OMS Slipstream, Deep 6 Eddy, Apeks RK3? Other?

[jgoldman46]

I am looking for fins that are vented, positive, and lightweight and have come to the three above. The OMS are a little cheaper and lighter and come in red which is a bonus but since I would also be getting a spring tab for $30 ish they would be only $25 cheaper than the deep 6 eddys and the rk3s which are both at $200. If the Eddys were still in the $100-110 range I'd get them but they're basically the same price as more expensive ones at $200 now. Ive heard the Deep 6 Eddys are comfortable and already come with a pull tab which is good. Im looking at these three because I want something vented but still light and they are all in the 4.2-4.5 lb range and are not negatively bouyant (Ive heard the apeks are slightly neg but have also seen vids of them rising underwater). Are the OMS the best bet or is paying a little more worth it? Ive also heard the apeks are floppy which is fine because I don't want them to be too stiff especially because I want to use them for snorkeling also. Any suggestions between these three or other ideas? Thanks!

 

[-JD-]

The Eddys are really nice fins, but are definitely stiffer than the Slipstreams. A bit too stiff for my body mechanics and I prefer the feel of the Slipstreams.

Eddys are almost perfectly neutral in freshwater and Slipsstreams are about 0.4-0.5lbs per pair negative in freshwater.

I've been experiencing a dry-spell recently due to "life", but I had just tried the ScubaPro Seawing SuperNovas which are lighter, slightly buoyant (0.2lbs per pair in freshwater) and take down for travel. I was really happy with them for wet-diving using both flutter and frog - I sold my Eddys and Slipstreams.

You might also look at the ScubaPro GoSport and GoSport-Gorilla fins for a traditional vented paddle fin style that is neutral-positive with slighly different flex.

There are extensive threads on both the GoSport(-Gorilla) & SuperNova fins if you do a quick search on here.

 

[rongoodman]

I've been very happy with the Eddy fins. They're compact and very maneuverable. For areas with stiff currents, like Cocos Island, I find that the DiveRite XTs work better.

 

[grumpycat]

I have both OMS Slipstream and Deep6 Eddys. For my foot, the Eddys are way more comfortable. The OMS Slipstream is sort of square-ish shaped and quite uncomfortable for me when they're a little more form fitting. The next size up has way too much space and doesn't fit well even with the shorter springs. The Eddys are closer to the shape of my actual foot with bootie, doesn't pinch my foot anywhere, and has no unwanted movement/flopping. The springs on the Eddys also have two or three settings to make them a bit tighter or looser.

Eddys are definitely a bit stiffer, though I personally didn't notice a major difference for my kicks and being able to maneuver most of the time. When I have to kick really hard and fast against a current or something, the Eddys give me cramps a little quicker than the Slipstreams. As JD mentioned, this is probably a body mechanics thing and somewhat individual.

OMS Slipstreams are a great option if they fit your foot well enough. You can also get after market springs for a bit cheaper from Piranha Dive, iirc. I would try them on to ensure the shape of the foot pocket is ok for you before committing.

 

[grantmac]

The Eddys fit better and the spring attachment point is superior to a Jet style. I wish the Go Sport had that style.

Personally I fit all my fins with bungee since it's lighter, not a line trap, easier to don/doff, adjustable and easy to carry replacements. The Eddy/Hollis style attachment point makes going to bungee very easy.

 

[tbone1004]

RK3 are too floppy, not good to work with
Slipstreams are nice, dove them for many years but not as stiff as the Eddy's and the tips are a bit floppy. They're easier if you flutter kick, but even when snorkeling I do a modified breast stroke kick.
Eddy's are definitely more comfortable and have a lot more power and maneuverability being stiffer. They're worth learning to use properly and are by far the most comfortable fins that I've ever used.

 

[bradStyle]

I've dove RK3s for years. I tried Eddys at some point but they don't work for my feet, horribly uncomfortable (they work great for most people). I'm hoping to pick up a pair of Slipstreams in white.

 

[Sebs]

I dive RK3s and like them well enough but when a dive guide in Egypt let me use his slipstreams for a dive I was instantly convinced. If I had to pick now, I'd get slipstreams over RK3s. No idea on Eddys.

 

[happy-diver]

I tried Eddys at some point but they don't work for my feet, horribly uncomfortable (they work great for most people).

Hey how's it going yeah what sort of footwear were you using thanks

 

[bradStyle]

Hey how's it going yeah what sort of footwear were you using thanks

Aqua Lung Heavy-Duty High Top Booties. They work great in my RK3s and my Jets, and felt good the week I used Slipstreams. I've got notoriously bad feet though (thanks to my grandfather for those), and find it hard to even find comfy shoes.