Fin Envy
Posted By Cliff Etzel on 8 November 2000
Aren't they difficult to use compared to shorter snorkeling or scuba fins? I would probably say YES.
At first.
The issue here is that since you don't have to concentrate on the other aspects of scuba, i.e.; buoyancy control, depth, air left in your tank and any of the other multitude of issues related to scuba diving, you can concentrate on practicing good fin kicking technique, which is much easier to learn and master for a neophyte. And as you will see within the article, the issue of fin kicking technique had a lot to do with results on the performance of these fins.
The typical cost range of freediving fins does run higher than your average snorkel fin. They usually run between $95 - $150. There are more expensive exceptions, though. The new usage of carbon fiber technology in the design of fin blades increases the cost of a fin by as much as an additional $75-$125.00.
But what you're paying for is the quality of the workmanship, the exotic materials, and the ability to dive deeper with less effort in the process.
Our test criteria:
When we set out to do this review, we felt it necessary to scrutinize every aspect of these fins. This included the overall visual aesthetics of each pair. Typically a diver is going to pay more for a pair of freediving fins than for scuba or snorkeling fins. Although it can be said that looks alone do not a freediving fin make, it usually is an initial indicator as to the quality of the design and manufacture of the product.
Ultimately, though, the true test is how well it responds in the water attached to a divers feet.
Each fin was given 2 performance tests. In an open water environment (i.e.; a Pacific Northwest coastal lake), under controlled conditions, we first kicked out on our backs to see how each pair felt and to watch the flex characteristics as we kicked. Swimming out approximately 45 yards from shore, we then rested and did a tuck dive to the bottom at 27 feet. We then swam back to shore, following along the contour of the bottom that gradually ascended as we got closer to shore. This gave us a set distance and profile to judge each pair of fins we used. Only one pair didn't get us back to shore before we had to ascend for air. More on this below. Although the actual depth wasn't particularly great by more experienced divers standards, it did allow us to conduct the test with safety in mind.
Diving here in the Pacific Northwest, we wore full 7mm wetsuits with 28 lb. of lead strapped to our testers waists. Weather was very pleasant - 65 degrees with only a thin overcast. Water temperature was 52 degrees and calm.
Although we were critical about something for every pair of fins we tested, overall, we would recommend any one of these brands of fins to a diver looking to purchase a pair.
- Bookmark with :
- what are these?
