Which monofin/fin shape has the best propulsion?

[MerEmma]

I wasn't sure where to post this, but this seemed like the right place.

I'm sort of having fun at the idea of making a tail, but I'm wondering which monofin has the best propulsion, and at the same time, which fluke shape has the best propulsion? Experiences, I guess, and the like.

[Blondie]

Well from what most people and tail makers will say, it's the competitor, which just so happens is one of the most expensive monofins.

It's used for professional free style divers and you guessed it mermaids! It's used in Hannah's tail, Raven's tails, Mike's tails and numerous others use it too. It's very sturdy and big! About a yard across! You can cut the competitor as well to what shape you'd like. Apparently it's worth the money ($270) and I haven't heard any stories of them crapping out on people. Well I take that back, Hannah said hers cracked but her tail was in need of retirement at the time. So they last a good long time.

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/2184.htm

[MerEmma]

Okay. That one does seem really nice. xD Thanks. What, would you say, is the best rubber or plastic (whatever they make the other ones out of, that's much cheaper...) one? I talked about the idea of a tail with my mom and she said she didn't want to make that kind of investment until I had stopped growing, but she's willing to purchase a monofin.

[AptaMer]

Well, there are the Oceanika ones you can order online. Cheaper, but still kind of pricey ($90)

eBay has lots of monofins listed, some at really good prices. I saw a pair with the feet close together (gives you that nicer tail look) for $45. Just log in & do a search for "monofin"

Also, for their mermaid diving suit ( http://www.otterbaysuits.com/Mermaidhome.htm ) Otter Bay Wetsuits makes a monofin out of two regular fins, which is cheaper, and that means you can break them down for travel so they take up less room in your luggage. More info is here: http://www.otterbaysuits.com/Goals.htm

[MerEmma]

I really, really like the Oceanika ones but I live in the US, and shipping is fifty more dollars so that's about $140 after it all. :\ I didn't even begin to think about eBay, lol, thanks! I'll try there.

[LindseyLu]

Your mom has a good point. If you're still growing I wouldn't spend the $$ on a fiberglass monofin (competitor). You should go with the finis wave or rapid, especially if you're still learning to swim in a monofin. They have adjustable foot straps and give really good propulsion! Plus, if your feet are small enough to fit in the wave there only about $50.00 bucks and swim outlet gives you free shipping on items over $49.99. That's a double plus!

I love the Oceanika too, but I have never tried it so I can't compare them. They don't have adjustable foot straps, but everyone seems to love them! :)

[spottedcatfish]

I have a finis Foil and it is made from 100% marine grade rubber, and is a lot stiffer than the finis rapid or wave. I highly recommend this fin, it's not as big as the rapid or wave, but is very stiff, and gives a good propulsion. You can get one at swimoutlet.com, or from the finis.com store. if you are a half size I would generally go with the larger size up. I got mine for about $63 with shipping and tax included. Not a bad deal!

[AptaMer]

Came across some pretty good monofin prices here:

http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/Fins-Monofins/1081/s

their shipping is cheap too.

[Mer_Adella]

i want to save up a little money and get this :D
either in hydra pink or the clear
http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/so-dive-hydra-sweet-pink/31960/p pink


http://www.scubastore.com/scuba-diving/so-dive-hydra-clear-flow/31962/p clear

[MerAnthony]

I was lookng at the Hydra's and what sizes do they have ?

[MerEmma]

Bringing this thread back!

I know the competitor is pretty unanimously the fin with the best propulsion, but what types of shapes give good propulsions? Are their any pros, say, to having a fin with a U shape in the center or tips that go further out? Dolphins and whales' tails you'd think would be shaped the way they are for a specific reason regarding the propulsion they provide.

[FreshWaterMermaid]

@MerEmma you're pretty much getting the answers you need from previous posters on this thread.
The specific shape or cut into your monofin (whether finis wave/rapid or competitor) will not take much of the propulsion out of it. The width of the fluke if large will make it harder to do tight turns. But I only noticed this because I went from a finis tempo to a competitor (big size difference).

Like everyone is saying, For you, definitely go with something with an adjustable foot pocket like the rapid/wave. Chances are you won't grow out of it (cause it adjusts).
And the cutting, or modifications, to a monofin is merely to copy dolphins, whales, fish, flukes. The propulsion you would get from mimicking these fluke types is not unlike the propulsion you'd get from the original uncut monofin
... in other words, not much different.

Then again that might just be me. I liked the feel of my competitor AFTER I cut it (easier to swim in, I felt).

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[MerEmma]

I've already purchased a monofin (Oceanika/Mahina MerFin) and it's all just mostly curiosity. But now my interest in the fluke shape for cetaceans is peaked; why are they shaped that way?

(this is a rhetorical question; my next research project has been chosen!)