Fins?

[easyrider003]

I am new to this site. Not sure if there is a section just for fins? If this is in the wrong place then I apologize. But I am looking at purchasing a new pair of fins for recreational diving. The ones that I have now are Aqua Lung Pulse open heal. They tend to make my ankles really soar while diving and the last time I used them was about two weeks ago and my right calf cramped up. I have not really liked these fins since I have had them. I was looking at upgrading to a pair of split fins. The ones that I was interested in were the Mares Raptor fin. What is everyones opinion on these fins? They are a little cheaper than other fins that I have found. The only other "cheap" pair that I have found have been the Aeris Velocity Duo fin which are $99. I would go with those just because of the price but performance wise, which of these two split fins would you choose? If not either of the two then what other brand would you recommend?

Thanks,
Michael

[mitsuguy]

I think you'll find almost any of the split fins will be easier on your ankles than a paddle...

there is a section found in the equipment section for mask/fins/snorkels... no biggie, someone will probably move it for ya...

If you are interested in the Mares Raptor, look at the Tusa Xpert Zoom - it's been around longer and from all sources, it appears to be near identical and $10 less...

[Kokomo]

I LOVE my Cressi frog fins. My husband has split fins and likes them OK. But I really love mine.

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by Kokomo

I LOVE my Cressi frog fins. My husband has split fins and likes them OK. But I really love mine.

The OP has ankle issues, plain and simple, splits are going to be easier on the ankle than paddle fins like you have...

[tedwhiteva]

Originally Posted by mitsuguy

The OP has ankle issues, plain and simple, splits are going to be easier on the ankle than paddle fins like you have...

The fog kick is easier on the ankles too, espcially with paddle fins

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by tedwhiteva

The fog kick is easier on the ankles too, espcially with paddle fins

I'm not so sure about that... I would say they are similar in terms of ankle movement... the impact on flutter style kicking is because you are putting stress on the ankle to bend it past where it normally sits - you don't really use your ankle for much up/down movement... in the frog kick, you use your ankles for propulsion more than with the flutter kick - with one you are putting stress on the joint, with the other, you are really using the joint...

it goes both ways...

[FroggDVR]

I am not a big fan of split fins. Most if not all the time i am out in the lake I dive dry. For that I do not think splits give you enough propulsion.
I have a bad knee and a bad ankle all on my left side. Sometimes i even wear a knee brace under my dry suit.
With that being said I still use my Dacor Integra fins. A very large and stiff paddle style fin. I also dive w/ Poseidon forza fins. The Forza fin is VERY STIFF. I use the Forza in Lake Michigan when there is a strong surface current
Try some different kicks. 90% of the time I use a frogg kick. even in the pool w/ students

[Soonerwink]

I just read some early reviews on the Mares Raptor fins in a Scuba Diving mag. and it gave very favorable reviews on them. I also think they are very nice looking fins. They listed their price at 160.00

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by Soonerwink

I just read some early reviews on the Mares Raptor fins in a Scuba Diving mag. and it gave very favorable reviews on them. I also think they are very nice looking fins. They listed their price at 160.00

mares raptor, aka tusa xpert zoom

[Soonerwink]

Originally Posted by mitsuguy

mares raptor, aka tusa xpert zoom

I thought they looked familar, I own a pair of the zooms, I haven't dove them in the last year though. Do you know for a fact that they are the same fins. If so you can pick up the zooms for 129.00.