Review of the RK4 fins from Apeks

[pisauron]

so my question is beside the design that look like a batman wing are they any different compare to the rk3 ? do they perform any better any how ?

No they perform the same.

 

[happy-diver]

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[jeffarchers]

Got my white RK4 fins from Apeks this week and had a chance to dive with them. Might make a video soon.

I own RK3 medium size. And i do like them very much so i thought i might try the RK4s the same size.

So here is my review:

Size: Although they seem massive they are almost exactly the same size as my RK3.
View attachment 862187View attachment 862188

Shoe size: The RK4 and my RK3 are both medium but the shoe size of the RK4 is a bit bigger and my shoes are wobbly just a bit.

Stiffness: They are just slightly more stiff than the RK3.

Material: The material is different, almost identical to my Tecline fins.

Design: Much changed, but under the water it feels exactly the same as my RK3. Back kick and helicopter work just the same.

Strap: Now you can adjust the nut that holds the strap. It has 2 positions. A welcome advancement to get your sizing just right.

Ankle: That is just horrible design. The ankle puller is made of stiff plastic and not foam or something soft. As usual, no hole to put your finger. Just a huge knob that is uncomfortable to use. I had pain the entire dive because of the ankle puller - bad design. When will Apeks drop this stupid thing?

Comfort: I also had pain in the upper part of the foot but that's subjective and depends on the shoes you use.

Buoyancy: Negative! Drops pretty fast down. But don't feel heavy underwater.


Summary:

This is a mediocre product that is not worth the premuim price. Stick with the RK3 - they were better.

My solution:

I Removed the ankle puller from the RK3 and put it on the RK4.


I will do a video review if anyone is interested.

Was it hard removing the ankle pull tab and replacing it? I'm actually eyeing these and I do find the current design of the pull tabs an eyesore, so I might just get them and replacing the pull tabs immediately

 

[pisauron]

Was it hard removing the ankle pull tab and replacing it? I'm actually eyeing these and I do find the current design of the pull tabs an eyesore, so I might just get them and replacing the pull tabs immediately

Why buy this fin if you have to modify it heavily and it's nothing special and even borderline bad?

Anyway - it's not that hard to remove. you unclip the springs and remove it then screw the springs back.

 

[jeffarchers]

Why buy this fin if you have to modify it heavily and it's nothing special and even borderline bad?

Anyway - it's not that hard to remove. you unclip the springs and remove it then screw the springs back.

Very true. The RK3 it is then