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Soft or hard blade

Thread Status: Hello , There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
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Ryanalmon8

New Member
Jul 25, 2011
3
0
0
I am new to free diving and want a pair of actual freedive fins because for the past 6-months I have been using vipers. I'm either going to get the mares razors or the mares pro razors. I heard the pros have a stiffer blade and I'm not sure which ones would be better for a beginner. I have fairly strong legs. Thanks
 
Wouldnt fit and technique be more beneficial than merely stiffness? Just throwing it out there..
 
A lot of divers fall into the trap of stiffer fins being better. You will work harder, and you may feel like you are going faster, but measurements I have made showed that the divers that helped me did better with a medium or even medium soft blade, even if they thought they were doing better with the stiff blades. The measurements were based on time for 25 M at either a comfortable pace or full speed.
That said, heavier divers can use stiff blades to good advantage.

Personally, I use medium blades (comparable to the Mares Razors)
 
IMO, a well-fitting foot pocket is also crucial - any movement of your foot inside the foot pocket translates to lost power. Does anyone know of fins with custom-made footpockets to minimise this; would one still be able to wear neoprene socks with them?
 
Hi Ryan, welcome to DB.

The most important characteristic of fins is how they fit your particular feet. There is a wide range of foot shape and a particular fin may fit perfect or terrible. Try'em before you buy'em is by far the best rule.

On stiffness, I use mediums, because I value immediate response and do a wide variety of diving. For most diving, soft blades are probably better, certainly more efficient. Don't go to hards unless you are a very big guy or are short with powerful legs, and maybe not even then.

Connor
 
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