just that most people believe that Force Fins do occupy the low thrust zone. They do not. They are equal to most any other fin and will allow you to deliver that thrust with less exertion.

When I am going in open water, I usually take the free dive fins. When I am anywhere near coral, I don't want to risk any damage, and I have no need to go that fast, even on short bursts.

If you select free dive fins for SCUBA, you should have the legs of a good cyclist first. And- stay away from the coral.

 

[cmburch]

I have long blade fins for freediving. Some come in both open heel and full foot pockets. Many have interchangeable blades. The higher cost seems to be in the US. Also the material such as fiberglass, carbon, etc. If ordering overseas, they are considerably cheaper. My main problem would be pushing all my SCUBA gear through the water with more weight and not low profile. My ankles would hurt from the strain. Some people like them for SCUBA and they tend to use full foot. Major Brands: Spetton, Picasso, Omer, Riffe, Mares, Beuchat, Cressi.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

I am currently using my Cressi Gara 2000's as my everything fin. The list price when they were new was probably ~$189 USD; I inherited mine. I am not sure what kind of flex the blue blade is but I feel there is a small air consumption improvement over my open heel Mares Plana Avanti's. If I were made of money I would get a pair of Mares Quatro Power's.

I know of very few divers that would like using free dive fins for scuba diving; all of them would have been free divers before scuba divers, serious free divers. The first pair of fins I purchased was an earlier Cressi free dive fin (the Rondine Gara) and I did not scuba dive much for years.

Hawaii has virtually no soft coral and our hard coral has been seasonally pounded by large waves for centuries. The celings of our caverns are pretty baren for the most part. My typical trim is 20-30% head down. In more delicate environs I would wear a different fin.

The Gara 2000's give me a very significant glide on my frog kick!

 

[LouieLouie]

I usually use Gara 3000's for scuba diving in temperate and warm waters. Backpaddling in long blades are out of the question, frog kicks slightly awkward, but helicopter turns are fine.

For cold water diving, I stick with Scubapro Jetfins. A longer and more flexible fin would be a pain in the ass in combination with a dry suit and heavy steel doubles.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Longer and stiffer fins are tougher on the calfs. If you have a tendency to have calf cramps, shorter more flexible fins may suit your needs better. From my experience, those with strongest and biggest calf muscles, experience the most painful calf cramps but were not more likely to get calf cramps.

It best to demo them before buying one of those off the wall designed fins such as force fins etc. Also the longer fins may be more suited to freediving.

 

[Jasoncassanova]

Hey guys I have all you have posted and i'll keep these in mind, I think I have the legs for long blade fins since I regularly swim and run almost every single day in a week. Though it is a concern if you are near corals, especially if you taking photographs, which is one of my fascination right now.

 

[Jasoncassanova]

Longer and stiffer fins are tougher on the calfs. If you have a tendency to have calf cramps, shorter more flexible fins may suit your needs better. From my experience, those with strongest and biggest calf muscles, experience the most painful calf cramps but were not more likely to get calf cramps.

It best to demo them before buying one of those off the wall designed fins such as force fins etc. Also the longer fins may be more suited to freediving.

Is it a rule that the LDS let you use the fins first in the pool or open water and will allow you to change if it's not comfortable?

 

[ScubaSarus]

Yea

If you are a good customer and are buying an expensive pair. I don't see why they would not allow you to attend one of their pool sessions and try a pair or 2 out.

"Look I'd love to buy these but I don't know if they are right for me; is there anyway I can try them out at one of your pools sessions and maybe try out pair of you other fins also in case these
are not the ones for me".

Well worth it to pay a bit extra over Ebay or LP if you can try them out first.

The other option is to return them as some state laws will allow that and keep swapping fins and paying restocking fees.

One of the reasons for having a good relation with your LDS. The problem arises when your LDS doesn't stock what you want to buy and it becomes a special order and returns are more complicated.

Fins can last a lifetime (with the exception of Mares Volos and those fancy delicate styles) if treated properly and it wise to get what you want the first time.