ScubaPro Seawing Nova's vs. my ancient US Diver Jet fins

[SayNo2Snow]

So I've found over time the Jet fins that I've been using to be to have become too heavy over the years; causing strain on my ankles and knees and having tired legs when swimming against current or on my back surface swimming out to the reef drop off. I felt like I really had to work... and in general too much work. I've had them since I was certified in 1987.

So after reading several posts by you wonderful folks about the pros and cons to various types of fins I figured that ScubaPro's Seawing Nova's would be the solution. The trouble was I didn't want to layout $240 for them at home, take them on my vacation only to be unhappy with their performance.

Thanks and Shout out to Bryan at Dive Curacao and Ruud at Atlantis Divers in Curacao they also recommended the Seawing Nova's and I was able to "try before you buy". I took a pair on a couple of dives and really liked how light they are and the power you still have to propel you against the current. My trim is much better too. They are positively buoyant vs. the drop like a rock heavy Jet Fins. Kicking with either frog or flutter style kicking is equally easy So... I'm...SOLD! Oh and they have a lifetime warranty too!

I've now done 14 dives with the, the only CON, and I think it is more about getting used to them is... before, I was able to stay in one spot much better while taking pictures with the heavy Jet fins... they acted more like an anchor. Now my feet want to float like a sky diver when I'm focusing on staying still and taking a photo.
Also I did have to add 2#'s of lead to compensate for the difference in buoyancy.

Once again thanks to everyone for the information to help my decision I'm very happy with my choice!!

 

[Alan Browne]

Sounds like a positive for me. My weights always seem a little low on my waist, so tend to be leg down. These would help pivot me into a better position. I have a likely trip to Roatan in a few weeks - so I'll go to the dive shop soon and check them out.

 

[Motoman4540]

I swapped out my AquaLung split fins for a pair of Seawing Nova's. My local ScubaPro dealer (Ocean Safaris in Miami) gave me a loaner set to take on a live aboard in St. Kitts for a week. I also brought my split fin's as well, just in case. Verdict after a week -- the Nova's blew my split fins away. The propulsion was far superior, whether I was finning hard in current, or just drifting along with. slight kick here and there. Went back and bought two pair -- one for me and one for my wife. After a month in the Red Sea this month, she agrees; a fantastic product and very comfortable!

 

[Michael.T.]

So I've found over time the Jet fins that I've been using to be to have become too heavy over the years; causing strain on my ankles and knees and having tired legs when swimming against current or on my back surface swimming out to the reef drop off. I felt like I really had to work... and in general too much work. I've had them since I was certified in 1987.

So after reading several posts by you wonderful folks about the pros and cons to various types of fins I figured that ScubaPro's Seawing Nova's would be the solution. The trouble was I didn't want to layout $240 for them at home, take them on my vacation only to be unhappy with their performance.

Thanks and Shout out to Bryan at Dive Curacao and Ruud at Atlantis Divers in Curacao they also recommended the Seawing Nova's and I was able to "try before you buy". I took a pair on a couple of dives and really liked how light they are and the power you still have to propel you against the current. My trim is much better too. They are positively buoyant vs. the drop like a rock heavy Jet Fins. Kicking with either frog or flutter style kicking is equally easy So... I'm...SOLD! Oh and they have a lifetime warranty too!

I've now done 14 dives with the, the only CON, and I think it is more about getting used to them is... before, I was able to stay in one spot much better while taking pictures with the heavy Jet fins... they acted more like an anchor. Now my feet want to float like a sky diver when I'm focusing on staying still and taking a photo.
Also I did have to add 2#'s of lead to compensate for the difference in buoyancy.

Once again thanks to everyone for the information to help my decision I'm very happy with my choice!!

Where did you get a pair for 240 CAD? I am in Vancouver, BC, looking for one pair. They all seem to be saling around $299 mark. Amazon.ca also sales them at the same price point but shipped from US(wondering if I will be charged custom fee). Any suggestions for where could I purchase an authentic pair at good price?

 

[SayNo2Snow]

Where did you get a pair for 240 CAD? I am in Vancouver, BC, looking for one pair. They all seem to be saling around $299 mark. Amazon.ca also sales them at the same price point but shipped from US(wondering if I will be charged custom fee). Any suggestions for where could I purchase an authentic pair at good price?

I didn't pay $240 CAD... that's what I would've paid at Ocean Sports a local dive shop in Edmonton. I purchased them from Atlantis Divers in Curacao and actually paid less bcz I purchased ones that were used ( for training purposes at the shop)

 

[HKGuns]

I really like my SWN Fins. No complaints at all so far.........

 

[Clayton122]

I have the Nova Gorilla fins, and after swapping from split fins I would never go back.

That, and my feet are simply to big for ANY pair of Jet fins to fit my foot.

 

[buddhasummer]

Had no love for the Novas, save comfort, I really liked the Gorillas though.

 

[happy-diver]

It's really interesting, style and place of diving, superhuman strength of legs, different ideas
No one should be comfortable using gorilla fins as they require too much unnecessary work
at least they're light

For rec diving they stink so I cut 3 inches off each, strange day

however the normal novas are like having all the control surfaces of an aeroplane attached to your feet
Beautiful, like underwater ballet

but they won't push doubles


Should see what I did to one pair one of my cerich fins

 

[maadJurguer]

I've had zero issues/complaints with my Nova Gorilla's and they're comfy...YMMV if you don't use your legs as much when you're above water. My wife has the regular Nova's and like them as well....but there is a noticeable propulsion difference when we're in an up-current situation.