 These benefits have been identified by over
a year of controlled objective and subjective testing conducted
by ScubaLab. This independent comparative evaluation was
done by ScubaLab using identical test criteria used by Rodale's
Scuba Diving magazine.
INCREASED BOTTOM TIME
1. Over a thousand test runs have been conducted
on a 300 foot (91.4 meter) measured open ocean course with
a cross section of scuba divers wearing full scuba gear,
using air integrated computers and dive watches to collect
data.
a. The tests have shown that the SPLIT-FIN™ technology reduces
breathing rates by an average of 25%-40% depending on the tester and
speed used.
b. Tests were conducted at speeds of 0.75 MPH, 1.0 MPH, 1.25 MPH, and
1.5 MPH. These speed categories were chosen since cruising speed for
recreational diving is about 0.75 MPH and the sustained speeds used by
US Navy divers (using paddle fins) on 1000 yard swims is 1 knot or 1.15
MPH.
c. These tests were conducted with men and women ranging widely in age,
physical condition, and experience.
2. Improvement in efficiency is achieved
by dramatically reducing the single greatest source of energy
use during diving: the energy used to propel the diver through
the water.
3. Divers report that they can feel a noticeable
reduction in their tendency to inhale quickly or "gulp
air". This confirms that reductions in breathing rates
are large enough to be noticeable and also indicates a noticeable
reduction in CO2 retention.
4. Divers also report noticeably longer
dives before reaching reserve air.
5. Because breathing through a regulator
is also a major source of energy use, the reduced breathing
rates provided by the SPLIT-FIN™ technology permits
flow rates to be reduced through the regulator causing significant
reductions in the work of breathing. This provides further
energy conservation and also makes the regulator feel more
efficient.
6. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology provides
exceptional propulsion with a small flutter or ankle kick.
This reduces the overall range of muscle movement therefore
reducing air consumption. This lessens the use of the larger
thigh and hamstring muscles during each kick cycle. Instead,
the smaller muscles in the calves and ankles can do the work
with greater relaxation and efficiency.
7. This smaller kick also causes the diver
to be more hydrodynamic in the water such that the range
of kicking is within or near the profile of the diver's body.
The legs do not have to extend as far above or below the
slipstream of the diver's body as with paddle fins. This
contributes to significantly reduced drag and forward momentum
is easier to maintain and propulsion more consistent and
efficient.
8. As conventional paddle fins do not easily
overcome drag they require a large sweeping kick that extends
the legs significantly above and below the slipstream of
the diver's body. When this occurs, the legs create increased
frontage and added drag slowing the diver between each stroke.
Part of the momentum created by the previous power stroke
is lost on the recovery stroke and now the diver exerts additional
energy to regain this lost momentum. This drag dominated
type of movement adds to exertion, fatigue and increased
breathing rates.
IMPROVED ABILITY TO SWIM AGAINST
STRONG CURRENTS
1. The reduced exertion of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
enables divers to swim easily against currents with reduced
exertion, fatigue and air consumption.
2. This substantially increases the ability
to swim against strong currents for longer periods of time.
3. Reduced exertion produces lower breathing
rates when swimming against currents.
4. Divers also report that while using the
SPLIT-FIN™ technology, they can maintain steady progress
against strong currents that they would have been unable
to swim against using ordinary paddle fins.
 INCREASED COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT
1. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology significantly
reduces the stress and exertion of diving.
2. Reduced breathing rates significantly
increase relaxation and ease while diving.
3. Many divers have stated that even if
this new technology only offered the same performance while
merely decreasing fatigue, they would still buy it because
it takes much of the work out of diving.
4. Less work means more fun. After all,
for most diving is a recreational activity.
5. Divers often report that the feeling
of more relaxed leg muscles with decreased effort greatly
enhances the dive experience. Once they experience this,
many divers state that the increased exertion and strain
when returning to paddle fins now distracts from the dive
experience, especially when swimming against a current.
6. The low resistance of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
dramatically reduces strain to the ankles and calves. The
high resistance of paddle fins often causes the ankles to
pivot beyond their natural range of motion. This creates
significant strain to the ankles and calves that resulting
in cramps.
7. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology decreases
silt-up since the blades slice through the water more like
propeller blades producing dramatically less turbulence.
8. Divers have found that they can approach
marine animals easily and more closely than with paddle fins
since the reduced turbulence is less intrusive. Using a small
ankle kick also improves approachability since it creates
significantly less visual commotion than the large sweeping
kick used with paddle fins.
9. Divers report that a small flutter kick
or ankle kick feels more natural and relaxing. Once they
have become acclimated to this easy kick, the larger more
strenuous strokes of paddle fins are no longer as enjoyable
or comfortable.
10. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology offers
easier propulsion which provides a feeling of underwater
flight that is more pleasurable.
11. Evaluators have also reported that some
of their most relaxing dives have occurred while using the
SPLIT-FIN™ technology. Some divers have stated that
at times the relaxation level has been comparable to meditation.
12. Increased relaxation and reduced stress
has also been found to greatly increase comfort and ease
during deep dives. Evaluators report that the usual increased
levels of stress and exertion that typically occur during
deep dives are greatly reduced. After swimming on deep dives
ranging from 100 feet (30 meters) to over 200 feet (60 meters),
divers state that diving with the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
reduces breathing rates and increases relaxation.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT
ON THE SURFACE
1. If the fin blades lift out of the water
while swimming face down on the surface the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
reduces the occurrence of blade slapping. This is because
the blades twist open and slice through the surface like
knives while still providing propulsion. In contrast, paddle
fins slap the surface upon reentering the water creating
ankle strain and reduced propulsion.
2. The improved performance of SPLIT-FIN™ technology
greatly reduces the strain and exertion of surface swims
to and from dive sites. While swimming along the surface,
improved performance is noticeable either face down or on
the back.
INCREASED MAXIMUM SPEEDS
1. Extensive testing has shown that all
testers were able to reach and sustain significantly higher
speeds when using the SPLIT-FIN™ technology than they
could achieve on conventional paddle fins.
2. After speed runs, the divers were asked
to score the fins subjectively in several categories. The
divers reported the SPLIT-FIN™ technology created significantly
less muscle strain, easier kicking, greater relaxation of
muscles, greater
ability to reach top speed and greater ability to sustain top speed than
conventional paddle fins. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology received better
scores in every speed category, including top speeds, than did the paddle
fins.
3. Because of the low resistance and reduced
fatigue levels of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology, divers
are able to reach higher speeds and maintain these speeds
for significantly longer times. In contrast, divers trying
to reach high speeds on paddle fins are not able to swim
as fast or as long since they become "maxed-out" much
earlier from excessive fatigue. Because drag increases with
the square of the fin's speed through the water, paddle fins
that have high resistance through the water (high drag) during
a slow kick, will have unsustainable levels of resistance
during a fast kick.
4. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology performs well using a small flutter
kick to reach high speeds. This enables the diver to penetrate the water
with greater hydrodynamic efficiency and less drag so higher speeds can
be achieved and sustained.
5. The smaller kick range reduces the travel
distance of the fins so the diver can deliver more propulsive
kicks per minute for greater acceleration and top speed.
Because the travel distance of the legs has been significantly
reduced from a giant kick down to a small flutter kick, more
kicks can be delivered with less overall energy consumption.
6. In addition to offering higher top speeds,
the SPLIT-FIN™ technology can produce the same speeds
as paddle fins with reduced energy consumption.
7. Evaluators also state that it is much
easier to increase speed and adjust speed (faster or slower)
when diving with the SPLIT-FIN™ technology by simply
changing the frequency of the kick.
8. The responsiveness of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
combined with the smaller kick range provides increased ability
to fine tune the angle or trim of the diver in the water.
This further improves the ability to reduce drag and maximize
efficiency.
IMPROVED CRUISE SPEEDS
1. Divers state that when swimming with
underwater speedometers or on timed runs along a measured
underwater course in full scuba gear, that the fins are so
efficient that it is difficult to swim slower that 0.75 MPH
(1.21 KM/H) even when only an ankle kick is used. Many report
that they can easily swim all day without fatigue or muscle
strain at 1.00 to 1.25 MPH (1.61 to 2.01 KM/H). This is a
dramatic achievement since the maximum sustained speeds of
Navy divers on paddle fins is about 1 knot (1.85 KM/H) over
a 1000 yard course (914.4 meters).
2. For speeds below 1 MPH (1.61 KM/H), divers
can reduce their kick to a mere ankle kick or even a light
toe kick with extremely little leg motion for optimum energy
conservation.
3. Improved cruise speeds combined with
reduced effort and decreased air consumption greatly increase
the distances that can be covered during a dive. Many divers
have stated that some of the longest distances they have
ever covered in a dive occurred with little effort while
using the SPLIT-FIN™ technology. Even after covering
great distances, many divers find they still have enough
air to cover significantly more distance.
IMPROVED SAFETY
1. Reduced air consumption offers the diver
more reserve air in case of emergency.
2. Better swimming speeds and endurance
greatly increase safety in strong currents.
3. Increased acceleration, speed and endurance
enhance ability to escape dangerous or difficult situations.
4. Reduced exertion and stress improves
safety for divers who are in poor physical condition.
5. Increased ease of surface swimming improves
safety for divers who surface a great distance from the boat
or exit point.
6. Increased speed and endurance combined
with decreased fatigue substantially improves the ability
to reach a diver in need of rescue. Critical time is saved,
and the reduced exertion gives the rescue diver additional
energy reserves once the troubled diver is reached. Improved
efficiency and reduced exertion on the surface further assists
in returning the diver to safety.
7. By significantly reducing the stress and exertion of diving, the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
greatly enhances the diver's mental state, enabling the diver to be more
relaxed, confidant and at ease underwater. This is a great benefit as
many dive accidents are attributed to diver panic.
8. The reduced exertion of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
has been found to noticeably reduce stress and increase calmness
- potentially reducing nitrogen narcosis during deep dives.
9. Since exertion levels are known to be related to CO2 retention and
the SPLIT-FIN™ technology has demonstrated reduction in breathing
rates and exertion by well over 20%, it can be concluded that the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
can also reduce CO2 levels significantly. This is a great benefit as
increased CO2 retention can cause increased breathing rates, fatigue,
stress and headaches.
10. Medical research indicates that the
risk of decompression sickness is related to exertion. Because
the SPLIT-FIN™ technology has been shown to reduce
breathing rates and exertion by well over 20%, it also can
be concluded that this technology can reduce the risk of
DCS. Reduced breathing rates at depth can also decrease the
rate of nitrogen absorption by reducing the number of molecules
of nitrogen exchanged within the lungs.
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY FOR FREE DIVERS
1. The reduced exertion levels and less
muscle strain lower oxygen use for noticeably increased bottom
time when free diving.
2. Decreased CO2 absorption can lead to
longer under water times before the need to swim to the surface.
3. Decreased CO2 absorption reduces recovery
time between descents.
4. Reduced fatigue improves endurance for
longer time in the water with more descents possible.
5. Improved speed and reduced exertion increases
descent rates, potential travel distance at depth and ascent
rates.
6. The increased approachability of fish
from reduced fin turbulence, reduced size of kick, increased
speed and bottom time can improve success while spear fishing
or animal watching.
7. The reduction of exertion greatly improves the enjoyment of free diving.
8. Elimination of blade slapping and reduction
in exertion improves efficiency and enjoyment of snorkeling
on the surface.
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE FOR UNDERWATER
PHOTOGRAPHERS
1. Improved ability to approach marine animals
offers improved conditions for photographic opportunities.
2. Increased cruise speeds and higher top-end
speeds improve ability to swim with marine animals.
3. Reduced exertion improves comfort, endurance
and bottom time while pursuing marine life.
4. Increased bottom time substantially improves
the chances of finding more subjects.
5. Improved ability to make fine adjustments
in body orientation improves the ability to optimize camera
angles.
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY FOR CAVE AND
WRECK DIVERS
1. The SPLIT-FIN™ technology reduces
silt-up and breathing rates for cave and wreck divers by
providing a small ankle kick rather than a large frog kick.
Because the SPLIT-FIN™ technology permits the use of
small fin and leg movements with reduced fin generated turbulence,
this fin technology produces exceptionally low levels of
silt-up. When paddle fins are used with the frog kick, large
movements of the fin and leg create strong tornado-like vortices
that can swirl at high speeds for extended periods and eventually
reach the floor, ceiling or walls of the cave or wreck to
create varying degrees of silt-up.
2. With the SPLIT-FIN™ technology,
the diver's legs extend for little or no distance beyond
the slip stream of the diver's body. The small ankle or toe
kick permits the diver to maintain constant speed and momentum
with reduced exertion, reduced air consumption, and increased
average speed and bottom time. In addition, the smaller kick
minimizes muscle group participation and leg movements for
optimum energy conservation. The frog kick that is used with
paddle fins involves large leg movements and major muscle
groups that increase air consumption and fatigue. The momentum
gained during the power stroke is quickly lost as the legs
spread apart and create drag while preparing for the next
stroke. Because the initial momentum is lost during the recovery
stroke, the diver has to work harder to regain the lost momentum.
This creates unsteady propulsion with a stop and start type
of movement that is less efficient than constant propulsion.
3. When paddle fins are used with a frog kick, the diver's legs create
drag as they extend outside the slipstream of the body. As a result,
it is almost impossible to sustain an average speed of 1 MPH using a
frog kick. Furthermore, such hard strokes create high levels of turbulence
with increased risk of silt-up. Because of the inefficiency of the frog
kick, the SPLIT-FIN™ technology is not designed or intended for
this stroke and instead is designed for a small flutter, ankle or toe
kick.
4. A small ankle or toe kick is easy for
a beginner to learn to use in cave or wreck dives, and is
also efficient for swimming through small passageways. The
wide kicking range of the frog kick is difficult to learn
and it is cumbersome to use when swimming through small passageways.
5. Such small kicks also permit improved
fine tune adjustment of the diver's body alignment in the
water. This provides more directional control in confined
environments and more accurate trim control for swimming
through narrow passageways.
6. The reduced silt-up benefits of this
technology enables cave and wreck divers to swim level rather
than at a 30 degree head down angle with their fins higher
than their body while using a small angle or flutter kick.
Swimming level decreases CO2 retention and breathing rates
while increasing hydrodynamic efficiency since head down
orientations are known to increase CO2 retention and breathing
rates while slowing the diver from inefficient body orientation
through the water.
7. Improved relaxation heightens enjoyment
and reduces stress of being in a confined environment.
IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY
FOR STUDENT DIVERS
1. Reduced muscle strain and fatigue decreases
stress for beginner divers who have not yet developed strong
leg muscles.
2. Because beginning divers naturally use
a small flutter kick, they do not have to be taught the large
stiff leg kick as this smaller kick is highly efficient with
the SPLIT-FIN™ technology. This can reduce the learning
time for students and enable them to feel more natural while
diving.
3. Since beginning divers tend to use air
more quickly, the improved breathing rates offered by the
SPLIT-FIN™ technology can offer increased bottom time
and better use of the reserve air supply.
4. Certification dives often include long
surface swims; therefore the improved surface efficiency
can assist students by reducing fatigue and cramping on the
way to and from the dive site, when swimming against currents
and surge during the dive.
5. Because the reduced work greatly increases
pleasure and confidence, the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
can improve the student's chances of completing the course,
staying in diving, purchasing dive equipment and becoming
an active diver. In contrast, the chances for staying with
diving and becoming a committed diver are less likely when
a student has an unpleasant dive experience due to fatigue,
muscle cramps, discomfort and short bottom times.
6. The increased comfort and ease provided
by the SPLIT-FIN™ technology can also provide increased
accessibility to diving by women and children.
7. Dive instructors also benefit since the
reduced exertion can allow them to dive all day with significantly
reduced fatigue.
IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY TO INJURED
AND DISABLED DIVERS
1. Evaluators who had sore muscles or joints
from a previous day of exercise on land reported that they
could dive easily and comfortably with the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
while paddle fins created significant discomfort and pain.
2. One tester suffered a significant injury
when his hip joint popped out of its socket during a non-diving
activity. This strained his muscles causing most of his leg
to turn black and blue. He stated that the SPLIT-FIN™ technology
enabled him to continue with his schedule of commercial dives
through multiple weeks of healing. This would have been impossible
to do with the more strenuous paddle fins, since the increased
exertion and strain would have been intolerable. He also
said the ability of the SPLIT-FIN™ technology to work
well with a small flutter kick allowed him to not kick from
the hip or tighten his leg muscles.
3. The reduced exertion and the ability
to efficiently use a small flutter or ankle kick can make
diving more accessible and enjoyable to divers having recent
injuries, old injuries and disabilities.
4. The reduced fatigue can also significantly
extend the diving career of older divers.
5. Because smaller kicking strokes can be
used with completely loose and relaxed leg muscles, this
technology can actually assist with the healing of injuries
either during dives or in swimming pools.
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