fins-closed or open heel?

[scubagirlj]

probably archieved in forum but was wondering what anyone thought about the closed or open heel debate-only do boat dives in tropical water-have open heel Aeris fins with 3m booties(that NEVER dry in time to pack)-was thinking it would streamline the luggage to go with closed heel for travelling(and give me a reason to spend more money at ST)-opinions?

[Oki Dirt Diver]

Me and the wife just got some full foot fins for our next trip to Coz, the only down side is you need to watch out for slippery boat decks.

[No Misses]

I am a big fan of full foot fins (closed heel). I feel that they are more streamlined in the water. I dive warm water. Even when I get into 60 degree water, I still use my full foot fins with 3 mil neoprene socks.

Full foot detractors:
- Full foot fins are a few inches longer than open heel ones of the same style. This makes them a little harder to pack.
- When doing shore dives, the boots that are used with open heel fins come in handy for walking over those rocks and hot sand. The bare feet get hot and sore.
- Open heels are easier to climb the ladder (boat) with. You can stick you arms through the straps and have both hands available for climbing. You have to pass your full foot fins up to someone on the boat.

[scubagirlj]

now part 2-what brand/model do you all suggest?

[PTAaron]

Seems like a logical choice if you are doing just tropical boat dives.

When I was growing up we snorkeled a lot and used full foot fins - the only problem I had was that they really irritated the tops of my feet in salt water. I had no issue when diving in my open heel/boots in salt water. I think it was the rubber squeezing the salt water against my foot and moving slightly as I swam that was the problem.

[awap]

But save you open heel fins and booties (with heavy soles) for Bonaire and other destinations that offer good shore diving. Bonaire with full foot fins would be extremely limiting.

[No Misses]

PTAaron - are you diving in bare feet or with neoprene socks? I use socks all the time, even when just snorkling in shorts.

I just started using Cresi Gara 2000 fins for both SCUBA and freediving. I love them.

A good inexpensive fin is the Mares Avanti Superchannel. I have logged many miles on the older Mares Avanti Tre fins (predecesor to theSuperchannel)
Mares Avanti Superchannel Full Foot Fin reviews and discounts, Mares

[Jack Hammer]

One other idea to consider would be something like Henderson's insta-dry boots. I've got an insta-dry hood and it dries out in ~5mins. I think their booties are kinda pricey, I'm not sure if another manufacturer makes something similar for less.

Jack

[mike_s]

I've found that most "full foot fins" aren't as stiff as open heel ones.

so you can "overpower them" easily and cause the blades to bend out wasting kick energy if you kick too hard.

they are good for light currents in warm water, but not in heavy current where you might have to kick more.

just my opinion.

[SlvrDragon50]

The Mares Avanti Superchannel are great. I've used them next to my Apollo Biofins and they're just as easy to move, extremly fast, AND you can do more alternative finning techniques since they're blade designed.