Fins question

[M&P+4]

I am entertaining a second set of fins. I seem to have to work pretty hard to keep up with some of the folks I dive with. Nothing horrible, it just seems like I should be able to keep up easier.

I am currently using Mares Quattro blades. I like the strap/buckle system even though the newer vesion with the lock is a pain in the keester. I had to swap my old set with my daughters because they were so much harder to unlatch.

The two that I am looking at are the Mares Volo Power and the Atomic splits. I see from Beckys earilier post that a few of you are using the Atomics and I wonder....are they worth the $200 that they want for them? Same would go for the Volo's....are they that much better than my Quattro's? Does anyone else have any other models that I should look at?

The reading I have done left me with the impression that it is largely personal preference.

Thanks,
Lyle

[theskull]

The Quattros are top-rated for performance and comfort. You may find something else you like a little better, but it would be surprising if any others give you better performance.

If you like your Quattros and they are comfortable, try improving your technique before throwing money at the problem. This is best done in the water with a good diver observing you, but a couple tips are to make sure you are horizontal and neutrally buoyant, make full easy kicks through the full range of motion, and give a little oomf to the power stroke so you can glide on the rebound.

Hope this helps,
theskull

[DeepDiverBob]

I would say dont buy a new pair of fins to bring your skills down to the level of your friends. Make them slow down. There is no reason to go fast, 99.9% of the time.

[theskull]

I would say dont buy a new pair of fins to bring your skills down to the level of your friends. Make them slow down. There is no reason to go fast, 99.9% of the time.

Good answer!! Far better than the one I gave.

theskull

[juls64]

Lyle-

How long have you had the Quattros? I also have them. I did not like them at first. They seemed to be too big for me and my legs cramped up. After the first dive season though, they felt second nature. I have since gotten some SP Jetfins w/ spring straps. They are good and the springs are handy, but the Quattros, well, I think they are my fin! I learned to do more kicks in them and have adapted. There are times when the Jet fins just aren't long enough.

Anyway, the moral of the story here is, if the Quattros are kind of newish, keep using them. If you have had them forever, and just aren't happy, then try something else!

(I'll bet your thoroughly confused now, huh?)

Juls

[scubado]

Lyle,

I can only speak for myself. I used AquaLung Blades for 10 years and switched to Atomix Split Fins 3 years ago. I love the SF and will never go back. They do provide more power when you need it (e.g., in current or when chasing wandering students) but even more for me is the comfort. I have a bad knee and the SF are much more comfortable.

I used my old fins last weekend (so my son could use the SF) for one dive and immediately switched back.

As others have indicated, you may want to check your technique and maybe even have a previous instructor or friend to watch your kick to see if they can offer suggestions. Sometimes we all fall into bad habits.

Once again, as far as I'm concerned, the SF are worth the extra money.

Bill

[M&P+4]

Lyle-

How long have you had the Quattros?


This is my second season with them and for the most part I like them. I have also noticed that they don't work well on the surface swimming face down. There were a couple of mentions about this on SB also. I have a hard time understanding how this could be a fin issue, but maybe it is...I don't know.

[MgicTwnger]

I've been using Atomic splits for 4+ years. They are stiff enough for frog kicks and most anything else. Like any other piece of equipment, you have to dive them to find out which techniques work for you.