newbs and split fins

[diver_doug]

There seems to be a conception that newb's ought to get split fins. That they will enjoy diving more/perform better with this style of fin. Furthermore, amongst new divers, there seems to be the misconception that Split-fins represent modern/superior technology whereas paddles represent inferior/on-the-verge-of-being-phased-out technology. While I have no doubt that some new divers prefer splits, newcomers should go forewarned that this is not always the case and accordingly should try out both paddles and splits before making a decision.

My first pair of fins (not just for scuba, but period) were the Mares Raptor Splits. Simply put, I hated them. I struggled to gain momentum, I felt I had to kick in a very specific way for them to work, I couldn't move precisely...in short, I felt the fins were controlling me instead of me controlling the fins. Although I had snorkled numerous time before I began diving, I never used fins-I always had bare feet. So since I had no prior fin experience (and I had heard so much praise of the splits) I figured I must just hate fins in general. After 20 or so dives I didn't feel much more comfortable with these fins than I did during my first dive and I was honestly at a point where I didn't look forward to diving. So then I decided to do some research online, and sure enough I found that there were a number of people who felt the same way/had the same issues that I did, with the splits. After doing some further research on paddle-style fins, I found the Avanti Quattros to be very well-regarded so I purchased a pair. Wow-what an instant difference. They were light (or at least, light compared to the raptors), responsive, comfortable...they made intuitive sense to my feet/legs. No longer was I having to think about the kick, I was simply kicking. No longer was I being controlled by the fin; now I was in control. Unlike with the splits, I found that after every dive with the paddles I improved and became more comfortable and confident which resulted in me looking forward to diving instead of feeling like "well, I spent all this money, I better keep at it." So again, prospective divers or divers in training would be well-advised to try both styles and see which is actually the style for him/her instead of being swayed by opinions and profit margins.

Note, I understand that although the Raptors are fairly well-regarded, they are not considered "top-tier" in the way that say, atomics: smoke on the water, or Apollo's bio-fin are; and at some point I would like to try out both. The point of this post was not to tout the inherent superiority of the paddle-fin (for some people/diving styles the paddle is better, for some people/diving styles the split is better), but rather to let new/prospective divers know that purchasing splits is not a "no-brainer". Again, had I not given a good pair of paddles a try, I might not be diving anymore.

 

[Louie]

There are some marketers and sales reps who will tell you that splits is the modern and only type of fins for effective diving. I've heard one saying at a trade show that if the split is the computer then the paddle fin is an electronic typewriter (????!!). Splits are seen as the sellable technology and there's some relentless promotion of these fins.

I've felt sorry for OW students who - as part of their student promo-pack discounts - were sold the most expensive splits without having even tried a pair of paddles. I'm sure many of them went on to have many happy dives with their splits but there are also those who really grew resentful of their fins.

Splits work very well for some - it depends on factors such as their finning style, physical strength and the type of diving they do. Personally, I don't like them and I am very happy with the rather heavy paddle fins I've had for many years.

As with any piece of equipment, try before you buy. It's an important investment. A good pair of fins can make a lot of difference in your diving, for comfort and effectiveness.

 

[Brian Sharpe]

Split fins are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

A lot of new divers simply buy whatever the LDS puts in front of them and, naturally, the store benefits (in the short term) by selling the higher mark-up product. Split fins are suitable for certain divers / diving conditions but think about it............do you need different cars for different driving conditions or does it make more sense to buy a tool that is suitable for almost every situation you'll encounter (and probably less $$ out of your pocket)

 

[rstofer]

Yup! And this is all a matter of personal preference as is the debate over jacket BCs versus BP/W's or integrated weights versus weight belt versus weight harness or snorkel versus no-snorkel. What one diver will like and tout to the world has no bearing on what someone else will like. None whatsoever!

I had a great pair of paddle fins (Oceanic I believe) when I started diving. I liked them. My wife couldn't move them so she bought a pair of those weird bat shaped fins and liked them (no accounting for taste) and now we both have SP Twin Jets and they seem to work just fine. We get where we're going and there doesn't seem to be an excess of effort.

Disclaimer: I'm never going to dive like those guys on You-Tube with the propellor kicks and all that stuff. Not going to happen. First, I am too old to learn that stuff and second, I don't care enough to be bothered with it. I get around just fine with what I have.

Richard

 

[mdb]

Try before you buy is always good advice.

Split fins come in many versions and designs, as do paddle style fins. There are very big differences in materials, design parameters, etc. We use only natural rubber, compression molded, to produce one of the worlds top fins. Other cheaper versions produce poor results.

Some paddle style fins are also top of the line in materials and design, Cressi and Mares, the new SP NOVA and others come to mind. The Force Fins are also an innovative design using top quality materials.

Sometimes several dives are necessary before you can actually make an informed decision.
Do not equate resistance with power, do not think that not "feeling" your fin means you are not going anywhere.

Borrow, rent, ask a friend, and keep looking on the boards for real advice.

Best wishes for lots of safe diving,

 

[Puffer Fish]

Raptors are a very interesting fin, more paddle than split by the way.

They are heavy...heavier with springs than Apollo.. they are stiff.. they do a really nice frog kick...better than my jets.

They have the stiffest foot pocket I have ever seen, so your boots had better fit.

In my fin collection, I find them to be more paddle than split, except they seem to be more efficient.

Almost as good at surface swimming as tusa splits (almost)...not a bad choice for someone with strong legs, that does a lot of snokling.

You really need to try Apollo's or smoke in the water to understand the difference between them...

If you are an ankle bender or a stiff leg swimmer, splits are not for you.

However, if you ever have to swim really fast, or swim really far, nothing is as efficient or as comfortable as split fins, but a lot of diving does not involve either.

I have 3 pairs of paddle fins, and 3 pairs of splits (including the Raptors), they all have their place.

 

[Bob Evans]

Puffer Fish, Might, you have a pair of Foil Force?. Your a Diver who knows one pair of fins does not fit for all purposes that's why we make over 40 Models of fins. I am now, today creating a new Underwater Hockey fin, for a friend. The Foil Force was the first Split fin to hit the Market, one year before any others. So next week I am revealing the Foil Force on our 30-30-30 program, made in the most exciting material I have ever found in making Fin's since 1971. Just Like the Flying Force, each pair will be signed and numbered, then put into a nice United States made dive bag. Join in with those who lead in American Fin Design, and support the American Workers.

 

[doc8425]

I too, started out with some paddle fins. Once I made the transition to split-fins, I found that I had to adjust my kick pattern to a more comfortable one. Instead of a wide flutter kick, I now use a narrower kick which generates the same (if not more) thrust with reduced effort. I prefer split-fins and have a few styles to my collection.

 

[FireInMyBones]

I started with split fins and keep them for travel and leisure.
I use Jets for tech-diving and love them.

Both have pros and cons. Glad that both are in my repertoire.

 

[RJP]

There seems to be a conception that newb's ought to get split fins.

If you wear split fins...you're going to burn in hell!