Glad you liked the video Nick Jarboe. That is a very legitimate reason for new fins. Just last week, I sold a Drysuit to a customer and he too had to purchase a new set because of the foot pocket.
I LOVE the statement "Don't let the gear control you". I am now a dive master and can dive in just about any gear configuration. I am not a big fan of spit fins myself, however when I got my first drysuit I picked up a used set of Atomic splits to fit my rock boots and I can dive just fine with them. My big change is the weight I need depending on the suit and under garments.
Hello SparkyABQ, glad you liked our video. Congratulations on becoming a Divemaster. As a professional, we need to be proficient in all different types of gear. Keep up the good work.
Someone once told me "a good diver can make anything work". I love that phrase. I prefer my jets. I like the mobility and power I get from them. The stiffness and high sidewall make them ideal for back kicks. But that's just me. As far as I'm concerned as long as one can properly execute the correct propulsion techniques for the environment and the fins won't fall apart during the dive, I couldn't care less what fins a person uses.
Hello K B, I share the same feelings. The appropriate fin should be selected based on the environment, and of course over all comfort of the diver. In regards to the stiffness of a fin, I believe this is why I really enjoy the Avanti Quattros so much. Stiff enough for Frog Kicking, Back Finning, and Helicopter Turning, but they still have the flexibility for Flutter Kicking and other variations. Being very fortunate to have been in the Industry as long as I have, I have collected my fair share of fins. Well over 50 pairs in the last 34 years. This being said, I have several sets of Jet Fins, from Dacor and ScubaPro. Both are excellent choices. I actually have several sets of ScubaPro Jet Fins, and have never been displeased with any of them. I am currently working on a series of videos, showcasing my current 2022 Rigs. Maybe one day, I will produce a video showing my personal diving museum. I know I own at least 2 items from every major gear manufacturer since the 1960's. I might even start another series where I go out and dive with a lot of the old equipment. That would definitely bring back some memories from my past.
Starting on March 21st, a new series called Rig Rundown 2022 edition, will start airing with all the equipment I’m current using in 2022. Each episode will be on the main components. BCD Regulators Tanks Computers etc.
I love that you did this video. I was considering doing something very similar, so I’m glad you did it. Drysuit courses are the number one course I teach all winter, and so many of my students ask me tons of questions about fins and floating feet. Here in Japan, there is some of the absolute worst dive instruction I’ve seen in the world, and far too many “drysuit divers” always walking around with ankle weights and heavy rubber fins, because they seriously believe whole-heartedly that they must have them to keep their feet down. That’s what their [so-called] “instructors” taught them. Many of my students remark to me that they have “floaty feet” and seeing the horrific examples of some of the worst divers constantly around them, they falsely believe they absolutely must have ankle weights and heavy fins too. I can’t count how many times I teach students proper trim and buoyancy during a course, and by the end of the course they suddenly realize they never needed that stuff in the first place, and their preconceptions were wrong. Fins serve a purpose, and fin designs are made for a purpose too, but proper trim positioning and buoyancy in the water is all you need to dive effectively and efficiently in a drysuit. I would add that different fins do have different characteristics in the water too, and these do affect “how” you need to trim yourself to remain comfortable and effective with their use. For example, Jet fins are negatively buoyant, so you would trim yourself more or less on an even horizontal plane with the feet higher up. They’re great because they’re stiff nature offers outstanding control in the water and they’re virtually indestructible. The Mares Avanti fins, like the HOG Pro fins, are practically neutral in the water. This is why they’re so popular, especially with new divers, because they make it extremely easy to dive in good trim. They’re great because they offer easier movement with less effort due to being softer and the design channels the water down the center of the blade, though they don’t offer the power or control of rubber fins. Some fins are lighter and float, like the standard Apeks RK3’s, which are very positively buoyant (unlike the stiffer and denser HD versions, which are also pretty neutral). This doesn’t make them bad for drysuit use, but it does mean you need to slightly alter your trim with them to a more feet lower position. At the end of the day, fin selection doesn’t matter when it comes to whether or not the fin is good to use. What matters with drysuits is, can your boot fit into the pocket (one of many reasons I prefer socks), and what’s the best trim position to use them effectively? If an instructor tells you that you need stupid crap like ankle weights or heavy fins for drysuits, they either have no clue how to use a drysuit effectively, or they’re out-right lying to you. Thanks again for making the video! 😎👌🏻
Hello Pinnacle Diving Company PDC, glad you liked the video. We sell Drysuits year round here at the shop, and the number one question we get asked is, do I have to change fins with my Drysuit. Our response is always, not if they fit. As you stated, due to some of the Drysuits' boots being larger, sometimes divers may need to up their foot pocket size, and of course the only way to do that is to purchase new fins. Ironically, most of our divers around here will purchase the same fin they are already using, just with a larger foot pocket.
Nice to see. I laughed at the 'don't try to swim absolutely flat' quote; it is definitely best to look where you're going! It looks to me that you personally are most comfortable with the Quattros. I like them too but I tend not to use them much now as I like a shorter fin for restricted areas. The one thing I'd say about your trial is that you were finning almost the whole time, even when doing the skill, and that allows you easily to compensate for minor trim imbalance. For me the real test is trying to hang absolutely stationary. If you can do it without moving your feet at all you're properly trimmed. It's for that reason I found I was more comfortable in the twinset with high density fins for the drysuit and lower density for a wetsuit.
Hello Tim Gosling. So I get asked a lot about why my feet are constantly on the move. The best explanation I can give is, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I have had it my whole life, and I do find it very difficult to stay focused and still. You can see this in a lot of our videos as I tend to talk with my hands, ALOT!! And you make a great point about being in smaller areas, why shorter fins are better in those situations. The purpose of the video was to make newer divers aware of some of the sales tactics shops and Instructors use when selling a Drysuit. Another viewer commented that he had to get a new set of fins because of the foot pocket, which is another legitimate reason. But in general, divers should always focus on controlling their equipment and never letting the equipment control them. We have been very vigilant in teaching this in our classes and here on RUclips in our videos. Now let's address doing skills perfectly stationary. Though I agree, when a diver can hold perfect stillness in the water column it speaks highly of their abilities, and it shows they have master the manipulation of buoyancy control and trim with the equipment they use. Unfortunately, I have never made it my end goal to train what I call a "Robot in the Water." This is not down grading anyone who strives for excellence, I am just simply saying that when we over focus on the specifics of certain skills, we tend to take the fun out of diving. Especially, at the beginner level.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Very true. For me I think it's because these little subconscious fin motions have tended to move me slowly forward, which is annoying when filming or during safety stops. Has made me to learn to back-fin though! Safe (and fun) diving!
I just bought my first drysuit last week and the only reason I was told to buy new fins was that my boots may not fit in my old fins... I actually haven't tried them on with my drysuit. I'll check tonight to see if they do or not :)
Congratulations on your first Drysuit Slyder Ace. As another viewer had commented, that is a legitimate reason for a new set of fins. Hope they work for you, and welcome to the world of Drysuit Diving.
Completely agree! Recently had to use an old pair of very light fins and they worked fine as well. (I may have even preferred over my RK3 HD fins as it was no current and less of a workout.)
Hello Joshua Dircks, glad you liked the video. That shows that you have great control of your equipment. Oh, and personally, I think that the Apeks RK3's are a great set of fins. Plenty of power, and a very well respected Jet Style fin. I like the fact they come in different colors as well. Gives divers plenty of options to customize their rig.
I would have loved to keep my same fins for the drysuit I bought, but I'm in that "they don't fit my boots" club. I would have stayed with the same brand but I'm in the largest size available so I've had to try on several different brands (mostly through mail order as there's no shops close to me) I ended up finding a pair of Zeagle fins that would fit my boots but they are heavier than I'm used to. I assume that you just manipulate the amount of air in your suit that is trapped in the legs to adjust the buoyancy of your extremities?
Hello Kevin Davison, very recently, I had another customer in that same club. We tried every fin we had on him, and none would fit his Drysuit Boot. Even took him to another shop, and still couldn't find a pair that would fit. Ironically, a size 14 boot was very tight on him. So we ended up special ordering him a set of fins. He was very pleased with them, and shockingly, he did not have any difficulty manipulating them in the water. Now to answer your question about having trapped air in your legs and boots of your Drysuit. Ideally, divers will want a Drysuit that is fitted for them, in short a custom fitted Drysuit. I completely understand that this is not financially possible for all divers, but we should never put so much air in our suit that it begins to manipulate our trim. When we think of the diving profile, 0 to 15 degrees of angle, we tend to over focus on always being in the position. It is perfectly ok through out the dive to roll around to help shift air where you need it.
Another awesome video! Thank you for doing what you do! I got drysuit certified about a year ago and went with Mares Plana due to needing a larger foot pocket. One thing I like about the Plana is they are a bit shorter of a fin and seem to have a lot of power. A little off topic but do you have a recommendation for rock boots? I have an Aqualung Fusion drysuit and I am just not a fan of the bulky mud boots that came with the suit. Thanks again!
Hello Totally Scuba, glad that you liked our video. In regards to rock boots, unfortunately, all of my Drysuits have built in boots, which I prefer over seperate rock boots, or normal Wetsuit boots. The biggest reason is, I'm pretty lazy and can't stand to have to put them on after the fact. Hollis, Aqualung, Pinnacle, Scuba Pro and several other companies make different styles of rock boots, even companies like NRS. A few of our water rescue teams here in the area use the NRS brand. This being said, if you so choose, you can add permanent boots to your Drysuit, which will eliminate the need for an external boot. Personally, for diving, if I had to choose a rock boot, it would be one without laces, but with a velcro strap. If I was using the Drysuit for Swift Water Operations (non Diving), I would then go with the laces, as it could be more secure for walking around on land. I wish I could be more helpful to you.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Thank you so much for all the information. It is definitely a lot of good advice. I always enjoy the content of your channel. I love to learn and improve, your channel helps so thank you and your group for doing what you do.
Would you reckon there might be a bit of difference from the extra upthrust in saltwater on these comparisons? I dive myself with Scubapro novas and do find the feet get a bit floaty in my neoprene drysuit unless I put ankle weights on.
Hello Stephen Frawley, saltwater being more dense can effect the buoyancy characteristics of fins, as it can any other object as well. The Scuba Pro Novas just like the Mares X-Streams are extremely light, and primarily designed for flutter kicking applications, in warm water environments. This doesn't mean they can't be used for other exposure suits though.
Hello matt Meza, glad you liked our Fine Efficiency video, and I hope the Avanti Quattros are working our for you. They are by far my favorite set of fins.
Hello Tugs outdoor adventures, 2022 is a time when it is very difficult to get a Total Dive System below $2500, but not completely impossible. We have sets ranging between $800 and $5000.
![20+ Scuba Fins Tested and Reviewed! [Scuba Fin Reviews 2024]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3CYdrZr0esM/mqdefault.jpg)
The only thing my shop told me was that I’d need new fins because my current fins are too small for the Rock boots. Great video, guys!
Glad you liked the video Nick Jarboe. That is a very legitimate reason for new fins. Just last week, I sold a Drysuit to a customer and he too had to purchase a new set because of the foot pocket.
I LOVE the statement "Don't let the gear control you". I am now a dive master and can dive in just about any gear configuration. I am not a big fan of spit fins myself, however when I got my first drysuit I picked up a used set of Atomic splits to fit my rock boots and I can dive just fine with them. My big change is the weight I need depending on the suit and under garments.
Hello SparkyABQ, glad you liked our video. Congratulations on becoming a Divemaster. As a professional, we need to be proficient in all different types of gear. Keep up the good work.
Someone once told me "a good diver can make anything work". I love that phrase.
I prefer my jets. I like the mobility and power I get from them. The stiffness and high sidewall make them ideal for back kicks. But that's just me. As far as I'm concerned as long as one can properly execute the correct propulsion techniques for the environment and the fins won't fall apart during the dive, I couldn't care less what fins a person uses.
Hello K B, I share the same feelings. The appropriate fin should be selected based on the environment, and of course over all comfort of the diver. In regards to the stiffness of a fin, I believe this is why I really enjoy the Avanti Quattros so much. Stiff enough for Frog Kicking, Back Finning, and Helicopter Turning, but they still have the flexibility for Flutter Kicking and other variations. Being very fortunate to have been in the Industry as long as I have, I have collected my fair share of fins. Well over 50 pairs in the last 34 years. This being said, I have several sets of Jet Fins, from Dacor and ScubaPro. Both are excellent choices. I actually have several sets of ScubaPro Jet Fins, and have never been displeased with any of them. I am currently working on a series of videos, showcasing my current 2022 Rigs. Maybe one day, I will produce a video showing my personal diving museum. I know I own at least 2 items from every major gear manufacturer since the 1960's. I might even start another series where I go out and dive with a lot of the old equipment. That would definitely bring back some memories from my past.
@@LakeHickoryScuba I'm hoping to see your PSD rig in a future video. 🙏
Starting on March 21st, a new series called Rig Rundown 2022 edition, will start airing with all the equipment I’m current using in 2022. Each episode will be on the main components. BCD Regulators Tanks Computers etc.
I love that you did this video. I was considering doing something very similar, so I’m glad you did it. Drysuit courses are the number one course I teach all winter, and so many of my students ask me tons of questions about fins and floating feet. Here in Japan, there is some of the absolute worst dive instruction I’ve seen in the world, and far too many “drysuit divers” always walking around with ankle weights and heavy rubber fins, because they seriously believe whole-heartedly that they must have them to keep their feet down. That’s what their [so-called] “instructors” taught them. Many of my students remark to me that they have “floaty feet” and seeing the horrific examples of some of the worst divers constantly around them, they falsely believe they absolutely must have ankle weights and heavy fins too. I can’t count how many times I teach students proper trim and buoyancy during a course, and by the end of the course they suddenly realize they never needed that stuff in the first place, and their preconceptions were wrong. Fins serve a purpose, and fin designs are made for a purpose too, but proper trim positioning and buoyancy in the water is all you need to dive effectively and efficiently in a drysuit. I would add that different fins do have different characteristics in the water too, and these do affect “how” you need to trim yourself to remain comfortable and effective with their use. For example, Jet fins are negatively buoyant, so you would trim yourself more or less on an even horizontal plane with the feet higher up. They’re great because they’re stiff nature offers outstanding control in the water and they’re virtually indestructible. The Mares Avanti fins, like the HOG Pro fins, are practically neutral in the water. This is why they’re so popular, especially with new divers, because they make it extremely easy to dive in good trim. They’re great because they offer easier movement with less effort due to being softer and the design channels the water down the center of the blade, though they don’t offer the power or control of rubber fins. Some fins are lighter and float, like the standard Apeks RK3’s, which are very positively buoyant (unlike the stiffer and denser HD versions, which are also pretty neutral). This doesn’t make them bad for drysuit use, but it does mean you need to slightly alter your trim with them to a more feet lower position. At the end of the day, fin selection doesn’t matter when it comes to whether or not the fin is good to use. What matters with drysuits is, can your boot fit into the pocket (one of many reasons I prefer socks), and what’s the best trim position to use them effectively? If an instructor tells you that you need stupid crap like ankle weights or heavy fins for drysuits, they either have no clue how to use a drysuit effectively, or they’re out-right lying to you. Thanks again for making the video! 😎👌🏻
Hello Pinnacle Diving Company PDC, glad you liked the video. We sell Drysuits year round here at the shop, and the number one question we get asked is, do I have to change fins with my Drysuit. Our response is always, not if they fit. As you stated, due to some of the Drysuits' boots being larger, sometimes divers may need to up their foot pocket size, and of course the only way to do that is to purchase new fins. Ironically, most of our divers around here will purchase the same fin they are already using, just with a larger foot pocket.
Nice to see. I laughed at the 'don't try to swim absolutely flat' quote; it is definitely best to look where you're going! It looks to me that you personally are most comfortable with the Quattros. I like them too but I tend not to use them much now as I like a shorter fin for restricted areas. The one thing I'd say about your trial is that you were finning almost the whole time, even when doing the skill, and that allows you easily to compensate for minor trim imbalance. For me the real test is trying to hang absolutely stationary. If you can do it without moving your feet at all you're properly trimmed. It's for that reason I found I was more comfortable in the twinset with high density fins for the drysuit and lower density for a wetsuit.
Hello Tim Gosling. So I get asked a lot about why my feet are constantly on the move. The best explanation I can give is, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I have had it my whole life, and I do find it very difficult to stay focused and still. You can see this in a lot of our videos as I tend to talk with my hands, ALOT!! And you make a great point about being in smaller areas, why shorter fins are better in those situations. The purpose of the video was to make newer divers aware of some of the sales tactics shops and Instructors use when selling a Drysuit. Another viewer commented that he had to get a new set of fins because of the foot pocket, which is another legitimate reason. But in general, divers should always focus on controlling their equipment and never letting the equipment control them. We have been very vigilant in teaching this in our classes and here on RUclips in our videos.
Now let's address doing skills perfectly stationary. Though I agree, when a diver can hold perfect stillness in the water column it speaks highly of their abilities, and it shows they have master the manipulation of buoyancy control and trim with the equipment they use. Unfortunately, I have never made it my end goal to train what I call a "Robot in the Water." This is not down grading anyone who strives for excellence, I am just simply saying that when we over focus on the specifics of certain skills, we tend to take the fun out of diving. Especially, at the beginner level.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Very true. For me I think it's because these little subconscious fin motions have tended to move me slowly forward, which is annoying when filming or during safety stops. Has made me to learn to back-fin though! Safe (and fun) diving!
I just bought my first drysuit last week and the only reason I was told to buy new fins was that my boots may not fit in my old fins... I actually haven't tried them on with my drysuit. I'll check tonight to see if they do or not :)
Congratulations on your first Drysuit Slyder Ace. As another viewer had commented, that is a legitimate reason for a new set of fins. Hope they work for you, and welcome to the world of Drysuit Diving.
Great video like always sir. Well explain!😊🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤿🤿🤿🤿🤿
Thanks Boriken Nautical, glad you liked the video.
Completely agree! Recently had to use an old pair of very light fins and they worked fine as well. (I may have even preferred over my RK3 HD fins as it was no current and less of a workout.)
Hello Joshua Dircks, glad you liked the video. That shows that you have great control of your equipment. Oh, and personally, I think that the Apeks RK3's are a great set of fins. Plenty of power, and a very well respected Jet Style fin. I like the fact they come in different colors as well. Gives divers plenty of options to customize their rig.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Agreed. I have a yellow pair for summer and the Orange HD for dry suit. Have a great week!
I would have loved to keep my same fins for the drysuit I bought, but I'm in that "they don't fit my boots" club. I would have stayed with the same brand but I'm in the largest size available so I've had to try on several different brands (mostly through mail order as there's no shops close to me) I ended up finding a pair of Zeagle fins that would fit my boots but they are heavier than I'm used to. I assume that you just manipulate the amount of air in your suit that is trapped in the legs to adjust the buoyancy of your extremities?
Hello Kevin Davison, very recently, I had another customer in that same club. We tried every fin we had on him, and none would fit his Drysuit Boot. Even took him to another shop, and still couldn't find a pair that would fit. Ironically, a size 14 boot was very tight on him. So we ended up special ordering him a set of fins. He was very pleased with them, and shockingly, he did not have any difficulty manipulating them in the water. Now to answer your question about having trapped air in your legs and boots of your Drysuit. Ideally, divers will want a Drysuit that is fitted for them, in short a custom fitted Drysuit. I completely understand that this is not financially possible for all divers, but we should never put so much air in our suit that it begins to manipulate our trim. When we think of the diving profile, 0 to 15 degrees of angle, we tend to over focus on always being in the position. It is perfectly ok through out the dive to roll around to help shift air where you need it.
Another awesome video! Thank you for doing what you do! I got drysuit certified about a year ago and went with Mares Plana due to needing a larger foot pocket. One thing I like about the Plana is they are a bit shorter of a fin and seem to have a lot of power. A little off topic but do you have a recommendation for rock boots? I have an Aqualung Fusion drysuit and I am just not a fan of the bulky mud boots that came with the suit. Thanks again!
Hello Totally Scuba, glad that you liked our video. In regards to rock boots, unfortunately, all of my Drysuits have built in boots, which I prefer over seperate rock boots, or normal Wetsuit boots. The biggest reason is, I'm pretty lazy and can't stand to have to put them on after the fact. Hollis, Aqualung, Pinnacle, Scuba Pro and several other companies make different styles of rock boots, even companies like NRS. A few of our water rescue teams here in the area use the NRS brand. This being said, if you so choose, you can add permanent boots to your Drysuit, which will eliminate the need for an external boot. Personally, for diving, if I had to choose a rock boot, it would be one without laces, but with a velcro strap. If I was using the Drysuit for Swift Water Operations (non Diving), I would then go with the laces, as it could be more secure for walking around on land. I wish I could be more helpful to you.
@@LakeHickoryScuba Thank you so much for all the information. It is definitely a lot of good advice. I always enjoy the content of your channel. I love to learn and improve, your channel helps so thank you and your group for doing what you do.
Thank for the Content ! are you using any leg weights ? with either suit?
Glad you liked the video searching4279. I personally don't use leg weights.
Would you reckon there might be a bit of difference from the extra upthrust in saltwater on these comparisons? I dive myself with Scubapro novas and do find the feet get a bit floaty in my neoprene drysuit unless I put ankle weights on.
Hello Stephen Frawley, saltwater being more dense can effect the buoyancy characteristics of fins, as it can any other object as well. The Scuba Pro Novas just like the Mares X-Streams are extremely light, and primarily designed for flutter kicking applications, in warm water environments. This doesn't mean they can't be used for other exposure suits though.
I'd be lying if I said the Fin Efficiency video didn't influence my decision to get Avanti Quattros.
Hello matt Meza, glad you liked our Fine Efficiency video, and I hope the Avanti Quattros are working our for you. They are by far my favorite set of fins.
You can buy all your scuba gear for 1500 bucks. Another dive shop lie. Lol
Hello Tugs outdoor adventures, 2022 is a time when it is very difficult to get a Total Dive System below $2500, but not completely impossible. We have sets ranging between $800 and $5000.