Which Paddle Fin Do You Use?

[mig_diver]

I use the Mares Quattros and love them. I barely kick underwater though, I prefer just gliding

The only problem I have with them is on the surface. I also have a pair of Mares Avanti Tre which is the full foot fin and I find them easier to use on the surface because they are not as stiff as the Quattro.

My solution: as soon as I jump in the water I descend straight away and I also come up right at the stairs of the boat so I don't have to kick on the surface. So much easier

 

[Lopaka]

What kind of paddle fins do you use and why? I live near Monterey and I plan on going diving a LOT in the Monterey area so I want to make sure I get the right fin that I will be happy with.

I use the old style U.S. Divers/Aqualung Blades fins with spring straps. Had them 11 years now and going strong. I tend to be leg heavy and Jets were too negative. The Blades generate plenty of power. They are a bit long and can cause cramps in cold water (at least they did for me).

Can't say how much changed the new Blades are. If I was going to look at new paddle fins, I'd check out the OMS Slipstream. A lighter version of Jets.

Edit: I used a pair of Atomic Splitfins when I still dove cold water, due to the occasional cramping issue. Of all the splits I tried, they were the only ones that did not feel goofy. Can't achieve the precision in positioning I can with the Blades, but no cramping and they work *almost* as well. Think they are about the stiffest split.

 

[adrisen]

I have a few pairs of fins and love and use all three:

Turtles when in my drysuit
Tusa Xpert zoom splits for fun
Mares Volo open heel (I think the power)

What works for one person wont work for someone else. I found people laugh when I put on my turtles then take off my drysut, put on my wetsuit and grab a pair if splits.

I tried many pairs of fins. I have a basement full of them that I don't use anymore because they never worked for me.

 

[SlowRain]

Here's a vote for the OMS Slipstreams... same as a jetfin except light!

And a second vote on OMS Slipstreams. I have tried a LOT of different non-split fins, and these are the ones I like the best.

 

[TSandM]

If buckles are hurting your fingers, get spring straps. Solves the problem.

 

[Wayward Son]

I dive Jets, but would like to try slipstreams. I tend to trim out feet heavy, that may be enough of a change to fix it.

 

[fingeorge]

for the OMS slipstream users: do you use them with Dry suit or wetsuit?

 

[irishsquid]

for the OMS slipstream users: do you use them with Dry suit or wetsuit?

Wetsuit. These fins really are tops for frog kicks.

 

[GotNoOcean]

Mares Avanti Quattros for warm water, standard ScubaPro Jets with my drysuit. I've had & loved the Quattros for years, but when I got my drysuit last year, the boots were too big for them. The negative bouyancy of the Jets really helps with trimming out the drysuit. I don't want or need the extra foot weight in warmer water.

Cheers,

 

[David P]

for the OMS slipstream users: do you use them with Dry suit or wetsuit?

yes!

both.

I used to use turtles but prefer the slips, ligher, crisper with more feel.

I agree with borg queen, get a set of spring straps, they're great, plus Mares buckle system is an over-engineered piece of doo doo as far as I am concerned,