TUSA Platina Fins

No single piece of basic dive gear has undergone more evolution in the last few years that the fin. And it is still evolving. This year is seeing some very revolutionary designs. What surprises me is that most of the new concepts seem sound, pushing diver self-propulsion to new levels of efficiency and power.

One of these new and excellent concepts was introduced by TUSA earlier this year. The Dual Acceleration System on the new Platina fins offers a genuine solution to the problem of providing a true "rest stroke" by allowing the fin to vary in stiffness between the power and rest stroke.

First some finning basics: In swimming with fins, the power stroke is the down stroke, with the up stroke generally considered the rest stroke. The most amount of power is released at the bottom of the power stroke after the fin is "loaded" or bent, then snaps downward. The ability of a fin to be loaded and snap is important. A fin with a blade that has a moderate stiffness but good "snap" is best for power but tough on the legs and ankles for the rest stroke. But how do you have one blade with two properties? The answer is the Dual Acceleration System (patent pending).

The Dual Acceleration System (D.A.S.) uses a double-blade system with a smaller, harder sub-blade. The sub-blade engages on the power stroke doing two things. First, it stiffens the blade for more power loading. Its curved structure also forces the main blade into a cupped shape, channeling the water backward for more propulsion forward. On the rest stroke the sub-blade disengages so that you only push up the softer, more flexible main blade. Holes are exposed as the sub-blade disengages, allowing water to pass and breaking the suction of the fin as it passes upward, further making the rise of the fin as easy as possible. The rest stroke becomes just that&emdash;rest.

In the water I found the fins to fulfil its promises. The propulsion was excellent. The forward movement on the power stroke was quite noticeable. Just as important, I was able to still generate speed and power even after a long swim.

The fins were only fair on maneuverability when hovering or moving in tight quarters. California divers will notice one small negative point of the fins. The nodes on the fin's sides tend to catch kelp strands.

This is also a full featured fin. The footpocket is soft neoprene for comfort, with its base extending to the heel to use the entire foot to prevent foot cramps. The strap uses quick release buckles that allow strap tightening or buckle release with just one hand. A pull tab on the back of the strap allows the fins to be put on with one hand as well.

The Platina fins are available in five color combinations including a distinctive black and red combo and flashy silver. The fins are fairly new but should be available at authorized TUSA dealers as of this printing. California TUSA dealers are shown in the Dive Store Directory section of this issue or call TUSA at (562) 498-3708.