xsports, glad to see you made an "educated" decision. Some people won't make the effort to do the research, they take the 1st opinion they are given and go with it. By chance, did you see if anyone would loan you a set of splits to try out once or twice to see if you liked them in the water?
rawls, I'm not going to bash you, so please don't be offended by this. Splits are not for everyone, such a negative attitude toward such a product may turn students off quickly, though some products need the negative publicity. They are a wonderful product. As a military veteran, I've got knee and ankle issues. The only way to alleviate the stresses exerted on my right leg is to use the splits. PLUS, there is a difference in air consumption rates for some people: less effort = lower air consumption rate. There will always be those who simply can't kick 2x4 hard fins and need a little something extra/different. I had no trouble in the Caribbean with my Twin Jets in currents, surge, waves, etc. I actually sold my Mares Volo fins to get the TJs because they were more efficient and more comfortable for me.
In fact, I let a student try my Twin Jets out today just so he could see the difference. His comment: "Wow, what a difference. There's a lot less input needed to move around and much more comfortable. I can see why these would be great for someone with leg stress issues. I like them, but I'd need to dive them in the open water to know if they are for me." It couldn't have been said better. I love the "try before you buy" instructors, it was offered up to me when I went OW and I think that's why I let my students check out some of my gear.
