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