Meghan L I am choosing between the Oceanic Vortex-16 with spring straps or these Apollo bio-fins. I am a smaller female diver and I tend to get foot cramps with regular paddle fins, can you make a recommendation?
BOBBI F I really like my bio-fins. I can propel myself much farther with less effort. Watch the size, I Probably could have used the next smaller size.
SON H Hi Meghan,
I have owned my Bio-fins about 3-4 years now and I liked very much, it's help me paddle easy, never get foot cramps with this fin.
PAUL V I personally like my Apollo fins, but I am a fit lap swimmer and 220 pounds...so these fins may not be the best for a smaller female. Also if you are traveling these are heavy fins in comparison to some lighter travel fins. Heavy fins may also be harder to use for a smaller diver.
LOREN K Hi Meghan,
I have two pairs of Bio-fins, a stiffer one with spring straps and one with out pictured (with the Breast Cancer donation). The ones you inquired about are actually much more comfortable and do help a great deal with reducing leg cramps for me. They really are great and allow you to swim very well with minimal effort. I would recommend them highly. The only drawback is that they are so flexible that using a frog kick is not as efficient and they are heavy so they don't travel on planes well. I have had many fins over the years and these are the best I have owned.
JOHN B Meghan,
I bought these fins in medium for my 5'2" daughter and she loved them. I have yellow bio-fins - large and I love them.
Since your kick needs to change to a short flutter with very little effort you shouldn't get foot cramps like using a hard full kick with stiff fins.
If you flutter too fast your snorkle and reg hose vibrates and you leave you buddy behind. They will need Bio-Fins to keep up. Watch the divers in front of you or they will kick off you mask while you are looking at the reef.
John
CONSTANCE L Hi Meghan, I don't know anything about the Oceanic Vortex fins, but I LOVE my Apollo Bio fins. I'm a smaller female too and have never had leg cramps in the 4 years I've had these fins. Good luck with your choice.
JENO P I bought the Apollo Bio-Fin for my wife, who is a once a year diver. She loves it. I used it occasionally, but when my jet-fin failed I got one pair for myself. It is the most comfortable fin I ever used, and I've been diving over 40 years. The Oceanic is very similar design. I stayed away from the spring, because the soft robber bands on my heels feel better.
All the best!
Jeno
RON R I used to get leg and arch cramps with my old vented fins. After purchasing the Bio-Fin they went away. I can swim longer with the Bio-Fin than I ever did before. One thing to be aware of though is that they are negative boyant so don't lose hold of one taking them off if you are in deep water.
These are great fins and I highly recommend them.
THOMAS L I have average size feet for a six foot male and have worn Bio-Fins for aprox 6 year have never gotten foot cramps. These fins fit comfortably and have given great push through the water. I do not seem to get as fatigued when swimming against a current as I did when I use a standard fin. Also I have read where bio-fin has a spring strap. I use standard rubber strap.
DAVID S I have never used the Oceanic fins but I have a set of Bio Fins and a set of Scuba Pro Jet Fins (the old style fin) My wife and 17 yr old daughter also have bio fins, we love them, great strength without the massive resistance of a paddle fin. When snorkeling I can go faster with the jet fins but legs cramp much more. Go for the Bio Fins with spring straps, you will not be disappointed.
SANDRA T Hi Meghan,
I have Apollo Bio Fin Pro fins and absolutely love them. I've used them for probably about 5-6 years now. I started diving with Atomic split fins and thought I was the poorest swimmer in the ocean. Got these and realized how much difference fins make. I, too, am a smaller diver (5'7", 115 pounds) and can now swim with the best of them. The ones I like best are the yellow ones...if they still make them. They are a bit softer than the black ones, I believe. At least Apollo used to make them that way. Good luck with your fin search!
Sandi
Tucson, AZ
SCOTT J I bought a pair of the Apollos for myself and for my wife, and she loves hers. She is 28yrs old, 5' 7", about 117lbs and size 6 1/2 to 7 shoes. She has bad knees from athletics when she was in high-school, but she is fine with these. Hope that helps.