Need Fin Help

RE: Need Fin Help

Former Member — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:37:08 GMT

I absolutely loathe/hate/despise, etc. distance work. But, I will do the distance sets to work on my breathing and pacing. I wear fins to make the sets go by faster (otherwise I'd be in the pool for over 3 hours). I also use them for SDK sets.

RE: Need Fin Help

knelson — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:31:29 GMT

Just a thought, but have considered not using fins at all? What benefit do you feel you are getting from them?

RE: Need Fin Help

jgale — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:54:08 GMT

I went to the Zura (now Aquasphere) Alphas - 3-4 years ago and really like them. They are light and comfortable with no blistering (unlike Zoomers and some of the other hard rubber open toe fins). The only problem that I have with them is that after significant use, the heel strap broke on a pair. I have trouble with my right knee and have not had any discomfort with them. I have never noticed that they put any stress on my lower back. After my last pair broke, I tried a pair of Tyr Crossblades after reading the fin review in the USMS magazine. While they were not too bad, I did have a little blistering after doing a long kick set. I experimented again with a friend's pair of Zoomers. I found them to be heavy and just as uncomfortable as I remember them. I happily went back to the Alphas as my primary training fin.

RE: Need Fin Help

Former Member — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:17:58 GMT

Just a thought, but have considered not using fins at all? What benefit do you feel you are getting from them? Exactly my thoughts. Ditch the fins.

RE: Need Fin Help

Former Member — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:28:09 GMT

That's kinda what I was thinking; that the floaty fins would make me have to kick too hard and make my back worse, whereas, a middle-of-the-road medium blade fin or a Zoomer would be better. I have really long fins now.

RE: Need Fin Help

Former Member — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:53:55 GMT

Great info. I read the article, but it was good to actually see it. I guess my next question would be because I have back problems, should I go for a really floaty fin like the Alphas or a regular training fin like the Clubswim trainers?

RE: Need Fin Help

orca1946 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:07:13 GMT

I did not like the floaty fins, they were very hard to kick DOWN!!!!! I do like & have the silicone short fins from Keifer!

RE: Need Fin Help

Former Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:35:45 GMT

We tested fins for SWIMMER magazine. You can view the video here: SWIMMER Magazine Fin Testing - YouTube