Make your own split fin?

[Mycroft]

A test like this was done by a gentleman over on D2D's forum. And while they performed better then regular fins, they did not perform as well as real splits.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

A test like this was done by a gentleman over on D2D's forum. And while they performed better then regular fins, they did not perform as well as real splits.

I'm going to try this out with a cruddy old pair of fins I was going to get rid of. Maybe it will make them a little better than what they are like right now, though I'm certainly not trading in my pair of twin jets soon.

[awap]

Originally Posted by Mycroft

A test like this was done by a gentleman over on D2D's forum. And while they performed better then regular fins, they did not perform as well as real splits.

One problem is in trying to figure out just what "better performance" means. I don't think anybody has nailed that down. My original goal was just to reduce the leg cramping problem I had. My impression was that for just flat out speed, I lost a little. Those old blades would haul ass until they made you cry uncle. But I can still move along quite quickly when I need to and I can do it for a good bit more time and distance. If I had it to do again, I think I'd only go 1/2 way down the fin rather than 2/3rds the length of the blade.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

Originally Posted by awap

One problem is in trying to figure out just what "better performance" means. I don't think anybody has nailed that down. My original goal was just to reduce the leg cramping problem I had. My impression was that for just flat out speed, I lost a little. Those old blades would haul ass until they made you cry uncle. But I can still move along quite quickly when I need to and I can do it for a good bit more time and distance. If I had it to do again, I think I'd only go 1/2 way down the fin rather than 2/3rds the length of the blade.

Now that's what I like in a fin.

[Doug B]

I got a set of el-cheapo fins from the local Target store late last season... I think they were US Divers or something... they sold them in the swim aisle there at Target.

I got them for like $15. Figured my kids would use them in the pool, or I'd throw them in the truck, if my good fins were lost/broke/stolen, etc....

I think once it warms up and I can get into the pool (in the back yard), I'll do some 'testing'. I swim a little with the stock fins, and then cut some slots and swim again. Should be fun.

I like the instant power of the full fin, but I love the way a split fin feels like there is nothing on my foot. With a full fin, i fell like I have a 2x6 board strapped to my leg.

[RoyN]

I wouldn't have dream of cutting my fins.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

Originally Posted by Doug B

I got a set of el-cheapo fins from the local Target store late last season... I think they were US Divers or something... they sold them in the swim aisle there at Target.

I got them for like $15. Figured my kids would use them in the pool, or I'd throw them in the truck, if my good fins were lost/broke/stolen, etc....

I think once it warms up and I can get into the pool (in the back yard), I'll do some 'testing'. I swim a little with the stock fins, and then cut some slots and swim again. Should be fun.

I like the instant power of the full fin, but I love the way a split fin feels like there is nothing on my foot. With a full fin, i fell like I have a 2x6 board strapped to my leg.

I think I'm going to try the same thing with my old pair of fins, they really do feel like a piece of 2by4 strapped to my leg , so I figure it's no huge loss if the homeade splits don't work.

[maggs_the]

okay, i can see doing this with a pair of $15 fins and if it works great!

i am just way to non-handy tho to consider trying it with my regular fins

but i do think i want to get some split fins so i was thinking maybe i'd try the full foot instead of the ones to use with booties. if i'm doing boat dives, i dont have to have the booties like i would need for shore dives... yeah?

and wouldnt you know, Scuba Toys has some full foot splits for less than $50

[pyre24]

I couldnt ruin my vipers. I do have some cheapies though hat i bought awhile back. Might try it soon, but I dont think they would be as good.