Leviathan Scuba Tips & Tricks - The Truth About Split Fins.

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Күн бұрын

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@iabpdoc Жыл бұрын

I love my split fins! One of the reasons I bought a pair was less effort in kicking after Achilles tendon surgery. I use 30% less air on a dive with them.

@coralkeyscuba Жыл бұрын

They are amazing. The right ones that is. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@ahmedsamy8406 11 ай бұрын

Have you tried them in some strong currents ..if yes were they efficient as I am usually diving in rough waters and want really to change my fins but can’t risk the power

@LeviathanScuba 10 ай бұрын

I have and love them. More thrust in every scenario I have been in. Including strong currents. Thanks for watching more to come soon. Freddy

@peteroshaughnessy398 Жыл бұрын

Been using Atomic split fins for about 20 years now and I love them, much less effort than with my blade fins. I have bad knees and the splits are easier on my knees than my blades. I am still using the same fins the only upgrade was switching out to spring straps.

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

Makes a big difference on the knees. Glad you found them. Happy diving Peter. Freddy

@shannonshull6989 3 ай бұрын

I been diving since 95 and found I like both. Like most gear, I have a set of each.. usually I use stiff US Diver Blades for SCUBA- Precision and power for up to an hr. And then Tusa stiff Split fin for all day relaxing drifting snorkeling, little to no cramp, soft kicking, can wear all day.

@LeviathanScuba 3 ай бұрын

Sounds like a perfect plan. Interesting that Tusa invented a foot pocket that you can buy 5 different blades to match your style of diving. Easily switched out if you want to change. They have had them since 2016 but just now adding splits, tech, stiff, pro, blades. I believe Scuba pro is coming out with something similar. We will be doing a review soon. Freddy

@Wobbegong_th Ай бұрын

I guess you'd solved what puzzled me for years... That Yellow splitfin you'd shown. was the "2nd version" of that brand and model. I'd used the "1st version" pretty much since it was released, and still using it today. 1st version was much stiffer, much heavier than 2nd version. General public didn't catch on during the 1st verion release, they bought 2nd version because good reputation from those who use the 1st version. Sadly, the manufacture changed the material and create a bad product that give bad reputation to the design. when you'd mentioned "1997 Nature Wing design" - that reminded me of one of my instructor at that time, who show me the "biofin" and that was supposed to be 'pre-production' model. that incident was in late 1997.

@coralkeyscuba Ай бұрын

Yes, and to make it more confusing, they copied their own technology for the Jet Fin. So much technology has gone into modern fins that they are lighter, stronger, and better thrust today. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@LeviathanScuba 7 күн бұрын

I bought one of the early versions as well. Worked great but was a lot heavier than todays versions. Scubapro has discontinued the twin jet as of 2023. Thanks for watching. Freddy

@wootang1113 Ай бұрын

I have 3 sets of Apollo bio fins. Haven’t used them in 10 years. Took them out to the river for snorkeling. Easy on the joints and calves. Can swim against the current with these easily. Best fins ever.

@LeviathanScuba Ай бұрын

I used to have those. They were the first to be made under the Natures Wings Patent. Very good but very heavy compared to the modern version made by Atomic. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day. Freddy

@wootang1113 Ай бұрын

I’m going look the Atomic version up and maybe try them out. Thanks

@grene1955 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video! I have 20 year old split fins, without the stiffening, and now I want to upgrade!

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

The Atomics are my favorite choice. My last pair I had for 15 years and gave them to a divemaster in Palau 5 years ago. He is still diving them 5-6 days a week. The new ones are just as strong, but lighter. They reinforced the actual spot where the split meets the foot pocket so maybe even stronger. Thanks for watching. Freddy

@Carphunter1970 22 күн бұрын

I have had my Tusa X-Pert zoom split fins for over 15 years and they have been outstanding. Because I am a bit of a gear junkie though, I am looking to get the new Apeks RK4 (I have a lot of Apeks gear) to use and I can really form a comparison. But for my opinion on the Tusa split fins, they have been awesome

@LeviathanScuba 7 күн бұрын

I agree completely. The newer versions are just as good but a bit lighter. Thats technology for you. Thanks for sharing. Freddy PS Nice haircut.

@muellermay 10 ай бұрын

I think you can answer it: depends what kind of diver you are, wich kickstyles you use and what physical problems you have. Someone who frog and backkicks will say its rubbish, people who are only flutterkickeing with weak ankels/feet will love them. I used splitfins for training after my heel fracture. But I dive in stiff tecstyle Fins (Oceanic Accel) usually, so im able to manuever well. Not flutter kicking much, its actally hard, and its even without fins not my favourite swimming style, but if you need the thrust its there. And I just dont like flutter kicking divers in quarrys, since it messes up the visibility.

@coralkeyscuba 10 ай бұрын

I agree with you. However, I have not really experienced any challenge using frog kick or modified ankle kick in caves or wrecks. I know people say they don't work well for frog kicking but I don't understand this. They work great for me when I frog kick. I assume it does matter which fin a person uses when they frog kick. The Twin Jet never really gives proper thrust but the Atomic split always does. I filmed the Atomic split doing the frog kick and the blades do spread out more but they still gave me as much or more thrust as using a traditional blade. Still a mystery to me as to why people think they do not do well frog kicking. Thanks for the comments. More to come soon. Freddy

@3ddan148 5 ай бұрын

@@coralkeyscuba you definitely can frog kick, however i find you need to keep the slip angle small, meaning your losing efficiency on your kicks, and it also makes it awkward if your use to a tec fin, while i agree that you CAN frog kick, what i have never seen successfully done is back kicks, remember, a back kick involves pushing the fin down and back tip first, the blades on split fins splay open when you do this and actually push you forward, then when you complete the kick you move back, at best the same distance you moved forward.

@marklanders630 5 ай бұрын

I'm looking for a new pair of fins. My twenty year old Apollo bio fins just broke so I thought I would see what's new. I've done close to 2000 dives with them in different conditions, boat, shore, currents etc. No problems ever. My air consumption is better than most people but that is probably from experience rather than the fins. Went out last week with a pair of jet fins. They're ok, but nothing special. Maybe if I was a cave diver I would get a pair, but really think I'll get another pair of split fins.

@coralkeyscuba 4 ай бұрын

Well, as the video states, I love the Atomic Splits. Lighter than the Apollo fins quite a bit but basically very similar in how they perform. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@3ddan148 5 ай бұрын

if you like em use em. thats my opinion, i personally dont, i have seen frog kicks done with them however it looked pretty awkward, i dont see how you could helicopter turn or back kick tho, the blades tend to splay during back kicks causing you to not really go anywhere, and slipping the fin sidways tends to also cause splay. again tho, if you do not have a need to frog or back kick, i dont see a issue with them.

@coralkeyscuba 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for adding to the conversation. Keep it safe. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@ricardobufo 2 ай бұрын

Got any inside goss about why Oceanic stopped making and selling their V6 split fins? They were, by far, the fastest fins I've ever used .. and also the least tiring. Those who say they are useless for frog kicks & manoeuvre have never tried to use them for Underwater Hockey.

@coralkeyscuba Ай бұрын

When they sold them they were one of two that had splits. The market was great and they sold well. As fin design and materials changed, the V6 gave way to better materials, lighter models and the Strap version fit more people. Plus, many knock offs diluted the market and numerous brands started selling splits. You can still get them but they are not exactly as you may remember.

@ricardobufo Ай бұрын

I'm not sure there's anything superior to the old Oceanic V6s. Only the Atomics come close but are larger and not as fast for me. But then I used to be fast with Mares Avanti Quattros but no longer have the leg muscles for them. What do you recommend to replace V6s?

@LeviathanScuba 7 күн бұрын

Sorry Ricardo I missed this in a timely manner. TUSA's split Fin is the closest I know of to the V6. They seem to me as if they are from the same mold even. They come in both the full foot and the fin strap version.

@ricardobufo 3 күн бұрын

@LeviatanScuba, the TUSA fin isn't a direct copy. I've ordered a pair to see how they compare with Oceanic V6s. Thanks.

@billywolstenholme391 Жыл бұрын

Just stumbled across your channel and love the way you explained all the info. - subscribed and now looking over your other videos. Thanks. Billy. (Where are you guys based). 👍👍😁

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

First Billy, I am jealous of the beard. I want to dive with you. It would be like diving with Moses. 😂 We are based in Arvada Colorado, about 15 miles west of Denver. Glad you enjoyed the video. More to come soon. Freddy

@deannapreston9302 Жыл бұрын

Hey Freddy. I enjoy the videos. Can you please do a video on pre dive camera care and after dive camera care? Thanks.

@LeviathanScuba 11 ай бұрын

Great idea Deanna. I like the topic. I will get on that. Thanks for the suggestion. Freddy

@kcav8895 2 ай бұрын

excellent video, thank you so much

@LeviathanScuba Ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words. More to come soon. Thank you for watching. Freddy

@joelsuresh2106 5 ай бұрын

Please do a review on the scubapro supernova please.

@coralkeyscuba 4 ай бұрын

Will do boss. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@brodiewebb3772 3 ай бұрын

When you wiggled that fin 😂

@LeviathanScuba Ай бұрын

Tells the whole story doesn't it? Didn't even really have to explain the problem. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@wootang1113 Ай бұрын

Me, myself and Irene vibes.

@Cross75777 Жыл бұрын

Glad to see your happier than six years ago, hope it’s a rebirth. I will pee in my suit if in ocean, easy to rinse out. I use the split fin, I really like them, got them about 10years ago, other then scratches from rocks, they are fine, I live near keybiscayne in Miami, there are rocks near seaquarium, that’s usually where I dive, so no need to propel myself too much, perhaps this influenced my thoughts on split fins. I just found your site, enjoying it, lots of good food for thought. Thank you for sharing you experience. Regards, Mauricio 13:05

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words Mauricio. Hope you are well. Not sure if I am happier but I am for sure healthier. enjoying the diving and taking lots of video for our new On Location series. Take care. Freddy

@angelcoronado1793 Жыл бұрын

Really great!!

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

Thanks, more to come soon. Hope this vid clears up the controversy on splits. Freddy

@keeferdog5617 Жыл бұрын

So, I broke out my ol Apollo Bio-Split fins for a dive recently after not diving them for 6 years. I was curious how they’d perform. How did they do, you ask? Horrible- no propulsion whatsoever. They’re for sale. Period, end of story

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

You are correct. The early ones were very soft. I had a pair as well. I think they were actually rubber. They don't make them anymore but if so I would rate them low as well. Thanks for bringing the info. Take care. Freddy

@keeferdog5617 Жыл бұрын

@@LeviathanScuba Thanks for the feedback! Yes, the rubber in the split-fins is very flimsy. I’ve had absolutely zero responses to my “for sale” add- lol. I now live in Grand Cayman and my Mom and sister are in Denver. I’ll have to come check you out when I’m back in town. I recently dove the Denver Aquarium Freddy. What a gem! Great dive, tons of fun. A1 Scuba folks were great too. People are missing out if they don’t hit it. Terrific facility that blows away Monterey’s Aquarium. I bought a bunch of new gear before moving down here. ScubaPro MK25 and T620. Perdix 2 and transmitter-Shearwater rocks! But most disappointing was the new $1,100 Apeks Exotec BCD. An overkill for warm-water diving and has several inherent flaws. Namely, the donut air cell is trapping air to one side, with difficulties escaping the gas. They already had one recall with the BCD and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a second. My LDS owner has several in service with the same issue. He’s sent his back to Aqualung. Apeks (Aqualung) is apparently aware of the problem as there’s been many Exotec’s returned to them…but damn, “they sure look good”.

@LeviathanScuba Жыл бұрын

@@keeferdog5617 If it is recreational warm water Keefer, check out the Hollis LTS or the Oceanic Biolite. They are simple and easy to dive. Very comfortable and I have more than 1500 dives on the Hollis. Great BCD. Look forward to meeting you one day. The brick and mortar shop name is Coral Key Scuba in Arvada. Have a good one. Freddy

@Boopadoop 3 ай бұрын

… but you can’t back fin or frog kick properly with them. You can flutter, sure; great for being a gentle fin… but there are other directions except straight forward. RK3’s are a denser fin and are tougher to kick, I’ll agree. But they s as re super responsive and move you on a dime in any direction

@LeviathanScuba 7 күн бұрын

I believe there is something about frog kicking but I cannot figure it out. Every time I try, I have no problem at all. When I ask others to frog kick in them they have no problem. I'm beginning to wonder if it was a rumor started by other fin manufacturers when the splits took over almost 50% of all fin sales. They frog kick great for me. Thanks for your insight. More to come soon. Freddy

@Boopadoop 7 күн бұрын

@@LeviathanScuba perhaps. I have tried to fog in them and if it did provide forward propulsion it was not to the extent of a non split fin. However I did try back and turn finning also with, again, little to no success when compared to a tec-style fin

@georgewashington938 10 ай бұрын

you made us wait a long time before you got to the doughnut

@LeviathanScuba 6 ай бұрын

Haha, was a short video. Enjoy. Freddy

@wouterkoolhaas8388 7 ай бұрын

How do these split fins work for freediving? They need to be really efficient with energy

@LeviathanScuba 6 ай бұрын

Best answer really is they work good but not created for free diving. If you are a novice just starting out they work fine. But if you really want to get into free diving then free diving fins are engineered specifically for free diving and work so much better. Thanks for watching, more to come soon. Freddy

@jacobclark89 3 ай бұрын

You won't catch me with a pair of split fins ,reason the ones that I have tried , work fine at slow speed but when you are fighting for your life at max power in a rip they have no power ☠️

@LeviathanScuba 2 ай бұрын

The point of the video was to emphasize which split you try will determine your opinion. You try the Atomic split when you are fighting for your life at max power in a rip and you can't get a scuba fin with more thrust. I wouldn't want to be in that scenario in any other fin other than an Atomic split fin. Now, the Scubapro twinjet would be almost suicide to try it. They are in my opinion the worst. My guess is you tried the very popular twin jet fin. No thrust. I did a video on that fin and it rated the worst of any, yet it is sold as a split. They finally discontinued it. I am hoping I had a part to play in that decision. If you were here with me I would give you the same bet as I did the guy in the video. $100 if you are right against a chocolate donut if I was right. Try the Atomic split against your favorite scuba fin. Atomic will win. I like sprinkles on my donuts. Thanks for watching. More to come soon. Freddy

@jacobclark89 2 ай бұрын

@@LeviathanScuba thanks for the info , have you tried the crissi frog , I wonder how it would compare to the atomic ? I fought a rip with the frog and they were amazing !

@fabioanh 10 ай бұрын

I like your videos but could you please lower the volume of your intro music? It always deafens me and I have actually closed a couple of your videos after that as my reaction to the loud noise is to quickly close the tab.

@LeviathanScuba 10 ай бұрын

Sorry, but you must still be watching some of the earlier ones. We have fixed the volume changes. Thanks for reaching out. Freddy