The selection of dive fins these days is overwhelming. With all of the different choices hanging before you in your local dive store, how do you know if you are choosing the right set of fins? Are they all pretty much the same? Or do they all feel different in the water? How do you know which to choose?? Well don't sweat it, we're going to break most fins down into a couple of basic categories to help you choose the right fins for your type of diving.
Open Heel or Full Foot Fin?
Fins fall into two basic categories: open heeled or full foot fins.
The kind of fins you choose depends on the TYPE of diving you will be doing. As you will see from our list below, full foot fins are geared more toward the warm water and traveling diver. Warm water because you don't wear a boot to keep your feet warm, and traveling since it is lighter weight. Full foot fins are good for boat diving since there is no trekking around in your gear required. If you are shore diving or diving off of a rocky area, open heel fins are recommended so that you can wear boots to protect your feet. Here are some guidelines as to what kind of diving is appropriate with these two different kinds of fins:
Open Heel Fins:
- Can wear any type of boot, making it a great fin for foot warmth and protection
- Adjustable straps wrap around back of foot
- Foot pocket is generally wider than full foot fins
- Usually more heavy-duty than a full foot fin
Full Foot Fins:
- Snug fitting foot pocket
- Made to wear without booties
- Easy to slip on and off
- Foot pocket is generally more narrow
- Intended more for warmer water diving
- Usually lighter weight than open heel fins
Normal or Split Fin?
Now that you have decided if you want to dive with an open heel fin or a full foot fin you must make the choice of using either a "normal" paddle fin or split fin. Split vs. paddle fins is a hot topic. Divers either love or hate split fins. There is not much middle ground. If you've never tried split fins here is a comparison with pros and cons to help you decide if they are right for you.
Split Fins:
- Split fins require a different kick-style. Rather than a long, strong "traditional" kick originating from the hip, a split fin works best with small flutter kicks. The goal with the small flutter kicks is to keep your kick aligned with your body, making the diver more streamlined through the water.
- The concept behind the split fins is that the split reduced the vacuum caused by water moving up and over the paddle. The result is less pressure on your joints and less muscle fatigue while moving you through the water; a split fin is great for those divers with foot, ankle or leg injuries.
- It is argued that split fins do not work well under load. Many split fins are a softer than traditional fins resulting in less water being moved per kick. If you are planning on diving double, towing something with a lot of drag or doing something that needs maximum propulsion...we wouldn't recommend split fins. However, when using the proper flutter kick, they can handle a considerable current.
"Traditional" Paddle Fins:
- By "traditional" fins we mean fins that are not split up the middle; fins that are shaped like a paddle. All manufacturers make this type of fin and they all have different innovative technologies within their fin assortment.
- All-in-all this type of fin works well with a nice, straight legged kick and performs optimally in all diving circumstances. Other fin kicks, such as frog kicks, work well.
- This type of fin is a good choice for most divers, and types of diving.
The best place to start is at your local dive store where your sales associate can listen to the type of diving you want to do and learn about your diving style. They can give you their best recommendation. However, the best way to decide it to give them a try. It may take a couple of pairs of fins to decide what works best for you, but once you find that pair of fins you love, they will last you for years.
