Split fins learning curve? Or just stick with blades for cave dive

[UltimateAg]

Here's the dilemma: I've been using borrowed equipment for 2 years (~2 dozen dives) that's no longer available, and I've got a dive trip coming soon. I don't have a LDS that will let me try before I buy, but after weeks of research I've narrowed down my choices. But really, more than anything I need some advice on my assumptions.

The fins I've narrowed it down to (all open heel) are: the Tusa Triex and the Mares Superchannel. Or if splits are a must the Aeris Velocity Duos or if I can really justify it to myself the Tusa Xpert Zoom splits.

My basis for choosing the two paddles/blades are the following:

1. I'm on a budget, shooting for ~$100. I don't dive enough to justify $250 fins even if I wanted to (2 young kids, and a time consuming job).

2. My trip is in 1.5 weeks and I'm doing a Cenote dive. Even though I'll be doing the caves after several days of regular OW diving I'm worried about the learning curve of splits.

3. Maintaining control on a cenote dive. While these aren't diehard caves you still need a decent level of control and even the most jaded split fin fan will concede you give up some control for splits.

4. Travel. Bio fins are HEAVY and not at all convenient for traveling it seems, even if they are the greatest thing ever.

5. Reviews. These 2 fins seem to be able to hang with the splits when tested by Rodale's and they were best buys. Plus when I read user reviews they seem to receive a lot of praise.

So, for those advocating split fins what was the learning curve like for you? How long did it take you to feel comfortable? Have you or would you dive a cave with them? Did you silt up the bottom? Do you feel comfortable with the amount of control they give you?

The appeal of greater bottom time is certainly enticing and workers at 2 separate LDSs told me once you dive splits you'll never want to go back but then I come back to my previous concerns. So what do you think?

[ScubaToys Larry]

There is virtually zero learning curve. Just kick like you do when swimming... smaller, easier kicks... that's it.

I greatly prefer splits, and the Tusa Zooms or the Apollo Bio Fins or the Mares Raptors would be my choices... It may be an extra 30 bucks... but I never believed in spending 100 for something I didn't like when I could spend 130 for something I would.

[CODMAN]

Originally Posted by UltimateAg

The appeal of greater bottom time is certainly enticing ?

Hum... Where exactly did you see/read this? Split fins won't give you more bottom time. That's something only practice and experience (improving your diving skills) will do... I strongly doubt any gain in efficiency (IF there really is any), will translate into significant reduction of air consumption... Sorry, just wanted to point this out!

[UltimateAg]

That's what I was hoping to hear but what about the reduction in control? Normally I wouldn't care but I am doing a cave so I'm a little more concerned.

[CODMAN]

I can't really comment, not having tried any splits so far. But I've read many mixed oppinions on this. Varying to I get as good control with my splits... to I can't control anything, these things are crap...

Are splits really going to change your control that much that you can't do the cenote dive? You can always ask the instructor what he thinks and rent a regular pair of fins just for that one dive...

Personally, I don't think it will matter that much. I believe most fins can be used for most applications. They might just be sub-optimal for some applications... But that doesn,t mean they can't be used for it...

I used my Mares Volo Powers to do my Tech course and was laughed at by the other Jetfin users... Yes, my Volo were too soft for the heavy gear and were sub optimal... But my better physical shape still blew the others (all dressed in black) out of the water while doing a tired diver tow with doubles on... I was able to perform all the tasks as required, and better than many, despite my fins being sub-optimal...

Anyways, this is just my point of view... Unless intending to become a cave diver, buy the fins that will be best for you most of the time!!!!

Hope this helps!

[rox@ucf11]

I have tried both splits and blade fins It is hard to manuever in split fins, or at least harder than blade fins, if you have been using blade fins I think you may be disapointed by split fins. The frog kick which you need to be using in the caves will work much better with a blade fin, and it is almost imposible to do other kicks such as the back kick, and helicopter turns with splitfins. Just mt .2 Cents.


Be carefull in the caves.....

[fireflock]

Food for thought. You won't be kicking a lot on dives in that area. You just drift along in the ocean and cruise slowly in the cenotes.

You will meet dozens of divers, most of whom will be happy to tell you about their fins. I bet you could borrow some if you asked nicely.

By the end of the trip, you will have some good info.

Or....you could buy the fins and give them a whirl. If you don't like them....ebay.

I dove splits, and wanted to go back. Have the LDS give me a call if they need details

[UltimateAg]

Originally Posted by CODMAN

Hum... Where exactly did you see/read this? Split fins won't give you more bottom time. That's something only practice and experience (improving your diving skills) will do... I strongly doubt any gain in efficiency (IF there really is any), will translate into significant reduction of air consumption... Sorry, just wanted to point this out!

What do you mean???? Those claims are everywhere! Just scroll down to the bio fins section here on ST. I understand that probably comes from marketing but it's not pure marketing is it? There's got to be some validity to the claims. I mean I know I've read here on the board something to the effect of: their dive buddy and they used to always surface with about the same amount of air remaining but when they switched to splits they some times come up with 500psi more than their buddy. CODMAN you don't believe any of that hype than?


By the way thanks for all the input everyone, it's exactly what I was hoping for.

[CompuDude]

Buy your fins for the diving you'll be doing in general, not one specific dive on one specific trip.

That said, paddle fins are more efficient for the frog kick, which is likely what they'll have you do for any dives involving caves. (I hope)

Split fins, which are best for flutter kick, and very mediocre (or even useless) for any other kick, DO reduce air consumption compared to the flutter kick in paddle fins, simply because you put less effort into the kicking. But I have never seen a test that compares air consumption figures for flutter kicking splits compared to frog kicking paddle fins.

Personally, in your situation, and based on the dives I'm imagining based on the info you've given, I'd go with the Mares Super Channels, or even the Mares Quattros.

But if you decide you want to try splits, go for it. I'm just not 100% sure it's the best choice to change things just before a big trip. Not because you'll have any difficulty learning to swim with them, but rather because you may decide you don't like them, and you won't find that out until you're already on your trip, and are stuck with them.

[Defman]

As a $$ saving option, consider looking in the For Sale area here or eBay for a good deal on used Zoom's or Bio-fins. I have both and like them very much.