Split fin question

[SeaHound]

A lot is said about splits being faster than regular fins but do they offer better manuverability too? I mean are they any good if you wanna paddle your way back in a narrow alley of a wreck or if you wanna make a sharp turn with a video camera in ur hand and stuff. How is the control?

 

[japan-diver]

Have used both and don't find many advantages to the split fins. They definately lack the manuverability of regular fins. Although they can be made to swim backwards and pivot but not nearly as well as regular fins.

 

[bcsean]

don't know if faster is the right description. They're more efficient theoretically for a standard kick. more power for less effort. Problem is, more effort doesn't pay off as much as standard fin. Also, frog kick, back kick.... are near impossible with split fins.

If you want control, get jets or turtles. Oldschool hard fins. no limp flopping around, they do what you want when you want. My turtles are on the way. Jets didn't fit. My volo's will be parked. I never bought a set of splits after looking into them.

 

[Uncle Pug]

I've tried Apollo Bio-fins, Scuba Pro Twin-Jets, and Atomic splits comparing them to Scubapro Jets and IDI Turtles.

For precise contol the paddle fins such as Jets and Turtles cannot be matched IMO.

I would also rather have them when serious power was required as it is very easy to *over-kick* a split fin and their supposed advantage becomes a liability.

 

[Scubaguy62]

Give me some paddle fins any day of the week and twice on Sunday, especially Jets. If I want ease of kick, I'll strap on my volos.


Rick