The differences between split fins and paddle fins
Saturday, December 26th, 2009 at
6:54 pm
This instructional video by Scuba.com describes the two major types of fins available. There is the paddle fin and the split fin. The paddle fin uses more effort from your leg to push the water. It’s similar to a boat paddle, whereas the split fin is similar to how a propeller from a boat works. The water goes through the blade and creates vortices that push you along. Ultimately the split fin reduces the amount of energy you use, and it saves your air because you’re using less energy.
Duration : 0:1:16
[youtube yXIZ8lcs4-k]
apollo bio split …
apollo bio split fin pro = the best there is, they are amazing
I understand that …
I understand that after those years of diving and then going to a split, the amount of energy need to propel yourself is reduced tremendously. However, you still can’t advertise that zero effort will move you through the water. Even DiveTW said 6 mo. ago that “you can’t get something for nothing.” You even say in the video “as you KICK”, kicking requires effort. It may be such a minuscule amount that you don’t realize it. That may not have been your point, but thats how I perceived it.
Without being too …
Without being too literal, after years of diving with rubber, silicone or plastic paddle fins, it compares the effort of using paddle fins to the ease of using split fins. Due to design & engineering the split fin feels almost as effortless as a swimmers flutter kick and was commonly advertised as requiring no effort. Any diver who has used the older technology totally understands what is being said. Newer divers who missed this can just consider themselves a more fortunate generation
If “absolutely no …
If “absolutely no effort” is needed to kick with split fins; how is that you create the vortexes to propel yourself forward? Effort, aka energy, HAS to be spent in order for you to move. period! Less effort (energy) is spent, thats true. However movement still requires energy to be used.
Scuba Pro Jet fin …
Scuba Pro Jet fin FTW
Best is to time …
Best is to time yourself in a pool and borrow a set of each fin type. Paddle style is like a manual stick drive car. Split are like automatic cars…… just depends how much control you want! Also, you can’t get something for nothing.
Little energy in = little thrust forward.
That said, if you haven’t got strong legs and use poor kick techniques, then split fins could help you.
It is like swimming breast stroke with fingers together (paddle) and with fingers spread (split). (p)=thrust/power
Well they are great …
Well they are great for someone that does not know how to use fins properly. You know like the schmucks that kick like they are riding a bicycle (no offense Scuba Toronto).
they suck so bad… …
they suck so bad…. I switched to them and never looked back.
its just down to …
its just down to personal preferance if you ask me- iv got split fins and paddle fins and tbh the difference is negligable
split fins is the …
split fins is the best ever for non good swimmers, enjoy it , paddle fins are reserved for us, i wear scubapro jet fins, and is the perfect size and weight with a good kicking technique specifficly in narrow situations
I use the Scubapro …
I use the Scubapro Twin Jet Max, it tears ass!!! Amazing stuff, slower acceleration, but effortless kicking, high speed and lower air consuption. Search the youtube BUDS Seal training video, you’ll see some of the SEALS use them too. Twin Jet Max are stiffer on the sides so you get the best of paddle and split.
PROPAGANDA!
SPLIT …
PROPAGANDA!
SPLIT FINS SUCK! Don’t waste your money!