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