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Everything You Wanted To Know |
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About Split Fins and Paddle Fins |
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We have done a lot of research and testing on all the assorted versions of the split fins over the years and in fact we were even making our own versions of split fins it back in 1976 by modifying assorted Dacor and Mares fin products long before the official split fin concept was patented or first introduced to the public. Currently there are 3 generations of the Natures Wing patented split fins within the market place. All the current split fins are covered under this general patent licensing agreement. We have obtained a lot of valuable customer feedback on all types of fins over the last 35 years concerning the good and bad points of each type of fins, including the split fin. Because of the limitations of the split fins design, and it’s narrow performance envelope, we do not recommend any split fins for cave, wreck, spearfishing, commercial diving or swift water rescue use. However, split fins are comfortable and extremely efficient for normal sport diving applications. The following represent our professional opinions based upon our experience, feedback, the actual use of, and selling the many assorted split fins. |
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Generation #1 Split fins: The 1st generation of split fins was the flat and floppy Apollo Bio-Fins that proved not to be very popular or useful for Scuba diving because of the marginal thrust and low rate of acceleration they provided. The gear ratio was too low for the typical high drag configuration of a Scuba diver. Although the flat floppy blade design was easy to kick, and well received by some Scuba magazine testers, many who purchased these models reverted back to conventional paddle fins. This concept never seemed to catch on, or become popular when released. |
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Generation #2 Split fins: The 2nd generation included the early Aqualung and Scuba Pro designs. These did become popular due to the extensive marketing efforts through the assorted Scuba equipment providers and direct marketing through the scuba outlets. Most were too heavy or utilized poor plastic material, substandard buckles, and were still utilizing flat blade design that was not very efficient on the up stroke. The Scuba Pro version also had an open toe causing compression discomfort, non-swivel buckles, and a blade that was too wide for the average human, and it was too heavy for air travel. The more expensive lighter weight and narrower Atomic split fin version came right after this and was an improvement offering a nicer appearance and lighter travel weight. |
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Generation #3 Split fins: The 3rd generation is the Tusa Zoom fins. This has the best of the quick release swivel buckles, the most comfortable atomically correct foot pocket, and is much lighter weight for travel with the composite blade inserts. A major improvement with this fin over the older Atomic version by having the correct 27 degree blade angle. This offers the more thrust and better balance on both the up and down stroke. The Tusa is offers MUCH better performance. A more ridged Black version was also created by making the monoprene ribs about 15% stiffer and denser. This offers a little more speed and faster acceleration making it suitable for current diving. |
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Generation #X Paddle fins: Paddle fins have been around since the late 1940’s and changed little except for the materials used. This design has slowly evolved from heavy stiff black rubber to something lightweight and comfortable. Several scuba companies have tried assorted gimmicks like vents to increase the thrust with limited success. The first major improvement to the paddle fin design was by Tusa in their Tri-Ex design. They incorporated a very springy composite material with a smooth hydrodynamic foot pocket and correct blade angle. This new compact design can produce high acceleration and thrust for short periods of time. These compact fins work very well in confined areas like commercial diving cave, wreck diving. Because of the high acceleration, they have also become the favorite among for spearfishing, Police, and for swift water rescue use. |
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Generation #Y Paddle fins: The new Omega folding fin is a modified paddle fin with an interesting twist. The patented spring loaded fin blade can be instantly un-locked from the fin foot pocket allowing the fin blade to rotate itself and become vertical with the leg. His allows the diver to stand, walk, and climb up ladders while wearing his fins. This new innovative design feature has not gone unnoticed by Scuba instructors, rescue personal, and the military. |
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Generation #Z Hybrid fins: The Vortex is a unique fin design with its own patented design that combines the best of the easy kick split fin designs, with the much faster acceleration of the paddle fin design. According to the results obtained through testing, this new hybrid design is faster, and will outperform both the split and paddle fin designs. Because of the larger surface area of the blade, this model is not recommended for weak swimmers or those with a limited fitness level. |
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