Make your own split fin?

[Doug B]

Maybe this belongs in the DIY forum, but I was thinking....

Anybody ever take a "solid" fin, run it thru a band saw and make it a pseudo-split fin?

I was thinking of trying it, just to see if it made any difference in performance, but I'm thinking the design is such that either it wouldn't be noticed, or it would destroy the integrity of the fin altogether.

Split fins usually have a strong, thick edge with a floppy center.

[navyhmc]

While I don't have a degree in fluid dynamics, I will make a non-swag that it will not work well as the engineered bend in the material of the slit is what helps make the split fin work well. The material in a non-split fin is not intended to work that way. I think that it will destroy the integrity of the fins.

Worst case, try it and see what happens. But pm me the results as I would be interested in your results. Me personally, I don't want to ruin a pair of fins.

[awap]

With about 400 dives in the last 7 years, I'd say it works just fine. A drill and a heavy pair of shears did the job.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

Wow! This is an awesome idea. I think I'm totally trying this out (with an old pair of fins I don't want ). Do these fins you created have similar properties to store bought split fins (reduced fatigue, water funneling through fin like "propeller", etc...) ?

[Gombessa]

Lol. I want to see this done with Jets!

[awap]

Originally Posted by Super-Duper Scubasteve

Wow! This is an awesome idea. I think I'm totally trying this out (with an old pair of fins I don't want ). Do these fins you created have similar properties to store bought split fins (reduced fatigue, water funneling through fin like "propeller", etc...) ?

I've never tried regular split fins so I can't be sure. They did end all problems with leg cramps. But they are still stiff enough to accomodate various kicking styles including kicking backwrds. I also have an old pair of jet fins but prefer the splits.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

OK, that's pretty cool. If they end cramps and still allow alternate kicks then they definantly have my vote.

[Doug B]

THanks for the info and insight. I was thinking about doing this for my kids... taking thier solid fins and putting a large slot in the middle.... about three times larger than you did.

I think they'll have an easier time with the fins that way....

[mwhities]

Originally Posted by Gombessa

Lol. I want to see this done with Jets!

Buy me a pair of XXL Jets and I'll do it.

[MLenyo]

whoah, that's crazy you made your own split fins!

i have tusa tri-ex fins, so it wouldn't work out for me anyway.