109 replies to this topic

[tdpriest]

Time to post again...



"Feel the Force": short fins

I am a bit concerned about the number of posts advocating free-diving/dive-guide fins, you know, the ones that double your leg-length and C³ (coral-crunching-capacity), quite apart from neccessitating a Hogarthian wrap if you are to have any chance of avoiding being pummelled should you have to share air with your stylish buddy.


If you have dived with me you will know that I have a high GDF (gastric drag factor), and like to keep my gear streamlined and tucked away from the coral. I have now gone completely over to the simple, robust Force-Fin Pro, both for wetsuit and drysuit diving, with little change in my performance from my formerly beloved Quattros. With elastic bungies the Pros are so easy to put on, and so comfortable in the water, that I wish I had tried them years ago.

Of course, I haven't swum behind myself, but I haven't seen huge clouds of silt when I've turned around...

Tim

[Photo Lama]

Hey Dan, don't over look Force Fins.

They take about 5 - 10 dives and then you'll be hooked. The hardest part to get used to is the lack of resistance in the water.

I still have a pair of the Pros' which are over 20 years old now, and still in use with the orginal straps. They are definitely a pair you keep for life. They are not the best fins on the surface as they need to be completely submerged to take advantage of the 'fish tail' like design. They come with a bungee style strap now which I suspect won't last as long as the old strap but they come off really easy, as someone already mentioned. There are a bit of a strange shape to pack and not sure that they are any lighter than other fins, but they are worth every penny.

Everywhere I go it only takes a matter of time before people get hooked on em.

Beware I am not sure they work well on models however ... maybe not the most photogenic.

RB

[bmyates]

Hey Dan, don't over look Force Fins...They come with a bungee style strap now which I suspect won't last as long as the old strap but they come off really easy, as someone already mentioned. . .

I've got multiple pairs of Force Fins that I've been using for many years (love 'em!): the original style "Pro" in Tan Delta material (that's just a stiffer version of the standard fin) and some Tan Delta "Extra" fins (longer than standard - they are better for swimming against current, but not as maneuverable in tight spots/macro photography as the original style).

I've replaced the bungee straps on both of those with Apollo Spring Straps, which are great and seem like they'll last forever. Just requires drilling one additional hole in each side of the fin to install. Note that if you go back and forth between thin booties to bigger boots, you'll need to add/remove the "Custom Instep" cushions to keep the springs in the right position.

[Drew]

Tim
Fins are mostly choice. I personally dislike any hard fin for sandy/silty dives esp for those who don't know how to frog kick. Even a simple scull can send silt/sand up.
For travelling in tropical waters, I use the Oceanic Vortex V6 full foot split fin. It's light and the "nature's wing" design does keep the "wake footprint" size to a minimum while maintaining excellent speed, unlike a frog kick which is great for not creating too much wake but not the fastest way to travel.
In open blue water dives, the power of Cressi Garras are pretty impressive. They are easy to keep underwater to prevent surface splash, which means you don't scare off the marine life.
For drysuit/colder water dives, the Apollo Biofins are my choice of fins. They are heavy to travel with though. I think the Oceanic Vortex V8s are nice and light and I'll probably buy them for any booted dives.
Caving/cavern dives are the only time I go back to jets. But since I haven't done those sort of dives for 5 years, the jets are gathering dust at home.

I am a bit concerned about the number of posts advocating free-diving/dive-guide fins, you know, the ones that double your leg-length and C³ (coral-crunching-capacity), quite apart from neccessitating a Hogarthian wrap if you are to have any chance of avoiding being pummelled should you have to share air with your stylish buddy.

Octopus? What is that? Use buddy breathing so your body isn't anywhere near the fins to get pummelled.

[dcesere]

MARES AVANTI QUATTRO (FULL FOOT)

The best fin in the world by far. Comfortable and supreme power. I've been an Instructor for many years and have tried many fins and seen many fins.
It's hand down for me.

[garyyoss]

I have been using the Cressi Reaction Pro Full Foot fin and been very satisfied.
Recently I test dove their new Gara Professional, these are bad boys!

http://cressi.it/eas...egoriaID=100014

[seadweller]

what im wondering is what is the best fin for diving in strong current. would that be a freedive fin?

what im wondering is what is the best fin for diving in strong current. would that be a freedive fin?

[jester1226]

I have never liked the force fins - they're not very good in heavy current. They perform a lot like split fins (although slightly better, i think) but not as well as other fins. That being said, they are one of the fins used by the US Navy SEAL program (alongside Jetfins) - I was told this is because of their compact size, but based on my personal expirience with them, i'm guessing some admiral has a brother who owns the Force Fin company.

I know this is an old post:
Another reply regarding Force Fins from someone who has no experience using them. Force Fins work very well in heavy current when used correctly. In fact I personaly feel they perform better than any fin at this. You are not cramping up
while trying to move against a fast moving current. As for the NAVY Seals. They use Force Fins due to a test conducted
by the NAVY in regards to performance. If anyone is in the Detroit Michigan area and wants to test them let me know. You
won't be disappointed.

Also, they work great for photographers.(Professional Photographer)

Keith

[peterbkk]

I have a pair of APS Mantaray white fins - medium large, (with a spare strap). New, done about 5 to 10 dives. A couple of marks but quite clean.

I don't need them because my camera prefers to WB off something with red or brown in it.

In the spirit of Christmas, I will give them free to anyone who wants to come to my place and collect them.

I live in Singapore. Send me a PM for the address.

Regards
Peter

Edited by peterbkk, 24 December 2010 - 06:38 PM.

[malediver]

Start to I sow it with my own eyes.

Probably a bit late but I have only just joined. I have been useing a pair of force fins for the last 10 years and I would never go back to any other type of fin. They are good for most types of situation and don't stir the bottom up as much as others while giving you all the power you need without the strain on your legs. If you can find a pair try them, although you may need a couple of dives to get used to the different way of useing them. Cheers Ken.