Daryn:
I have been diving with Mares Quattro Power full foot fins since I became an instructor. After 4000+ dives they have finally gone to that great gear bag in the sky. The problem is they don’t make them any more. I have tried a lot of different fins trying to find a substitute but nothing comes close, not even the new Quattro excel. Their ok if you don’t have to swim in a current, fast, or help someone...
Daryn,
I have done a lot of research over the years on swim fin design, and came up with the concept of the "scoop" fin in 1968. I have spent some time evaluating different designs, including the flat blade of the older Plana fins. The scoop fin design out-performs the
These three fins have the exact same blade, the Plana Plus Graphite blade. They are all full-foot fins. But in one, I've made the split fin modification. In another (with the toe cut out--it had ripped and I needed this to ensure the whole foot pocket would not rip away), I have the scoop modification. The third is the original paddle fin flat blade.
I put this information onto the web at the
Vintage Scuba Supply thread.
Years ago, I wrote to Mares explaining the concept, and hoping that they would produce a fin with the "scoop" desing. They finally have, in the form of the Quatro Excel fin.
What I'm saying is that what you are feeling that the scoop design doesn't hold up in current is probably not correct. It feels easier, but the amount of water moved is much greater, which gives more power in current than other fins. I have used my own, home-made variety of the Quatro Excel for years. My most recent version is shown below:
Here is a photo of my research in 1971:
So before you buy the Quattro Power, make a comparison. I have yet to try the actual Quattro Excel, but they are now on order (my Christmas present). I'll give a report when I get them, probably sometime in January. Barring something unforeseen, I expect the Quattro Excel to be the best production fin I have ever used.
SeaRat
