advice for buying my gear

[acelockco]

Most dive shops should be able to let you try to use different fins they sell, providing they have a pool, and of course, that you are near a local dive shop!

That would be great. I have never been to a dive shop that has their own pool. All of the dive shops I have ever been to use some local pool for their lessons, but they are usually not even close to the shops.

[hbh2oguard]

don't really have time to do that experiment, busy designing and building instruments for a subtidal exp. I'm conducting plus I'm happy with my fins. I'm in very good shape and that really doesn't have anything to do with it becasue I prefer stiffer fins for body surfing and rescues. I'm using a lot less effort to kick so I'm using less air = a longer dive But for now I'm sticking with my split fins.

[hbh2oguard]

exp. already conducted: http://www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/ar...ns200401.shtml

[Papa Bear]

The researchers concluded: “Based on the physics of fin swimming ... it is clear that some fins have better performance (Attack, Apollo) than other fins; however, this cannot be ascribed to a single fin characteristic. The research also made it clear that Venturis, vents, troughs, and splits did not improve the performance of the tested fins.” As a result, they determined, “Further work is needed to develop the optimization of fin characteristics, by lowering drag (kick depth-rigidity) and maximizing efficiency (kick frequency-flexibility), to minimize energy requirement and maximize performance.”

All gimmicks!

Thanks for the link! I still think a person should do it for themselves!

[hbh2oguard]

of course it's all gimmicks....anything to make sales! I have access to a variety of fins that I can borrow from buddies and a pool so one day I might get around to it but no promises.