Traditional or Split Fins ?

 
Choosing fins are very much a preference thing, just like what colour or to have split or non-split fins. Some divers love split fins while some divers hate them. Personally I find split fins is great for going fast in a straight line, but not good when you want to turn and manoeuvre underwater. It's maybe something you would get used to after a while, but I just didn't get on with split fins at all.

Due to the design of split-fins, there is lesser resistance when you ‘scoop’ the water. For that reason, you will go faster and use less air. It’s best to use on flutter-kick and good for surface snorkelling too. Ladies love it because it’s less strenuous underwater.

Personally, I found split-fins is too floppy and almost totally ineffective when doing ‘frog-kick’ and ‘reverse’ techniques. Like most instructors and experience divers who I know, we hardly ever use the ‘traditional’ flutter-kick. I also prefer to feel the resistance and to have more control over the fins. One of the disadvantage for travelling is split-fins usually 1kg to 2kg heavier. It needs a thicker/stronger material for the side of the fins.

So what fins to choose? For beginners, start with a non split-fins first. Once you improved your kicking style and leg muscles, borrow a pair of split-fins and try first before you buy it.