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