Scubapro go travel replacement

[bvbellomo]

I started in Mares Avanti Quattro's, later went to SP Jets. I'm also a freediver so I've used Picasso long freediving fins. I've tried split fins in the pool and ocean, I've tried SP Nova's, I have a pair of vented turtle fins, I acquired some IDI power fins which are an old solid rubber non vented fin longer than jets but more flexible, and I have a pair of SP Go Sports that @lexvil sent me. For standard from the hip alternate fin kicks the Go Sports are so far the best for scuba. I have GoSport Gorillas on my wish list. The fastest but not necessarily the most efficient fin is the long freediving fins. I can flat haul ass in those but at a cost of a lot of fuel (air). The only time I used those scuba diving was to lobster dive in Socal, you have to be first out and cover a lot of ground to get the bugs. We use huge tanks to cover for the gas needs.
The absolute worst fin for flutter is the Jet's followed by the Turtles. But they are great for feet up sculling (DIR style kicks) and backing up, heli, etc.
I didn't like the Mares because they have a floppy center section that supposed to channel the water but it creates a dead spot in the up/down transition.
The splits didn't work at all for me, probably because I was overkicking them and not allowing the vortex to do it's thing. They were just weird.
Right now I'm still using the Jet's because all I'm doing is urchin harvesting and we don't need to move around much or cover a lot of ground. I'm not really doing any surface swims to speak of. I need the weight to keep my feet down, and they are a tough fin for beach entries/exits.

As far as your air consumption, you use what you use, don't worry about it.

I am surprised you say the Go Sports are better than the Nova's for flutter kicks. Everyone seems to think the SuperNova's are best and the Nova's are almost as good. Someone else recommended Go Sport fins to me, the only reason I don't want to try them is they seem too similar to the Go Travel fins.

Which splits were you using? People seem to fall into 2 groups: "All split fins are garbage" and "Some split fins are garbage".

 

[boqurant]

The GoSport seem to be a good all-rounder, though if I were to buy them again I'd get the Gorilla version which I expect would be better in medium-strong currents, and thus an even better all-rounder. Then again, I think those are booted only, so that might not be what you want. Personally, since I already have the GoSport, I'll save them as an option in the growing pile of dive gear, and augment my options (esp for currents) with the Supernova. They have a closed-foot (no boot) option if thats your thing

 

[bvbellomo]

I'd much prefer a booted fin. The Go Travel are perfect for Bahamas or even Cozumel where water is warm, I am not walking on sharp rocks and I am not kicking much. They are less well suited to somewhere like Galapagos.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I am surprised you say the Go Sports are better than the Nova's for flutter kicks. Everyone seems to think the SuperNova's are best and the Nova's are almost as good. Someone else recommended Go Sport fins to me, the only reason I don't want to try them is they seem too similar to the Go Travel fins.

Which splits were you using? People seem to fall into 2 groups: "All split fins are garbage" and "Some split fins are garbage".

I might give Nova's another try.
The Go's and the new gorilla version is more my style though.
I tried the original Apollo Bio Fin and the SP twin jet, both were equally as weird.

 

[lexvil]

I might give Nova's another try.
The Go's and the new gorilla version is more my style though.
I tried the original Apollo Bio Fin and the SP twin jet, both were equally as weird.

The nova require a long steady stroke, a momentary pause at the end to let the blade catch up, closer to a free dive fin than a short stiff blade.

 

[BoltSnap]

I'd much prefer a booted fin. The Go Travel are perfect for Bahamas or even Cozumel where water is warm, I am not walking on sharp rocks and I am not kicking much. They are less well suited to somewhere like Galapagos.

The SuperNova and the S-Tek have two different foot pocket options, open and closed. You may want to consider either fin since you can have the two types of foot pockets and use either based on your preference and circumstances. To be clear, you buy a pair of either the SuperNova or the S-Tek with an open or closed foot pocket and then buy the other type of foot pocket without the blades. You can switch the foot pockets or the blades easily in these two fin models. That's a neat feature.

I always prefer fins which I can use with boots, even in warm waters. I do not wish to climb a boat ladder with scuba equipment on me barefoot or walk on a hot boat deck barefoot, so I don't see any reason not to wear thick-soled boots.

 

[bvbellomo]

Overall, I am happy with my ScubaPro fins, and I like their options, so it makes sense to go with another pair of ScubaPros. Whatever I pick, I am between a M and L size and I would go open heel which means I also need to buy boots. I am not sure if I should research that, but it might help me decide on which size to buy. Hopefully I can find a local dealer and find time to visit. Even if I can't test anything wet, just being able to try it on is worth it for sizing.

Here are my considerations:
1) Seawing Supernova - I like having a positively buoyant fin, as I tend to go feet down unless I use trim weights. Maybe the boots will help with that. From what I've read, most people seem to think these are the most power for flutter kicking of the options here.

2) S-Tek - I like the extra bend. I have problems with leg cramping, although that is more an issue running. They look better than the Supernovas, and being able to adjust weight is a plus.

3) Sport Gorilla - I am not sold on the idea of disassembling fins. It might help if I ever try scuba diving without checking luggage. Fins weigh the same whether you take them apart or not. Gorillas seem similar to what I have now, but with more power and an open heel options, which is mostly what I am looking for.

I'd be interested hearing anything new comparing these from anyone who tried more than 1 of these, or anyone who only tried 1 and didn't like it.

 

[BoltSnap]

3) Sport Gorilla - I am not sold on the idea of disassembling fins. It might help if I ever try scuba diving without checking luggage. Fins weigh the same whether you take them apart or not. Gorillas seem similar to what I have now, but with more power and an open heel options, which is mostly what I am looking for.

It is the Supernova and stek that you can disassemble not the gorilla.

 

[lexvil]

It is the Supernova and stek that you can disassemble not the gorilla.

He knows, that was his justification for the gorillas still on the list. I’m starting to think the S Tek is his better option as he like the look, they have adjustable buoyancy and the easier on the legs bend.

 

[bvbellomo]

Yes, if it were the other way, S-Tek and Supernova being 1 piece and Gorillas being modular, the Gorillas would not be on the list.

BoltSnap seems to think SuperNovas are better at flutter than the Gorillas but either would suit me. He didn't mention the S-Tek.

SmashMonkey tried all 3 and seems to like S-Tek better for flutter, says Gorillas are better than Supernova for alternating kicks and worse than S-Tek for extended periods of flutter kicking. I am not sure what he means by alternating kicks - maybe modified flutter? His wife seems to prefer S-Tek to Supernova but swims faster in the Supernova.

Eric Sedletzky said the Go Sports (non Gorilla) are better than Supernovas for flutter kicks.


So ultimately it seems to come down to personal preference which is not something I can decide at a desk.

The S-Teks may lead on paper, but they also seem to be the least popular and the fin I know the least about.