What kind of fins should I buy considering I'm new to this world?

[coldwaterlloyd]

I didn't want to name names but , my recommendation for any new diver is to find a used pair of scubapro jetfins at a pawn shop , garage sale , goodwill store . They usually go for around twenty dollars or less , clean up the straps and dive . After a few dives with jets you can actually feel the difference between lighter / split fins . If narrowed down to one pair of fins I would take my jetfins over my split fins. I told you you would get a lot of opinions on this subject , you may very well walk away from this thread more confused than when you arrived!

 

[CamG]

Greetings Carlos and welcome to SB! Your adventure is just starting and it is awesome indeed. The fin question has many possible answers as you all ready know!
Proper sizing, proper fit, and style of diving that you intend to do factor into your decision. Best advice I ever got personally was to try as many different ones possible before you have to buy. I realize sometimes this is not possible but if it is it can prevent buyers remorse. Needless to say I have had it a few times.....
No worries my friend e-bay, craigs list, SB, have plenty buyers or sellers of fins!
I like to buy from LDS and have a incredible working relationship with mine, I try to remain very loyal but have purchased from SB some gear and it was great. Just as it would have it, it was a set of fins for my wife. It was a good deal and I saved $$$$!
Fins were in amazing condition, almost new for less than half price!
I would not hesitate to take such a deal if it was what I wanted!
Your instructor can be a valuable resource in selecting the right fin for your local conditions surf, current, etc. Take advantage from his experience as well as local dive club members who have been diving in you local scene. Then just go for it!
I know I have welcomed you to SB but there is a larger community that you are joining, the SCUBA DIVERS man is it great! Get ready for awesome friends, good times, and unbelievable dives! It is just around the corner!
Safe training and learn / practice your skills often they will serve you well!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[J.R.]

Black ones, for sure.

No... BLUE!!!

If you're just starting dive class I, personally, wouldn't by ANY fins right now... I'd go to the Dive Shop and see what they have in their student gear pile... fondle the fins... inspect them... ask questions about them... hug them and see if any "speak to you"... then... try a set that looks good to ya'.
Keep some notes... but remember... as your skills improve... so will your perception of how a fin works...

The next class... try a different pair... and don't worry... the first pair won't think yer' cheatin' on em'.... Try splits... try paddles... eventually one of them will say to you, "Buy me Carlos... take me home and take me diving."

Of course, as others have pointed out... monogamy isn't required in fin-ish relationships... it is perfectly acceptable to have more than one set of fins... ("I think I feel... ummm... *red* today...)...

As your skills refine so will your tastes and needs... feel free to fipper-off an old set when their presense begins to wear on ya'...

I'm a firm believer in 'try before you buy'... it's still not a guarantee that you'll end up being happy with the product down the road... but I believe it improves the odds...

 

[Slonda828]

No... BLUE!!!

If you're just starting dive class I, personally, wouldn't by ANY fins right now... I'd go to the Dive Shop and see what they have in their student gear pile... fondle the fins... inspect them... ask questions about them... hug them and see if any "speak to you"... then... try a set that looks good to ya'.
Keep some notes... but remember... as your skills improve... so will your perception of how a fin works...

The next class... try a different pair... and don't worry... the first pair won't think yer' cheatin' on em'.... Try splits... try paddles... eventually one of them will say to you, "Buy me Carlos... take me home and take me diving."

Of course, as others have pointed out... monogamy isn't required in fin-ish relationships... it is perfectly acceptable to have more than one set of fins... ("I think I feel... ummm... *red* today...)...

As your skills refine so will your tastes and needs... feel free to fipper-off an old set when their presense begins to wear on ya'...

I'm a firm believer in 'try before you buy'... it's still not a guarantee that you'll end up being happy with the product down the road... but I believe it improves the odds...

I couldn't agree more. We have a "Fin bin" at our shop. When students come to the pool deck for the first session, I encourage them to run the gamut. We have everything from cheapo IST paddle fins to Scubapro Jet fins to Atomic split fins, and most things in between. I have found that different people like different fins. You really just have to go with what you like, what doesn't smoke your legs (ability level dependent), and what you can afford. So I guess the simple answer is listen to JR