Should I drink the split Cool-Aid?

[Coastie6]

So, I was thinking of Quatros or F-1's and I know I'd be happy with either. I'm pretty well set that IF I get another drysuit, I'm sold on the F-1's. But then I'm talking to Joe while placing an order last week and the split thing comes up. I'm usually pretty old school, and things that seem to trendy aren't usually appealing. But, then I my body started hearing what Joe and others say about splits. Easy on the joints and leg muscles, less strenuous, and I think hummm. Wife really likes the sound of all this too.

So, I am considering drinking the Cool-Aid and ordering splits next week as replacement fins for both my wife and me. In the past, I've dove USD turbo jets, Mares Power Planas, and in tropical water, Mares Avanti HP full foots. Wife has owned USD turbo jets and Dacor's plastic version of the turbo jets. I'm thinking because the Avanti HP's were so "flexible" that the soft feeling folks mention as a con for splits might not be too big an issue. I know the only true way of knowing is to try them, but there aren't any pre-purchase opportunities for that here.

Also, Joe suggested the Mares Raptors for the buckle system, but I hear a lot of Zoom lovers out there.

Any strong opinions.

[CompuDude]

Do you frog kick or flutter?

Are you willing to change your kick to a frog, or after 1k dives, are you set in your ways and only want to flutter?

Flutter is good for splits. Lousy for paddles (especially the stiffer ones).

Frog, however, is lousy for split fins, and fantastic with a good, stiff set of paddle fins.

In general, I don't care for split fins. I know they have their advocates (and I do own a pair that I enjoyed using), but while they go fast in a straight line, they don't give me the precision that I now require from a fin, nor do they have the low end torque I need to push a heavy drysuit and doubles through the water.

[mrmccoy]

If you can't get in the water with a pair of splits find some used ones on ebay and give them a try. I have swam in the pool with zoom experts splits and they are easier to flutter kick then paddles IMO but thats not saying much!

[chilly willy]

I just bought a set of zooms and they're good for crusing, but if you need a lot of power they are a little lacking. It is true that they are a little easier on the legs, so I guess it depends on where your diving.

[Splitlip]

I'm selling my Smokes.

I planned on listing after I checked shipping.

Size Large. Springs are adjustable. I have a 10M foot and have worn them with 3mil hard soled boots and 5 mil soft sole on the middle adjustment.

[Coastie6]

My wife and my diving from here on out is going to be pretty laid back rec diving. As far as kick, kind of mixed, but truthfully do a lot of flutter.

I could get in an LDS pool with a pair of Scubapro Twin Jets, but I wouldn't be buying them from the shop and don't want to lead them on regarding a purchase. So I'll rely on ST's return policy if we hate them.

Like I mentioned, the Avanti HP's were pretty low on the power scale. But once I got over the change from my Planas, I liked the convenience of no booties and less weight and they served me well for many years as a tropical boat diving fin.

[Coastie6]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

I'm selling my Smokes.

I planned on listing after I checked shipping.

Size Large. Springs are adjustable. I have a 10M foot and have worn them with 3mil hard soled boots and 5 mil soft sole on the middle adjustment.

Tim, so you didn't like the taste of the Cool-Aid?

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by Coastie6

Tim, so you didn't like the taste of the Cool-Aid?

LOL, Dave.

No, I love them (I have posted many times here and on SB, but just don't think I need them any more.) I also love my original USD Blades and my Cressi Garras.

My main reason for using the splits was for sustained speed, particularly swimming against a current, in order to stay with a group.

I have kind of changed my style of diving. My buddies stay with me and let me lead. If I dive a charter solo, I've decided I don't care if I lose the rest of the group or DM. I have a pony for those dives and carry 2 DSMB's. My tanks have convertible valves so I'll be converting them to h-valves. I have 2 MK25 1st stages. And my 10 year old USD Blades with springs.

If i need bursts of speed for hunting or such, I'll use my Garas.