Oceanic V 12 split fins????

Has anyone tried these fins for free diving??

I was able to sample these fins from one our Scuba Instructors (in the pool) and it felt easier to kick with and I felt a lot quicker on it compared to the longer fins.

more reviews:

http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_176814_oceanic_vortex_v12_split_fins_reviews

Yes I started with scuba pro jet fins. I went to the split fins and liked them even better. Now I use picssaso long fins and they are my fin of choice. the spit fins my legs were not as tired but had to kick more and my bottom time was much less.


                                                              (squidly) JIM RICKER

Yes I started with scuba pro jet fins. I went to the split fins and liked them even better. Now I use picssaso long fins and they are my fin of choice. the spit fins my legs were not as tired but had to kick more and my bottom time was much less.


                                                              (squidly) JIM RICKER

I've gone through the same fin progression with Force fins and Mares in between. The Piccasso's really seem to make a difference when coming back up, imho. I've noticed less foot cramping also. On shallow meat run dives the shorter fins are fine and less hassle in tight spaces.

Thanks for your input Jim and Mark. I'll do more comparison dives and see what works better for me.

I don't know what size fin you wear but we can hook up and you can try my split fins. Mine are 10.5 -12. the are TUSA Expert zoom fins.

                                                               JIM RICKER

I bought a pair V-12's off craigslist last year for $50 (almost brand new) and have used them a bunch in the river. I haven't been able to use them in the ocean yet because the later half of the year I ended up buying a new house and didn't get any trips up north in. But from what I have experienced in the river they worked great, I was able to swim back up through the rapids unlike my other fins. My other fins the minute I turned into the current I would get blown right through. My legs don't cramp and at the end of the day I'm not nearly as tired. I am a little hesitant on using them in the ocean for free diving but will give feed back, I should be going soon

IMO: Long fin are great if your only spear fishing in open waters but for abalone diving or swimming around in small areas I perfer short fins. I am able to get into small crevices and put my feet up against rocks for leverage.

I have no complaints about maneuverability with longblades.  I just use them exclusively and got use to them - even for scuba diving.

I have no complaints about maneuverability with longblades.  I just use them exclusively and got use to them - even for scuba diving.

Ditto here.  Bottom time is much longer, and I've somehow adapted to the maneuverability thing.  I enjoy the feel of them especially on ascents......long slow kicks.

IMO go to Wallins, they won't sell you a scuba fin when you're looking for freediving gear  

Buy them, you're getting certified and can use them when you're making out with a regulator and blowing sweet sweet bubbles.  Then bring them along on you're next fish assault for a quick trial....and when you come to your senses you can put your blades back on.  


   

I use split fins for swimming with dolphins in Hawaii. They are less tiring, but you need to kick at a slightly faster rate. You don't get quite as much propulsive force with each kick, but you can kick for a lot longer time with them. I really like them.

I use a pair of old style TUSA Liberator X ten fins, they've been around for like 20 years now, the reason I use them is that they are soft and flexible which makes my legs feel much better at the end of a dive than something longer and stiffer like the freedive blades that are being discussed here.

The X tens are a solid flat blade (very flexible), and therefore, like the split fins they are easier to kick with all day but they cannot supply the same quick thrust of the freediving fins.

My advice is before investing allot of money in fins, try each type for a full dive session, then honestly evaluate your legs and ask them which ones they want you to use. My old outta shape legs were pretty easy to understand, stiff fins = cramps, Xtens, felt great all day, just cost me a little speed.


dale

I've never tried split fins but once I tried long blades I never went back, for scuba or free. Splurged (or talked my wife into splurging for my birthday) this year on a pair of Omer Pegaso fiberglass fins (soft version). They are insanely good. Can kick for hours w/out fatigue; no sore ankles the following day like with my plastics. The Pegaso is stiffer than the Omer "Bat" fins; hence the softs.

I've never tried split fins but once I tried long blades I never went back.

Yep. Although my freediving experience is short compared to the rest I did find that my free diving days are much longer w/ the long blades. Slow and steady seems to be the gear that fits me best.

Z

I'm using a pair and just compared them to a set of Mares that are more rigid. I think I like the split design a little better and found that there was less stress on my ankles and a more natural feel when diving. Let's go get some snails Mooch.  Mike

I've only gotten cramps with long fins when doing 200 yard surface swims (happened in hawaii).  Diving out of the kayak you don't need to do a lot of kicking around.  In fact I don't kick at the surface much at all because that's work and work hurts your bottom time, rather I mosey along slowly by wiggling my toes on my right foot.  You need to breathe up a couple minutes between dives to get good bottom time, so there's no rush to get anywhere.

Ankle weights also help surface swimming considerably.