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Article #349: Tips When Choosing Your Scuba Fins

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






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