| Choosing the proper scuba fins can save | | | | diver, adding increased efficiency. The |
| energy, air and unnecessary hassle. The | | | | Apollo Bio-Fin Pro or Sherwood split |
| right pair can feel like natural | | | | fins rank high for maneuverability and |
| appendages, powerfully propelling you | | | | speed. |
| forward with each little thrust. | | | | However, photographers and cave divers |
| The most important consideration is fit. | | | | won't care for them, as they aren't |
| Then you'll want to contemplate design. | | | | recommended for hovering, fighting |
| Don't get caught up on brand names or | | | | currents, back-pedaling or frog-kicking. |
| price. Make the investment that will | | | | A second option, well-suited for tourist |
| work for you. | | | | swimmers, are the comfortable and |
| Cold water divers will want adjustable | | | | marine-life safe polyurethane force |
| strap scuba fins, so they can wear | | | | fins. Force fins are very comfortable |
| warming booties underneath. Coral divers | | | | for surface divers but aren't |
| and deep sea excavators need the | | | | recommended for wreck diving or dry suit |
| adjustable strap model for its great | | | | diving. |
| propulsion and foot protection. | | | | The Original Force Fin designed by Bob |
| However, some people complain that the | | | | Evans goes for $120 and received high |
| straps can break easily and the | | | | praise from the US Navy for its |
| less-expensive full-footed fins are | | | | functionality and toes-free foot pocket |
| designed for warm water surface | | | | that reduces cramping. |
| swimmers. | | | | A third design offers Power Enhancing |
| Thanks to recent innovation, some paddle | | | | Vents that are said to reduce the stress |
| fins come with self-adjusting blades. At | | | | on the diver's legs and slightly |
| the highest end, the $169 Mares Volo | | | | accelerate the kick by allowing water to |
| scuba fins have received awards for its | | | | pass through slits and over the fin |
| patented Optimized Pivoting Blade | | | | blades. Aeris Velocity has them for $80. |
| technology. | | | | A more obvious consideration for scuba |
| The Mares Volo design puts the blade at | | | | fins is length. Current divers, |
| the best position on both upward and | | | | competitive underwater hockey players |
| downward strokes, allowing for optimal | | | | and fitness swimmers often like the |
| propulsion. Experienced divers also | | | | longer blades like Aqualung, which has |
| recommend Apollo brand scuba fins for | | | | won "the best paddle fin" award. |
| $150, which are the only fins to score | | | | Cave divers love the massive, powerful |
| perfect in the Rodale Magazine | | | | Scuba Pro Jets for their comfort and |
| evaluation. | | | | short length that's good for navigating |
| Comparable lower-end options include the | | | | cramped spaces. |
| Dacor or Tusa brand, full-foot, OPB | | | | To summarize, cave and wreck divers will |
| models for just $23 or the more advanced | | | | want scuba fins that are short, with |
| adjustable strap OPB models for $79. | | | | adjustable heel straps. Tourist swimmers |
| The split fin design is practical for | | | | should look into force fins or fins with |
| adventurers who are prone to leg cramps | | | | power enhancing vents. |
| and who are willing to spend a little | | | | Divers in heavy currents will want |
| extra for the added comfort provided by | | | | sturdy, longer blades. If there's one |
| their scuba fins. | | | | place to spend, it's on comfortable |
| Because of its unusual shape and the | | | | scuba fins. Choosing the right pair |
| empty space down the center of the | | | | could save you 40% in air supply refills |
| blade, water is propelled behind the | | | | and your body will thank you later. |