Scuba Diving: Which fins?

[Lee Bell]

Nabot Leon wrote

Welcome to Rec.Scuba

I'm planning to buy fins of the Scubapro Twin family (Twin Jet, Twin Jet Max
or Twin Speed) but between the different models I don't know which is the
best for me. My primary need is to find a model which will offers correct
performances but which minimal efforts (I have some problems on laps and
need to reduce the
efforts on them). Someone tested/used this fins and could provide me with
some feedback ? What
of these models is nearest of my requirements ?

With all due respect, you're probably a bit ahead of yourself on this. The
fact that you don't know which fin is best for you suggests that you have
not tested the fins personally. If that's the case, the first question is
probably whether a twin fin is your best option rather than which twin fin
better suits your needs. Twin fins are not for everybody. In fact, I doubt
that they're even the best fin for most.

Personally, I think highly of Mares products, specifically, their Avante
line, TRE if you can get away with a full foot fin, Quatro if you need
something with an adjustable strap. I suggest you at least give them a try
before you settle on anything. You should have little trouble finding
somebody that owns them that will let you give them a try once or twice.

If, however, you are set on twins, here's my thinking on them. You have
suggested that you're having trouble with laps and need to reduce effort.
Generally speaking, the terms "Max" and "Speed" are used to describe higher
performance fins and higher performance generally equates to more effort,
not less. The Twin Fins are probably a better choice.

Having said that, here's something you should also consider. If you don't
have the strength or stamina to deal with laps, you probably should be very
careful where and when you dive. Any dive involving strong currents is
probably a significant risk for you, at this time. Dirty Harry said that
every man should know his limits. Know yours and me safe.

Lee

[Uwe Hercksen]

Nabot Leon schrieb:

> My primary need is to find a model which will offers correct
> performances but which minimal efforts (I have some problems on laps and
> need to reduce the efforts on them).

Hello,

there are no fins which could replace the effects of training to the
muscles.

Bye

[Lee Bell]

> You're right, at this time I was able to try only a few "standard" fins
> but
> never "twin" fins yet. Also, I was not able yet to do a comparison between
> standard fins and twin fins. Moreover, having talked with some divers,
> they said me that the twin fins could help me as it seems that they
> require less effort for a normal usage.

The last message I read indicated that your problem is not muscle, but
rather, articulation of the knees. My recollection from when split fins were
discussed the most, the kick used to make them work most efficiently was a
faster, but easier kick that, and don't hold me to this, was done more from
the knee than it is with more conventionally designed fins.

Do not take my word on this, but do some research and/or check with somebody
you trust that knows. It would be a shame to spend the money for a set of
fins that you hope will make your diving life easier, only to find that,
because they require more use of the knees, make it harder.

If I'm reading you header correctly, and that's not my strongest skill,
you're a long way from my south Florida home. If you were closer, I'd be
happy to loan you some of the fins I find best if for no other reason than
to give you a chance to decide against them. Obviously, though, I think you
might like them quite well.

My best suggestion, now that I know a bit more about the problem is first,
to find somebody in your area that's really good at teaching diving or,
better still, free diving. Talk to them about the most efficient way to use
conventional fins. It has to be somebody that really knows their stuff.
Many dive instructors don't know much about fining techniques at all. I
think you're going to find that your problem can at least be reduced by
kicking from the hip rather than from the knee. You may get results you
like from changing your kicking style rather than the fins you're kicking
with.

Whatever you find, let us know how it turns out. As you may have noticed,
there aren't many scuba related posts here any more and we appreciate the
opportunity when somebody starts a relevant thread.

Lee