Bio Fins...Worth It?

[scubasavvy]

Hey kids,

I'm debating whether or not to drop $150 on a pair of yellow bio fins. I need yellow for my NE dives, as the visibility isn't very good, so I feel as though my buddy might have an easier time seeing me. I've heard that they can reduce air consumption and stress on the joints by 40%.

Now that's all nice, but I need some opinions from people who have used them. Do they glide like "buttah?" Why do you guys love them so much? Any help would be appreciated...

[Defman]

Can't speak for the stats, but they are very nice and I don't know that I'll ever use non-split fins ever again.

[fireflock]

If you want to flutter kick really fast and beat your buddy to the other end of the reef, those are the fins for you.

If you want fine control, more low end torque, or prefer a different style of kick, go with something else.

Of the split fins, Bio-fins consistently get rave reviews.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by fireflock

If you want to flutter kick really fast and beat your buddy to the other end of the reef, those are the fins for you.

If you want fine control, more low end torque, or prefer a different style of kick, go with something else.

Of the split fins, Bio-fins consistently get rave reviews.

Yup.

I don't care much for Bio-fins, now that I know the proper way to work with paddle fins, and the correct technique. Nowhere near as much control with splits.

If you like splits, however, Bio-fins are the best, period.

[Clanggedin]

I have a pair of bio-fins and I love them. I'm a new diver, so I haven't mastered many finning techniques, but they work well for me. I have a pair of white fins and they are nice and visible in low-vis waters.

[tc_rain]

I have the yellow bio and love them. I use the flutter and frog kicks and they do great. I also tried the zoom fins (tusa, I believe) and liked them too but ended up getting the bio's. The bio fins are heavy for packing but underwater you barely notice you have a fin on. Spend the extra $$$ for the spring straps, they are worth it.

[Dee]

I've been using them for years and haven't had any trouble maneuvering at all. They are just slightly negative so if you have floaty feet/legs they help just a bit there. But the main thing I love them for is there virtually no knee pain with them. There's no twisting and unbalanced pressure as there is with blade fins. They'd be worth every penny at twice the price!

[jtkkym]

It got SCUBA mag's tester's choice for several years.
2005 Fin Test - Scuba Diving Magazine

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by fireflock

If you want to flutter kick really fast and beat your buddy to the other end of the reef, those are the fins for you.

Here, it is not about going fast or beating a human. It is more about beating a current we need to swim against. But yes, the Bio fins are the best.
Yes, the paddles have more torque and are capable of better hole shots, but it will wear you doun.

Kind of like a cutlass vs. a rapier.

More and more popular are the Cressi free diving fins. People swear it is the best of all worlds. I don't use them for scuba. Too much damage to the reef if extra care is not taken. Especially while hunting or taking pics.

[thor]

I have Bio fins and also love them. They are the most comfortable fin I have owned. I had a pair of Atomics for awhile, but I liked the Apollo much better as far as comfort was concerned.