What is the context of your FIN preferences?

[Fastmarc]

For me, figuring out a fin preference is difficult, mainly because I am just not in a position to try fins before purchasing them.
I knew what I had wasn't working for me as it required too much effort when in a bit of current to keep up with other divers.

I just read a lot. Opinions and independent professional reviews then close my eyes and click. I ended up getting a vent type fin which was the original Sherwood Trident (there's now a Pro version which is said to be stiffer) and I'm happy with the purchase. The only thing I changed was to SS straps.

Is there a better fin out there for me? Maybe, but it's unlikely I will know as there's just no option to try. For now I'm happy I lucked out this these and unless I loose them, I don't have to do this all again.

Just research as best as you can.

 

[Bigbella]

There is a clear reason why the "jet" style fin has been around for fifty years or more: they're bulletproof; they're efficient for most swimming habits; they adequately fit even heavy dry-boots; and, what's even more satisfying -- directly fly in the face of the dive industry's annual, idiotic "reinvent the wheel" efforts, in introducing more ridiculous "space age" materials: removable stiffening rods; asinine elfin shapes; boutique colors and splits -- all destined for the flea market or garage sale, within a season . . .

 

[tursiops]

There is a clear reason why the "jet" style fin has been around for fifty years or more: they're bulletproof; they're certainly efficient for most active swimming habits; they adequately fit even heavy dryboots; and, what's even more satisfying -- directly fly in the face of the dive industry's annual, idiotic "reinvent the wheel" efforts, in introducing more ridiculous "space age" materials: removable stiffening rods; asinine shapes; boutique colors and splits -- all destined for the flea market or garage sale, within a season . . .

LOL. And for 50 years they have been heavy and have had a foot pocket that is not shaped like real feet. I am speaking of Jet fins specifically, not whatever you mean by "jet-style" fins.

 

[Cap335]

I like a stiff fin with a comfortable foot pocket. I have a fin test that I try when new fins come out, I go to the pool and see how far I can go underwater on one breath. sometimes different fins require different technique so I try to adjust my kick to how each fin works the best.

 

[Bigbella]

LOL. And for 50 years they have been heavy and have had a foot pocket that is not shaped like real feet. I am speaking of Jet fins specifically, not whatever you mean by "jet-style" fins.

I have old Scubapro; some Poseidon; and a generic version of the jet fin, through Dive Gear Express. They all appear to have come from the same Chinese reeducation camps; same weight, struck from the same molds; and are well made. What you criticize them for, I think is their strong suit. With dry suit use, I have no need of ankle weights; and they accommodate heavy boots. I am no snowflake and don't find them unmanageable, in the least.

I have yet to see any fin pocket -- even in my free-diving fins, anatomically shaped like a foot. Also, using fins in a pool -- free of currents, surge, buoyancy differences -- is akin to sitting in a car in a showroom, honking the horn and pantomiming steering; it's not directly analogous to "hitting the road . . ."

 

[dmaziuk]

Of all the JET type fins I’ve tried, the Eddy fins are at the top.... but I haven’t been out of the pool with them. I have no doubt that I’ll like the Eddy fin when I’m just maneuvering around, but to move fast somewhere, they are much slower than my little pool training fins... much slower for equal or more exertion in the pool without any dive equipment on.

In the pool my Accels feel like anchors that spring back with a *boink* at every wall turn. Open heel fins suck for swimming laps and heavy and wide jet-types should suck much harder.

Try doing frogkick and back-kick on your back with a kickboard. (I actually need to sit on it for back-kick, otherwise I can't keep in trim; for forward modified frog I put my head on or near it.) That should give you a much better basis for comparison.

 

[gcarter]

I don't have the best finning technique. Not for lack of trying.

Used Mares Avantix fins for my first 150 or so dives. Always had a hard time getting any power from them, which I found to be a problem in current. Switched to the DGX no-name jet fins and loved them. Even with my weird (lack of) technique, I can get power from them, and my even weirder frog kick actually works.

Spring straps after about 50 dives when a strap broke. Would never have fins without them again.

 

[tursiops]

What you criticize them for, I think is their strong suit. With dry suit use, I have no need of ankle weights; and they accommodate heavy boots.

Which is why internet advice is so problematic; not everyone uses dry suits, nor needs ankle weights, nor uses heavy boots, nor has the same leg-length and buoyancy or trim issues, etc.

I have yet to see any fin pocket -- even in my free-diving fins, actually shaped like a foot.

Look at the Deep 6 Eddys.

Also, using fins in a pool -- free of currents, surge, buoyancy differences -- is akin to sitting in a car in a showroom, honking the horn and pantomiming steering; it's not directly analogous to "hitting the road . . ."

Agreed! Great analogy!

 

[Bigbella]

Look at the Deep 6 Eddys.

Superficially, they most closely resemble my DGX fins. I see no real distinction in shape . . .

 

[Kharon]

+1 on Accel's. Can't be beat for travel - fit in my carryon, light, enough power, straps are better than spring straps (I tried springs on my Accel's and went back to the original, and finally, they are indestructable. Even beating the hell out of them on Bonaire's iron shore doesn't even leave a mark.