Choosing The Right Fins

[@greatvedas]

I have watched over 20 videos about fins. But you are the first person to explain that difference with specifics. thanks mate.

[@scottjackson1332]

I still use my 15 year old TUSA Imprex straight blades. Why? Cause they work and I'm a cheap bastard.

[@g-hosty1026]

Man, with your talking, you could convince me that a banana peel is a great fin to use 😄

[@sndqx1075]

JOE's Caribbean VanLife uhh 🤔

[@packman21421]

Why? Because he's British and has an "exotic" accent? Americans, you all think you're the center of the universe. 🤦‍♀️

[@briandwyer9457]

😁

[@slabbyrider8665]

@@packman21421 ?? Our accent is about as exotic as Suzan Boyle in a hula hula skirt

[@maci1245]

@@packman21421 no.. With his words

[@javiercaselli]

I own a pair of Avanti Quattro from Mares like the ones in the video, awesome fins, extremely easy to put on with their bungee strap, and once in the water they really push you forward with ease, I normally use frog kick and they work great.

[@aaronmolly4332]

Had the Atomic Aquatic Split fin for probably 16 years. Getting into sidemount + Tec diving and my instructor switched me to DiveRite XTs. They feel great and are really affordable for how nice they are to maneuver in the water.

[@alaind831]

best advice is to try them if you can - don't believe all the hype. I owned 3 different types, and got rid of the split fins as they gave me leg cramps after a long swim one time, and were not that easy of my knees (had ACL surgery on one) even though they are supposed to be best at. Heavy! I ended up with the seawing Nova (last purple pair in video) and THEY ARE GREAT ! light (slight float so you don't loose them) and very efficient - yet to have cramp on them either... I was able to test 4 pairs I owned/resold in a pool environment fully geared up and surprised which one won (actually a cheap snorkeling fin that was very soft) doing distance/speed vs effort. Nova came close second so kept it for diving (kept snorkeling set for lighter duty/travel).

[@Firas-R]

I recently came back to scuba diving after a long hiatus. I've bought 3 different fins since then 😳 Started with the Apeks RK3 HD but I wasn't quite used to the frog kick yet and they aggravated my lower back pain. I then bought the Tusa Hyflex Switch, much more comfortable in the water but they seemed to lack enough power when swimming against current. Finally bought the Mares Avanti Quattro+ and they seem to be a good compromise of the previous two. Can do both flutter & frog kicks and have great power when swimming against current. Still going back & forth with these and the Apeks as I want to get used to them when wreck diving abroad.

[@charlesloyd1970]

I use the Scubapro twin jets. I am very fortunate to have a dive shop owner who let's me try new gear in the pool before I buy it and I'm glad I did. I had surgery on my left ankle a few years back and being able to find the right fin that would not pull to hard on my ankle but still give me good propulsion was great. I tried the Nova jets and it felt like my ankle was about to separate. I can say for someone with joint problems... Try several different ones before you make your purchase.

[@ted_van_loon]

having a small test area at diving shops would be nice as well, just a very small pool either one where you just get attached to something using rubber bands and where it measures the force you create as well as the water speed send out behind of you(so you can easily compare performance for a certain feel). or in some cases with bigger stores a bath with a very long lane and a round area might be nice or even a full size bath. any of those should allow you to test things pretty well, where the first option might be able to fit in a bath of only something like 3m or 4m by 2m(and a random depth deep enough to swim properly)(m stands for meters), this means it can be used in basically every dive shop, since it would be around as big as one car parking spot. the other 2 are bigger, first of them doable for medium shops, last of them mostly for big shops. I actually once have been to a shop where they actually had such a pool to test it out, but it actually was a really big pool. no normal pool it had a odd shape but it actually was big almost like a small lake. that was in netherlands at hiswa(which actually is more of a wattersport fair, but they had such a test pool(this was quite some years ago)).

[@lawrencekramer7331]

Apollo Bio Fins does it for me. All rubber material, 16 years and keeps going!!! And yes, you can frog kick with a split fin.

[@myotiswii]

How 'clumsy' freediving fins are really depends on how often you use them. Yes they are incredibly long the first time you get them, and you will hit everything. But I have been swimming with them for like 3 years now, meaning every time I go to the public pool, everytime I snorkel and most of the time I dive (unless it's really cold). And I think over time you really get used to it. You get a feeling for how long you are by hitting the walls of the public pool and now I can swim in the play section that is both shallow and has some tight corners you have to swim around and I don't hit anything (or anyone)

[@PeterPetahPetah]

Passed my OW two weekends ago and have been binge watching this channel since then Love the video, great insight Would love to see more Scuba Advice in the future! Definitely digging the new intro as well : )

[@simplyscuba]

Ahhh cool!! glad you liking our videos :) where did you go to pass your OW?

[@PeterPetahPetah]

Passed it here in Taiwan, going back for more dives this weekend! also thinking about getting new fins, wetsuit, dive computer and a mask this channel has been a tremendous help, keep up the great work : )

[@bonnieuyttenhove]

Same here, passed a month ago 👌

[@yrbonusshorts1404]

Same passed a week ago

[@Tardizard]

Have y'all kept up with it?

[@isaacsim9308]

Always have been a fan of short rubber vented fins and will always be. In love with my mares power plana fins and planning to get a pair of scubapro jet fins soon

[@krispinscanlon-hill5207]

I use ForceFins. Simply amazing fins. Fewer leg cramps, more ergonomic kick, extreme maneuverability so great for photo/video.

[@slabbyrider8665]

I'm still using my Twobarefeet F52 fins (very cheap and very stiff). They're open heel with ratchet straps but designed to be worn bare foot. Only go snorkeling ATM though but hope to get into a bit of freediving as I'll be doing so from a kayak, so I will need another pair of fins.

[@Shadi2]

if you do shore dives, spring straps are basically a necessity. you need to get your fins on quick between sets of waves.

[@originalkk882]

I think the full foot vs open heel fin question really depends on the sort of diving you do. For recreational warm water diving I always use my old full foot Mares Plana Avanti, which I also use for snorkelling. If you do mainly boat diving in warm water, or easy shore entries, they are all you need, and are less cumbersome than my open heel Mares fins. I also think you get less precise control with the split fins, and with my open heel Mares, than with my full foot ones, which is important for me as a photographer.

[@joshs3916]

Have only ever used a closed pocket fin. Crespi reaction. Just got my second pair of fins ever a month ago, the scubapro jetfins are amazing for propulsion, just have to work up your leg strength. Those things are no joke lol.

[@Dead__pool6969]

Sherwood ELITE paddle style for scuba I’ve been using them to free dive also found a nice 30ft deep gutter right off shore went down to check on dinner 🐟

[@punkrose1310]

I have a few different pairs to fit my needs. I find the Novas are great for efficiency and are light so are perfect for when I'm traveling and diving in warmer climates. However I find it nearly impossible to frog kick with them and the lightness becomes an issue for me when in a drysuit so I have an old pair of Sub-Aqua Jets to use with my drysuit so my feet are weighted down and I can use different styles of kicks (which is a must when on wrecks etc).

[@alaind831]

Seawing Novas all the way kzbin.info/www/bejne/jny8eZqIqbGtack even with my drysuit (don't seem to have leg weight problem) - super light and efficient. I had heavy split fins and hated them - they didn't even cure any knee or cramp issue which I got on very long swims. I don't frog kick, but the old style jet fins seem so heavy and old school. I haven't tried a modern or light version though. Ironically I tried 4 different pairs in an Olympic swimming pool with all my gear on (minus drysuit) and found some cheap snorkeling ones to be the fastest/easiest! (very soft compare to other 3 scuba ones).

[@max-antonjonsson347]

Love my Tusa X-Pert split fins and, yes, you can most def do the frog kick with split fins. They're quite heavy which tends to help me when drysuit-diving, but bulky and cumbersome on trips.

[@shuangwu668]

I am using the sea wing nova, I am quite small and this fin is perfect for me, it is efficient in any kicks. It does not take a lot of energy to move in the water, even during current!

[@shuangwu668]

The down side it is quite long and not able to fit in my suitcase

[@MetallicReg]

@@shuangwu668 Then buy the SuperNova! They are even better and the most compact fins that are available (since you can split them into two pieces).

[@Renzep]

I got the Beuchat Aquabionic fins. The design is a bit like the seawing nova, but with a very flexible membrane in the middle of the fin. It also has adjustable threaded spring straps, pretty neat.

[@keeferdog5617]

HOLY CRAP - I’VE BEEN SCUBA DIVING FOR 10 YEARS W THE MARES VOLO “SNORKELING”FINS…WELL, THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING…DAMN- I KNEW I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG! But seriously, I’ve been diving the VOLO fins for years and they’re great for diving. Especially made for us snorkel scuba dudes. WAIT A MINUTE-DOES THAT MEAN- I need to start snorkeling with my RK-3’s? BRILLIANT

[@johnhartman9101]

I currently dive with Force Fins Pro. These are the best fins I have ever used. You can get tremendous speed and maneuverability . They are rather expensive around $300. But they will last a lifetime.

[@mariagarciagarcia5391]

Me too! I’ve tried everything, and Force Fin is the best. For me 😊

[@stevej5276]

Mare Avanti Quattro Power FF. Smaller than freediving fins but still large, overall around 30". I am hooked on them, the only thing keeping me from not having to check a bag but well worth it,

[@thetotof83]

First model scubapro twin jets are the fins that made french navy reevaluate their entry test success threshold, because with them everyone would succed. They cannot be bought anymore, I have a pair for myself and I can't dive with anything else.

[@rriccardi276]

Nice video! I own an old pair of Cressi Rondine and my GF owns a brand new pair of Tusa Liberator I gave her for her OW cert. Cheers!

[@leoloh2006]

I start with scubapro jet fin for 30 year, now i use scubspro twin jet. they are great fin

[@javierparrondo3988]

A different concept are the ForceFin that I wore. I have a knee surgery and used to feel cramps with most of the fins (cressi frog plus and seawing nova...). Since I use these I have not had cramps again

[@wearetherandombros7782]

Javier Parrondo i've seen Jonathan bird from blue world wearing those. Do you suggest those fins? Do they have the same force like the RK3?

[@javierparrondo3988]

Despite its appearance I have not felt any difference in propulsion force with the seawing-nova. The only problem with these fins is to get them in Europe (they are imported from USA and quite expensive so it is difficult to find them)

[@Yggdrasil42]

They can be more difficult to use with advanced finning techniques, such as back kicks and modified flutter kicks. I prefer the RK3 (actually the RK3 HD with it's slightly negative buoyancy since it helps my trim)

[@Kyu7]

APEKS RK3 Fins are the way to go, Rec or Tec diving, I have sold more of those fins than any other fin. Hands down just the most solid choice. They just work too wonderfully to waste your money on some cheap feeling plastic fin with rubber grooves that will eventually split and get scraped up

[@xbpbat21x]

What are your thoughts on the oceanic manta rays?

[@yokeleetan8525]

my experience with split fin is that they do nothing in strong current, that is you cant move in strong current. that means you tend to consume more air in strong current. the worst thing is you can only do flutter kicks with split fins. i would say that is my biggest mistake in purchase of scuba equipment. so now the atomic kitten split fin is sitting in the back shelf.

[@yoonyoon._]

Im using the apollo bio pro split fin. my bf bought for me because i was just new diver and i dont have strength of my legs lol

[@tylerboyka]

i wish i had a boyrfirend to buy me those.... (im a straight guy)

[@zazugee]

Even tho i practice freediving mainly, but nowadays i have trouble brining the long freediving/spearfishing bifins with me i had a pair of chinese made short snorkeling bifins and they were ok, but i learned to do a dolphin kick with them, which was more efficient than doing a scissor kick, but they brokeup and had to throw them since i bought a monofin with adjustable straps, i use it mainly to practice DYN in the pool and fullpocket camouflage fins, intending to use them for future spearfishing and openwater vertical freediving but i realize that in shallow shores i need a shorter pair i'm also planning to do scuba in the near future, so i need shorts fins, i can also take them easily by plane when i cant take the bigger ones so thanks for the advice in the video, it was very informative but i noticed that high end scuba fins are like as expensive as good freediving fins

[@foxglovepi1434]

Love the series, this was very good I have two partial knee replacements and will now be buying a split fin.

[@Y2H]

I would’ve been very interested to know more pragmatic info like which blade style is better for swimming against currents for example, which one gives the most speed, which one in normal diving mode just requires less effort. These are the criteria to choose upon really.

[@sergeig685]

Current or no current makes no difference for fins. Speed is product of the force you can exert. So if you are looking to dive against currents you are looking for fins that will allow you to swim the fastest, that means you are looking for fins that allow you to "put down" the most power.

[@ipisking08]

I've been using the Atomic Splitfins for many years now. However, I'm looking forward to getting the aquabionic abs in November!

[@simplyscuba]

We've seen some clips of the Aquabionic fins and they look pretty cool, when you get a pair let us know what they're like. Safe Diving,

[@ipisking08]

Definitely. I'm still on the fence on how easy it will be to unclip before climbing up the boat ladder.

[@Sombre____]

I use full foot fin (like the mares yellow) because Hinge Fin are way too much expensive.

[@e.d.4824]

Mares Volo Race for Scuba and light swimming, I find them perfect, light flexible and powerful enough. Mares Razor (plastic, not Carbon) for all other swimming and freediving, perfect, but I wouldn't say they require less energy...

[@emmaoneill414]

Great video really helpful.

[@Djaj2000]

My jet fins are slightly too small 😭, they hurt my feet after a while, other than that I love them they are very efficient

[@vraptork181]

thank you so much

[@rubixmarix]

Time: 11.53 about split fins: “….this creates a vortex that pushes you through the water…” Is that right?! Normally vortexes create drag so they slow you down. E.g. That’s why modern airplanes have winglets to avoid creating vortexes that would drag.

[@joshuasmith7369]

I wore a pair of long fins on a dive trip and unintentionally kept hitting some of the other divers in the head. I'm use to smaller fins.

[@mangotreechen]

so best to use them all at once because they are all great?!? sorry but i am sort of missing the advice here...

[@peternolan5632]

great for swimming also great speed from them

[@Kevin-qj7fp]

can you do a video on webbed gloves ive only seen darkfin webbed gloves on the market as thats the only product also got questions pertaining to fin plus webbed gloves swimming in the water/ocean for scuba diving snorkling and so on

[@eugenecrabs3954]

I'm using my grandpa's 50 year old "Swim Star" Diving fins. Very large diving fins! and I can go about 7mph lap swimming LOL

[@tyc17ok78]

Just passed my OW I’m so excited

[@simplyscuba]

Congrats!! :D

[@abbsett3732]

I’m about to start a scuba class in a couple weeks to get open water certified this was extremely helpful great vid 😊

[@simplyscuba]

Glad the video was helpful abb sett! Whereabouts you going to get your open cert?

[@abbsett3732]

Simply Scuba taking a class at university 👍

[@simplyscuba]

Cool!

[@garrettstevensen2467]

I had no idea that there were any other fins, except for the Apollo Bio Fins. I've never seen a diver wear anything else, for decades.

[@ted_van_loon]

what type do you think would be the fastest when actually pushing the speed. basically the fastest assuming a sprint where the entire race is full underwater and the swimmers have no breath issues, and all just are really strong, fast and have good technique, sprint distance is either very short, or only the top speed is measured. also note that there are no rules in what kind of flippers or suits are used as long as they are not powered. and in this case it also would be interesting to know which of those types like in the video would be fastest instead of only comparing the ones they use at actual big competitions.

[@RudolphFurtado]

Thanks for the excellent educative demonstration.

[@tommygunn7745]

I have a auqua lung scuba pro Jet fin. At least thats how I recall it without seeing it rightnow. It looked like the black fins in your video with 3 duct holes in the fin. My problem is one split about two inches along the apex of the arch running lengthwise of the arch. I no longer dive as I am in my 70s,but I would like to use them in our pool for exercise only. Is there something that is best to glue or weld the split? I bought them new in 1978 and I used them in fresh water rivers(Yuba River ) california. I did usethem a couple times in salt water,but cleand and soaked them aftewrds. They split when I recently used them in the pool,. Mild kicking for 30 sec. Any bonding method I use may not hold up well enough to trust,but like I said,Im only using it in a pool and dont plan on anything beyond easy paddeling kicking. Hmmm what do you call it. Leg kicking propelling? If all else fails I will buy something inexpensive...walmart,probably. Appreciate any advice on above. I will subscribe and like each visit BTW

[@nathanacuna7535]

RK3 is the way to go!!

[@hotdogy12345]

SP Seawing Nova?

[@CrimsonSkull420]

Would the bigger ones be better for just an open water dive not wreck diving bout like looking at reefs

[@WildmanWiley]

I use the ScubaPro Jet Sport fins

[@tyc17ok78]

RedneckMedic 85 I use the same

[@tyc17ok78]

RedneckMedic 85 I use the same

[@Tapio86]

ScubaPro Twin Jets... Best of both (read: all) worlds.

[@Djax666]

Hello, What is the most efficient fins for frog quick?

[@skinny_7045]

Love the new intro

[@simplyscuba]

Thank you very much Patrick :)

[@scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547]

I must be doing my frog kicks incorrectly because I seem to do it just fine with the split fin 🤔

[@ilkergur7003]

Thx for great info. Which type of fins you suggest for diving with strong current?

[@mistifeyed]

First set was Aqualung express, they were too long. Tried Seawing Novas but they’re very uncomfortable and my foot cramps so on to Oceanic Vipers which were soooooooooo comfortable but unfortunately no match for a current. Have any recommendations for a neutrally buoyant set with good kicking power?

[@k956upg]

Split fins feel natural & work very well but in a current the vortex they create is pushed away so you lose power as there designed to push against that vortex... Force fins (duck looking type) are great for ladders or walking & transfer the work to the front muscles rather than the calf so less cramp...there bulletproof quality but don't feel like there doing anything...there actually better than most fins though... Mares make ok but nothing special... Atomic aquatics slingshot fins can be set to different resistance levels & there noticeably better...I swap with people sometimes & there always after a pair after...there noticeably better than most. Lastly Spring bungee straps are a lot easier than silly clips & tougher than rubber...there defiantly an upgrade.. Good fins save air.... Editing this years Later..force fins & slingshots still fine but now using the gorilla by aqualung..spring straps used as usual & loving them the last 2 years..buddy’s converting too.

[@nobody46820]

How about a monofin episode?

[@robbiemurderingminion2556]

You have both my fins in your video the Quattro I have had for since I started diving in 2000 and I have just got RK3.

[@urb6857]

Robbie Murderingminion Are the RK3’s powerful enough? I’ve still got my original Avanti quatro’s that are older than I Am and they are starting to show there age.

[@robbiemurderingminion2556]

in strong current they would need more power and harder than you avant- is. but it’s easier to use does not kick up as much crap when near bottom or in confined space ie cave or wreck as it’s what it they are designed for

[@urb6857]

Robbie Murderingminion Oh ok, more of a cave diving fin.

[@shane9ish]

Hi Im new to this got a pair that have independent toe inserts what are they for and do I need them-thanks

[@WALLONsandry]

Quite surprising statement about full fit fins. Nope, there are not always for snorkeling. The volorace you showed are typically used by scuba divers, even by dive masters or more (actually, at during the French dive master physical tests, every single candidate go for full fit fins). On the top of that, ful fit fins like cressi gara sprint enables, thanks the provided removable shoe sole to dive from bare foot to dry suit (what I do with my Everdry 4).

[@christopherhughes747]

We use the vented solid fin shown for our search and recovery team. Both because of size and durability. For personal diving I chose the hinge fin videoed. I haven't used it much but the two times I did I have enjoyed it thus far. It's also quite lite.

[@insight7483]

Thank you!!!

[@chapmasi]

I have a pair of RK3 Apeks Fins and I'd estimate I have 15-20 dives under by belt with them. Underwater for quick shifting, photography maneuvering and generally agility they are unbeatable..... when you're fighting against the current or on the surface and having to fin 100yards to the boat - they are utterly terrible. Seriously I've had to ask more than 1 dive party to give me 30 seconds to catch my breath after shifting descent location as they are such hard work on the surface in rough conditions.

[@zazugee]

alot of fins are made for underwater finning and they are terrible on the surface, special freediving ones its mainly due to their angle of attack and half if not most of the propulsion happens on the upward stroke you should consider changing your stroke technic or submerging your legs more or your whole body are you using a snorkel when finning? bc it sounds like you inflate your BC too much, the idea would be to have the water line between your nose and mouth when in vertical position also you can swim on your side and kick left and right i think the RK3 was designed with the navy, so mb they use a modified combat stroke

[@Clero2]

Wich one is best for soear fishing?

[@ahmedsamy8406]

Why can’t use free diving fins on scuba diving

[@aymanmuhamad8942]

anything for swimming ?

[@rahulbheekharry9990]

Very informative!👍🏼

[@hussainkutbi6693]

Hi sir What fin would you recommend for an open water diver who is fairly new and doesnt know what to buy and is confused

[@vivianlau1679]

Thanks for the great video! Is jet fin same as the vented fin?

[@totallyscuba3613]

Love this channel, very entertaining and informative at the same time. I use Mares X - Streams for several years now and love them.

[@ErmGoAway]

ive got a quition. do you have fast deliverey?

[@NatsNotHere]

I use the same old pare of Mares snorkeling find that I bought 20 years ago. I don’t get out as much as I’d like to so they’ve held up remarkably well, although they are beginning to look a tad rugged. Looking to get a new pair of fins next season but find myself ridiculously drawn to the freediving fins. No real idea why as I generally stay close to the surface and they’d be a bit overkill for me. Will probably just get regular snorkeling fins again as that’s what I’m used to and I only use them occasionally.

[@Waterflavoredjuulpodz]

If your using a monofin wait till your about to jump in put it on

[@johnnylim7338]

Ok now I know the differences between a variety of fins, how do I choose the right one ? lol 😅so technical but doesn’t really answer the question

[@langstonlu1403]

Can you use a diving fins for snorkeling?

[@robloxrapbattlegodfurrynig1912]

LavaMaster yes you can it’s just they’re specified to help you in that field

[@joshzuckermanerd6817]

I was wondering if anyone had used the sling shot or hotshot fins. I have been on a few dives and saw a few instructors using them and wanted to get some thought on them

[@johnhelfgott8113]

I have been using Hotshot for several years now. Firstly I only dive warm water and mostly from a boat so not much need to walk. I like the size and weight especially as you do not need to use boots (do recommend neoprene socks due to rubbing) . They always work well although there is a compromise over bigger longer fins.

[@big_fudge7788]

I love it Thanks a lot!!

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

Purple fins, Alec Pierce's favourite fins :-)

[@مصعبطلال-ب8ح]

Do diving fins such as running shoes sizes and measurements or one size foot

[@Tapio86]

Full foot have sizes, but might have a slight margin of error (like says 43-44), whilst open heel ones are more like S, M or L (and them you buy the correct boot size instead).

[@yes4me]

I use split fins. I hate the blade. I didn't try the rest.

[@ErmGoAway]

im going to the lake on saterday and i hope i will get what i wont :3 and it is from your place

[@cliffcampbell8827]

Scubapro jetfins. They push my equipment and I through the water.

[@diverdave4056]

yes they are very nice like my US Diver ROCKETS !

[@scubatravel7846]

A few divers I know stated the jet fins were too cumbersome....but currently in my drysuit I need ankle weights :( If I get jet fins will this cancel out the ankle weights? And are they really that hard to kick with since they're heavy?

[@kimedgar8915]

Scuba Travel I had a serious floaty leg issue with my DUI dry suit. Jet fins were a game changer. Ankle weights are never really a good idea. Try some before you buy. But I am sure you’ll love them!

[@Tapio86]

ScubaPro Twin Jets are "heavy" but they have neutral (slightly positive) buoyancy and the split kills the "effort".

[@nicoalcuri]

why dont you talk about control? rigid fins give a finner kick control, specially in overhead enviroments

[@keeszeldenproducts]

nicoalcuri he said that, you donkey.

[@Sherlock1982myohmy]

After watching the video I still don't get how to choose the right fin. You mentioned that split fins are peculiar for people with knee issues - noted. Shorter fins for tech diving - noted. As to all other fins you just explained why they looks like this (and this is about fins) and nothing on why to prefer this or that, which ones are the most effective depending on the style e.t.c. For example why everyone just can't use short fins? Is channeling better then jets? 🤨No idea

[@death2pc]

Best tip................. "Less" IS more........................

[@TiptopExhausts]

Another great video mark

[@seabournewolf2298]

wish i could hear what hes saying

[@dennissollars9062]

Sorry, because of my webbed feet, I have no use for fins.

[@madcarew.3256]

lose the straps fit springs no more worries about adjustment!

[@rot3137]

that intro is awesome wow

[@mikehunt9598]

Great intro