As a lifetime diver that enjoys freediving as well as scuba I am always amazed out how over complicated the designs of scuba fins have become with the massive increase in cost. They all profess efficiency in one form or another and yet the plan blades of a freediving fin are still far more efficient and never really changed. I have tested this for air conservation many times. Of course long fins won’t be desirable for all situations, wrecks etc, but shorter versions are available.
Hello Ian, Thanks for your note ! I was working the Long Beach Scuba show in California this past weekend and was a little surprised by the new Scuba Pro TEC fin. Hummmmm When I get a pair you'll see what I mean. Regards Bob C
Greetings from Sweden and thanks for a great video. I use two of the models you're reviewing. The superb Scubapro Seawing Nova II offers fantastic thrust and control with very little effort. My wife and I are now 4 years in with these killer fins. Two years ago I added the Apeks RK3 to my collection and hit the jackpot! The maneuvaribility they offer in all kick styles is just excellent. Neutrally buoyant, a little wider and shorter.
While driving through Georgia I often stop at the Macon store. I saw the Seawing Nova and wondered who would want such weird looking fins, then watched some UA-cam videos about them. So I picked up a pair at the Macon store. Have not had a chance to use them much due to covid, but I am looking forward to using them. The problem is that I bought a white pair and my wife noticed that I had something different in my kit! She does not know the extent of my Divers Supply addiction! (We did stop on the way to FL and get her and the kids snorkel kits.)
After using jet fins for years i got the seawings nova and... They are amazing. Super light, super confortable and superpowerfull. I would say jet fins are a V8 supercharged with 1000 newton of torque - usefull if you need to tow 2 guys ( if you have the ankles to deal with them ) and the seawings are a smooth and delicious V12 Ferrari with 800 hp.
Thanks for sharing and you are so right about the Jets.. I tend to use different fins for different types of diving. If I only had one pair it'd likely be Novas. Regards Bob C
Seawing Nova but only the Gorilla version. Best fins I've ever used in 36 years. Used the old Scubapro rubber type like the RK3 style in the video in the 80s and 90s and loved them too but the Gorillas are just better. BTW this is NOT a paid endorsement. Just a scuba addict who is obsessive about his gear. That said if Scubapro reads this and wants to send me some cool new product............
Great video. I have been using split fins since I became certified but I am thinking about getting a pair of fins just for travel such as going on dive trips. I have been looking at the Mares Xtreme. I heard they do just as well as spilt fins. Again great video Bob happy diving.
@@DiversSupplyYT I have atomic split fins which were given to me from my open water instructor and I have used them in the ocean. I recently upgraded to spring heel straps.
I have the scuba pro twin jet they are indestructible and if you get them in the yellow your buddies will never lose u. Everywhere I go people say the exact same thing that they can see my find a mile away.
@@DiversSupplyYT Down here in S Florida we can get some mirky very low visibility days but my buddy will still see those yellow fins through the low vis and if im in Cozumel or Cayman its impossible to lose me .
i think you need a pair of fins that will make frog kicks and back finning easier. It will be better to learn sonner rather then later to improve your techniques especially if you might be interested in tech diving or just having better control around reefs.
@@DiversSupplyYT Other than snorkeling, RK3’s are my every day fin. I’m also an old guy and a. Old guys don’t usually like change b. I don’t get leg cramps with them
I love Go Sport. I use them for any type of diving and to travel. I use apeks as well, and I don’t feel a huge difference. Except I think go sport have better maneuverability
Could you please review the Tecline light jet fins? It is pretty new and not many real review found. Currently I am using Quattro fins and Very interested in the new light Jet fins if it is worth to change.
I've got my ow cert a couple of years ago and have about 20-25 all together. I bought a pair of Seac F1s (lightweight, good for travel etc.) but in a few dives in Mexico and in Asia I found myself feeling like they are too flexible and not strong enough if you encounter a bit of current. Any suggestion as to what second type of fins I should add to my scuba gear for really good propulsion but that won't weigh a ton and give me leg cramps, for someone like myself that dive 6-10 times a year in tropical areas??
So we’re on the same page, Stiff fins can cause cramps especially in a current. Yes, Soft fins for most are too soft, not meant to be funny. Lots of stiff fins are heavy for that reason and floppy are the reverse. Here’s a couple suggestions; TUSA Versa, mid-weight good all around fins. Hate the adjustable straps. TUSA Switch, mid-weight with bungee type straps, just don’t get the Pro version.. too stiff. Cressi Reactions also mid-weight, bungee and little stiffer than the others. All 3 are mid priced…. There are others but little pricier. Regards Bob C
Sorry SKY, I've never gotten into Free Diving or going without boots. Boat ladders, Sea Urchins and the like have encouraged me to wear boots. Regards Bob C
The newer SC with Bungee are available. Not sure your size but I know Reg. Blue or Black pairs are available. Here's the link. www.divers-supply.com/mares-avanti-superchannel-w-bungee.html and personally I like the bungee... these are just a few $ difference from the Solla fins.
I still use my Tusa Liberators from 1990. I love these fins and have used them for decades.
Its interesting how we find gear we like and we never want to change no matter what improvements there may be available to us
I have a pair of Tusa’s also, but I prefer to use them for snorkeling. For diving, I prefer my RK 3’s.
As a lifetime diver that enjoys freediving as well as scuba I am always amazed out how over complicated the designs of scuba fins have become with the massive increase in cost. They all profess efficiency in one form or another and yet the plan blades of a freediving fin are still far more efficient and never really changed. I have tested this for air conservation many times. Of course long fins won’t be desirable for all situations, wrecks etc, but shorter versions are available.
Hello Ian, Thanks for your note ! I was working the Long Beach Scuba show in California this past weekend and was a little surprised by the new Scuba Pro TEC fin. Hummmmm When I get a pair you'll see what I mean. Regards Bob C
Greetings from Sweden and thanks for a great video. I use two of the models you're reviewing. The superb Scubapro Seawing Nova II offers fantastic thrust and control with very little effort. My wife and I are now 4 years in with these killer fins. Two years ago I added the Apeks RK3 to my collection and hit the jackpot! The maneuvaribility they offer in all kick styles is just excellent. Neutrally buoyant, a little wider and shorter.
What's so bad is I really now enjoy specific fins for specific purposes.. guess I'm spoiled. That's for the comments. Regards Bob C
I use Tusa switch pro for relaxing and spring diving. But for any ocean diving I love my Apek RK3.
Switch Pros...Very Cool looking fins but I have not had the chance to dive them..
While driving through Georgia I often stop at the Macon store. I saw the Seawing Nova and wondered who would want such weird looking fins, then watched some UA-cam videos about them. So I picked up a pair at the Macon store. Have not had a chance to use them much due to covid, but I am looking forward to using them. The problem is that I bought a white pair and my wife noticed that I had something different in my kit! She does not know the extent of my Divers Supply addiction! (We did stop on the way to FL and get her and the kids snorkel kits.)
It’s the GAS, gear acquisition syndrome ... my wife knows I have it bad... dive gear and video equipment...
After using jet fins for years i got the seawings nova and... They are amazing. Super light, super confortable and superpowerfull.
I would say jet fins are a V8 supercharged with 1000 newton of torque - usefull if you need to tow 2 guys ( if you have the ankles to deal with them ) and the seawings are a smooth and delicious V12 Ferrari with 800 hp.
Thanks for sharing and you are so right about the Jets.. I tend to use different fins for different types of diving. If I only had one pair it'd likely be Novas. Regards Bob C
Hollis F1 Yellow tips for cold water diving in Scandinavia - drysuit.
Great fins, little stiff but perfect for dry suit diving.. thanks for your comment Christian
Seawing Nova but only the Gorilla version. Best fins I've ever used in 36 years. Used the old Scubapro rubber type like the RK3 style in the video in the 80s and 90s and loved them too but the Gorillas are just better. BTW this is NOT a paid endorsement. Just a scuba addict who is obsessive about his gear. That said if Scubapro reads this and wants to send me some cool new
product............
Yea, I'm all about the GOrillas too...
Great video. I have been using split fins since I became certified but I am thinking about getting a pair of fins just for travel such as going on dive trips. I have been looking at the Mares Xtreme. I heard they do just as well as spilt fins. Again great video Bob happy diving.
Thanks for your comments Jess. We see lots of folks coming in to replace fin straps on various brands of Split Fins.
Hey, dive what you like !
@@DiversSupplyYT I have atomic split fins which were given to me from my open water instructor and I have used them in the ocean. I recently upgraded to spring heel straps.
@@jesspeoples3292 now how did I know that… ESP… I’m a big fan of bungees and springs..
scubapro go sport is one of the underrated
I would agree the Go Sport does a very good job, but little limited in all scopes of diving...
I have the scuba pro twin jet they are indestructible and if you get them in the yellow your buddies will never lose u. Everywhere I go people say the exact same thing that they can see my find a mile away.
I too am a big fan of brite fins...
@@DiversSupplyYT Down here in S Florida we can get some mirky very low visibility days but my buddy will still see those yellow fins through the low vis and if im in Cozumel or Cayman its impossible to lose me .
@@diver7799 I’ll post a shot or two with Britt fins diving with a group..
i think you need a pair of fins that will make frog kicks and back finning easier. It will be better to learn sonner rather then later to improve your techniques especially if you might be interested in tech diving or just having better control around reefs.
My RK-3’s work pretty well for frogs, helicopters and back kicking..
@@DiversSupplyYT Other than snorkeling, RK3’s are my every day fin. I’m also an old guy and
a. Old guys don’t usually like change
b. I don’t get leg cramps with them
I still use my old tecnisub idea 3 ...
Well I must agree it's nice to have your "go too" dive gear. Dive safe and thanks for your comment ! Regards Bob C
I love Go Sport. I use them for any type of diving and to travel. I use apeks as well, and I don’t feel a huge difference. Except I think go sport have better maneuverability
Thanks SC, I kind like the GO's also they're very hard to get right now...
Hi Bill, do you think the Novas would work well for cold water diving in a 7 mil wetsuit?
Thanks,
Dave
Hi David D. Yes sir I believe the Supers would do you a good job. Bob C
@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you Bob, much appreciated!
ive just started underwater hokey, do you have a recommendation for fins for speed, acceleration and maneuverablility ?
I likely go with a Tech style fins like RK3 that's short bladed, on the stiffer side and gives very good thrust to Kick ark.
Spear gun review next!?
Hi Steven, Yes sir… Intro to Spearguns was shot yesterday, may finish editing and go up Tues 14th thanks and regards Bob C
Great, well explained, swim swim
Thanks Johan,,,
Could you please review the Tecline light jet fins? It is pretty new and not many real review found. Currently I am using Quattro fins and Very interested in the new light Jet fins if it is worth to change.
Hi Erin, I would but they are not available in the US it appears.. Thanks Bob C
I've got my ow cert a couple of years ago and have about 20-25 all together. I bought a pair of Seac F1s (lightweight, good for travel etc.) but in a few dives in Mexico and in Asia I found myself feeling like they are too flexible and not strong enough if you encounter a bit of current. Any suggestion as to what second type of fins I should add to my scuba gear for really good propulsion but that won't weigh a ton and give me leg cramps, for someone like myself that dive 6-10 times a year in tropical areas??
So we’re on the same page, Stiff fins can cause cramps especially in a current. Yes, Soft fins for most are too soft, not meant to be funny.
Lots of stiff fins are heavy for that reason and floppy are the reverse.
Here’s a couple suggestions; TUSA Versa, mid-weight good all around fins. Hate the adjustable straps.
TUSA Switch, mid-weight with bungee type straps, just don’t get the Pro version.. too stiff.
Cressi Reactions also mid-weight, bungee and little stiffer than the others.
All 3 are mid priced…. There are others but little pricier. Regards Bob C
any full foot fin, no boots.
Sorry SKY, I've never gotten into Free Diving or going without boots. Boat ladders, Sea Urchins and the like have encouraged me to wear boots. Regards Bob C
There is a full foot version of the Scubapro nova.
Now they have introduced a FF version, availability is very limited.
Any input on the Hollis fins?
Well known For Drysuit the big F-1 and F1Lt are ok but heavy at 3.8+ and 3.4, the F2 I'd take but to me there's better and lighter...
What would be good fins for someone who has never used them?
The TUSA Solla is an affordable, comfortable, good fin for average recreational divers.
@@DiversSupplyYT I've heard about that fin, going to take a look at it. Any thoughts on the Mares Avanti Superchannel?
@@DiversSupplyYT Man, I can't get the Sollas anywhere. Any other ideas? Thanks, by the way, for replying so quickly.
Here's a Solla link
www.divers-supply.com/tusa-solla-fin.html
The newer SC with Bungee are available. Not sure your size but I know Reg. Blue or Black pairs are available. Here's the link.
www.divers-supply.com/mares-avanti-superchannel-w-bungee.html
and personally I like the bungee... these are just a few $ difference from the Solla fins.
Seawing Nova is best for me. Stiffer fins don’t work well for my body type.
I have a pair of the std Novas in Purple I use for teaching Handicap dive training...
If only shipping wasn't $40 and customs 40€😂