I did an extensive review of the Waterway Glide fin recently. (This was the 330mm footpocket, middle distance stiffness).
The summary of my review:
- If all you are going to do is swim in a straight line for short periods, the waterway glide fin is among the most efficient monofins ever built.
However, if you plan on wearing the fin for more than 20 minutes, or if you plan on doing any type of recreational diving which requires maneuverability, then it is not ideal. The foot pocket crushed both my big toes and Laminar's big toes, to the point of extreme pain, after about 15-20 minutes. The buoyancy change was annoying on FRC dives, and the fin behaves less efficiently at depth, compared to at the surface.
The fin is unforgiving of bad technique. You really need to extend your arms and do a full body undulation, but if done correctly, the result is dramatic.
I was able to cover 25m dynamic apnea in just 4.5 to 5 strokes -- absolutely unbelievable.
In constant weight, here are some comparisons with 1st generation fins:
(all tests in 6.5mm suit with neck weight and weight belt, carrying impulse 2 snorkel in one hand, done FRC)
30m dive, arms extended on the ascent:
Waterway glide: ascent in 14 strokes
Finis/Waterway hybrid W3 custom: ascent in 18 strokes
20m dive, arms extended on the ascent:
Waterway glide: ascent in 8 strokes
Finis/Waterway hybrid W3 custom: ascent in 10 strokes
Chinese record fin (used on my 82m WR): ascent in 11 strokes
However, the 1st generation fins win by far for maneuverability and comfort, and no buoyancy change.
The angle of the waterway glide means you coast for much longer with much less drag, both in dynamic, and hypothetically while sinking in constant weight. Also, the angle means you get a much more powerful 'back' stroke during the monofin undulation.
I'm very interested in the Leaderfins Sport Carbon fin with classic footpockets but an angle on the blade:
LeaderFins.com
Has anyone tried it?
