Scuba Diving Fin Buying Guide
With so many different scuba diving fins on the market today it can be difficult to know what the difference is from a split fin to a jet fin. In this guide, we hope to explain what you need to look for when buying your scuba diving fins.
Full Foot Fins or Open Heel Fins?
This will very much depend on where in the world you are diving. If you are only diving in warm water you have the option of using full foot fins or open heel fins. If you are diving in cold water you will mostly be using boots witch means you are limited to using open heel fins.
Split Fins vs. Blade Fins
The most common type of fin is the Blade Styal fin which consists of one continuous rubber blade that gives them strength and good forward propulsion through the water good for currents and being used on large dive sites. The downside to Blade fins are they are bulkier and heavier.
Split Fins Have a separation between the fin blades meaning the fin tips move independently of each other. Split fins are good for divers that like flutter kick instead of frog kick, They also have less water resistants with means they cause less fatigue to the diver. The cons to the split fin is they lack power witch is not good if you need to tow another diver or if you find your self in a strong current.
What are Jet Fins?
Jet fins are a style of fin that is designed to give you the most power through the water. The ScubaPro Jet Fin, Apeks RK3 and OMS Slipstream are all examples of the Jet Fin Styal design. Jet fins are primarily used by Technical divers as they need the extra power as they have multiple tanks to move with during the dive, Although they are becoming more and more popular with recreational divers using single cylinders. If you are using Jet fin style fins they are more suited to the frog kick then the flutter kick.
Where do the Mares Avanti Quattro + Fit In
One of the most popular scuba diving fins out there is the Mares Avanti Quattro +, theas fins are shaped like standard blade fins but they have the power of the Jet fin style of fin. Avanti Quattro + are good if you like to flutter kick and are less bulky compared to Jet fins which make them good for travel without sacrificing the power. If you are using the Avanti Quattro + in very strong currents you may lose some power due to the flexibility of the Fin.
Should I get a Pull-Back Strap?
Theas are one accessory I would highly recommend getting for your fins. Pull back straps will save you so much time before jumping in having to adjust your fin straps to get the right tension, Instead you just put your foot in and pull the signal bungee/sping over your heel and your all done. Pull back straps are also much less likely to break or wear out meaning you won't have to replace them as often.