Aeris Velocity Fins Review

Aeris Velocity Fins

Fin testing can be quite subjective. I test my fins in real diving situations, not a lab, swimming hundreds of yards and test the fin’s ability, not just for propulsion but also for maneuverability in actual diving situations—hovering, turning, spinning, etc. I hunt, take photos, and generally swim around. I compare my results to other “baseline” fins that have performed well for me on a consistent basis in the past, taking into consideration comfort, air consumption, and my performance in the water as compared to my dive buddy. With nearly 30 years of diving experience, I’d like to think I have a good handle on what is an effective fin and what is not.

In the seemingly endless parade of “new” fin designs, it is refreshing to see something that is truly unique. While vents in fins are nothing new, the Velocity fin from Aeris places them in a very different location and for different reasons. But is it effective?

I strapped on these fins for a local beach dive and left my split-fin wearing dive buddy in the dust. More importantly, I felt I was getting good mileage and power from this fin. On the bottom, I found them maneuverable and gave a good degree of control with little effort. And there was little “side slip” that can be a problem with conventional fins.

So what’s these fins secret? The sales literature will tell you it’s the “Power Enhancing Vents” (PEV). Water flow is diverted through the vents “accelerating water over the blade.” Far be it from me to second guess the engineer’s design purpose, especially because I found it successful, but I think it works well because it enhances the fin’s ability to channel water backward.

I am a believer in fins that are of dual composite construction with softer more pliable material down the center of the blade and rigid plastic along the sides. On the power down stroke, the fin will then curve or “cup” around the soft center, more effectively channeling the water backward. More importantly, because the water is better directed, this kind of fin has a better factor of control. I feel Aeris has made an improvement on this design by making the very center of the fin highly flexible with the vents. Channeling is excellent but the holes keep the fin from collapsing.

Equally important to this design is the rigid plastic. The Velocity has excellent snap and stout ribs on the side. While these are not what I would consider “stiff” fins, strong swimmers will enjoy these fins as well as beginners.

Designed into the fin are other features important to a good fin. The fin pocket is roomy at the toes for less cramping. Soft rubber is used for the footpocket for comfort. The rigid plastic blade reaches all the way back to the heel for the best application of thrust. The buckles are one-touch adjustment and quick release.

The Aeris Velocity fins are available in three sizes and four color combinations. For more information visit an Aeris dealer near you. To find your nearby dealer, visit http://www.diveaeris.com on the web or call Aeris at 510-346-0010.

Dale Sheckler is Editor and Publisher of California Diving News, Producer of the annual SCUBA Show expo (each June in Long Beach, CA), and co-author of the book newly released A Diver's Guide to Southern California's Best Beach Dives, 3rd Edition.