Solid fins vs flexible fins and air usage

[Kohanbash]

When I started diving (10 years ago) I purchased solid (ie. no flexible rubber sections in it) fins. I was in the dive shop a few days ago and was looking at all of the modern fins with flexible rubber sections in the middle and all sorts of advertised advanced channels.

Is it worth upgrading? Do people see decreased air consumption by switching to more modern fins?

 

[tbone1004]

...no

 

[northernone]

There isn't good data available to back up those marketing claims. Personally, I've experienced the opposite using floppy new gimmicky fins it's more effort to travel the same distance/speed.

Regards,
Cameron

 

[wildbill9]

Come on tbone.....that response is pretty verbose. Can't u use a few less words?

 

[tbone1004]

Come on tbone.....that response is pretty verbose. Can't u use a few less words?

5 character minimum ;-)

 

[wildbill9]

Lol..

 

[Flycaster]

...no

Bingo!

 

[billt4sf]

Conservation of Energy. You can't get more work (energy) out of something than you put in.

I think some people have the idea that once the fin is "pushed over" by the effort of the kick, it will "push back" and get you going further. But you can't get more work out of it than you put into it.

BTW, why are we trying to go further or faster? I forgot....I guess I was distracted by all the interesting things to look at....

- Bill

 

[tbone1004]

@billt4sf I think it's more the ability to go the same speed with less effort vs. going faster

@Kohanbash if you want to lower your air consumption, switch to a frog kick instead of a flutter kick. You will engage smaller muscle groups during the kick cycle

 

[scubadada]

@tbone1004 ...if you want to lower your air consumption, switch to a frog kick instead of a flutter kick...

Beat me to it