How to choose flippers - expert advice

Before seriously getting carried away with diving and starting to explore the underwater world, you should acquire the appropriate equipment, the key elements of which are flippers. Their purpose - the necessary dynamics during navigation, as well as increased maneuverability during diving. Of course, this can be achieved only in the case when the fins are chosen correctly and fully correspond to the conditions of operation.

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1. Top manufacturers
   
2. Types of flippers
3. The main criteria for choosing a fin

What flippers to choose? Top manufacturers

According to the reviews of experienced divers, the products manufactured under the following brands are rightfully considered the best:

1. Cressi;

2. Mares;

3. Omer;

4. Leaderfins;

5. Sporasub;

The preference for the products of these brands is given both by freedivers, amateurs of the underwater world, and professional underwater hunters, as well as by rescue workers. Opinions about them differ, and it is easier to get acquainted with them on the Internet - on thematic forums, there is a huge amount of all kinds of feedback, both positive and negative. Such operating experience should also be considered when choosing one or another model.

Types of flippers

All existing methods of diving and underwater hunting have their own specifics, which is reflected in the design of certain flippers.

Diving fins

This category includes various models designed for recreational diving, as well as for professional use. They have medium or large length and medium degree of rigidity. Often equipped with corrective blades, as well as laminators, allowing to change the direction of water flow and improve maneuvering.

Virtues

• High functionality;

• Ergonomic and comfortable heel;

• Equipped with default blades and flow laminators;

• High length, enhancing maneuverability;

• The presence of many models under certain operating conditions;

disadvantages

• Expensive;

• Narrow specialization;

Flippers for underwater hunting

Long models of flippers, which are based on a combination of different materials, which provides a variable degree of rigidity and the ability to quickly accelerate if necessary. The design of the flippers - broken, the blade deviates by 10-15 degrees from the horizontal, which also contributes to increased maneuverability. Nowhere did not go and reliable adjustable heel, providing a secure fit on the leg. All flippers for spearfishing are available in dark, camouflage colors.

Virtues

• High length;

• Dark, camouflage colors;

• "Broken" blade deviating at an angle of up to 15 degrees relative to the horizontal;

• Variable stiffness resulting from the combination of different materials;

• Ergonomic fit on the leg;

disadvantages

• Not suitable for diving and recreational use;

• High price;

Snorkeling fins

By this overseas term they mean diving with a mask and snorkel to a shallow depth - an activity that is popular during beach holidays. The flippers used for this purpose are distinguished by minimum dimensions and low weight, they are convenient in operation and do not cause discomfort during swimming.

Virtues

• Compact size;

• Do not require special skills;

• Inexpensive;

• Comfortable fixation on the leg;

disadvantages

• They are exclusively "tourist" option, they are not suitable for performing highly specialized tasks;

Children's flippers

Most models in this category are structurally similar to snorkeling flippers, differing only in size. These compact models are great for outdoor activities, both in the open sea and in the pool, and also great for teaching your kid swimming.

Virtues

• Inexpensive;

• Suitable even for those who can not swim;

• Sit comfortably on the leg;

• Universal;

disadvantages

• It is impossible to purchase "for growth", together with the maturing of the child, you will need to buy new flippers;

The main criteria for choosing a fin

Having defined a specific type of flippers suitable for use in a particular situation, you should pay close attention to their technical characteristics. They provide a proper degree of comfort during operation and directly affect the functionality.

Seat design - overshoes

1. The closed heel provides the most reliable and tight fit of the flippers on the leg, with this design, the flipper does not play and does not dangle with intensive swimming. This design requires careful selection of flippers, taking into account the thickness of the thermosocks used (if they are used), such flippers cannot be obtained for growth. It is considered the best option for underwater hunting and diving;

2. An open heel, which is adjusted using a special rubber tie, is the best option for amateur use and snorkeling. The design is universal, it can be used to adjust the fins to any foot size. For versatility, one has to pay with not enough rigid fixation and the possibility of losing flippers when hooking for underwater objects;

3. The third type of design is a monofin. This is a highly specialized tool, used exclusively for acrobatic and sports purposes, it provides an opportunity to develop a significant speed. Monofinates are one wide blade, driven by both legs. Monofinishes are fixed on the legs with soft rubber stockings.

Material of which the blade flipper is made

The seat, the so-called galosh, is always made of high-strength rubber. The blade can have a different design and be made of the following materials:

1. Rubber. Fins with a rubber blade can be monolithic, and may differ in their physical parameters. The most budget option, excellent for amateur use;

2. Plastic. More advanced material used to create the last price range;

3. Carbon fiber or carbon is today considered to be the lightest, most functional and convenient material, the most technically advanced and, consequently, expensive flippers are made from it.

Stiffness flippers

Directly affects the speed of movement under water, as well as the weight and physical dimensions of the swimmer. The more prepared and stronger the last, the greater the rigidity should have flippers. And on the contrary - soft flippers are perfect for beginners, just mastering swimming with equipment.

How to choose the size of the last?

Depending on what size the working blade of the flipper is made, their physical properties and applicability in certain conditions are determined.

1. Long flippers (100 centimeters or more) are used for diving, spear fishing and deep-sea scuba diving;

2. Flippers of medium length (70-90 centimeters) are considered universal, they are suitable for both classic diving and spearfishing;

3. Short flippers (no more than 60-70 centimeters) - an excellent option for snorkeling and active summer water recreation;

Choosing flippers for the sea

Sea leisure almost always involves deep-sea diving - even at 5-7 meter depth sea water is striking with crystal clarity. For these purposes, long enough, about 70-90 centimeters, flippers, whose blades are made of plastic, are best suited. The design should include blades and laminators for quick immersion and ascent. The heel design is open, allowing to fit them to the diver's leg size.

Choosing fins for underwater hunting

Underwater hunting requires the use of special hunting flippers, having a length of 90-110 centimeters. Their design assumes the presence of a closed heel and a special, composite construction of flippers, made of several materials of different stiffness. The blade they have deviated from the horizontal position at an angle of about 15 degrees to ensure the most rapid and productive penetration.

Choosing flippers for the pool

For the pool the best option will be compact flippers for snorkeling, having an open heel and small, about 50-70 centimeters, dimensions. Blade material - rubber or plastic. However, the above example is not suitable for those who go into the pool purposefully to work out the technique of swimming and diving. In this case, you should use your main flippers, which the diver uses when diving or underwater hunting.

How to choose a child flippers

Children's flippers are selected individually for each baby. The size of the flippers is compact, about 50-60 centimeters, the design of the heel is open. After the child learns how to handle them, you can look towards more specialized models.

How to choose flippers for diving and snorkeling

Despite the similarity, the flippers for diving and snorkeling have different features. If for diving it is necessary to give preference to long and powerful models made of plastic or carbon fiber, then snorkel lovers will have no problems with compact flippers with a blade 60-80 centimeters long and an open heel. Of course, no one forbids the use of short flippers for diving and vice versa, but it is unlikely that in this case the functionality will be provided.

 

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.