Split Fin question

[nauifins73]

After reading the posts on our Board - there is no doubt as to the high quality of divers here.

I have not been able to get a definative answer (if there is one) on when and where a split fin is better than a blade style. I not really looking for a brand I know what kind I will get. I am just curious as to when to use the split.

Thanks
Becky

[DeepDiverBob]

I am in the minority here, but I dont care for them. Most people like them because there is less drag in your kick, so it helps your legs not cramp as easily. They also provide more speed, but iot just takes a couple more fin kicks to get up to speed. I like to use a frog kick, and I just couldnt get much movement out of them. AGain, I am in the minority, everyone else that responds is most likely to love them.

[ozarkjim]

I use my splits when I might need speed or to fight against a current like wanting to stop in Cozumel. They are also full foot which I love when it's warm enough. I use my blade fins with my drysuit as I am not going to set any speed records in that set up anyway and I may also be in a situation to use the frog kick and they do work a little better for that. As far as the frog kick with splits goes it depends on the stiffness of the splits whether it will work at all. Floppy splits like Oceanic V12s are horrible. Stiffer ones like my wifes Atomics work fairly well. Like most equipment and techniques, what works best depends a lot on the particular situation. That's why I have gear in the garage and 2 closets.....and a new sidemount rig coming next week.

[scubado]

I have a pair of Aqualung Blades and a pair of Atomic split fins. I find the split fins far superior to the Blades in all instances. They are stiffer and provide much more speed with less effort. I can use them with all fin kicks (scissor, frog, etc.). I have a bad knee which forced me to change from the stiff paddle fins like the Blades.

[DeepDiverBob]

I know I mentioned it too, but I dont get what the big deal is with speed. When do you want to swim fast when diving? I was taught take it easy, go slow and the air lasts a lot longer.

[ozarkjim]

I know I mentioned it too, but I dont get what the big deal is with speed. When do you want to swim fast when diving? I was taught take it easy, go slow and the air lasts a lot longer.
Our club has a lot of events in the summer that require speed. Time trial navigation course, ping pong ball race, Easter egg (golf ball) hunt. Also, like I mentioned before when you need to go against a stiff current. What convinced me to try splits was when my wife, who I can outswim easily, was going against the current swimming and I had to pull myself on the deck of the C-53 wreck to keep up. Agreed that most normal diving should be slow and easy.

[scubado]

Agree that going fast for the sake of going fast simply is no fun as it burns air and you miss a bunch. However, there are times when you need more power to fight current, catch a buddy, etc.. I've been real glad that I had my split fins on the Duane in Key Largo, in Cozumel and when doing OW checkout dives with students.

[Atlaua]

No matter what, I would highly suggest you borrow a pair to try before buying. I tried some once when I did my equipment exchange and hated them. You couldn't pay me to wear them again :)

But some people really like them, so try to borrow some and see for yourself.

James

[nauifins73]

Thanks for the info everyone. Right now I use Scuba Pro Jets and love them - even with all the static I get about how old and out of style they are. :) I did up date the straps.

I thought it would be a love/hate relationship with them. I will try a pair pair before the purchase.

Becky

[davisdiver]

Split fins are definately best if you have knee problems. The lesser amount of resistance keeps the knee caps from killing by the end of the dive and if you shore dive, you need all the assistance you can get.

[MgicTwnger]

I've been using both Atomic splits and Jets, and just sold the Jets. The Atomics are much lighter, more comfortable, and efficient IMHO. And they are stiff enough for decent frog kicks, helicopter, etc., if you work on your technique. I've added spring straps to them, which makes them just about perfect, at least for me.

[cortez]

I know I mentioned it too, but I dont get what the big deal is with speed. When do you want to swim fast when diving? I was taught take it easy, go slow and the air lasts a lot longer.

Wow... If only I could go back a year... and read this quote back to you :-)

[DeepDiverBob]

I admit, Cortez was the one who taught me this lesson.

How things change in 1 year, huh?

[decodiva]

Believe me Terry the last time I dove with him I ran into him the whole time and we didnt go fast because I was up down and all over the place!!! LOL --- Hopefully after the next few months that wont matter!!