The FF Pros are the only ones I don't get.....OK for flutter but not so great for alternative kicks....I realize that the FF fins require adapting one's kick style, I'm sure I did not give them enough time, just 3 dives/3+ hours
Yep... 3 dives/3+ hours isn't really enough to 'convert' from a stiff paddle fin and learn the ankle-angle nuances of a Force Fin.... especially if you have significant experience in stiff paddles fins to 'overcome'.
However, Force Fins really do lend themselves to fine maneuvering.... and that includes frog kick, back kick, helicopter turns and modified flutter. I find all of those quite easy and effective with Force Fins.... slightly more so than with Dive Rite XTs or Apeks RK3s.... but then, MY overwhelming experience for the past 15 years or so has been in Force Fins.
I can even do a groovy 'side-kick' in Force Fins (
lateral movement sideways, with no rotation or forward/backward movement.... hard to explain).... and I've yet to make that work in stiff paddle fins....
For sidemount (and wreck), the buoyancy characteristics, short length and blade of Force Fins lend themselves very well to the diving that I do most frequently... multiple (4+) tanks in confined spaces in warm water/wetsuit locations.
Also... for the record... I can accomplish all the 'alternative' kicks quite happily barefooted.... so I do appreciate that it's possible to make
any fin work... if you have enough experience to do so... but Force Fins work
well...once you've got the feel of them.
One thing I have noted.... from a sidemount/tech instructor perspective... is that the Apeks RK3 lends itself very well to a quick initial development of advanced fin technique. I've seen students don these fins for the first time and quickly get to grips with them.... more so than with any other fin in the last 20 years.