Ready for new fins - too many choices

[mikedarmody]

I am ready to move on from my force fins. They were great to get started. Very little cramping, decent thrust, decent manueverability and easy to get on and off. But .... I recently had a serious workout in surge/current and felt overworked. Also, I got them hooked on a reel line penetrating a wreck and had to work a little to get free as I was in a narrow passageway (but they were good for manuevering in the wreck). Also, the force fins are terrible for surface swimming/snorkeling, unless you're on your back when they work great.

I've read many threads on different boards. I really want a good set of fins for wetsuit diving in San Diego and various tropical destinations. How do I start to evaluate the many choices? I'm more interested in the parameters than a particular product endorsement.

btw: I'll probably keep them for traveling, they pack well.

 

[theskull]

To be good for maneuvering inside wrecks and meeting your other requirements you can't do better than the old style rubber fins--either ScubaPro Jets, AquaLung Rockets, or Turtles.

Don't make it complicated. Just find a pair of the above that fit and get started.

theskull

 

[OE2X]

To be good for maneuvering inside wrecks and meeting your other requirements you can't do better than the old style rubber fins--either ScubaPro Jets, AquaLung Rockets, or Turtles.

Don't make it complicated. Just find a pair of the above that fit and get started.

theskull

Ditto. I'll only add that you should get some spring straps to replace the rubber ones. I have Terkel springs. Boogie on this board makes and sells them as well.

 

[mikedarmody]

I guess I need a good set for general use - tried and true. I need to start working on frog and backward kicks to go with flutter. So these will work for the different kick techniques?

 

[The Chairman]

The Jet Fins are the absolute best for all kick styles.

However, I use my Twin Jets for plain OW diving because they are easier. I can do a skull with them that is difficult with the Jets. But overall the Jets are more versatile, even though they are harder on you than the twin jets.

 

[OE2X]

Funny thing is when you adopt the frog kick, you may, as I (did and much to my surprise), that it is stronger than a flutter kick. I did a test one day in current to see which was easier and kept my sac rate lower. Surprise - it was the frog. I no longer use the flutter kick except if I need a real quick burst of speed.

 

[Walter]

Changing from Force Fins to another style (I also recommend Jet Fins) it may take some time to get your technique prefected. Don't give up, there is a learning curve.

 

[mikedarmody]

Thanks everybody for the straight scoop. It looks like I will start researching and testing jet fins.