| Split Fins Probably the biggest choice you have to | | | | buzz-words to tell you about their fins, from 'Channel |
| make is whether to go for a solid fin design such as | | | | Thrust' to 'Natures Wing' to 'Optimum angles' it can |
| the Mares Avanti Quattro fins, or a split fin such as | | | | be easy to get lost. In particular there are various |
| the Tusa X-Pert Zoom fins. | | | | 'optimum angles' from different manufacturers! Most |
| The idea behind split fins is that they make it easier | | | | diving fins will have various channels or grooves in |
| to fin underwater - they do this by having a less rigid | | | | them - this is to improve efficiency by displacing |
| body which obviously offers less resistance to the | | | | more water. |
| water. This does usually mean less raw power | | | | Some fins are tilted at an angle; whilst opinions on |
| although the increased efficiency (less effort) can | | | | this are varied, personally I found the Tusa X-Pert |
| make up for this. Also unless you happen to dive in | | | | Zoom dive fins to be very powerful and easy to use |
| conditions where you have to fight a current often, | | | | - but I can't speak for any other tilted dive fins. |
| this isn't really an issue. | | | | The scuba diving manufacturers will also usually |
| On this issue there are also certain hybrid models - | | | | include something about how their fins are made out |
| the Mares Volo Power Fin range being a good | | | | of the most advanced poly-something or other - this |
| example - these fins offer the benefit of a solid fin in | | | | can generally be ignored. Like every other product |
| power, whilst there is a 'spring' in the middle of the | | | | the technology will improve over time and usually the |
| fin to decrease the effort required. | | | | newer the fins or more expensive, the better power |
| Full Foot vs Open Heel Fins Full foot fins are those | | | | lightness ratio they will have. |
| that do not require a dive boot, open heel are those | | | | More Esoteric Possibilities For the more adventurous |
| that do require dive boots. Full foot fins are suitable | | | | of you there are more bizarre fins, such as the |
| for either pool diving, scuba diving in the tropics or | | | | Poseidon Pro Force Fins which claim to be modelled |
| snorkelling. | | | | on fish. When I tried them they were certainly |
| Open heel fins are for use when in cold water (you | | | | different, and did seem to be fairly powerful for their |
| cannot use full foot fins in the UK) or when you need | | | | size although I don't think they justify their price tag. |
| to cross rocks to get to the dive site. | | | | Whilst some people swear by them they do remind |
| Sizing your dive fins Unfortunately, every diving | | | | me of an iPod or sports car - they look pretty but |
| manufacturer has different sizing schemes, which | | | | unless you have cash burning a hole in your pocket |
| only very roughly to standard sizes. Some | | | | you'd be better off going for something more |
| manufacturers have only S/M and a L/XL sizes, which | | | | functional. |
| can be confusing when others have a whole range of | | | | Conclusion Your best bet is to try a friend's diving |
| sizes. Ultimately you will have to consult a size chart | | | | fins before you buy your own, especially to decide |
| or try them on to decide the proper size. | | | | between split fins and solid fins. If not, decide based |
| One thing to be taken into account here is that if | | | | on how hard you found finning in training - if you |
| you are wearing a drysuit this can increase your foot | | | | found it hard, go for split fins otherwise a pair of solid |
| size by one - so if you are on a boundary between | | | | fins would be fine - the Mares Avanti Quattro fins |
| sizes consider whether you will be diving in a drysuit. | | | | are a great starter pair of fins and have been proven |
| Deciphering the Blurb Every manufacturer has some | | | | for years. |