Fins for photographers

[RogerC 4]

for the record, I've owned quattros, cressi freediving fins (cheap ones), technisub stratos, and jet fins. I've tried scubapro twin jet full foot fins, apollo split fins, mares hinged quattros (can't remember the real name), and various force fins. I really like the jet fins, for high speed and low.

 

Egg shell blue jet fins!!!

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they start out a medium-blue, but oxidize and get lighter. Same with the pink.

 

Do you think we can get one of the vendors to make ones with a large white patch, a large grey patch, and a Mcbeth color chart on them.

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try hotglue or good waterproof shipping tape, the thicker clear 3M kind.

 

Bacripe, interesting you mention that split fins don't do well in current. Every test(independent and otherwise) refutes that statement. Split fins are faster than normal paddle fins. In heavy curren, like those of Komodo or British Columbia, my splits jiggy with current much better than my jet fins.

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I just haven't seen that in person. I walk right by people with split fins in heavy current. My wife is not a strong smimmer, she wears medium size jets which have a very small blade, and she's faster than splits, too.

 

We got stuck in strong current once and a couple buddies with split fins were stuck in it near a wall, causing a bottleneck. We both moved out into heavier current and passed them easily. That was the end of split fins for us. The reviews make me wonder if sponsorship is biasing them. The scores are often very close, too.

 

 

Funny that many dismiss the black, slightly stiffer Scubapro Twin Jets. Howard Hall and Bob Cranston switched to these pushing around IMAX cameras and giant HD video rigs in conditions all over the world. And I'll bet they put in more time underwater on their MK155 CCR rebreathers than practically anyone. I dived with Bob a few years back and he and Howard were die hard Scubapro Jet Fin users. Must be good enough in currents if they decided to switch

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I noticed they wore them, and also that scubapro sponsors them, and again, I'm suspicious.

 

 

I tend to slowly frog kick my way around, scanning the site for things to shoot.

I like to be able to control my position or make slight adjustments with the twist of my ankle.  A stiff blade works well for this.  I like them short too, so I'm less likely to kick something when my face is glued to my viewfinder. 

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you should really try the old plain jets. They do exactly what you want. Ask around. Any old DM or diver or DIR guy will have a pair and won't mind you borrowing them. You can't hurt them.

[pmooney 6]

Be carefull fixing a white balance card to your fin - last time I did that a silver-tip decided to have a chew on mine.

 

I have found Mares "AVANTI" L full foot fins to be great for the "tropical water's" that I dive in. They can be a bit awkward in close confines - but boy can they push you along if you need it.

 

They are out of production now and my 12 year old pair are starting to look a towards retirement - thinking that Technisub "ALA's 9 "graphite rubber compound" are probally a good full foot option.

[MikeVeitch 0]

What i found interesting about Howard and Michelle Hall using the Twin Jets is the fact that they cut them almost in half, they are only about the size of boogie board fins....

[Drew 0]

Mate, I know about silvertips and white fins... This one chased me around for 15 minutes.

 

Roger,

Splits require technique to be at their most efficient. I happen to know a few guys who do the fin tests and their opinions can't be bought or sold. Plus my own experience for the last 6 years with the biofin converted me. I also thought they were crap but it was actually my own habits from the paddle fin days that made me slower etc. Took me a while to "flutter kick" constantly. Also as a video shooter, the imbalance of paddle fins going up and down is most drastically reduced with the smaller kicks, thus my videos are less Lars Von Trier in pursuit mode. Obviously to each their own and relearning to kick is something that is easier said than done. Nowadays, when I go back to paddle fins, I have to remember to kick wider.

[Ryan 57]

I bought some Omer Tuna fins on closeout at an LDS, I've been itching to try ff freediving fins for a while. After snorkeling with them in Lauderdale by the Sea (15ft freediving ) and diving them this weekend in moderate current on the Duane, I'm sold. I didn't need to do more than a small scull to stay stationary in the current, where others were doing a full on flutter kick. I could easily move against the current, had unreal positioning ability, and could fly if I needed. I've used twin jets, jets, Mares quattros, and these fins. I'll keep the jets to wear w/ my drysuit, the quattros for tropical travel if I need a "small" fin, and sell the twin jets on ebay!. For everything else, I'm going to use the Omers.

 

This is an incredibly individual choice, though.

[John Bantin 101]

John, I have the quattros and I love them, very manueverable for photography.  However, its a workout surface swimming.  I tried out my buddy's Apollo Biofins and I loved them, but a little too noodle-like so I ordered the Biofin XTs, we'll see how that pans out, I just wish they weren't so ugly.  I like the looks of the Atomic splitfins, anyone ever compared those to the biofin XTs?

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Take a look at: http://www.divernet.com/equipment/0303extra.htm

 

 

www.divernet.com has a lot of info in its archive!

[fdog 3]

<snip> I tend to slowly frog kick my way around, scanning the site for things to shoot.

I like to be able to control my position or make slight adjustments with the twist of my ankle. A stiff blade works well for this. I like them short too, so I'm less likely to kick something when my face is glued to my viewfinder. <snip>

 

With this as an engineering goal, I'd reccomend Jet Fins.

 

Not that I use them; I'm lucky enough to have an old pair of Power Plana Graphites that I hold on to protectively. Just as stiff, and manuverable, as Jet Fins, at half the weight.

 

With your interest in manuverability (not that I'm reccomending Kool-Aid), learning some DIR-type skills, like helicopter turns or backwards fin kicks, can really improve your underwater shooting, especially macro.

 

A good little video (if you can cut through the deadwood of a different "equipment debate" in the first 2 minutes) is here, 9 MB, so be patient. Even the most jaded can't look at this without seeing advantages for photography.

 

Fins are tools. Pick something from the toolbox that suits the job at hand. Anyone that says a particular fin is "the best", without articulating a task, is passing on rubbish.

 

All the best, James

[Marjo 8]

I used to huff at the idea that anything out there could be better than my rather long and stiff $38 paddles, especially after purchasing a pair of $150 very technical looking fins that I donated to a friend after two color cordinated but disappointing dives. But after several of my buddies raved about the atomic splitfins, and the fact that they came in an irressitible blue and tranclucent color combination, I caved in and got me a pair of Atomic Aquatics Liquid Blue SplitFins. We'll I had NO IDEA what a difference the fins could make! They move me with what feels like half of the previous effort, save me loads of air, zoomed me along fast and effortlessly. This weekend I made my hubby (who is notoriously frugal and will wear every piece of equipment until it simply cannot go on another dive) switch fins with me mid-dive, and now ever he is sold on these! No, I am not a salesman for Atomic (though I used to compete with Atomic skis in my youth), but I LOVE these fins!

[frogfish 5]

I use Force Fins, but they are not the short fins that most people here seem to be talking about. Long, very stiff (almost completely rigid), with two "whiskers" on top to channel the water flow. It's the model that Evans calls the "Excellerator". They're designed to generate a lot of power on the down stroke, but there is almost no resistance at all on the upstroke - it feels very strange at first.

 

It took a long time to get used to these fins - I did not like them at first, and I'm still not 100% sold. They use completely different muscles than other fins I've used, and put a lot of strain on the muscles around the arch of the foot. I would not advise anybody to buy them and take them on a trip without spending at least a week or so working with them in a pool or at the beach first.

 

I don't think they are very good for frog kicks, which I use a lot with other fins. The way the Force Fin (or this model, at least) is designed to catch water only on the downstroke but spill it on the upstroke means they don't generate much force with a frog kick, though it's ok for fine positioning. Once the new muscle groups are suitably conditioned, these fins are very fast and efficient working up-current, though again the technique is completely different than other fins. It's a bit like driving a 12-speed bike up hill in low gear, but I can maintain headway and last longer pushing a camera rig with long strobe arms (folded, of course) against a strong current with these fins than with others I've owned or tried.

 

I still switch back to my old Cressi Master Frog blades from time to time, and I think I've concluded the Force Fins are better, but I'm ready to try some of these pretty blue fins everyone is talking about, if I ever see them out here.

 

Frogfish

[bmyates 5]

I use Force Fins... the model that Evans calls the "Excellerator". . .They use completely different muscles than other fins I've used, and put a lot of strain on the muscles around the arch of the foot...

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I have four different pairs of Force Fins, the standard material and "Tan Delta" (stiffer material) of both the original style and the "Extra" version (which are longer and provide significantly more power). I never use the standard material ones any more because the stiffer Tan Delta material is so much better. When I don't anticipate constant current struggles, I use the original style FF's because they allow for the best maneuverability of any fins I've ever worn. When I DO anticipate constant/strong current, I use the "Extra" style.

 

I like FFs for the same reasons others have stated: ease of getting on/off, no leg stress on the upstroke (and therefore little or no cramping), open foot pocket (so no more toe blistering), and outstanding maneuverability.

 

In talking with several folks who've tried FF's and do NOT like them, the primary reason seems to be pain on the top of their foot. Sadly, this is EASY to eliminate -- by simply installing TWO sets of the soft foam FF pads available on their website. On my recent Indonesia trip, I did 55 dives averaging over an hour each, and had NO pain or booty rash/blistering.

[ReefRoamer 1]

I'll give my nod to the Tan Delta Force Fins. After 15 years of using half a dozen different fin types, I've finally found my personal match. Extremely maneuverable, small enough to pack easily, powerful enough for most circumstances. I wear them with a lycra sock. People say you may have to learn a different kick, but I think my natural kick fits the Force Fins. For heavy current, bluewater dives, I opt sometimes for my Atomic split fins ... but seldom use them anymore.

[lauri 0]

Jet fins or clones with spring straps. No gimmicks, totally indestructible and a bit negative in water, which is a positive side with a drysuit.

 

I come from a cold water, silty bottom wreck/cave diving background, and hence use frog kick for 99% of the time. When shooting in warm water vacations, I've found out that it also gives you a lot better control on your body position than flutter kick, and helicopter turns, suddens stops and backwards kicks are a lot easier - great for macro work. Additionally, you don't leave a wake of lost visibility and destroyed corals if you use the frog kick and are properly trimmed. B) For this any split/hinged/gimmicky fins are virtually useless, and of the flat fins the jets seem to give the best sideways control for ankle movements/sculling. Frog kick can also pack a lot of punch in a current, if properly performed.

 

Actually, I'm so brainwashed, that I even prefer pictures of divers doing frog kicks and using jets, they just seem more competent that way.

 

//LN

[davephdv 0]

Tan Delta force fin extras. I absolutely love them. I own two pairs. One XL for wetsuits and one XXL for my dry suit. I tried about 3 other fin types for my dry suit when my extra force fins wouldn't fit the boot. I gave away a pair of Cressis and Scubapros. They just weren't in the same league as the force fin extras. Sometimes between dives I jump in water just to swim around with them, they feel so great.

 

The person who doesn't think they have power is nuts. I can out swim any fin except free diving fins. I have a pair of those for some circumstances.

 

http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showt...7&hl=force+fins

[uw_nikon 0]

I use Cressi-sub Master Frog fins size XL, open heeled. They are only 3 inches (75mm) shorter than the Gara 2000s and a have little wider blade otherwise they're constructed the same as the Garas and have the a good freediving fin action. (I beach dive in a dry suit so full-foot fins won't work for me.)

 

Take Care,

Chris

 

PS, I used XL Jetfins for 10 years and after I tried the Master Frogs using the Jets felt like strapping rubber bricks to my feet. I've tried split fins. Couldn't get the fine attitude adjustment by flicking the fin tips like I can with a paddle type fin.

[hoovermd 0]

The force fins look like kiddies fins to me

 

I've been contemplating replacing my Atomic Splits.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE these fins. Comfortable nd work really well in open ocean.

If you have to swim any distance back to the boat, these are the fins for you.

 

However, for tight space ptoto these suckers are simply waaay too long. I'm grazing (or almost grazing)stuff too often since I've now got a camera to worry about.

 

So, any thoughts on fins that are short? I'm thinking of the Scuba Pro Jet (adding the spring straps)

http://www.scubapro.com/prod/fms/Jet%20Fin/Jet.htm

They seem to have been around quite a bit.

 

Most of our diving seems to be tendered. Also, there is a planned trip to the Galapagos on the Aggressor boat so I'd hate to pack the wrong fins there. I'm quite comfrtable with frog kicks and find myself using this kick 80% of the time right now. I've learned how to back up in my Atomics too but I'm looking for the better solution.

 

I'm typically pushing a dual strobe rig and the wife is a macro grrrl.

 

Naturally, Fins are a personal choice, but I'm interested in opinions.

Stuff like "my calves always hurt when I used this fin" or "Only use these if your legs are in shape" or even "I hate F'in Scubapro because ..."

[tdpriest 115]

I have lost so many shots behind a pair of force fins....

 

I think this discussion is wide of the mark: have you noticed how an old diver in a pair of training fins can stay still in a current when the new guys with their $200 fins get swept away? It's technique, and a little knowledge of the dive site. It trumps the world's best fins any day.

 

Now, if I HAD $200 (instead of saving for the next housing) spare I'm not saying that I wouldn't buy force fins, as the combination of age, experience and design might be the best of all....

 

.... but I WOULD feel guilty if I stirred up all the silt with that jet that comes off the fins. I guess that it's only polite to learn the cave frog kick.

 

Tim

 

B)

[MikeVeitch 0]

ummmm.... Tim....

 

what has cave got to do with frog kick?

 

i mostly frog with my long bladed free diving fins...

 

never been in a cave.

 

i personally believe that a frog kick comes natural to a diver as they gain experience. i watch all our dive guides here (most have been doing it for 10-15 years full time) and they all frog kick. And they have certainly never been trained in tech/cave diving...

[fdog 3]

ummmm.... Tim....

 

what has cave got to do with frog kick?

 

i mostly frog with my long bladed free diving fins...

 

never been in a cave.

 

i personally believe that a frog kick comes natural to a diver as they gain experience. i watch all our dive guides here (most have been doing it for 10-15 years full time) and they all frog kick. And they have certainly never been trained in tech/cave diving...

The cave frog kick, also known as the modified frog, is done with the knees at a 90 degree angle so that the lower leg is vertical. This places the fins further from the easily silted floor of the cave.

 

This kick relies heavily on the ankles and is more easily done with short, stiff fins.

 

The typical open water frog is done with a fairly straight leg and is more efficient, especially with longer fins.

 

<shrugs> Different tools for different jobs.

 

All the best, James

[MikeVeitch 0]

gotcha... thanks James

[frogfish 5]

Interesting how this topic keeps resurfacing. Since I contributed to this thread almost a year ago, I've given up on my Force Fins and gone back to JetFins (with steel spring straps), and I'm glad I did. The bottom line: these are still the fins I want if I have if I have to work up-current, and particularly if there is any kind of trouble and I need to get somewhere fast. But I know these are not for everyone.

 

I now think that what makes a fin work depends a lot on individual physiology, including both musculature as well bone structure and angles. I've also noticed that people who have a background in competitive swimming and/or water polo (in their youth) often tend to like very stiff fins, though I haven't got enough samples to make this a rule yet.

 

I'm keeping the Force Fins, but only for use as "macro" fins on muck dives. They are sometimes easier to keep high and clear in very silty locations than the Jet Fins.

 

I frog kick a lot, which is another reason I'm giving up on the Force Fins, which really don't work well with the scissoring/feathering frog kick I like to use, which might be something like the one fdog uses.

 

I have a pair of Master Frogs I still use once in a while. I loved them when they were new, but found that they lost stiffness after a few hundred dives, or maybe it was the travelling. I like stiff fins, and unfortunately my Master Frogs started out nice and stiff, but they aren't now. Not only that, but the lug molded onto the fin for attaching the strap is also breaking off on one side. I know I put a lot of miles on my fins, but still......

 

One thing about Jet Fins, you can't do much to them just by using them or packing them in a dive bag. With stainless steel spring heels, these fins are basically indestructable.

 

Frogfish...

[underwatercolours 0]

I guess I've been asleep at the wheel cuz this is the first time I noticed this discussion. Funny how fins can be such a personal and passionate issue. We all love our fins. Hmmm...Do any of us declare such public affection for our spouses / boyfriends or girlfriends / boat flings?

 

I have used Atomic SplitFins for years and absolutely love them, but like most fins they are heavy to pack. Dave makes a good point with the size, weight and age thing. Although I'm younger, smaller and have a bitter figure than he does, not to mention bone structure and angles (I'm sure I'll be hearing from him about this) I agree that the way we dive and our own physical fitness has something to do with our preferences. I have found over the years that I can get used to just about any fin and convince myself that I really like them, but I keep going back to my Atomic SplitFins.

 

I must add the disclaimer that Atomic Aquatics is my client so I may be biased, but nobody else has given me a fin I like better.

 

When Atomic came out with the full foot SplitFin I got one of the first pairs. They are 1/2 the weight of my open heel fins. This was about the same time the airlines lowered the luggage weight to 50#. Good timing. Every ounce helps. They were so lightweight that fellow phototogs made fun of me thinking I would never be able to keep up with them in a current. Well, they were very wrong and I smoked most of them carrying a housing just as heavy as theirs. Yes they were all older than me too, but I didn't sacrifice any power for the lighter weight fins and saved a couple of pounds in my luggage. That means packing a couple of extra lenses, a backup strobe, or bottle of massage lotion that I normally might have left at home to keep my bags under that 50# limit.

 

Before Dave's Bahamas tiger shark trip I traded in my yellow fins for blue ones because I was told not to dive with sharks wearing yellow fins. Now my Atomic Aquatics blue full foot SplitFins match my wetsuit, which we all know if the most important thing anyway.

[hoovermd 0]

Before Dave's Bahamas tiger shark trip I traded in my yellow fins for blue ones because I was told not to dive with sharks wearing yellow fins. Now my Atomic Aquatics blue full foot SplitFins match my wetsuit, which we all know if the most important thing anyway.

 

Hmmmm... didn't know sharks could tell colors

[dhaas 40]

OK Bonnie,

 

Younger? Better figure? To whom? The dolphins liked me better in my easy to zoom around black Scubapro full foot TwinJets !!!

 

Tim says it best, technique will trump gear anyday..... and as I said in my first post on the discussion's first page.

 

I think many people like Bonnie says can keep up longer with efficient slightly more flexible fins. I also think the frog kick as shown to me by cave divers, tech divers, etc. is BS in the ocean.....I never use it.....But then I swam freestyle WAAAYYYY back in high school and can do various levels of a flutter kick.....

 

Here's Bonnie in her Atomic full foot split fins. She is right, no trouble at all keeping up. Even Jim Abernethy pushing a giant FX1 HD video camera and lights uses plain old Mares Avanti TRE (or Quattro) full foot fins. Can't remember the exact model, but the point is they are full foot lightweight fins and he's swimming in currents, zooming around Tiger and Lemon sharks, etc.!!

 

YMMV

 

dhaas

[hoovermd 0]

Interesting but my original query was looking for SHORTER fins than my Atomics

 

However, it seems that folks would recommend my Atomic Splits for Galapagos diving due to currents??

[MikeVeitch 0]

i just bought a set of travel fins.... my cressi free divers are too long and the old set i had that i cut two inches off broke the foot pocket.. hahaah

 

 

so... what did i buy?

 

Mares Avanti Quattro full foot.

 

Only problem is i had to get a friend to buy them for me... it will be a surprise to find what colour i get!

 

haha