Which fins to buy?

[Padi Diver]

Hello..
I am currently using Mares fins, and i am thinking about getting new fins. Which fins are rated these days?
Which to buy??

 

[ZzzKing]

It will help if you tell what kind of diving you will be doing.

 

[seahorsey]

Strictly IMHO, try Oceanic Vipers. The one piece of my equipment that I love the most. Control, efficiency, comfort. Not too heavy and reasonably priced. I always feel I could add a few knots speed if I had to. Wasn't that way with split fins or previous models.

 

[pjones]

Specifically what fins are you using right now? How do you like the current fins that you have? Are they too hard or too soft? Are you thinking of or currently diving in overhead or confined places? Do you dive in strong current?

Answer those and some of the more experienced will be able to help you find a fin that works for YOU rather than giving an opinion of a fin that works for them. :wink1:

 

[BDSC]

The Scubapro Novas get excellent reviews. I have a pair and love them. I let a couple of my dive buddies try them out and now they own them as well. Scubalab rated them very highly for what it's worth.

ScubLab: Fins - SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova | Scuba Diving Magazine

Hope this helps.

 

[ZenDiver.3D]

 

[KarolinaKid]

The Scubapro Novas get excellent reviews. I have a pair and love them. I let a couple of my dive buddies try them out and now they own them as well. Scubalab rated them very highly for what it's worth.

ScubLab: Fins - SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova | Scuba Diving Magazine

Hope this helps.

Another vote for the Novas here.

I thought they were funny looking rookie magnets until I tried them. Bought them and love them.

 

[cmburch]

I have been using Mares for over 20 years. Plana Avanti, Raptor, etc.

I gave them away to my buddy since I am now using full footpocket fins.

My next pair of open heel fins will be the Scubapro Seawing Nova when they go on sale. They are comfortable and give very good feedback so I have good control when I tried them out in a pool.

 

[Amphiprion]

I was told by a dive shop that sells the Novas that they were not good for the helicopter kick.

 

[cmburch]

That makes no physical sense unless it is a Claude Van Damme style flying spinning air kick in fins.

Some reviews say that frog kick is awkward and they are suited for only one kick style.

Others contradict. And say they can do frog kick.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/fins-masks-snorkels/339631-scubapro-seawing-nova-review.html

As with any fin, fit is most important. Try the fin out in a pool and make a decision based upon the best one.