Split Fins or Regular Fins

[WreckDiver]

How do you guys feel about slpit fins, I have a pair of Atomics, Great for Sight seeing, Any of you guys use them when you are hunting?

[Reefrat]

i've been diving the atomics since they came out and i love em. Ive got about 4 sets of fins that gathering dust for now. Though i'm thinking about a set of the blue scubapros.

[fishkilla]

splits suck... they have no power. ask any serious spearfisherman what they wear and they will tell you long still fins

[f94gator]

I'm still with my old normal Mares Avantis. My next pair will probably be long fins.

[Hogwild]

I just got a pair of split fins and I hate them. Untill I get some of those long blades, I'm going back to my Avanti fins. Split fins seem fine if you are just sight seeing, but if you are chasing down a wounded fish, it feels like you are not getting any traction.

Just my pissed off optinion. :rolleyes:

[richhermes]

Looks like the majority feel these fins suck. What might be a good test is do back-to-back dives with Avanti's and then Splits to get a feel which one is more efficient.
I guess I'm sticking with my Avanti's until I get this overwhelming desire to purchase long fins.

[Steel Shootin']

I've been told by more than one guy that all "hard core" spearfishermen wear the long blades, and wouldn't consider splits. I've had some pretty damn good spearfishermen on my boat wear splits. What is the saying in Deepfish's signature: "It's whats on your stringer that counts!"

I am presently using Scubapro Twin Jets. I like them, but that may be due to my spearfishing style. I have no desire to run up and down a ledge like I'm running a marathon. I like to meander, prodding and poking under the ledges along the way. As far as getting on top of a shot fish, my Scubapros do just fine. If wearing splits eliminates the chance that I'll ever be hard core, I guess I'll have to live with that. :D

With fins, the only thing to do is try everything and use what you like.

[Spearchucker]

try everything and use what you like

You certainly practice what you preach :D :p

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by Spearchucker
You certainly practice what you preach :D :p Why shouldn't I try everything? If I don't like it, some bozo on eBay will buy it for about what I paid. :)

[Spearchucker]

Touche!

[Divin' fool]

Got to go with the stiff long blades.... I've never used the splits, but my dive buddy uses them and when I go behind him they look like they flex like crazy (he seems to like them).

[Steel Shootin']

Originally posted by Divin' fool
Got to go with the stiff long blades.... I've never used the splits, but my dive buddy uses them and when I go behind him they look like they flex like crazy (he seems to like them). If they're flexing like crazy, he may not be using them right. They are designed to be used with a very short kicking action. BTW, splits have consistently outperformed regular blade fins, although I don't know if a credible source have ever put them against the likes of those long bladed freedive cressis.

[BobK]

If you have a fin that flexes considerably with each stroke, like a split fin does, it cannot impart as much force on the water as one that flexes much less with the same size stroke. Kinda like a slipping clutch. So more of your leg energy is translated into thrust with non-split fins.
The other issue would be how much effort you exert. Maybe with split fins you don't get tired as easily or something. Other than that, I cannot think of a particular reason anyone would want them.

[gulfdiver]

I tried a pair of Oceanic Vortex V-12, for the first time about a week ago , the first dive I didn't think I liked them , the second dive I liked them a little better 4 dives later I think I'll stay with them.

[Spearchucker]

You guys all need a physics course. Fins are a preference issue. You swim by pushing water. Bigger fins push more water, smaller fins push less water. Bigger fins = less strokes but more exertion per stroke. Smaller fins = more strokes but less exertion per stroke. In the end, same amount of energy required to get from point A to point B. There will be some minor differences in efficiency levels, but they are very minor.

Physics 101

[richhermes]

Mr. Rosette would be proud of you Spearchucker!

[100days-a-year]

Splits are much more efficient at transferring energy to motion.No one has ever outpaced me wearing my SP twinjets.I wear them from AL80s to 2xlp95s with stages .They really suck for caves due to the vortex eddies that come off the tips tend to silt.90% of the commercial spearfishermen in Jax wear them ,the rest are split up Quattros and longfins.Every test by every mag or agency that has tested them showed they cut air consumption and increased speed.Blow me with anecdotal evidence ;)

[BobK]

You probably just don't have the leg power to utilize stiff fins. Glad they invented something to help you out.:D

[greyface]

Oh shit...INCOMING!:D

[BobK]

Quiet, I'm fishing here.;)

[fernandezh]

You guys are heartless. Keep it up.

I tried the split fin vs. regular fin experiment once. I jumped in the water on dive #1 on regular fin and dive #2 on split. Granted with the split fin it is easier to kick but you have to kick twice as fast to get the same speed as you would with a regular. I personally prefer the regular fins. I am thinking of getting the long fins but I'll wait until I wear out my regulars first. I guess, personal preference is the key on this one. Some people have greater strength vs. endurance or vice-versa. I am sure, someone in the Navy has compared the two types. Those guys in seal units (like sharpshooter junior :D) are sometimes expected to swim 3-4 miles under water with rebreathers. All the units I know of use regulars. I personally will stick with the regulars based solely on the fact that this is what I am personally comfortable with. Again, personal preferance reigns supreme.

H

[Spearchucker]

Blow me with anecdotal evidence

Ladies and gentleman, the laws of Physics are now officially Null and Void. You may continue your day (in complete weighlessness should you desire)

[100days-a-year]

BobK,I'm 5'10 #190 run a 5:20 mile, a sub 20min 5k and can leg curl or extension 150# per leg .I assume that would indicate sufficient leg strength?The splits use a totally different method of utilising leg energy.I suggest a trip to RSD for a layman's explanation for you Physics majors out there.The quicker leg kicks with less blade drag=greater efficiency.Explain the fact that splits lower air consumption in every test?

[f94gator]

I'm 5'10 #190 run a 5:20 mile, a sub 20min 5k and can leg curl or extension 150# per leg


OK, everyone at once, "OOOOOOOOOOOooooooo"

[100days-a-year]

F94,and you thought I was all brains and good looks.

[BobK]

Hi Tony,
Welp, not bad for a little short guy :-)
I'm 6'7", 225 #. I can leg curl #150 pounds also, but do it on longer legs (greater leverage). I guess you can outrun me, though. :p
I still think that split fins are like a slipping clutch, or maybe like an underpropped boat. You may get better air consumption but you're not utilizing the engine as well.
Fin manufacturers have to continue to come up with new ideas to beat the competition. When you have something as basic as a fin, it's pretty hard to do much to it. Hence the split fin.
We'll see how it goes over the next few years. But, sometimes, the product is really as good as it can get already.

All my 0.02, as usual :)

[fernandezh]

Originally posted by 100days-a-year
BobK,I'm 5'10 #190 run a 5:20 mile, a sub 20min 5k and can leg curl or extension 150# per leg .

Are we trying to compensate for something here?

[100days-a-year]

Hector,would you believe I had to work my legs out that big to get my unit to look normal?;)Seriously, happy to see you have a see of humor.One of the girls who used to work for me would comment to any middle-aged men she saw driving a sports car"sorry about your $%&# man"

[f94gator]

Originally posted by 100days-a-year
F94,and you thought I was all brains and good looks.

Umm, no I didn't. I really didn't.:eek: :eek: :D ;)

[Kasshia]

Fins are very much one of those personal preference things. Ever since the wife got me a pair of Riffe Silent Hunters (O.ME.R. Milleniums) both pair of my Avanti Quattros have been gathering dust relegated to loaner status. I have rented a few models of split fins and tried them, but they didn't work that well for me. They seem great for slow cruising, hardly feel like anything at all, but when I need to apply the HP, current, surf, etc., I rapidly reach a point of dimenishing returns, the harder I kick, the slower I go. The next thing I plan on doing is get the Pez Fuerte (stiffer) blades for my fins. I don't see me going back to anything other than a long blade fin with a full foot pocket.

[one_lucky_shot]

now that most of you have flexed, huffed, puffed, and stand by your fins. it is all pref. splits need a diff kick style. short and fast, every thing stays in slip stream. they suck for a quick burst of speed but maintain speed at less efort. so yes those that kick hard wanting more power.... you will not get it with splits. just like if you want to do advanced (cave like) kicks; helecopter, frog, reverse, ect splits down right suck!! it is all up to what you want use. but if you are going to "test" them give them a chance and use the kick that they are made to be used with.

buy the way i have a pair of Shearwood blitz split fins.... were black, now a slight grey from the dust .....:eek: though my scuba pro jet fins (the original black ones, not split "twin jets") are next to my bag ready to go:D

[100days-a-year]

Isn't testosterone great!

[Kasshia]

me kick - me go

me kick hard - me go fast

me kick hard - me go...........slow?:confused:
Something wrong with system. Tarzan fix. Tarzan need bigger, stiffer fins. Jane get for Tarzan Riffe Silent Hunter fins. Tarzan happy now.:) Jane happy now, Tarzan get more fish.:D

Tarzan also thinking about how to laminate fin blades together to make blades about 6 feet long with good snap.;)

[captadam123]

i have the scubapro twin jets and i love them. They keep my legs from cramping and getting fatiqued.

[Screen Name]

:D

[WreckDiver]

Funny

[MarkD]

Thought you might find this interesting. I know I did when I read it in the magazine last summer. Rodales tested quite a fe fins, but certainly not all of the ones mentioned in this thread. The results are really amazing. One of the cheapest, simplest, full foot fins won the contest. Most importantly it won the speed contest by a significant margin. Go figure.

http://scubadiving.com/gear/200207fins/

[slipknot]

Will this thread ever end?:confused:

[richhermes]

Probably not.

[blue gun]

XXL Scubapro Jet Fins (purchased at playtime flea market 1984). I use for cave, spearfishing and spanking your mama.:D :eek:

[WreckDiver]

About 700 members, 750 views? 35 posts. lookout bikini section

[greyface]

LMAO!

[100days-a-year]

MarkD,the article mentions that the tests were conducted using flutter,dolphin and frog kicks equally.The results would have been a little different if only a flutter kick was used.I think the last time I used either other kick was in class.Splits suck horribly for alternative kicks.

[Kasshia]

Tarzan rethink experiment. If no work, waste time - more important to Jane, waste green paper with pictures of dead presidents. Jane Mad :mad: .

If fins work, Tarzan's mask around Tarzan's weight belt. Tarzan need beep, beep horn to keep from running over fish (BEEP, BEEP). Tarzan plow into reef, people start mistaking Tarzan for George. No good. Waste green paper with pictures of dead presidents. Jane Mad :mad: .

Tarzan think make Jane want to try out Riffe Competitor #3XS on Tarzan :eek: .
:D

[IyaDiver]

All the fins I mentioned below are full foot version, not open heel, so it maybe different.

I am currently using Mares Avanti Tire, it is only a 3 water channel, unlike Quattro which has 4. The dealer doesn't carry my size for the Quattro. I have always wanted a Quattro.

I bought Scubapro splits, full foot version. I don't like it, the thick rib on the sides is heavy, I mean in terms of weight. I know split needs short and fast flutter kick. Sold in 30 minutes to my buddy on the next boat of the same trip.

I then bought ( 3 weeks ago ) an Oceanic V-6, also full foot. A few of my friends love it but I don't like it. I keep it as back up only.

I think the full foot is very size sensitive for me, the foot pocket I mean. Maybe on an open heel version it might be a different story. My friend owns two version of the Scubapro split, same style just the open heel and full foot difference. He swear that the full foot is more efficient and he kept his open heel since then.

I can not dive with open heel anymore now, the full foot version is so easy on the feet. I wear Henderson socks 1mm and that fin keeper rubber triangle ( if current is strong ).

I use my fins all the time to fight the fishes, I have full confidence
with my Avanti Tire. However full foot pocket can't last long but its ok, fin is a "consumable" item.

[richhermes]

btt

[Capt.Gene]

The only thing that pisses me off in life is that some people speak as if they feel they are entitled to an opinion!
I went from Esclapez long blades to Atomics three years ago and never wore the long blades again.
Here are my observations, based on teaching scuba for 20 plus years, making thousands of spearfishing dives, and having to constantly evaluate new gear as part of my purchasing decisions as a dive shop owner.
Splits rock. They do everything better than long blades except knock over stuff in the boat.
They provide a comparable cruise speed to the long blades, are less wearing on knees and ankles, grow fewer foot blisters, and make a tank of air go another 15-25% farther on the bottom.
I understand a lot of experienced divers do not like them because they seem to lack acceleration. What they lack is effort. They are plenty fast enough! They are just more efficent in pointing moving water behind the diver. I have heard quite a few time from divers using them for the first time that they think they aren't going anywhere because they seem to lack effort to kick, and they cannot get a "burn" going. That's the whole idea!
You do have to use them a little differently for sure. You need to take shorter, quicker kicks. They aren't designed to be used in the same long kick and glide as the long blades. It creates extra drag and slows you down if you do.
Give this a thought. All the major scuba manufacturers except one are paying a royalty to Natures Wing Corp. for the right to produce their own version of the split fin. It's not because they want to. It's because it works better
Oh, and the other company? Anyone out there using a fin with O.P.B. technology feel free to voice your opinion. You might want to try a pair, if you can find a store that sells them.

[richhermes]

Fins, long or splits, are for pu$$ies!! I dive with hiking boots on! No Problem!

[WreckDiver]

those would be the military issued w/ resin cardboard correct?:D

[Kasshia]

Jungle boots or black Cadillacs?

I hear the really tough don't put them on until after they've walked out across the reef.:D