There is actually quite a lot of science behind fin design. This is why many manufacturers scowl when they hear the word “flippers”. Blade length, vents, reinforcement rails and channels work together to give you the best performance and propulsion underwater in the right diving environment. Whether you like to flutter, scissor or frog kick, Mike’s Dive Store has the best of the bunch. For further guidance read our blog Choosing the Right Diving Fins.
Scubapro Seawing Nova 2 Fins
SPECIFICATIONS
- FIN TYPE: Hinge / Pivot Fin
- MATERIAL: Monprene
Extensive Research and Development make the Scubapro Seawing Nova 2 one of the most innovative fins on the market. The revised blade geometry of these paddle fins provides effective forward thrust like a standard blade fin, while the articulated hinge gives you the power and comfort of a split fin. It is both easy to manoeuvre and adapts to a variety of kicking styles. We love the Power Plate footplate that extends all the way to the back of the heel, maximizing power transmission while minimizing leg and ankle strain.
This multi award-winning fin is made of Monprene compound which it virtually indestructible. Why not combine with a matching Scubapro Mask in the same funky colours?
Scubapro Go Travel Fins
SPECIFICATIONS
- FIN TYPE: Paddle Blade Fin
- MATERIAL: Monprene
Go travelling, Go diving or Go snorkelling with the Scubapro Go Travel Fin! Weighing in at just 1.2 kg/2.6 lbs, including bungee straps (for a pair of size M/L) the Go fins are your ideal travel companion. They combine the benefits of an open heel fin, with the comfort and barefoot freedom of a full foot fin (divers might prefer to wear a pair of neoprene socks for extra foot protection).
The Go fin is built with a 25-degree pre-angled blade with a Central Power Panel that provides longitudinal rigidity and creates a channelling effect. Power Bars on the underside of the rails prevent over flex. The result is a lightweight fin that delivers speed, power, stability and manoeuvrability with hardly any effort at all.
Like the Seawing Nova 2, the Go fin is made from 100 percent Monprene, avoiding the problems of de-lamination, broken blades and torn foot pockets that tend to plague average thermoplastic fins.
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Fins
SPECIFICATIONS
- FIN TYPE: Channel Blade Fin
- MATERIAL: Thermoplastic rubber-Tecralene®
The Mares Avanti Quattro Plus are sturdy, reliable fins suitable for a multitude of diving applications. The favourite fin of many diving instructors, they have a longevity that goes on and on. The Avanti Quattro has been around for years. If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
The new Plus fins are much lighter than the original and now have bungee straps, but they maintain all the original rugged features such as Channel Thrust Technology. This is where soft longitudinal inserts allow a controlled deformation of the fin blade while kicking. This channel shape moves a greater amount of water, resulting in more thrust for the same effort. It is also available as a full foot and spearfishing fin.
Apeks RK3 Fins
SPECIFICATIONS
- FIN TYPE: Paddle Blade Fin
- MATERIAL: Thermoplastic Rubber
Designed in collaboration with the US military, the Apeks RK3 is a rugged thermoplastic rubber fin featuring an over-sized foot pocket to accommodate drysuit boots and a spring strap for easy donning and doffing. The RK3 is based on one of the first vented rubber fins sold in North America called the Rocket.
Vented blade design reduces resistance on the upstroke and enhances thrust on the downstroke. These vents also eliminate vortexes that can occur along the back of the blade much in the same way split fins do. A short wide blade provides maximum forward thrust while maintaining great manoeuvrability.
The RK3 is a popular fin amongst drysuited technical divers, yet is also used for diving in a warm environment by divers wearing wetsuit boots. The Apeks RK3 HD is a heavier duty version of the standard RK3 which makes them stiffer and more weighty for divers that prefer a little more negative buoyancy in their fins.
Atomic Splitfin
SPECIFICATIONS
- FIN TYPE: Split Fin
- MATERIAL: Multi-composite plastics
Power Rails are the backbone of the Atomic Splitfin, storing and releasing energy with every kick. Semi-rigid Flex Battens are set in the soft elastomeric blade which controls the precise wing shape to optimise thrust and reduce drag. The High Surface Ratio Blade is a large surface area that improves pivoting, turning and alternate kicking styles; flexible hinge points between the semi-rigid battens cause the blade to react quickly and efficiently to the slightest kick. Independent testing has shown that less effort = reduced air consumption.
Atomic have designed an Anatomically Correct Foot Pocket which is contoured to fit your foot without stress points. It has a semi-open toe for added comfort. The internal sole plate creates a rigid platform beneath the foot for greater power transfer to the blade, yet the foot pocket is soft and comfortable. Finally, the EZ-LOK Buckle System is an innovative patented design featuring one-handed quick release of the buckle from the fin. Re-attachment is simple and secure.
It is also available is the Atomic SplitFin Full Foot Fins, available in black and yellow.
