Bi-fin or mono fin....Which is better?

[scoles]

What's the deal with each of these types of fins? is there an advantage to one and advantage to the other in respects to what kind of diver you are?

[demasoni]

That's a huge question! Welcome to DB Scoles Well, I would recommend you find past threads on bi-fins and monos, but to give my two cents:

Monofins:

Pros:
-great for going in a straight line.
-very efficient once you learn the proper technique.
-most of the top freedivers these days all use monos for the deepest constant weight dives and almost the longest dynamics.
-spread lactic acid over a larger range of muscle groups as almost the entire body is used while undulating for propulsion.
-can reach great speed with proper technique.

Cons:
-depending on the kind of footpocket (i.e.- open heel or bi-fin pocket like OMER), the open heel pockets can be uncomfortable when worn for an extended period time.
-more inconvenient to use a mono for recreational all day diving compared to
bi-fins.
-usually more expensive than bi-fins (about the same when you get into carbon fiber / exotics though).
-harder to learn proper form.

Bi-Fins:

Pros:
-great for learning how to freedive and for recreational use-although many compete and set records with bi-fins as well.
-perfect for spearfishing.
-easier to learn generally, more natural.
-usually less expensive and easier to acquire than monofins.
-lots of different models and footpockets out there - easy to shop around.

Cons:
-not as efficient or fast as a mono which may ultimately limit your max depth -i.e. - constant weight.
-easy to develop wrong kicking technique if starting out without coaching - i.e. - bicycle kick, excessive knee bend.

I'm sure others on DB can contribute, but this is just to get you started, and of course, this is just my humble opinion.

[scoles]

thanks, this is exactly what i was looking for. i think im gonna stick to the good old bi fins for the type of stuff i do. i dont think ill be anything more than a recreational freediver would do

[Billextreme]

Monofins or Bi-Fins...

If you train well I think that it will be very close between them.

There is a lot of bad mono's and bi's... and to find something that fit you could take some time. Normally if your technique is bad you lose less with bi-fins. But if your style, speed and technique are in harmony there might be an advantage with the mono.

The deepest CWT with bi is 93m in competition, and 111 for mono.
When it comes to Dynamic we have 212 with bi-fins and 207 with mono.
In training its other numbers and I know for sure there is at least one to 250m in DYN with bi-fins.

Try both!

/B

[Evita]

Hi Scoles,

Get the type of fin that suits your natural stroke.

Do you prefer the dolphin stroke or the bi-fin stroke when you dive - what comes to you naturally? With bi-fins you can do both, I have seen many bi-finners do the dolphin stroke, both in training and competition. But if you decide to take the dolphin stroke up a notch, you will probably have more fun with a monofin. My advice, but I am very biased. For me the monofin was love at first sight...