some recommand on fin

[Suzielim]

hi all diver,

i'm suzie from singapore and recently i jus start for my diving trip.
i wanted to get sone basic gear. i'v ald gotta a mask and wanted to get a pair of fin, but i got no idea wat kind of fin would be good for diving at asia area.

Need all diver for help as i will be going for another dive during october and hope to have my own fin.

thanks in advance...

 

[DevonDiver]

Hi Suzie,

Your choice will be dictated, firstly, by your budget and, secondly, by what requirements you wish the fin to fill.

1. Do you want a closed foot fin, or an open-heeled fin that you need boots for?

Closed foot fins tend to be lighter and are fine for boat diving. Open-heeled fins tend to be heavier and more powerful. Using boots with an open-heeled fin is optimum if you will be shore diving (the boots protect your feet whilst walking and whilst finning).

2. Are you happy with a basic 'no-frills' fin or do you want extra capability in terms of speed, efficiency and/or maneuvorability?

There are many, basic, no-frills fins on the market. These tend to be quite rigid and less efficient. They are cheap though Choose the best fin according to fit...you will need to try them on.

In the mid-range price bracket, you will find some very nice fins that offer more advanced materials and design. The MARES Quattro and X3 models are a perfect example of this.

In the higher range price bracket, you have options like the Scubapro Jetfin, Scubapro Splitfin and the ForceFin Pro.... which offer considerable advantages over other models. If you have any specific needs or requirements... then we can direct you to a fin that appropriately addresses these.

 

[Suzielim]

thanks Andy,

Actually i'm looking at the range between 100 to 200 dollar(SGD). And i'm look for open heel. Basically i jus wanna use less force but can be move very far. Actually i'v heard about the spilt fin, but i also know that wen there is a current it will be hard to move against the current is it true that when spilt fin meet current people will tend to use more force and will not keep moving forward?

 

[themagni]

You can't fight current. It weighs more and is being pulled by the moon. You're equipped with 2 square feet of polymer powered by a 1/4 HP biodrive. You lose.

You can struggle against the current but it's always a losing battle no matter what fin you're using.

I am not aware of any empirical studies about how various fins perform, so what you'll get, as the popcorn brigade will so succinctly put it, is a spurt of opinions. I like mine for the visibility, the ease of don/doff, and the underwater performance. The cost was exceptional, about $150 CDN including shipping. I got a pair of Force Fins on eBay about 5 years ago, and I'd buy another pair (before my next dive) if I ever lost them.

 

[DevonDiver]

Actually i'm looking at the range between 100 to 200 dollar(SGD). And i'm look for open heel. Basically i jus wanna use less force but can be move very far.

I am not that sure of the exchange rates at the moment, but here are some suggestions (from the major manufacturers) for your requirements...

Scubapro Twin Speed Fins - Full Foot
A unique concept using three modern materials. Adapted from the Adjustable Twin Speed revolutionary concept that exceeds today’s traditional fins performance by 30%, while reducing diver effort. Contains a full foot design for comfort in warm or temperate water; no need for booties.

Mares Avanti Excel
Following several tests on new materials, Mares Lab has created the Avanti Excel, to improve again the performance over the already legendary Plana tradition. Elastic OPB, Superchannel Thrust, Tri-material technologies and the Whale Tail design all fused into an unique extraordinary fi n, ideal for demanding divers. Available in 34/35 size from March 2008.

MARES Avanti Superchannel Full Foot
Due to the compact length of the blade the 42/43 size in 37cm (14.5in) is the ideal fin for travel and for dives in warm waters. The orthopedic foot pocket with variable thicknesses provides superior comfort. The blade is constructed of Tecralene® and Thermoplastic rubber for extended durability.

Actually i'v heard about the spilt fin, but i also know that wen there is a current it will be hard to move against the current is it true that when spilt fin meet current people will tend to use more force and will not keep moving forward?

Splitfins are a novel design concept meant to maximise power, whilst reducing effort. Some people love them, whilst other criticise them for certain drawbacks (mostly relevant to technical divers).

The fact is that a fin can only provide you with forward momentum...regardless of whether the water is still or moving. If the speed of an opposing current exceeds your speed, then you will not move forwards.

 

[Suzielim]

I am not that sure of the exchange rates at the moment, but here are some suggestions (from the major manufacturers) for your requirements...

Scubapro Twin Speed Fins - Full Foot
A unique concept using three modern materials. Adapted from the Adjustable Twin Speed revolutionary concept that exceeds today’s traditional fins performance by 30%, while reducing diver effort. Contains a full foot design for comfort in warm or temperate water; no need for booties.

Mares Avanti Excel
Following several tests on new materials, Mares Lab has created the Avanti Excel, to improve again the performance over the already legendary Plana tradition. Elastic OPB, Superchannel Thrust, Tri-material technologies and the Whale Tail design all fused into an unique extraordinary fi n, ideal for demanding divers. Available in 34/35 size from March 2008.

MARES Avanti Superchannel Full Foot
Due to the compact length of the blade the 42/43 size in 37cm (14.5in) is the ideal fin for travel and for dives in warm waters. The orthopedic foot pocket with variable thicknesses provides superior comfort. The blade is constructed of Tecralene® and Thermoplastic rubber for extended durability.

Splitfins are a novel design concept meant to maximise power, whilst reducing effort. Some people love them, whilst other criticise them for certain drawbacks (mostly relevant to technical divers).

The fact is that a fin can only provide you with forward momentum...regardless of whether the water is still or moving. If the speed of an opposing current exceeds your speed, then you will not move forwards.

Thanks for the recomment. But other then this 2 brand any other brand would u Recommend?? l'm also looking for open heel... from the few that u recommend i dun see any open heel is it that full foot play the same as open heel??

As for the spilt fin thanks for the advice... so sorry if i ask too many question as i'm really very new and don't really understand hows the gear work.

 

[DevonDiver]

Oh! So sorry! :blush:

I completely mis-read your previous post. Here are my recommendations for Open-Heel fins!

These fins are some of the best in the market, at slightly varying price ranges. Some (the Forcefins and Apollo Bios for instance) may be above your price range... but you could still look for a bargain second-hand pair...

I use the Forcefins Pro model (last on the list)... I could never use another fin having become accustomed to using these...



Scubpro Twin Jet Fins - Adjustable

• Patented split-fin propeller technology Proven to deliver more forward motion with considerably less effort than traditional blades.
• Patented Drag-reducing vents Substantially decrease resistance on both up and down strokes.
• Extended soleplate Acts like a lever to enhance power stroke.
• Extra-wide foot pocket Ideal for wearing with a dry or semi-dry suit.
• Quick-connect swivel buckles Buckle can be easily inserted from varying angles, easy to use with gloved hands.
Black — Molded from a stiffer compound than other colors. Offers a more traditional “feel”. Slightly negative buoyancy.
Cobalt — Softer, lighter, more flexible compound to achieve optimal efficiency with minimal effort. Slightly positive buoyancy.
Hi-Viz™ Yellow—Softer compound like cobalt in extremely vibrant color to afford the greatest visibility underwater. Slightly positive buoyancy.

SCUBAPRO Jet Fins
• Long history of performance
Considered the standard for power and durability since 1965.
• Proven vented design
Decreases drag on the upstroke; enhances thrust on the downstroke.
• Adjustable heel strap
Secures strap for ease of pre-dive preparation.

MARES Plana Avanti X3
• Three channel blade
• High quality at reasonable cost
• XS size available

The perfect combination of comfort and power for recreational divers and snorkelers. The mid-sized blade has three channels for optimal movement of water during the kicking cycle. Ideal for travel and available in XS providing the perfect fin for both women and young divers too.

MARES Avanti Quattro
• 4 channels 4 times thrusting power
• 20% more powerful then its competitors
• Anatomic open heel foot pocket

Avanti Quattro has set the standard for which all fins are measured. It’s the world’s fi rst fi n with four channels. Its Channel Thrust Technology offers the most versatile choice in all diving conditions. Stabilizers improve stability eliminating ankle-twisting phenomena. Anatomic foot pocket transmits more power to the blade.

Oceanic Vortex V-12
The V-12 Fin is an engineering revolution - designed from the ground up to deliver what others only promise - enhanced speed and efficiency with virtually no effort for the diver, regardless of size, strength or kicking style. Independent testing has shown that greater efficiency, resulting in reduced air consumption is achieved when using the V-12 than any other fin on the market.

• Patented Nature's Wing propeller fin technology
• Duroprene and natural rubber materials for ideal flex and memory
• Oversized side rails add rigidity to the oversized blades for increased lift and efficiency
• Ergonomically designed foot pocket accommodates virtually all foot sizes and boot styles
• Angled blade for preferred angle of attack
• Easy on/off thumb loop
• Easy adjust quick-release buckles
• Limited lifetime warranty

IST Talaria Split Fin
Using patented split fin technology, these fins deliver a lot more forward moving power with lot less kicking effort and very little drag. Built with best material available and fine-tuned to the most ideal harness, this 3rd generation split fin provides best effort/thrust ratio. Like a pair of underwater wings, the fins allow divers unrivaled freedom of movement.

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Apollo Bio-Fin Pro[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Bio-Fin Pro has won and continues to win numerous awards throughout the world for its design and effciency. The Bio-Fin Pro's excellence leads to its choice and use by some of the worlds elite specialist naval warefare units. The Bio-Fin Pro has demonstrated its reliablity with the British Royal Marines (Special Forces) SBS, British Royal Navy (Search & Rescue), United States Navy (Special Forces) SEALs and United States Army Rangers to name but a few...
[/FONT][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Not all split fins are equal. Apollo was the first to visualize and introduce the split fin technology to the diving public. There are now more than a dozen alternative split fins on the market. Look closely before you decide. While some are produced with a plastic rubber compound, the Apollo Bio-Fin series is the only split fin produced with 100% rubber.

[/FONT]
TUSA SF-8 X-PERT ZOOM
The SF-8 X-Pert Zoom split fin is unlike traditional fins which create propulsion only through repulsive force, the SF-8 attains propulsion by creating a pressure differential in the water flow using Propeller-fin technology.
Features:
Propeller-fin technology provides the ultimate performance & comfort
Innovative hydrofoil design that produces forward motion (propulsion) with less effort
New age elastic material with ridged reinforced double layered construction
27 degree angle for maximum efficiency
TUSA Patented easy-to-adjust strap features quick release buckles
Color: Black, HBK Black*, Cobalt Blue, Flash Yellow
*HBK Black has a stiffer blade compound

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]


Pro Model Force Fins [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pro Model Force Fins have all of the features of the [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Original Force Fin[/FONT], fabricated using a stiffer mixture of high performance polyurethane. Preferred by members of Special Force Fins and experienced divers. A perfect balance between load bearing power, efficient leverage and thrust.[/FONT]

• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Toes-free foot pocket that reduces cramping and leverages power from your strongest kicking muscles, for an....[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Easy and powerfully efficient kick[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Easy to pack[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Small, effective blade is the perfect size for turbulent free and fast movement of water[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Easy to maneuver[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Independently moving wing tips that let you fine tune your position with small foot and leg movements[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Reduces chance of your kicking delicate marine life[/FONT]
• [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Snappy, upcurved, split-V shaped blade channels water fast and with optimum directional control.[/FONT]

 

[Suzielim]

dear Andy,

thanks so much for the info on fin. will base on these few to do more reseach on it.

 

[chauncy19]

Suzielim,
another thing you may have an interest in is spring straps that replace the strap on your fins. i just bought new fins and string straps. although i am diving in the caribbean (just came back from Bonaire) fins and straps were great addition. I decided to 'upgrade" my fins as was diving in some current in March and everyone else seemed to have an easier time. i bought Tusa Zoom Fins but admit it had more to do with price ie sale then any specific info about the fins. Anyway I just wanted to mention the spring straps. I found the fins and spring straps to have been a great purchase. highly recommend the straps. I am strictly a recreational diver, doing one or two dive vacations a year.

 

[Atomic_Diver]

for cave/wreck diving never go with split, for recerational i HIGHLY reccomend: Atomic Aquatics Smoke on Water, Apollo Pro XP-C fin, and for full foot pocket go with Mares Avanti Supercahnnel (by far the fastest and quickest response time fin i have ever seen) for caves i reccomend the Turtle fin for its wide blade makes perfect for propelling heavy gear wilest doing the frog kick, dolphin kick, and modified flutter