Scuba with freediving fins

[PalauDiver]

I have used the Cressi Gara 3000 for many years for both scuba and freediving. They are inexpensive at around $100 (especially for freedive fins) powerful, and they are bulletproof. I have used other modular fins and while there is a difference, I don't see the cost justified.

 

[ronscuba]

Not getting cramps with free dive fins is odd. I have been free diving a lot longer than scuba diving and I have never met anyone who hasn't gotten cramps with long strong fins. So lucky you.

I have both, most spear guys and gals that I know have both. If your reef diving 30 feet of water with your kids I can't see why anyone would need or want free diving fins. Thats all I am saying. It would be silly, kind of like getting milk from 7/11 with a porsche

Arguing that free dive fins require less energy for propulsion is like trying to argue that the earth is flat, it goes against every ounce of physics known to man.

I do agree with Mako a lot of it has to do with your level of fitness. So in the end it really depends on what kind of diving your doing, and what kind of shape you are in.

Fiberglass free dive fins can be much softer than plastic. I have fiberglass Leaderfins and Mako plastic. I never get cramps with the fiberglass fins. Fiberglass Leaderfins and Mako are relatively affordable at under $180.

I like free dive fins for scuba because I get a lot of travel distance with 1 easy free dive fin kick. It would take several kicks with my scuba fins to travel the same distance. There are also times when I do need to move fast and maintain that speed. For example, shooting video and maintaining pace with a moving animal. My fiberglass free dive fins make this much easier and energy efficient than my scuba fins.

As far as energy efficiency and propulsion distance, isn't that the goal of single breath free divers ?

 

[IncreaseMyT]

As far as energy efficiency and propulsion distance, isn't that the goal of single breath free divers ?

Yea but while covering distance, if you don't need to cover distance through propulsion that completely changes the equation, which is my point in this conversation.

People should use what ever fin works best for them, I am just saying for me personally I have to have both, because some dives its silly to use a really long fin.

 

[Nick Steele]

Arguing that free dive fins require less energy for propulsion is like trying to argue that the earth is flat, it goes against every ounce of physics known to man.

What physics are you referring to? Been awhile since I took a physics class.

But if that was true why would there be a need for freediving fins in the first place? The whole concept behind freediving fins is that they conserve energy and require less oxygen in your blood to be used.

 

[IncreaseMyT]

What physics are you referring to? Been awhile since I took a physics class.

But if that was true why would there be a need for freediving fins in the first place? The whole concept behind freediving fins is that they conserve energy and require less oxygen in your blood to be used.

You forgot while covering distance, which changes the entire equation as previously mentioned. I am having trouble figuring out why this point is so hard to get across. Are you trying to tell me that you will use less energy with a free dive fin on short distances than a short fin when you have ample time to go from point A to point B?

Also your telling me in wreck penetration you are going to wear some free diving fins? You would be swimming behind me thats for sure.

 

[Nick Steele]

Yes for some diving applications freediving fins won’t work especially wreck/cave diving I have no problem with that. What I have a problem understanding is the saying freediving fins require more energy to use which just isn’t true.

Also I have no intentions to penetrate wrecks or do any cave diving.

 

[IncreaseMyT]

It is true. Your premise involves covering distance, if you don't need to do that, the lesser resistance on a shorter fin will cause you to expend less energy. I thought this was common knowledge.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

I have used the Cressi Gara 3000 for many years for both scuba and freediving. They are inexpensive at around $100 (especially for freedive fins) powerful, and they are bulletproof. I have used other modular fins and while there is a difference, I don't see the cost justified.

Yes those are very nice fins and the blades are
not interchangeable. They are very similar to the MAKO freedive hunter fins we offer for much less than $100. I really hope that scuba divers are realizing that they can get a quality long fin for not a whole lot of $$$&

 

[ronscuba]

It is true. Your premise involves covering distance, if you don't need to do that, the lesser resistance on a shorter fin will cause you to expend less energy. I thought this was common knowledge.

Yea but while covering distance, if you don't need to cover distance through propulsion that completely changes the equation, which is my point in this conversation.

People should use what ever fin works best for them, I am just saying for me personally I have to have both, because some dives its silly to use a really long fin.

Absolutely agree, people should use whatever fin works best for them. I have several different types of fins.

Free dive fins on wreck or cave dives, obviously no. For scuba in open water drift or current dives, yes.

 

[Laval]

Absolutely agree, people should use whatever fin works best for them. I have several different types of fins.

Free dive fins on wreck or cave dives, obviously no. For scuba in open water drift or current dives, yes.

I see that my question generated a good discussion. My intention is to use free diving fins for current dives. During my last two trips to Raja Ampat and Socoro, on some dives with strong currents, I was not able to move with my Mares Quadro+ fins, while three other divers who were using free diving fins moved through the current without any problem.

From the discussion, it appears that fiberglass blades are a good choice for scuba diving.
Thank you everyone for the discussion.