TUSA X-Pert Zoom Fins

This fin made me feel as if I wasn’t wearing any fins. It glides through the water with no effort whatsoever. My initial thought was this fin will have no umph—you know, the push to propel you through the water. Boy, was I wrong. I found myself swimming side-by-side with my much stronger swimmer buddy on a long swim back to the boat, with no effort. I actually wasn’t even aware of my swimming speed, until my buddy asked me to slow down. I did not feel I was putting out any extra effort at all.

The TUSA X-pert Zoom fin is of the newer “split-fin” design that is become increasingly popular. The design, as with many other brands that have a similar look and function, are based on the licensed “Nature’s Wing” technology.

The unique design of the split fin mimics the propeller action of a boat propeller, spinning the water off the back of the fin (the fin blades do not actually spin). Efficiency is reportedly improved 30 to 40 percent. It seemed that way to me! The split fin blades work together to move the water, also effectively creating the idea of two separate fins on each foot—four fins in total. I definitely felt “propelled” through the water.

While all “Nature’s Wing” split fins are similar, each manufacturer has made modifications to the fin to improve its design as it sees fit. TUSA is no exception. Being a later entry in the split fin market, TUSA has made some very worthwhile additions to the basic design.

First, the blades are a bit stiffer. I suspect this is not so much as to give it more power as it is to give it more control in turning, hovering and in tight places, a shortcoming sometimes reported of the split-fin. Also, TUSA has a stiffer version (all black). Second, and this may seem trivial but definitely important to others, TUSA’s famous color selections. TUSA has the fin in five different colors. And finally, the blade is angled for maximum kick efficiency.

As with my other TUSA fins (Cetus), I particularly like TUSA’s fin buckle system. Putting the fins on and making the adjustment to my heels were a one-time thing. The fins fit snugly and stayed in place the entire dive. Not once did I have to adjust the fin during the dive. The quick release on the straps make it easy to remove the fin at the swimstep and easily put it back on for the next dive. The foot pocket is shaped to hold the foot comfortably without crowding the toes. Side to side motion of my foot within the fin was nonexistent.

The design of this fin is in harmony with the idea that all new equipment should make your job easier. You should never have to think about your equipment while you’re using it. All I want to think about is how great my dive was. Putting less effort into a dive by way of less swimming effort is great. The TUSA split fin can be found at TUSA dealers, located in the dive store directory of this issue or by contacting TUSA at (562) 498-3708 or on the web at www.tusa.com.

Kim Sheckler is Executive Editor of California Diving News, Director of the SCUBA Show 2001 expo (June 2-3 at the Long Beach Convention Center), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.