SHERMAN C Fran,
The twin jet max full foot fins are a bit heavy, 4lbs for the pair, they are pretty true to mens sizes.
I would recommend the Oceanic Viper full foot fins which are lighter 2.6lbs for the pair, usually a little cheaper, more comfortable to me, and seem much better in currents. I have both and like the vipers much better.
Fran R Thanks for the speedy reply Sherman - I currently have the Aeris Full foot fin, much like the Oceanic Viper. I'm thinking that the "split fin" technology would aide me in HEAVY CURRENT situations. Wheras my Aeris, although lightweight, did not hold up the the power I needed in a deep dive with heavy currents. Do you think I giving up power by getting a lightweight fin??? Please keep in mind that I'm a petite 53 year old female with somewhat strong legs. :-) What would be you best suggestion??
SHERMAN C Hi Fran,
My best suggestion is easier diving! Ha Ha.
Fran, as an Instructor, I have the opportunity to try many fins. I have found split fins are comfortable all around fins however they are not good in currents, notice what the boat staff is wearing when you do current dives, usually not split fins. Split fins require a soft kick, if you kick them strong such as currents require, or just a strong kicker like us they split and break over going nowhere. As far as giving up weight for power, heavier fins don't really mean more power just heavier material such as rubber, design is more important, and remember that weight goes in your suitcase. Full foot fins tend to be smaller and softer because they are popular with snorkelers which are not wearing all the extra gear, however some are still good for Scuba, Strap fins are larger and stiffer for the extra gear. As far as the Aeris full foot fins, I have never tried them but they look like more of a snorkel style fin then a Scuba fin, the Viper full foot has side supports for stiffness making them more of a scuba fin that snorkelers like to. I own Twin jet max and twin jets both in full foot and strap style, I was talked into every pair, I have put them all away because of currents. I am 5ft 8in tall 190lbs and last year I started wearing the full foot vipers for Scuba and was so impressed I have been wearing them ever since, My wife tried them and she is now sold on them as well. We do all kinds of diving including currents and have never felt the need for another fin. I have a pair of Viper strap style fins for the cold water quarry which I wear with booties and love them too, they are a little larger and stiffer but for warm water I prefer the full foots.
Hope this helps
Sherman