twin jets clanking

[LI Diver]

I went and bought a pair of scuba pro twin jets to try to find a fin that would be easier on my knees and apollo's are not stocked by anyone around here.The not so local ds told me I could try them in a pool and if I did not like them I could return them. He told me he felt they were the best fins on the market.Well they seem to kick a little easier then my genesis response fins that the dive shop owner called two by fours. However they seem to clunk against each other while I am finning. They are wider than the average fin and I was able to adapt a wider kick and avoid them from touching. I did my usual 2500 yards with them and knees seemed ok but am worried that changing my kick width may have repercussions. Should I just let them hit? Will I get used to a wider kick?Any thoughts ?? Should I return them and search for a narrower fin? It's about a 30 mile drive in traffic to return them.:huh:

 

[Walter]

While I don't think much of splits in general, the width of Twin Jets isn't a concern. They are similar in width to Jets. It takes a few dives to get used to having your feet a little farther apart, a short learning curve.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

My first couple of dives with the twin jets I also hit my fins together a few times. I'd adjusted and life is good.

I'm old, adjusting isn't always easy but this was.

 

[LI Diver]

While I don't think much of splits in general, the width of Twin Jets isn't a concern. They are similar in width to Jets. It takes a few dives to get used to having your feet a little farther apart, a short learning curve.

Thanks Walter, I know this is a subject of much controversy and most likely many threads,but why aren't you fond of them? Is it for less ability to do alternate kicks and should that effect me as someone only interested in shallow reefs and no wreck penetrations or caves? Or is it the current issue, I have experienced a couple of ripping currents already in my short diving life but was able to muscle through them with my old fins. I guess the prudent thing to do would be to surface and blow up the sausage in a bad current situation. I plan to dive in the key's next week and Bonaire during the summer.

 

[Walter]

I've tried Apollo Bios and Twin Jets. Neither gave me the fine control I'm used to having. Neither have the power and neither is terribly efficient. They both felt almost like not wearing fins at all, but then I get the same feeling when I'm not wearing fins at all and I think for the same reason. If you like them, stay with them, they aren't my bowl of cherries.

 

[LI Diver]

Ok so basically your saying nothing is free. If you don't feel resistance from a fin then your not getting thrust. Does make sense in a physics kinda way. I don't really buy the high gear low gear schpeel people use to sell them. Gear ratio has nothing to do with it. Or kicking more rapidly with a split because it is less resistant gives you more torque than a paddle at a slower speed. I just don't know but the gear tests do show it. What kind of fin do you use walter?

 

[HowardE]

Ok so basically your saying nothing is free. If you don't feel resistance from a fin then your not getting thrust. Does make sense in a physics kinda way. I don't really buy the high gear low gear schpeel people use to sell them. Gear ratio has nothing to do with it. Or kicking more rapidly with a split because it is less resistant gives you more torque than a paddle at a slower speed. I just don't know but the gear tests do show it. What kind of fin do you use walter?

I have 2 sets of fins... I use twin jets with my wet suit booties, and I have a pair of mares something or others, that are rigid flat "standard" type of fins, that fit my dry suit boots. I find them both to be fine... I find that I swim much faster with less effort with the twin jets, as they are billed to do so.

I find that it's harder to do reverse kicks with the twin jets than the standard fin... If you're not worried about reverse or other "special" kicks, then you'll enjoy the twin jets. You will keep up with your group with less effort... If that is your goal, then GREAT!

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

I wouldn't be so certain that splits don't generate power, but then again some of us are very relaxed and not trying to use powerful kicks.

I believe that paddles most likely give you the most control. If you put paddles on my weak old engine legs, I'd go a lot slower.

 

[Allison Finch]

Don't believe the myth that splits don't generate thrust. All the tests have shown their efficiency, but die hards read only what they want to see. I used jet fins for more than 30 years before I tried my first splits. I fell in love immediately. I do, however, like some more than others. I find the Apollos to be too floppy for my likes. I also find it hard to make precise movements with them. After all, I like the stiffer (jet fins) fins. I finally found my favorite split fin. It is the Scuba Pro Twin Speed split fin. It is VERY stiff and I can make the most subtle movements with them. I do photgraphy and find them perfect. I also spend a lot of time in PNG swimming some trulely ripping currents. I have been able to keep up with everyone in paddle fins using much less effort. I also use the frog kick, almost exclusively, with excellent results.
Most naysayers simply do not want to learn how to use them.

 

[Quarrior]

If you want power and splits go with the ScubaPro Twin Speeds. If you want your fins not to knock together learn how to use the frog kick.

Remember, it's not a race and the frog kick is perfect for relaxed diving. If you get into a current and need the sissor kick, then the Twin Speeds will definately cut it for you.