Iffy with Mares Avanti Quattro

[Osprey]

Hey all, I used a pair of Mares avanti quattro for the weekend, and I have to say I wasn't particularly thrilled. I didn't feel like I had the control I wanted (or got with my US divers fins that I bought when I was FOURTEEN! Old buggers), and they left my legs feeling tired. I mean, they performed decently, but I felt like it took a bit longer to slow down or even turn as swiftly than with my old fins

I have a pair of bio fins, but I wanted a pair of paddle fins as well for snorkel purposes. My knees aren't the most awesome, so maybe they just aren't made for me. Anyone have any suggestions on paddle fins for whiny knees? I'm sure they're great fins, just for someone else

[Splitlip]

Which US Divers Paddle fins do you have?
These are the best paddles IMO.
The original blades

[Kabniel]

what about Mares Volos? or their cheaper and (in my opinion) superior cousins Dacor Tigers?

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Osprey

Hey all, I used a pair of Mares avanti quattro for the weekend, and I have to say I wasn't particularly thrilled. I didn't feel like I had the control I wanted (or got with my US divers fins that I bought when I was FOURTEEN! Old buggers), and they left my legs feeling tired. I mean, they performed decently, but I felt like it took a bit longer to slow down or even turn as swiftly than with my old fins

I have a pair of bio fins, but I wanted a pair of paddle fins as well for snorkel purposes. My knees aren't the most awesome, so maybe they just aren't made for me. Anyone have any suggestions on paddle fins for whiny knees? I'm sure they're great fins, just for someone else

Just re-read your post. For snorkeling in Tampa, I would look to a full foot.
The Mares super channel are supposed to be nice and are slightly negative which you want. I use Oceanis Caribes. Very flexable, as well as Cressi Garas. Don't think you want the Garas unless you are blue water hunting or serious free diving.

[Osprey]

Split, I am unsure which US diver fin model I have to be honest, I just know they are old and slightly scratched up.. from what I don't know since it's been almost a decade

The old ones are full foot, I was just looking for open heel so my booties can protect my poor cut up feet on the way to the water lol. But we'll see

Kab, I haven't seen the tigers around, I'll have to look!

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by Osprey

Hey all, I used a pair of Mares avanti quattro for the weekend, and I have to say I wasn't particularly thrilled....

For paddle fins the Quatro is actually pretty soft. If you want softer fins you will need to look into Volo. (or split fins) But if you are snorkeling maybe you don't want scuba fins. scuba fins are ment for pushing scubs gear and all that drag. Have you looked into free diving fins. They are ultra long paddles. Maybe 2 feet long blades that have a lot of flex.

I've tried free diving with Scubapro Jets. It does not work very well the Jets are just to stiff and short and you don't need "power" when you are free diving with just a wetsuit and a few pounds of weight. Once you remove the scuba tank and BC you move easier.

Here is a photo of a typical free diving fin
RIFFE INTERNATIONAL / Fins

[Grin]

The Mares Avanti Quatro is about the stiffest regular style fin you can find. I compared every fin they had at Divers Direct and chose those specifically because of that reason. More displacement means tired legs. The Mares volos are extremly soft. They are about as soft of a fin as you can get. My buddy bought a set of Volos and I tryed them and they are, by far, the softest regular blade style fins I have ever tryed. The only thing that displaces less than a volo(IMO) is split fins. I guess it comes down to your kick style and leg power.
I prefer the stiff large fins. Actually I think there's little difference. The bigger the fin the slower the kick. Of course if you try to kick real hard with large fins for yuor entire dive your going to get cramps and tired. But the entire reason big long blade fins exist is becasue they are more efficient if used correctly.

[Osprey]

Well, I did (scuba) dive with the quattro and that's when I discovered how little I liked them

I stick to slow kicks if I can help it, if nothing else then to save energy I don't have anywhere to be underwater you know? hehe

[texdiveguy]

I love my Mares Quattro's....great general purpose fin!

[CompuDude]

Have you considered changing your kick? A frog kick works better for paddle fins, and will lower your air consumption as well.