pakman 0 Posted March 12, 2007 (edited) dooh, nevermind... responded to 3mos old post... Edited March 12, 2007 by pakman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmyates 5 Posted March 12, 2007 (edited) ... I've seen photographers in split fins and if they have floppy tips on their split fins they can easily contact the bottom without the photographer even being aware of the position of the tips of the fins... I dive regularly with several very experienced divers who wear Biofins (heavy split-fins), and they really have a hard time hovering in photo situations without their fins migrating downward and kicking up silt/sand. Since they provide very little thrust at "stopped" speeds (i.e., when you're not swimming), it seems easy to unconsciously keep kicking with little apparent result. I don't know about other split fins - those that are wider (have more flat "fin" surface area) and aren't as heavy might be less of a problem. I'll stick with my Force Fins, which are VERY effective in tight spots with little kicking - just slight flicks of the fin with knees bent. As I stated long ago (when both I and this thread were much younger ), I use two different pairs of Force Fins - Tan Delta's when I don't anticipate ripping currents (e.g., Caymans, Lembeh, etc.), and the longer Tan Delta "Extra" Force Fins when I expect lots of current (e.g., Cocos, Galapagos, Komodo, etc.). They may look funny, but I haven't seen anything easier on my feet (no blisters), my legs (little or no cramping because all the thrust/pressure is on the downstroke where leg muscles are naturally stronger), and functionality. If you are on at trip with someone who has FF's, ask if you can trade fins with them for one dive to try them out; I do that with people all the time. Edited March 12, 2007 by bmyates Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danielandrewclem 3 Posted March 12, 2007 I first saw Force Fins when I was a Peace Corps vol in Tonga, when visiting pearl farming consultant from ICLARM busted out his red tan deltas and told me they were actually worth the $500 he spent on them. He certainly had a much easier time in currents and doing our week's worth of underwater oyster farm work than I did with my ridiculous old ScubaPro Veloces, which always killed my ankles and took up a ton of space in my luggage. When I left Tonga I gave my ScubaPros to a finless friend and later got Force Fin Pros before heading to Honduras to get my Divemaster. The FFs drew some incredulous looks and "duck boy" comments, but I went farther, faster, and stayed down longer than just about everyone else. I also found that I could walk forward with the FFs on because they are relatively short. This meant I could don all my gear in one place and get in the water quickly--no loitering on the step or waiting for someone to pass me my fins. I also found it was very easy to maneuver with the FFs while taking u/w pics, including "backing up" from subjects (just use your ankles). And I never kicked the coral. They're also so compact that they're not a burden when traveling. To make them comfortable, I bought the foam inserts and a pair of thin neoprene ankle socks. I think the foam inserts or neoprene booties are a must with FFs. One caveat: the FF originals, pros, and tan deltas are pretty bad when you're swimming at the surface (ie. snorkeling), b/c the power stroke is essentially above the water. Perhaps the FF split fin and excellerator are better at the surface. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davichin 18 Posted March 12, 2007 For me it has to be Cressi Masterfrogs... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
meister 1 Posted March 14, 2007 I've used these on last two trips. I do like them, a good agility moving within close quarters, yet good power when needed, at a good price and lightweight. The sizes run small. I wear size 12 shoe, but wear size 9.5-10.5 in these flippers for a good (bare-foot) fit. http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_...SFVR.html?Hit=1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pakman 0 Posted March 15, 2007 For me it has to be Cressi Masterfrogs... David, I just swung by my local dive shop and they had some masterfrogs left they are selling cheap. I like the stiffness and length of the blade (and they're pretty light!). How do you like them against a strong current? How about manouvering with a DSLR rig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DuikKees 1 Posted March 15, 2007 (edited) I've used these on last two trips. I do like them, a good agility moving within close quarters, yet good power when needed, at a good price and lightweight. The sizes run small. I wear size 12 shoe, but wear size 9.5-10.5 in these flippers for a good (bare-foot) fit. http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_...SFVR.html?Hit=1 How opinions defer. I tried these, but I find these really horible. They are quite comfortable, but I use them also in the pool for swimtraining and underwaterhockey. And than you simply can't get all your power to the blade, they bent too much and loose all the energy when kicked hard (you can kick what you want, but you won't go any faster). So I can't believe they are any good in currents. I now have the Avanti Excel and they are realy good. I personally think they are as good as the old ff-quatro's. Edited March 15, 2007 by DuikKees Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Bantin 101 Posted March 15, 2007 I have just done back-to-back trips with Force Foils and Force OPS fins, plus Scubapro Twin Jet Max, and Ailerons. You'll have to wait a month before I reveal quantitative results, but lets say I still have the Scubapro fins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davichin 18 Posted March 15, 2007 David, I just swung by my local dive shop and they had some masterfrogs left they are selling cheap. I like the stiffness and length of the blade (and they're pretty light!). How do you like them against a strong current? How about manouvering with a DSLR rig? They are very good against current and when you want to go fast. Here I have a friend that is in love with his scubapro jetfins but when we go to see the fast mobulas he uses his masterfrogs... About manouvering I have never had any problem with them. Most of the die-hard UWphotogs here use them and are getting the last pairs as back-ups because they don´t make them anymore. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seagrant 4 Posted March 16, 2007 (edited) They are very good against current and when you want to go fast. Here I have a friend that is in love with his scubapro jetfins but when we go to see the fast mobulas he uses his masterfrogs... About manouvering I have never had any problem with them. Most of the die-hard UWphotogs here use them and are getting the last pairs as back-ups because they don´t make them anymore. Egads, I didn't know they weren't making them anymore [Cressi Masterfrogs]. I've got two pairs, each have over 500 dives on them. I'll order another pair.... They are the best fins, I wear them with Seasoft Boots, just awesome!!!! If I want to I can out swim just about any diver (that is not wearing these or Gara's or the like), and I'm a smaller gal without a real strong kick. I'll order another pair now, thanks for telling me they don't make them anymore, I don't keep up on this stuff..... Best, Carol Edited March 16, 2007 by seagrant Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antacid 1 Posted March 16, 2007 hi everyone, just wondering: what about scubapro jetfins? my friends and i use them and think they're great for photography. great control and easy to back-fin to get out of crevices. small flick of the ankle gets you in position. great for sculling when diving in silty or sandy areas i guess the big drawback is that they're rather tough to use on the surface.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandbound 1 Posted July 2, 2007 Are the TUSA XpertZoom in the same basic category as the Scubapro Twin Jet fins? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Bantin 101 Posted July 2, 2007 Some people swear by Scubapro Twin Jets while others swear at them. The Scubapro Twin Jet Max is a very different fin and suits those with strong legs for superb performance. http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.p...y+used+to+be+... I have used virtually every fin on the market (that's my job!) and I can tell you that the best fin is one that fits you. We are all different but the single most important improvement you can make to any fin it to fit spring-straps. They ensure the fin is always held securely on your foot so that it becomes an extension of your leg. http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.p...ti+Quattro+wi... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeVeitch 0 Posted July 2, 2007 John.... What if you dive in the tropics and hate stinky nasty booties?!? Actually, i find full foot fins to be far superior in the way of "thrust" or torque i guess you would call it. I had to wear open heel fins a while back and it felt like there was nothing there... very weird after not using them for so long. I didn't like that, was very surprising how different it was to be honest. I like a really stiff pocket in my full foots, Cressi is best for me, i don't like the soft pockets of my Mares, not enough control i feel. But, obviously can only wear full foot in warm water so that is not useful for a lot of people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Bantin 101 Posted July 2, 2007 John.... What if you dive in the tropics and hate stinky nasty booties?!? Actually, i find full foot fins to be far superior in the way of "thrust" or torque i guess you would call it. I had to wear open heel fins a while back and it felt like there was nothing there... very weird after not using them for so long. I didn't like that, was very surprising how different it was to be honest. I like a really stiff pocket in my full foots, Cressi is best for me, i don't like the soft pockets of my Mares, not enough control i feel. But, obviously can only wear full foot in warm water so that is not useful for a lot of people. I know what you mean. However, the spring-straps make the open-heel & bootee variety as snug as full-foot fins. You must remember that those of us who wear shoes have much softer feet than you who have gone native. I often see one-week-away divers with their feet covered in BandAids! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeVeitch 0 Posted July 2, 2007 yep, thats what i mean. Ol soft feet types can't get away with it like us barefoot (and def not pregnant) types... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arnon_Ayal 1 Posted July 2, 2007 John, Did you compared the Deep outdoor's six gill Vs. the Twin Jets? I heard some mixed opinions about these fins, what I most likes about it is the weight of them and size, very good for flights. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Bantin 101 Posted July 2, 2007 John,Did you compared the Deep outdoor's six gill Vs. the Twin Jets? I heard some mixed opinions about these fins, what I most likes about it is the weight of them and size, very good for flights. I knew someone would mention a fin I have NOT used! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandbound 1 Posted July 2, 2007 So... how about those TUSA fins? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Bantin 101 Posted July 2, 2007 So... how about those TUSA fins? http://www.divernetxtra.com/equipment/fins0902/finsintro.htm http://www.divernetxtra.com/equipment/fins0902/fins.htm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmyates 5 Posted July 2, 2007 ...the single most important improvement you can make to any fin it to fit spring-straps. They ensure the fin is always held securely on your foot so that it becomes an extension of your leg. http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.p...ti+Quattro+wi... I strongly second the spring-strap recommendation. I've never tried the Beaver straps in John's link (only available in U.K.?); I use Apollo Spring-straps, and have added them to all my fins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjgreen 0 Posted July 2, 2007 I strongly second the spring-strap recommendation. I've never tried the Beaver straps in John's link (only available in U.K.?); I use Apollo Spring-straps, and have added them to all my fins. For a cheap alternative to spring straps, you can adjust your heel straps to fit, double the excess strap over the buckle, and wrap the buckle and strap end with duck tape a few times. Aside from having to replace the tape every couple of years, it's worked great for the past 5-6 years. Plus, it's lighter and easier to carry a spare strap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Islandbound 1 Posted July 2, 2007 Thanks for the link John! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
indigo 0 Posted March 30, 2008 Scuba Pro Twin Jets - awesome fins, great all round fin, virtually no effort required whilst taking pictures, good fins in current, foot pocket makes excellent place to store mask between dives. I started using Mares Plana Avantis - but would not go back! (Had to on a recent dive - used more effort, burned through my tank in half the time I usually would - this is a good enough reason for me to stick with my twin jets!) Something else that I've found is that the material of the fin is so soft I can wear the fins without booties too - my toes stick out the end, but what the hey! the only down side that I have found with these fins is that the strap clip is not a standard configuration, so if it breaks and you are far from a dealer with spare clips in stock (this is the side that is attached to the fin it's self) you will find it difficult to get a replacement. Kay Wilson, Indigo Dive, St. Vincent. By the way these come in a bright candy pink color (know that this color was made) and a very bright yellow, as well as standard black, blue and gray. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Undertow 31 Posted August 3, 2008 (edited) Cressi Gara 2000's for warm water, open water & currents Jetfins (w/ spring straps) for cold water, shore diving & confined spaces the Jetfins replaced my Quatros in anticipation of cave training, but those are still great fins. And spring straps should be standard on all open heel fins, rubber straps are pathetic. Chris Edited August 3, 2008 by Undertow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
