Which FINS are best for you?

You will often hear that the full pocket or full foot fin is for snorkelers and open heel fins are for divers. You will also hear contradictions that say that the open heel is for cold water diving and the full foot is for tropical water diving. Like anything else, there are variations.

The open-heel fin

More popular, even in warm water diving locations.  In Sydney open heeled fins with boots are used by everyone who scuba dives on a regular basis. 

The open heel is designed like a slipper with a strap. The foot slides into a pocket, and a strap goes over the heel, holding the fin in place. This type of fin is worn with booties made of neoprene.

While the foot pocket must still be a good fit, the compression of the neoprene in the boot means that the fit is not as critical as with the full foot design.

You can change the thickness of your boots if you are diving in waters of different temperatures, but many divers still prefer the extra protection the booties give over the barefoot.

The full-foot fin

It fits like a shoe, so it is important that it is a good fit. In Sydney, these are really only used by freedivers.

The full-foot fin, when properly fitted, allows for a more efficient transfer of power from the legs to the fin. A poor fit can lead to blisters, and you could even lose your fin along the way. Additionally, the full foot fin is not recommended for cold water diving because your bare foot would be exposed.

Blade styles

There are, basically, two fin blade styles: the paddle and the split fin. In recent years, some fin manufacturers included a subclass of the paddle as a modified paddle.

The Split Fin 

The split fin is a relatively new design, and many divers swear they are the best that has happened to humankind since the invention of light. The blade is very flexible and is split down the centre. As you move the fin through the water, it acts more like a propeller than a paddle. The flexibility of the fins creates a stream of water like the vortex of a propeller or the force of a jet. Split fins are 80% more efficient than blade fins, and this results in a 30+% improvement in air consumption and bottom time.

Paddle Blade Fin 

The paddle fin is the most common style of blade and, at first, glance, is the same as they were 50 years ago. While the materials have changed and small design changes have resulted in remarkably improved efficiency, the blade is a solid piece that connects back to the foot pocket.

The paddle design works to propel you through the water on a fin that is relatively inflexible or stiff. The stiffer the fin, the more effort is needed to get started. While they do require the most muscle, they provide good power.

For frog kicking used by technical divers (to minimise silting), blade fins are the only real option as split fins cannot frog kick efficiently and also run the risk of entanglement if a line is being used.

The Modified Paddle Blade Fin

Modified paddles do not have the blade extending the full width back to the foot pocket. Different designs have cut-outs close to the foot that reduce effort on the upward kick. Using various materials over the different areas of the fin allows a more flexible fin that is more efficient.

 Recommendations

For the recreational diver, a split fn is the best option; the efficiency gains mean better air consumption (approximately 30% longer dives), less leg fatigue and overall better enjoyment of the dive. We recommend you look at the V12 fin with its lifetime warranty, or if you want a fin with colour, then the Atomic Splitfin.

For Technical divers or dives involving penetration or silty environments then a blade fin is the best approach. We recommend the Hollis F2 Fin for reduced weight and overall efficiency.