Great video! We own both of these fins, but the Hollis hardly ever get any dives over the Apeks. The RK3HDs are perfect for Dry Suit, whereas I can dive the regular RK3s in shorts and a rash or and I’m not fins down.
The RK3 HD version is slightly negatively buoyant, while the non-HD is positive. Good to know i you want to tweak your trim a bit. Also, if you want you can cut out a hole in the grip on the RK3's strap. There's an embossed line that shows where to cut.
I'm a commercial diver and use the RK3s, really good fins, great in currents, long swims and walking on the bottom if you need to. Durable and comfortable too.
I’ve had the RK3 fins since they dropped. 100+ dives on them. I love them!! Powerful, easy to back kick, positive buoyant(just barely 👌🏻) and frog kicking is incredible.
For those wondering which one to chose. I would Say that it depends on your configuration . I have the rk3 HD . I dive sidemount, and i’ve changed a lot of things on my rigging kit’ harness etc... and nevertheless i keep having my feet lifting me up When i’m standing Still. I just realised that it’s because of my otter drysuit, really thick and bouoyant from the feet. I tried the hollis fins and the problem was solved, my Trim was just perfect . On the other hand i wanted to try anything else. I dived a santi elite drysuit which is Much more thinnner and boddy-fited with my rk3 and things were perfect too! It realy depends on the combination of a whole Thing
I own both of these fins. Dry suit (UK) Hollis, wet suit (travel) Apeks. The standard Apeks IMO are too light for dry suit. Go for the HD. I truly believe that the Hollis F1 ‘Bat fins’ are by far the best available for drysuit Diving. Great power that don’t require much energy to produce (they will leave lesser fins well behind) & very good control for all types of kicking. Not forgetting the Mares Avanti Quattro are still a great contender for both wet & dry. Those being probably the best all rounder.
As a Commercial Diver and as a psychotic gear junkie, I own both.. I can say that the F1 are amazing for wetsuit diving and heavy loads BUT No for long distance swimming.. On the Other hand the RK3 are Lighter and can be used excellent with wetsuit also and are more comfortable for long swimming.. I honestly realised that last week when I had a 2km underwater survay video and the RK3 made the difference!!! 🔝
Just got back from a dive (drysuit and double 12-s) with a new par of Hollis F1 and compared to my old Scubapro jetfins, I was impressed with these. Having just finished a GUE fundamentals class i found back kicks and other swimming methods easier. Nice fins for sure.
Both are amazing fins. I used to own a regular RK3, a Mares 4+ and now dive a RK3 HD. I like the stiffer version better, loads of power downunder but not tiresome for a surface swin (a problem with the Mares). The regular feels a bit floppy, but that is personal taste I guess. Shorter lenght makes maneuvers like backfinning a lot easier.
I used the f1 and omg it pinches my foot! After the dive I gave them back to my buddy I said “these suck ass they pinch my foot !” He said “hahah me too that’s why I hate them” I just bought a pair of black large rk3 used but brand new condition for $40 usd
Hey Mark , I love to watch your reviews they helped me with gear I have acquired over the years. I would like to get opinion on which you would recommend on diving fin for the tropics like the Philippines. I was about to pull the trigger on a pair of RK3 when I came across this add and video for the deep 6 fins. I am 58 soon to turn 59 and will be doing a lot of drift dives overtime in the Philippines one in particular that was rated in the top ten dive sites in the world in diver magazine. Which one would you recommend? Sincerley Steve Kline
thanks for this informative video.. It seems I have a floaty feet though I'm only 68 KG.. I do find some difficulties when descending using the SP supernova and SP Go sport.. I'm a 3mm wetsuit diver and do recreational diving and only in warm water.. shall I go for RK3 or RK3HD ? thanks
I've had Seawings, Avanti Q+4, Tech II, RK3. I have heavy feet, dive in warm waters in full 3mm or 3mm shorts and jacket. I got 4th Element 5mm boots (which have now lost their buoyancy) and wear one or two pairs of 3mm neoprene socks (look more like hiking boots) US11/UK10 and ended up liking Scubapro Go Sport XL (or the largest) best. I do 2-3 hour photo/video solo dives or 1 hour guiding or educational dives (no tech) and I find the affordable and lightweight Go Sport fins the most comfortable. I refuse to work against a hard current because I don't want to put my customers in that situation, they are after all on vacation. I found all the previous fins too flexible where the Go Sports are actually quite stiff, efficient, light (positively buoyant) and have the most comfortable foot pocket.
Great video! I dive the F1s, and it was interesting to see them evaluated against another pair of fins. Out of curiosity, what is your level of certification?
I have both fins, I got the F1s first, but quickly realized that the foot pocket edge is too rigid and was chafing me, so I switched to the RK3s, which is what I'm still using. The F1s are probably just fine if you're diving with a drysuit, but yeah they're not comfortable with wetsuit (5mm) booties.
RK3 are excellent fins, my gf is diving them, however I have student divers (and myself as well) who have shoe size of 46 (12 in US-size) which would need the Hollis F2 XXL when diving with dry suits. I have not found a proper alternative to them if someone as real big feet. Or you have an other idea?
I have both. The F1s are super powerful, however they tend to stick to the sole of my drysuit boot which makes doffing a challenge. My RK3HDs are less powerful but they are very easy to slide my drysuit boot out of. The solid thumb loop on the RK3 makes it more difficult to stretch the springs over your heel if you're wearing thick gloves. The F1 heel strap is much easier to grab hold of.
I have only owned US Diver ROCKETS for 45 years and they still RULE ! Yes I have tried quite a few different fins over the years but they are not as good
Just curious how the RK3 fins are neutrally buoyant in salt water, and float in fresh water. Salt water is denser than fresh water, so that should be the other way around.
What I want to know about a fin is how much is the top part where the foot goes in, that edge, at the top: how much is it going to cut into the top of the foot. The opening is square but the foot is not.
I have the RK3s and the foot pockets are soft & very comfortable on my 5mm wetsuit boots. They honestly feel like extensions of my feet - I pretty much feel at one with them ☯️ 👍
The Apeks RK3 seems really silly in comparison to the other pairs I've looked at. I don't understand why anyone would still go for these the gaps and the design doesn't do anything but look good. The design hasn't even been updated. I'd rather keep training my legs than have something like that strapped to them.
In my opinion: both outdated fins. Big, heavy and not hydrodynamic at all. Those designs were great through the 50's to the 80's. Now? Not so much. My local dive center's intructors are constantly complaining about their RK3's and are slowly returning to their Scubapro seawings. I'm not surprised, I've tried jetfins for some time and they perform worse than any other fin I've tried...
@@mickie2412 I did not precise that I was using the seawing gorillas. They are the best fins (my opinion, again) that I've ever tried. You're right about the seawing novas, way too soft...
@@beluil I don't quite understand your answer (english isn't my native language, that might have something to do with it). If you were asking what kind of fin kick I was using, I'm a compulsive frogkicker ;)
Nope. Apeks says "Two large grommet holes designed to fit most karabiners for easy storage of the fins while accessing the dive site." Source: www.apeksdiving.com/uk/products/fins/product/rk3-fins.html
The term you're looking for is hydrodynamic, not aerodynamic 🙂 But nevertheless, as stated in the other comment, the holes are there to allow you to attach the fins to a karabiner so you can carry them hands free.
Great video! We own both of these fins, but the Hollis hardly ever get any dives over the Apeks. The RK3HDs are perfect for Dry Suit, whereas I can dive the regular RK3s in shorts and a rash or and I’m not fins down.
The RK3 HD version is slightly negatively buoyant, while the non-HD is positive. Good to know i you want to tweak your trim a bit.
Also, if you want you can cut out a hole in the grip on the RK3's strap. There's an embossed line that shows where to cut.
Yggdrasil42 From what I have tested the non-HD RK-3s are neutrally buoyant and not positive
I'm a commercial diver and use the RK3s, really good fins, great in currents, long swims and walking on the bottom if you need to. Durable and comfortable too.
I’ve had the RK3 fins since they dropped. 100+ dives on them. I love them!! Powerful, easy to back kick, positive buoyant(just barely 👌🏻) and frog kicking is incredible.
For those wondering which one to chose. I would Say that it depends on your configuration .
I have the rk3 HD . I dive sidemount, and i’ve changed a lot of things on my rigging kit’ harness etc... and nevertheless i keep having my feet lifting me up When i’m standing Still. I just realised that it’s because of my otter drysuit, really thick and bouoyant from the feet. I tried the hollis fins and the problem was solved, my Trim was just perfect . On the other hand i wanted to try anything else. I dived a santi elite drysuit which is Much more thinnner and boddy-fited with my rk3 and things were perfect too! It realy depends on the combination of a whole Thing
I am head heavy and dive am too would that fix my problem and how is the Finn when doing frog kicks and so on?
13 minutes talking about fins.... wow i am so impressed. where do you get your inspiration from sir?
I own both of these fins. Dry suit (UK) Hollis, wet suit (travel) Apeks. The standard Apeks IMO are too light for dry suit. Go for the HD.
I truly believe that the Hollis F1 ‘Bat fins’ are by far the best available for drysuit Diving. Great power that don’t require much energy to produce (they will leave lesser fins well behind) & very good control for all types of kicking.
Not forgetting the Mares Avanti Quattro are still a great contender for both wet & dry. Those being probably the best all rounder.
I use the Hollis F1 yellowtip and it is a great finn for diving in a drysuit
Man that RK3 gives off the 90's Navy Seal vibes.
As a Commercial Diver and as a psychotic gear junkie, I own both.. I can say that the F1 are amazing for wetsuit diving and heavy loads BUT No for long distance swimming..
On the Other hand the RK3 are Lighter and can be used excellent with wetsuit also and are more comfortable for long swimming.. I honestly realised that last week when I had a 2km underwater survay video and the RK3 made the difference!!! 🔝
Just got back from a dive (drysuit and double 12-s) with a new par of Hollis F1 and compared to my old Scubapro jetfins, I was impressed with these. Having just finished a GUE fundamentals class i found back kicks and other swimming methods easier. Nice fins for sure.
SS Team, you got your buoyancy backward. Objects that are neutral in salt water will SINK in freshwater.
Both are amazing fins. I used to own a regular RK3, a Mares 4+ and now dive a RK3 HD. I like the stiffer version better, loads of power downunder but not tiresome for a surface swin (a problem with the Mares). The regular feels a bit floppy, but that is personal taste I guess. Shorter lenght makes maneuvers like backfinning a lot easier.
I used the f1 and omg it pinches my foot! After the dive I gave them back to my buddy I said “these suck ass they pinch my foot !” He said “hahah me too that’s why I hate them” I just bought a pair of black large rk3 used but brand new condition for $40 usd
My orange RK3s were my first Apeks purchase. Love them. Been needing to pull the trigger on the KVR1.....
Keep up the good work, love the video!
Tried both. Hollis F1 are heavy af. RK3 are the best
Aqualung Rocket II fins I have but I think apeks RK3 it's abetter
How about comparing travel fins? I’m interested in comparing the Hollis f2 and the scubapro go sport fins
Get dive rite xts
Apeks #1 🤿👍🏽 but I just wish they had an open loop on the heel strap.
Im in Love with the rk3, I have them in black and I get them in orange, too. Cressi Calibro in orange too. With a camo wetsuit 👌
tired both and F1 is the one I end up with in a drysuit, solved my floaty feet problem right away
#flappysnaghazard :D
I’m a new diver and you have really helped me to become a scuba diver
Glad we have help you out Avatar! :D
Hey Mark , I love to watch your reviews they helped me with gear I have acquired over the years. I would like to get opinion on which you would recommend on diving fin for the tropics like the Philippines. I was about to pull the trigger on a pair of RK3 when I came across this add and video for the deep 6 fins. I am 58 soon to turn 59 and will be doing a lot of drift dives overtime in the Philippines one in particular that was rated in the top ten dive sites in the world in diver magazine. Which one would you recommend?
Sincerley
Steve Kline
thanks for this informative video.. It seems I have a floaty feet though I'm only 68 KG.. I do find some difficulties when descending using the SP supernova and SP Go sport.. I'm a 3mm wetsuit diver and do recreational diving and only in warm water.. shall I go for RK3 or RK3HD ? thanks
I've had Seawings, Avanti Q+4, Tech II, RK3. I have heavy feet, dive in warm waters in full 3mm or 3mm shorts and jacket. I got 4th Element 5mm boots (which have now lost their buoyancy) and wear one or two pairs of 3mm neoprene socks (look more like hiking boots) US11/UK10 and ended up liking Scubapro Go Sport XL (or the largest) best. I do 2-3 hour photo/video solo dives or 1 hour guiding or educational dives (no tech) and I find the affordable and lightweight Go Sport fins the most comfortable. I refuse to work against a hard current because I don't want to put my customers in that situation, they are after all on vacation. I found all the previous fins too flexible where the Go Sports are actually quite stiff, efficient, light (positively buoyant) and have the most comfortable foot pocket.
Great video! I dive the F1s, and it was interesting to see them evaluated against another pair of fins. Out of curiosity, what is your level of certification?
Which one would you say is better for the frog kick? Currently using bio fins, and they don't translate well into the frog kick.
RK3 is frog heaven, good for any style IMO.
I have both fins, I got the F1s first, but quickly realized that the foot pocket edge is too rigid and was chafing me, so I switched to the RK3s, which is what I'm still using.
The F1s are probably just fine if you're diving with a drysuit, but yeah they're not comfortable with wetsuit (5mm) booties.
RK3 are excellent fins, my gf is diving them, however I have student divers (and myself as well) who have shoe size of 46 (12 in US-size) which would need the Hollis F2 XXL when diving with dry suits. I have not found a proper alternative to them if someone as real big feet. Or you have an other idea?
Thanks for the video guys !! Nice !!
You forgetting about the Hollis F1 LT...
I have both. The F1s are super powerful, however they tend to stick to the sole of my drysuit boot which makes doffing a challenge. My RK3HDs are less powerful but they are very easy to slide my drysuit boot out of. The solid thumb loop on the RK3 makes it more difficult to stretch the springs over your heel if you're wearing thick gloves. The F1 heel strap is much easier to grab hold of.
I have only owned US Diver ROCKETS for 45 years and they still RULE ! Yes I have tried quite a few different fins over the years but they are not as good
Just curious how the RK3 fins are neutrally buoyant in salt water, and float in fresh water. Salt water is denser than fresh water, so that should be the other way around.
Great video.. becurs off this i just got the RK3 . and i love them - no more ankel leead.. thanks for all the great tips..
Looks like u just sold me some rk3s... Good job
OMS Better 🤣🤣🤣
Why
gracias por tus videos
Eddy deep six hand down the best fins
Love my new RK3 fins
What I want to know about a fin is how much is the top part where the foot goes in, that edge, at the top: how much is it going to cut into the top of the foot. The opening is square but the foot is not.
Check the deep6gear eddy fins, contoured for foot. Stiff, light, adjustable spring strap and neutrally buoyant
O.K. Will do. Thank you.
I have the RK3s and the foot pockets are soft & very comfortable on my 5mm wetsuit boots. They honestly feel like extensions of my feet - I pretty much feel at one with them ☯️ 👍
Thank you, Rob,
The Apeks RK3 seems really silly in comparison to the other pairs I've looked at. I don't understand why anyone would still go for these the gaps and the design doesn't do anything but look good. The design hasn't even been updated. I'd rather keep training my legs than have something like that strapped to them.
In my opinion: both outdated fins. Big, heavy and not hydrodynamic at all. Those designs were great through the 50's to the 80's. Now? Not so much. My local dive center's intructors are constantly complaining about their RK3's and are slowly returning to their Scubapro seawings. I'm not surprised, I've tried jetfins for some time and they perform worse than any other fin I've tried...
Probably because you decided to kick up silt instead of frog kick. No jet is good for flutter.
I have the seawings and in a drysuit they are absolutely WORTHLESS
@@mickie2412 I did not precise that I was using the seawing gorillas. They are the best fins (my opinion, again) that I've ever tried. You're right about the seawing novas, way too soft...
@@beluil I don't quite understand your answer (english isn't my native language, that might have something to do with it). If you were asking what kind of fin kick I was using, I'm a compulsive frogkicker ;)
@@eddieguyvh4765 ahh okay, sorry 👌
Lol u mean u cant use the strap for hooking? I believe the hole is for aerodynamics rather than hooking
Nope. Apeks says "Two large grommet holes designed to fit most karabiners for easy storage of the fins while accessing the dive site." Source: www.apeksdiving.com/uk/products/fins/product/rk3-fins.html
The term you're looking for is hydrodynamic, not aerodynamic 🙂 But nevertheless, as stated in the other comment, the holes are there to allow you to attach the fins to a karabiner so you can carry them hands free.