SPLIT fins vs REGULAR fins - THE SHOWDOWN

[@AzulUnlimited]

Let's get the vote here: What kind of fins do you dive with? Split or blade fins? 🌱 Check out our sponsor here: bit.ly/EcoRoots & use code AZULUNLIMITED for a discount 🤑

[@timgosling6189]

Apeks RK3. Started with Mares Quattros which were effective, but I always felt I was in too high a gear. RKs are 6 inches shorter but wider. So I get the same propulsion but with more manoevrability so good in a wreck, or on a RIB.

[@gray_wolverine63]

I'm old school, so it's blade fins for me. 👌🏼

[@toritomo1]

Split fins are more trustable since my boyfriend and brother who work for defense use and love them.... other professional diver friends like fire fighters use those. I trust professional rescue team than so-called rescue diving instructors...

[@jimmygadd]

i have 1500 dives on split fins. No problem at all

[@AzulUnlimited]

🤙 glad it’s working out for you

[@crashlvmc]

I use ScubaPro TwinJets for most of my recreational diving. I would argue that they are probably the best split fin. But I would also agree with most of your complaints about them. I definitely cannot helicopter or back fin in them and they are very weak frog kickers. I haven't had problems in current compared to other divers with standard blade fins but that likely has to do with my kicking style, i don't kick faster to go faster, i increase my stride for longer kicks. I will definitely agree that they are less powerful, but also less tiring. I like mine and will continue to use them in conditions they are good for, but i am also transitioning most of my dives to RK3s, are maybe some Zeagle Tech fins if i have an extra $200 i don't know what to do with.

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha Sounds like a great plan for that extra $200 🤪 Totally good points you made here! Glad they have worked for you. It's all about just having the right tool for the job. Thanks for watching!

[@Twilight777Dancer]

Sorry but I do not consider your review open minded or non-bias. I do own a set of split fins. I do not use them for ocean diving. I prefer my Mares Avanti Quattro fins. I want some exercise while diving with good efficiency and power. I am 70 and have been scuba diving for over 50 years. Lake Hickory Scuba has a video on Testing Fin Efficiency. That is more then words and opinions.

[@AzulUnlimited]

k thanks

[@LearnToSurvive]

The advertisement was the funniest thing I've seen on KZbin 😂😂😂

[@AzulUnlimited]

I had totally forgotten about that 🤣🤣🤣🤣 god we’re dweebs

[@amadd5641]

I think that you are correct. I got away with using the split fins for many years against all currents, rescue diving and deco diving, but I have very strong calf muscles and thighs which got me through anything difficult. The majority of my diving has been for cruising so they are great for that. In the wash up, I would prefer a more traditional fin.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Every tool has a time and place. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@robertray368]

I would love it if you would try the atomic split fins and give me your personal impressions

[@AzulUnlimited]

That would mean I'd have to spend money on split fins and that's never gonna happen 😂😂😂 if I find a dive buddy that will let me try them, I'll do it. Just for you 🤪

[@robbiemurderingminion2556]

Worst purchase ever are my splits. I have a Quattro fins that I have had for 20+ years but love my RK3’s

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha oh no! Quattros are solid fins. Aitor has been diving with them for a handful of years now

[@OrenNoah]

In other words, split fins work fine when you don't really need much from your fins. But, if you do need fins to work right, you're hosed. And, split fin divers appear to be worst offenders for kicking up the bottom silt.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Well, some people do just dive in simple places where they work just find for them. It's good to understand how each work. And honestly, it's more the inexperienced divers, not the fin type, that end up kicking the bottom

[@alligatorbird3498]

Started out with SF, ended up with blades. With split fins, I always had problems keeping up with my buddies. It turned out, my legs were not the problem. :D

[@AzulUnlimited]

True! Great you found a solution for yourself. Thank you so much for watching

[@gingerstrand6153]

I own my own business. I tell the truth and inform customers regardless of cost of materials. I always appreciate businesses that do the same. Great video.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you so much! We live by that motto too. I like to think of that as marathon marketing. It's not about any kind of quick buck, it's about building trust :) thanks for watching and for joining us live this morning!!

[@davidhuber2172]

As you mention, they are the right fins for certain people… but let’s specify exactly why. Split fins (and angled fins in general) are great for people with low plantar flexion and higher dorsiflexion in their ankles. Most men are between 40-55* p and 25-35*d while women average 70-90*p but only 10-15*d . My feet are 45*p on a good day. More ROM means more thrust from frog and flutter kicks. Second, they are better used by people with very strong legs who have difficulty limiting their speed. Less water resistance means I can keep a higher (but relaxed and natural feeling) cadence with less O2 consumption. I also have crappy posture, so larger blades like free diving fins, will make my back muscles cramp in a matter of minutes. But the real reason most divers hate split fins is that no one teaches the proper techniques. Forward thrust and level trim is best achieved with a reverse bicycle kick - a complex motion that requires asynchronous hip, knee, and ankle movement - but one that is extremely efficient. Most divers and free divers use modified or exaggerated flutter kicks - long up and down strokes that are useless with split fins. Also, you CAN in fact frog kick in tight silty spaces but again it’s a “reverse” frog kick - backhand rather than forehand. I’ve also found that tight, hard flutter kicks in my splits can provide as much or more speed as blade fins for fighting strong current even if it is less energy efficient. After doing all kinds of diving with several fin styles, I am certainly one of the people they were made for. And I will cheerfully be the “unprofessional” looking instructor using my Xpert Zooms rather than RK3’s.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Use the fins that are right for you 🤙 thanks for watching

[@jonnieinbangkok]

My first trip after the pandemic is to Azul Divers WITH MY SPLITS!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahahaha. you will be more than welcome!!! even with split fins lol

[@wesshort757]

I love my split fins for my rec diving. Two ankle surgeries and a busted up knee means it keeps me in the water longer. When I’m loaded up for PSD stuff I wear ankle braces with my rockets. Definitely the better fin for that type of diving but not nearly as comfortable.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Split fins are amazing for that kinda of knee and ankle problems, same as sidemount for some people with back problems. Glad to know you keep diving tho!

[@cliffmillerslandlockedexpl5421]

I have a pair of both regular fins and split fins. I use the split fins in the lakes around here because there is no real current. I also use the split fins when snorkeling.

[@AzulUnlimited]

To be honest I like them for snorkelling, very good feeling at the surface.

[@waynestorey8174]

Thank you for this video. I dive in the UK and you have saved me cash for fins. No split fins for me as we have lots of currants here. Got my self mares fins now.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yes! You'll be happy with those :) Thanks for subscribing :D

[@alrobinette3475]

What do you recommend as the best blade style fin?

[@AzulUnlimited]

depends on what you want to do. My next fins are going to be the OMS Slipstream for my drysuit, but avanti quattros are great all around fins

[@alrobinette3475]

@@AzulUnlimited thank you, I will be mostly doing recreational diving freshwater and saltwater will be my plans currently. Maybe some mild current when I am in the gulf of mexico or caribbean but no major drift diving like you do. Future likely some blackwater river diving but mostly saltwater. I will check these out

[@shuntao3475]

Azul Unlimited, would love your feed back on fins for Rescue Scenarios. Swimmer and Water polo player for over 45 years, I have good swimmer legs. The Quatro's are nice but I had to leave them because of the small feet pockets, to the Atomic Splits early in my dive career. The Splits did a great job in South Florida until I went into DM. I switched to Atomics Blade Fins, which I really liked, but. We dive Steel, 95% of the time and in rescue scenarios and doubles I felt the blades buckled under the weight. Now I am rolling with the Apeks RK3 HDs and Deep6 Eddy's.

[@gbsailing9436]

It actually depends on your finning style. I fin with a style most people can't match - and no I'm not talking about the frog kick. It's slower (so it uses less muscle and hence energy and O2), it's a more full range of kick (so your not moving the same muscles as often - again less O2 usage), it's moves the fins in different directions (so your fins never meet and clash), it deflects water off to the sides rather than up and down (so when you are close tot he bottom, you're not kicking up sand in others faces), and it uses less knee bend (which is a requirement in all other kicking styles), so effort is transferred to the ankles not the knees. You kick from the hip and with basically straight legs mimicking a 'X' pattern - flexing from he angle and within the fin. To do this you need to roll the hips, which is a natural movement anyway. It also means I can kick in three different styles, so if a particular muscle group of mine gets tired or crampy, I can change my style of kicking and give rest to the muscle group in trouble. My technique also means that your fins are further apart 95% of the time and hence when you wish to "steer" yourself with a flick, or small adjustment kick, your fins have better results over your body as they are further away from your centre-line. Why do you think modern racing sailing boats have two rudders on the far extremities of their hulls? Better control and more leverage over the keel and centreline. As a diver of over 33+ years and an instructor/ dive master/ and Int. Ass. Dive Rescue Specialists Public Safety Diver with 2600+ dives it has take me a few years to develop this technique. I try to teach my technique to people, but people have little patience and do not persevere with it, giving up too easily - because it takes a mental strength to kick with straight legs, and not bent as in a flutter kick. Like many things learnt during diving, it is a skill which has to be learnt. But it is a great finning technique. It really suits a blade and not for spilts. I've tried it with splits and nothing happens...Ha! Now I've observed that a normal finning technique, the 'flutter kick', only works on the downward stroke. My finning technique Works on both the downward and upward strokes! Having said all that, my friend loves his splits and does not want to go back to blades. We always dive together and he never gets tired during our long dives, so I can't fault his choice!!! So it's a matter of horses for courses.

[@emmylee8862]

That needs a video...

[@gbsailing9436]

@@emmylee8862 It does...When I have one I'll post it on my channel and send you the link here. I'll keep you posted. This is all I have there at present. kzbin.info/door/49T1_8rqA69Q1SU-tyZhhQ

[@AzulUnlimited]

Agree! I would like to see on video, sound very interesting option!

[@gbsailing9436]

@@AzulUnlimited I'm still trying to track down someone with a camera to video my fining style. I'll update this when I have the footage.

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@gbsailing9436 looking forward to it. happy halloweeen!

[@jonnieinbangkok]

Luv my Tusa Xpert Zoom splits...15 years and still going strong 💪 Ahh excuse me...dived in fierce currents in Komodo, Bali, and Philippines with no issues...maybe it's your legs 🦵that don't pack any punch!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Glad they work so well for you! as long as you are happy everyone happy!!

[@pablogimenez8369]

I use the same fins and in strong currents in the Philippines they rock!!!

[@aliciazinn6211]

You guys had so much fun making this video!! And I love the way you delivered this info. Had me cracking up the whole time!!

[@MikeR_DiveR]

I use a pair of Atomic smokes...split fins and really like them overall. My only two complaints 1) once in a while they bend in such a way that it feels like I kicked someone or something and 2) back finning is an acquired skill. But I find the helicopter turns aren’t so bad. Dry small kicks will propel one through the water with little effort. Frog kicking is easy too. I promise not to hate on anyone for their fin choice in return for the same 😉. Thanks for sharing and safe diving!

[@AzulUnlimited]

haha no hate here! If it works for you, keep doing you. I never spent much time in split fins, but I can imagine back finning is a challenge. Great that you're able to helicopter without too much difficulty. Thank you so much for watching!

[@billkirksey4866]

What fins does the Azul team use?

[@AzulUnlimited]

hmmm we're kind of all over the board. Avanti quattros are always a good choice. I personally have some cheap seacs at the moment 😅

[@tonysmith172]

Blade. I have the seawing nova fins. Love them

[@AzulUnlimited]

Never use them but many of our clients have them and are super happy with how they performance!

[@christiansvendsenengholm5243]

Hollis F1 yellow tip fins for drysuit cold water diving and Aqualung Storm fins for warm water traveling :)

[@AzulUnlimited]

I like it! Never tied before the Hollis but Aqualung Storm are good fins!

[@christiansvendsenengholm5243]

@@AzulUnlimited Diving with the F1 in a drysuit will help you keep you feet down, awesome propulsion and save weight on your BCD. they are heavy and just nice in full cold water gear setup

[@flippha]

what do you think about hinge fins? Or those with a tiny hole near the toes? Do they also have these problems that split fins have?

[@AzulUnlimited]

I actually had a pair of Scuba Pro Seawings for a couple of years and really liked them. The only thing is that they are really long so it took some training to be able to back fin with them without looking spastic. The other issue with the hinge is that it's a weak point on the fin. I had to get new fins once mine broke right at that hinge. Thanks for watching!

[@mariagarciagarcia5391]

Hola chicos!! Yo uso Force Fin modelo PRO. Desde que las probé con corriente en Cabo de Palos... tengo cuatro pares, hasta unas XXL para el seco. ¿Las habéis probado?.Si te acostumbras no hay marcha atrás :) Love u

[@AzulUnlimited]

No las he usado nunca, pero me gustaria probarlas! Ayayayayyyy que ganas tengo de bucear en Cabo... algun dia. Gracias por comentar amigaaaaa

[@marktaylor6188]

Great info but would love to see videos testing and comparing the 2. Some videos demonstrating those various kicks you were talking abut would be great as well.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Maybe one day! I'll keep it in mind if I find some fins to test

[@TheMrGad]

Any recommendation for high-quality split fins?

[@AzulUnlimited]

you're dead to me

[@scottdarlington6241]

I use Apollo bio fins and like them a lot. They are a little heavy for travel but work well for me in the water.

[@myscubablog]

love to watch your channel guys! very informative and relaxed at the same time, I like the way you deliver! Keep up the great work!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Thank you! Will do!

[@theck672]

Fabio’s got nothing on Aitor !!! Wow!! Big Hair! Love it!

[@AzulUnlimited]

So so true! haha His hair is on another level. Thanks for watching, Teresa!!

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

I got both …..splits in the pool when I do laps to build my endurance. When I am in open water I use my blades.

[@AzulUnlimited]

That's very smart! I never thought about it... Thanks for sharing

[@powerofeus]

6:02:20 Oh Yeah JAJAJA That muscle!!! jajajaj 6:08 JAJJAJAJAJAAJ So confident ! Aitor did not have problems with his haters jajajaja. Amazing Video as always! I dont like split fins too, but just because I have regular fins JAJAJAJ that is a valid point for me I guess so. Thanks for sharing hope someday dive together! See ya on the next video!

[@AzulUnlimited]

We would love to dive with you! And no, Aitor is never worried about haters hahahaha. Thanks for watching with us!!

[@leopoldbloom4835]

I'd love to hear your opinion on the Seawing Nova. Some people love them, other people not so much. I bought a used pair for a good price on ebay, but due to Covid I hadn't a chance to try them in the water yet.

[@AzulUnlimited]

I actually had a pair for several years and really liked them. The only thing is that back finning isn't quite as easy since they are long and positively buoyant. The other issue (and the reason I had to get new fins) is that the 'hinge' part of the fin is a weak point so mine ended up snapping. Now I use normal blade style fin and I just find them to be more durable.

[@leopoldbloom4835]

@@AzulUnlimited Thank you for your advice! I guess, if they do for an instructor for several years, they will do fine for me.

[@muellermay]

I tried them once, cause my buddy had difficulties to recognize what her feed were doing while learning backkick, so we switched fins. I wear light but sligthly negative short fins (Aeris Accel). So I tried, and I couldnt tell what my feet were doing either^^. So for learning its not the best thing, if you already can do it I read theres no Problem doing the kicks. But what I see around me, they are so powerful with flutter kick that swimming fastv,even if the diver is >2m above the ground, 3m behind them the silt clouds are BAD. And I just dont get why I have to spend over 150€ for Fins. I hate splitfins too (silting) , but when recovering from an broken foot they were great for snorkeling, I couldnt kick my usual fins at that time (took me 3 months) so I tried them from a friend.

[@mcoop571]

I am a lifelong Jet-Fin guy, 63 years old. I just saved a beautiful pair of split fins from going into the dumpster at a divorce sale. Should I even bother with trying them? I’m tempted to just list them for sale as I am a strong swimmer and quite happy with the old jets.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hi there! mmmmm if you are use to dive with heavy and strong fins, with a lot of precision (Jet-Fin), diving with the split fins will be like swimming with a block of butter on your feet. But mmm maybe you should give it a try....

[@gray_wolverine63]

About time. 🤣

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahhaha glad you where waiting for it!!

[@gray_wolverine63]

@@AzulUnlimited Absolutely and I totally agree with you as well. Dive safe. 🇺🇲👌🏼😊

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

Apollo Bio Fins are great. They are split fins

[@AzulUnlimited]

To each their own, my friend! :)

[@alexeyzolotarev741]

One other point when the split fins might be useful is when you find a bicycle underwater and you would want to ride it, without putting off the fins. But this is not a common case anyway 🙂

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha nice one! I went diving with a split finner this weekend and he got an earful 😂

[@alexeyzolotarev741]

The owner of our dive centre often told us that she would never sell split fins but was obliged to by the contracts. None of us who trained there were ever using split fins, only those who came from the other dive shops. I personally use scubapro seawing (guerilla, super strong) most of my dives, and mares black thick rubber fins (mostly with drysuit)

[@AzulUnlimited]

@@alexeyzolotarev741 Yeah, i see split fins a lot in California because we're typically not dealing with much current and they are easier on the knees and ankles, especially for beginners... but like, come on guys hahaha

[@powerofeus]

I miss your videos guys =c I hope everything is good, Greatings!

[@AzulUnlimited]

Don't worry my friend! we are working on new videos, Aitor has been traveling from Indo to USA and is here with me for a couple of weeks, so we will make some videos together! Take care!

[@powerofeus]

@@AzulUnlimited so glad to read that! Excellent. I will wait new videos! Be safe and take care a lot! 🥺♥️

[@PressureGroupX]

Jet Fins baby!!!!! All day

[@AzulUnlimited]

haha, you have strong legs, my friend 🤪 but seriously, jet fins are great. I've never been able to make the switch cuz my legs just sink with those on.

[@bradallen5571]

Split Fins???....heck yeah!! They're great for use as a target in a urinal. Quattros and Jet Fins forever baby!! Not that I have an opinion.......I have a picture of myself in 1983 when I was starving to death as a professional musician, that if you drew on a beard it would look like Iator playing in a hair metal band....spandex and all.

[@AzulUnlimited]

That's amazing. Now we need to see this photo... Tag us on IG @azul.unlimited hahaha

[@bradallen5571]

@@AzulUnlimited messaged you on IG. Not an IG guy so not sure I did it right. Yes....I have children older than ya'll...so....yeah. Hanging my head in shame.

[@dixter1652]

better to have both kinds of fins... know where you are going and what kind of diving you will be subjected to... then pick up the best fin for the dive location... both types of fins have their own set of benefits... why put on a stiff fin that is going to wear you down when you just wanted a nice easy dive...

[@AzulUnlimited]

Yup! to each their own. I personally can't be carrying different sets of fins in my van so i stick with the blade that will be good in all conditions, but I totally get where you're coming from. Thanks for watching!

[@jimgam730]

Started out with blades and don't have much to complain about them except, my knees. At my age, 62, split fins work best for my knees. So, no f@cks given about anyone else's opinion about my split fins.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hell yeah! You do you. That's why we wanted to talk about the pros of split fins. There are benefits, people are just haters

[@YouTube_user3333]

I can’t believe I missed this video Split fins are useless! If you need less push, use smaller fins, snorkelling fins for example. I use mares Avanti Quattro for current and mares fluida fins for no current. The later are inexpensive snorkelling full pocket fins.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Great points! the quattros are perfect, adaptable fins for all different types of diving. love them

[@PressureGroupX]

Just had Achilles surgery. Doctor is suggesting I use…..GASP….sss…sp sp…spl… I can’t say it. I just can’t

[@AzulUnlimited]

oh noooo... 😅 Sorry to hear that, but at least there are tools that allow you to keep diving? My condolences 😬

[@jamieware9746]

"Places you can have trouble with split fins"... in the water, diving.

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha fair. We like to try to be inclusive 🤪

[@vkorac]

Blade ... ;)

[@AzulUnlimited]

All about it! Let's see how many split fin people represent 🤪

[@AdventureTravelandScuba]

Jet fins only for me no other way, all types of diving, Split fins are for baby divers

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha no judgement though 🤪Jet fins are too heavy for me, but I know a lot of people who swear by them. They're super great for precise movement

[@DiverKnight]

@@AzulUnlimited try OMS Slipstreams, pretty much the same as Jets but neutral in the water. I use Slipstreams with aluminum tanks and Jet Fins or Turtle Fins with steels/tech diving

[@timgosling6189]

Split fins are easier to kick. There's a reason.....

[@AzulUnlimited]

Whatever could you mean? 🤪

[@franciscaarevalo4339]

Que guapo esta mi hijo tan peinaito

[@AzulUnlimited]

Verdad que si jijiji. Gracias por ver el video!

[@Sombre____]

Duck don't have split fins. So, don't use split fins, please. :)

[@AzulUnlimited]

Hahhaha that's awesome !!

[@wallybrown9509]

In other words split fins are for none serious amateur woosy wannabe divers?

[@AzulUnlimited]

For professionals I will not recommend them unless knee problems or something like that.

[@douglasljdunn]

Blades RK3...... split fins 🤦‍♂️

[@AzulUnlimited]

hahaha it's ok. We all have to start somewhere 😂

[@mtsvcc]

Split fins are garbage. Thank you

[@AzulUnlimited]

Lol. They’re just another type of tool. I wouldn’t use them but they work for some people🤷‍♀️

[@jonasbjerga1739]

Split fins is rubbish. and can potentially be a risk factor.

[@AzulUnlimited]

Sure, in some places depending of conditions they can get you in trouble...

[@jonasbjerga1739]

@@AzulUnlimited I'm on a dive job now, and was awarded Split fins😅 I left them at the bottom 👍🏻