Scubapro Seawing Nova Review - Diving Squad Report:
Diving Squad Rating:
Scubapro were founded in 1963 and why they may not be exactly be renowned for producing gear that’s cheap, they are critically acclaimed for creating new and innovative gear that breaks the traditional moulds of scuba diving equipment.
The Scubapro Seawing Nova fins are one such fine creation and they certainly deviate a lot from the classic dive fin design that most people would recognise.
These unusually shaped scuba fins are unique in that they feature articulated joints which allow the wide, paddle-shaped blades to pivot and generate a butt-ton of thrust with minimal effort.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Scubapro Seawing Nova fins; pointing out what’s great and also seeing if there’s any room for improvement. Let’s dive in!
“The Scubapro Seawing Nova fins are, in my opinion, a superb design – for starters they’re extremely strong but this is because of the pivot design not any enhanced stiffness.
They’re actually extremely light which makes them grea tfor travel and also means you don’t have to kick so hard meaning you use less effort and ultimately conserve more air.
The pivot control ensures the most effective angle of kick is maintained no matter how hard or soft you kick which makes them highly manouverable.
It’s also an added bonus that they come in white – it makes you stand out underwater which is handy if you’re leading a dive.
I have many dive fins, but these ones are still my all-time favourites”!
^ Gunter rocking his Seawing Nova Fins as he film a turtle in the Red Sea where he met Diving Squad.
FEATURES:
Other Specs:
- Constructed from Space-Age M Polymer
- Ridges on inner blade for water channeling
- Grommet holes for carabina attachment
PROS
- Awesome thrust power
- Highly manoeuvrable
- Lightweight
- Minimal fatigue of legs or ankle soreness
- Self adjusting tightness
- Compact
CONS
- Take a little getting used to
1. Articulated Pivot Blades:
The blades feature articulated joints connecting them to the foot pockets.
This means when you kick they product a propulsive snap that propels you through the water with considerable power and speed.
In many ways they work in a similar fashion to how a dolphins tail bends as it swims along to provides power and thrust.
At the same time, these fins also excel at low speed manoeuvring including frog kicks and reverse kicks thanks to the fact that the pivots generally result in them maintaining a 45 degree angle regardless of a soft or hard kick.
Now it is worth mentioning that the Seawing Nova fins do take a little getting used to – they’ll probably feel quite different to other fins that you’ve tried before.
This means that at first they might not be as efficient; you may even feel a little clumsy in them. But with a little perseverance you can get past this and then you’ll see just how effective they can be. Admittedly they are more aimed for intermediate to advanced divers than complete beginners.
Ridges and winglets on the inner blades assist with channeling water in the right direction for optimum balance.
There’s also a grommet hole at the end of each blade which allows you to clip a carabina through for easy attachment to a backpack – combined with their lightness this makes them great for travel.
2. Spring Heel Strap:
At the back of each Seawing Nova fin is a highly elastic spring-heel strap, made from highly durable marine-grade bungee.
This automatically adjusts to pressure changes for a consistent fit and excellent comfort.
Also, donning and doffing the fins is incredibly quick and easy, thanks to the convenient finger loop tab at the end of each bungee strap.
These are truly comfortable fins to wear and you won’t feel them getting tighter as you descend which can happen with fins don’t have spring-heel straps.
3. Engraved Foot-Pocket:
Engraved on the inside of the foot pockets are ridges to provide a secure grip and stop your foot slipping – this can be extra handy when you’re putting them on especially if it’s in a rocking boat.
Meanwhile on the outside of the foot pockets, on the actual footpads are co-moulded “grip pads” to provide non-skid footing on slippery surfaces.
Both the footpockets and blades are constructed from space-age M elastomer which makes them virtually indestructible even after many years of diving.
They’re available in a variety of colours including all white, blue, black, turquoise and orange.
FINAL VERDICT - Diving Squad
Quirky and outlandish they may look, but the Scubapro Seawing Nova fins are no joke.
With their unique and innovative design, they provide supreme thrust, manoeuvrability and power all with virtually no ankle strain or leg fatigue thanks to their lightness and efficiency.
It’s generally surprising that such powerful fins can actually be so light but a huge added bonus as it makes them perfect for travel and also your legs won’t get tired using them.
True, they take a little getting used; which comes easier for more experienced divers but once you’ve got the hang of your Seawing Nova fins, you will see just how much potential they have!
