How to Choose SCUBA Fins

There are two basic styles of fins the traditional paddle or blade fins and the newer split fins. The paddle fin generally delivers a more powerful stroke. The split fins are usually easier on the legs. So if you run six miles a day and are in great shape the paddle fins will likely be your choice. If you are a couch potato and once a year you go on your diving vacation and dive everyday you will likely get leg cramps. The split fin technology will reduce the cramps and are easier on the legs and joints. NOAA - the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a policy against their divers using split fins with dry suits because they feel the additional work load requires the added power of paddle fins.

Most new divers will select paddle fins because they are usually the least expensive. The Mares X3 pictured is a very good starter fin. It is cost effective and has a fin strap clip release that allows the fin to be removed without the necessity of readjusting the straps for each dive. The Quattro which is very similar has a more advanced design to allow a rectangular cup when swimming instead of the triangular cup so it delivers more power from your leg to the water. The ScubaPro Kinetics, also a starter fin, is lighter and is more flexible that either the X3 or Quattro. This flexibility adds a little spring power to the stroke.

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Split Fins

Split fins offer less resistance in the water. The Twin Jet which we feature at Sea Lions is heavy but is neutral in the water. One major advantage of the twin jet besides comfort is it comes with a lifetime warrantee including the strap. Break a strap and bring it in for free replacement. This warrantee also applies to the Twin Jet Max. The Max is also a split fin but is stiffer than the Twin Jet and therefore delivers more power.

Split fins do not work as well with frog kicks used by cave or wreck divers.

There are other styles that should be mentioned. There are fins that are short and stiff such as the Jet fin. These fins deliver a lot of power and are preferred by divers who dive confined spaces such as caves and wrecks. These fins are often used with the optional spring straps. The spring straps can also be used on the conventional paddle and split fins. These have the advantage of long life, easy on and off, and always staying snug.

Beware of fins designed for free diving as they are usually too long to be useful for SCUBA as they tend to stir up the bottom and ruin visibility. Dry suit divers also like the fins because they are negatively buoyant and help keep legs from becoming positively buoyant.