Qualitative FIn propulsion

Question
Apollo Bio Fin Pro split fins appear to rate fairly high with reviews/blogs I've read so far. Also, Scuba Pro Twin Jet Fins seemed likeable as well. I've tried both pairs briefly and liked them, however that was pool time, not an actual dive. Can you offer any info between the two brands comparitively? I'm leaning toward the split fin concept because of what I've read about greater ease in propulsion as well as air conservation. I'm 6ft, 220 lb male, not in top physical shape. Recreational, open water Caribbean diver for the past few years. Appreciate your expertise!

Answer
Hi John,

I don't like to recommend brands unless a particular one has a unique feature which sets it aside from it's competitors.  In the case of your question, both of the fins are of the split-fin technology and roughly equivalent in performance.  I can, however, give you the benefit of my experiences with this type of fin.

The Apollo appears almost identical to the Oceanic V-12 which was introduced about 7 years ago.  The V-12 was my first introduction to the split-fin concept.  The blade material is very flexible and it required modifications to my finning technique in order to use it efficiently.  Once mastered, I loved the technology and have stayed with it.  I have also used the Scuba Pro Twin Jets and found them to be a little bit stiffer but not uncomfortably so.  I think either fin will serve you well.

The split-fin concept is, indeed, much more efficient than the old paddle-fin technology.  Without going into a lot of technical stuff, I'll give you a synopsis of the differences.  Paddle-fins get most of their thrust on the downstroke.  The upstroke is mainly a recovery maneuver for the next downstroke.  Split-fin technology produces equal thrust on both the downstroke and upstroke, thus increasing efficiency.  As you've found, the resistance is much less when using split-fins and this will reduce muscle fatigue and thus aid air conservation.  All in all, it's a great package.

There are ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of split-fins and I've found that some of the newer (and stiffer) split fins are actually easier to maneuver with and appear to be equally as efficient as the more flexible ones.  I don't have any data to back up that statement but at least my old legs think so!!  Additionally, the stiffer fins make using different kicking techniques like the frog-kick and sculling much easier.

Both of the fins you're considering are on the expensive side.  There's no reason for the increased cost other than it's new and the manufacturers are capitalizing on the demand.  Prices will eventually drop so don't be afraid to shop around and consider other brands which may be less expensive.  More money doesn't necessarily buy you BETTER gear, it only buys you DIFFERENT gear!!  There are, of course, cheap knock-offs out there so I'd continue to check out reviews and blogs (as you've done) before investing in any of them.

John, I hope this gives you some additional insight to help you make your decision.  Pool tests are a great idea and you can expect that your actual dives will be very similar to your pool experiences.  Use the pool tests to try out a frog-kick or sculling and see what you think.

Happy Diving!!

Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com