fins with negative buoyancy

[meesier42]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Force fins are negatively buoyant? Somehow I doubt that... or at least, if barely negative, not to the degree I suspect the OP is looking for.

For paddle fins, I agree with the recommendations for Jets, Turtles or the Hollis F1's. (The Hollis ones may be best to start looking at)

For Split fins, the Apollo Bio Fins are quite negative. And I'm selling a pair, if the size is right...

See this thread for a chart of fins that float vs. sink: Which Fins Float?

Force Fins are negative- sure not by much, only about 4 oz per pair
Jet Fins are the most negative fin I have found at a whole 3.5 oz each, or 7 oz per pair. That's <1/2# negative, not a whole hell of a lot. They are just vulcanized rubber, which has a density about 10% greater than fresh water, or about 7% greater than salt water.

Originally Posted by Tekdivr

What kind of fin does your husband currently use? Possibly by just adding spring straps his fins will be negative enough. If you're looking for a fin with style that's slighlty negative I may suggest the Mares Quattro. They are an all around good fin that is slightly negative. I use Jet fins, US Diver Blades and still have an old pair of Quattros. The Jets are just really heavy to travel with when having to worry about luggage restrictions.

Adding Spring straps- if negative is what you really need and you can't do the smart thing and adjust your weight on your belt/tank to accomplish proper trim. As adding weight to your feet will mean that you have to kick heavier fins, meaning that you work harder. Do your best to adjust weights on your belt or add to the tank boot or other places first, once all else fails... this is a last choice option springs will make your fins more negative. As to how much, I can't say, as I don't use them and it changes depending on the length and style you get.

My point- don't blindly listen to the local divemaster because he/she says something, chances are they have bought into the same marketing BS that is often repeated on these forums. think about what people tell you and try to determine if it actually makes sense. In this case, you have to compare the pros/cons of adding weight to your fins.

Pros- easy method of fixing poor trim, can counter-act the buoyancy of a drysuit insulation.
Cons- more mass on the fins require more work to kick

[scubagirlj]

husband and DI spent whole afternoon( 2 long shore dives) trying to "do the smart thing" & redistribute what weight he does carry(not much to adjust with 8 lbs) and still came up with he has "floaty feet"(my description)-problem solved when he borrowed jets, hence the search

[meesier42]

did that include trying different tank sizes/materials and moving the tank up and down in the bcd? I know in my drysuit, wearing a LP95 I need lots of ankle weight to trim out nicely, with an AL80 I need very little (more lead in total, but less on the ankles)

if you tried everything and more negative fins are the only option- then spring straps maybe all you need.

[Quero]

Originally Posted by scubagirlj

he has "floaty feet"(my description)

LOL, I use the same "term" with my students whose feet float, and the opposite for those whose feet are "sinky".

Originally Posted by meesier42

My point- don't blindly listen to the local divemaster because he/she says something, chances are they have bought into the same marketing BS....

I gather this was your husband's PPB instructor's recommendation? I would listen, yes.

Like your hubby's instructor, I also recommend negative fins after all else has failed, as well as less negative fins for sinky-footed divers.

[bennerman]

Oceanic Vector fins are slightly negatively buoyant (they sink slowly, if that is of relevance). I think the line is being discontinued though, so I don't know how helpful that is

[sterlinghe92]

apollo bio fins are, especially with the addable or orderable springs. but even with ou them they are. these are definatley the most comfortable fins on the market

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by sterlinghe92

apollo bio fins are, especially with the addable or orderable springs. but even with ou them they are. these are definatley the most comfortable fins on the market

And I could not agree more!

Nicest foot pocket of any fin!

[Diver Kat]

Originally Posted by Splitlip

And I could not agree more!

Nicest foot pocket of any fin!

And durable .... I've had mine a good 8 or 9 years at least, and they're still going strong!

[sterlinghe92]

i have had mine for almost 2 months and im just geting the springs today! im very excited to not have to deal with rubber straps!!!!

[azdiver]

I switched over to atomic splits about a year after they came out and love them... knew they were positive but never really thought much about it since they fit great, felt great and gave me power without cramps...

However.... I just came back from Lembeh and realized that they really interfered with my being able to "stay still" while trying to focus with a super macro lens... my feet kept floating up!

Now I need to find negative splits with an open toe foot pocket so if anyone has suggestions let me know. May see if adding springs will do the trick but springs for atomics are pricey!