Apollo Sports: Dive Gear: Split Fins: Overview

Split-fin Overview

the stroke of the Bio-Fin Speed, comfort, and maneuverability; you can have it all. Extensive field testing has shown that each participant was able to reach and sustain higher speeds when using the Bio-Fin than they could achieve with conventional paddle type fins.

Divers state that when swimming with underwater speedometers or on timed runs along a measured underwater course in full scuba gear, the fins are so efficient that they can swim easily at a relaxed pace without any fatigue or strain.

Improved cruise speeds combined with reduced effort and decreased air consumption greatly increase the distances that can be covered in a dive.

Every level of diver , from the student to the most advanced technical diver, will benefit from using the Bio-Fin.

History

Apollo was the first manufacturer to visualize the benefits of "propeller fin" technology. With any new technology a product must do more than just look and sound good.

The Bio-Fin had to stand up to our claims. After years of product development we introduced the first split fin in late 1998. The lightweight synthetic material was buoyant and fairly rigid. It could outperform any traditional paddle fin!

Our designers felt that the flexibility and lack of buoyancy inherent to rubber would make it even better. Six months later the original Bio-Fin Pro was introduced. It has been "Tester's Choice" every year since 1999.

The proven performance of the original PRO model moved industry leaders to embrace the idea of propeller fin technology. Inspired by "the best new diving product introduced in over a decade" Rodale's Scuba Diving, Feb 1999, others began to produce their own synthetic variations of the Bio-Fin.

Amongst some stiff competition the 100% rubber Bio-Fin Pro has been awarded "Best Overall" every year since 2001.

Which Bio-fin is Right for You?

Bio-fin pro in Black is produced with a 65 hardness. We consider this the optimum flexibility level. It will provide the least amount of strain on your body, highest speeds, and lowest rate of air consumption. This is the best choice for anyone and particularly for those that need to sustain high speeds for a long period or have foot, ankle, knee, or other leg pain concerns.

Bio-fin pros in Metallic Blue, Metallic Pink, Yellow, and White have a hardness level that varies between 66 - 70. The hardness level is a result of adding color and not specifically to change the feel or performance. The performance of these two color options is very close to that of Black. Yellow does have a hardness level closer to 70 and out of the water it does feel just a touch more rigid. Some people prefer the Yellow option because the slight increase in hardness level means they can feel it a little when kicking. However, unless you are doing lots, and lots of testing it is unlikely that you would notice the difference between Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Pink, or Yellow. It's really just a color thing!

Bio-fin pro XT is specifically produced with a hardness of 75. It is a much more rigid fin. The Apollo Bio-fin standards of 100% rubber and 20 degree angle help this fin provide excellent performance, low strain, and reduced air consumption. Some people feel that the more rigid blade makes it respond slightly quicker to direction changes and alternate kicking styles. It is an excellent choice for very strong kickers as the more rigid blade provides a stronger resistance and more traditional paddle fin feel. The XT model is available in three sizes M, L, and XL.

C-series Fins are the same as Fins described above with the added feature of a factory installed Stainless Steel Spring strap. The spring strap automatically adjusts as needed, will not break as easily as rubber, and is quicker to take on and off. Very useful when getting on and off a boat. The strap includes a heavy rubber bumper that acts as a comfort cushion against the heel and provides an oversized finger loop for sliding the strap on and off. The C-series option is available on the Bio-fin pro in Black (Pro-C), Yellow (Pro-C), or White (Pro-C) and the XT (XT-C).

Bio-fin UNI offers all the features of the pro in a closed heel (full foot pocket) design. It is available in your choice of Gray or Blue. In general people choose the full foot for snorkeling or warm water use. However, the UNI has roomy foot pockets and can be used with a boot. It is not quite as simple to use a boot with a closed heel fin. So... why would you do this? Because the UNI has a closed foot pocket design. The result of enclosing your entire foot is 100% energy transfer to the blade. This will actually provide a stronger performance than possible with a open heel strap style and the fins are lighter to travel with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would a stiffer fin be more powerful?
A stiffer fin will give the feel of more power. However, this feeling can be deceptive. Divers have often commented that they cannot feel the fins when kicking and some have equated this with a lack of power. However, if they were diving with others that were not using all rubber split fins more often than not they found themselves far ahead of the pack. The same result has occurred time after time in fin tests. It has been proven that Bio-Fin divers are moving quicker while using less effort and less air!

We have also heard the comment that the PRO is not stiff enough to work well in current / surge. Again look back and see how much effort your buddy is making in comparison to you. If for some reason he is actually ahead then take a moment to consider how you are kicking.

A stiffer fin or paddle type requires a wider kick to get moving. Divers that have used paddle fins or stiffer split fins in the past are conditioned to kick hard and wide when faced with current or surge. Subsequently, they are using much more effort and air to move which decreases comfort reduces time underwater.

The Bio-Fin requires much less effort. A small kick creates a propeller type effect; if your kick is too wide then you will lose the momentum and power the fin is designed to provide. The Bio-Fin series allows you to relax a little. Don't try so hard; it is no longer necessary. The series was designed with the optimum angle, weight, and stiffness. It requires less effort, less air consumption, and will in reality provide far more power and speed than the wide kick required with other fins.

What about the other brand rubber split fins available? While there are a few brands that are produced in a rubber / plastic compound; Apollo is the only manufacturer to use 100% rubber.

Join the Bio-Fin Mailing List

licensed by

NATURE'S WING and PROPELLER-FIN are trademarks of NATURE'S WING FIN DESIGN, LLC--Laguna Niguel, CA, USA


	Split-fin Overview Speed, comfort, and maneuverability; you can have it all. Extensive field testing has shown that each participant was able to reach and sustain higher speeds when using the Bio-Fin than they could achieve with conventional paddle type fins. Divers state that when swimming with underwater speedometers or on timed runs along a measured underwater course in full scuba gear, the fins are so efficient that they can swim easily at a relaxed pace without any fatigue or strain. Improved cruise speeds combined with reduced effort and decreased air consumption greatly increase the distances that can be covered in a dive. Every level of diver , from the student to the most advanced technical diver, will benefit from using the Bio-Fin. History Apollo was the first manufacturer to visualize the benefits of "propeller fin" technology. With any new technology a product must do more than just look and sound good. The Bio-Fin had to stand up to our claims. After years of product development we introduced the first split fin in late 1998. The lightweight synthetic material was buoyant and fairly rigid. It could outperform any traditional paddle fin! Our designers felt that the flexibility and lack of buoyancy inherent to rubber would make it even better. Six months later the original Bio-Fin Pro was introduced. It has been "Tester's Choice" every year since 1999. The proven performance of the original PRO model moved industry leaders to embrace the idea of propeller fin technology. Inspired by "the best new diving product introduced in over a decade" Rodale's Scuba Diving, Feb 1999, others began to produce their own synthetic variations of the Bio-Fin. Amongst some stiff competition the 100% rubber Bio-Fin Pro has been awarded "Best Overall" every year since 2001. Which Bio-fin is Right for You? Bio-fin pro in Black is produced with a 65 hardness. We consider this the optimum flexibility level. It will provide the least amount of strain on your body, highest speeds, and lowest rate of air consumption. This is the best choice for anyone and particularly for those that need to sustain high speeds for a long period or have foot, ankle, knee, or other leg pain concerns. Bio-fin pros in Metallic Blue, Metallic Pink, Yellow, and White have a hardness level that varies between 66 - 70. The hardness level is a result of adding color and not specifically to change the feel or performance. The performance of these two color options is very close to that of Black. Yellow does have a hardness level closer to 70 and out of the water it does feel just a touch more rigid. Some people prefer the Yellow option because the slight increase in hardness level means they can feel it a little when kicking. However, unless you are doing lots, and lots of testing it is unlikely that you would notice the difference between Black, Metallic Blue, Metallic Pink, or Yellow. It's really just a color thing! Bio-fin pro XT is specifically produced with a hardness of 75. It is a much more rigid fin. The Apollo Bio-fin standards of 100% rubber and 20 degree angle help this fin provide excellent performance, low strain, and reduced air consumption. Some people feel that the more rigid blade makes it respond slightly quicker to direction changes and alternate kicking styles. It is an excellent choice for very strong kickers as the more rigid blade provides a stronger resistance and more traditional paddle fin feel. The XT model is available in three sizes M, L, and XL. C-series Fins are the same as Fins described above with the added feature of a factory installed Stainless Steel Spring strap. The spring strap automatically adjusts as needed, will not break as easily as rubber, and is quicker to take on and off. Very useful when getting on and off a boat. The strap includes a heavy rubber bumper that acts as a comfort cushion against the heel and provides an oversized finger loop for sliding the strap on and off. The C-series option is available on the Bio-fin pro in Black (Pro-C), Yellow (Pro-C), or White (Pro-C) and the XT (XT-C). Bio-fin UNI offers all the features of the pro in a closed heel (full foot pocket) design. It is available in your choice of Gray or Blue. In general people choose the full foot for snorkeling or warm water use. However, the UNI has roomy foot pockets and can be used with a boot. It is not quite as simple to use a boot with a closed heel fin. So... why would you do this? Because the UNI has a closed foot pocket design. The result of enclosing your entire foot is 100% energy transfer to the blade. This will actually provide a stronger performance than possible with a open heel strap style and the fins are lighter to travel with. Frequently Asked Questions Would a stiffer fin be more powerful? A stiffer fin will give the feel of more power. However, this feeling can be deceptive. Divers have often commented that they cannot feel the fins when kicking and some have equated this with a lack of power. However, if they were diving with others that were not using all rubber split fins more often than not they found themselves far ahead of the pack. The same result has occurred time after time in fin tests. It has been proven that Bio-Fin divers are moving quicker while using less effort and less air! We have also heard the comment that the PRO is not stiff enough to work well in current / surge. Again look back and see how much effort your buddy is making in comparison to you. If for some reason he is actually ahead then take a moment to consider how you are kicking. A stiffer fin or paddle type requires a wider kick to get moving. Divers that have used paddle fins or stiffer split fins in the past are conditioned to kick hard and wide when faced with current or surge. Subsequently, they are using much more effort and air to move which decreases comfort reduces time underwater. The Bio-Fin requires much less effort. A small kick creates a propeller type effect; if your kick is too wide then you will lose the momentum and power the fin is designed to provide. The Bio-Fin series allows you to relax a little. Don't try so hard; it is no longer necessary. The series was designed with the optimum angle, weight, and stiffness. It requires less effort, less air consumption, and will in reality provide far more power and speed than the wide kick required with other fins. What about the other brand rubber split fins available? While there are a few brands that are produced in a rubber / plastic compound; Apollo is the only manufacturer to use 100% rubber. Join the Bio-Fin Mailing List Name: Email: licensed by NATURE'S WING and PROPELLER-FIN are trademarks of NATURE'S WING FIN DESIGN, LLC--Laguna Niguel, CA, USA