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ScubLab: Fins - SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova

By Scuba Diving Partner | Published On May 21, 2010
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ScubLab: Fins - SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova


Stats

Top Averaged Speed 2.3 mph
Ergo Score 83
Top 5 Points 38

Specifications

Warranty Limited Lifetime
Sizes S, M, L, XL
Colors Black, White
Weight 1 lbs., 14 oz. (size M)
Bouyancy Slightly Positive
Price $189
www.scubapro.com

Scubapro’s newest kicker is made of durable Monoprene and features a wing-shaped blade that connects to the foot pocket via a pair of stabilizing ribs, which let the blade pivot allowing it to generate thrust. Molded mini-stringers add some stiffness to the blade and support the stabilizing ribs, which are notched to increase flex and enhance the blade’s angle of attack. The blade has up-curved edges that contribute to the fin’s stable feel in the water. The foot pocket has an extended heel plate that Scubapro says maximizes power transmission and minimizes leg strain. A heavy-duty marine-grade bungee strap with over-molded heel pad/finger loop provides a lot of comfort and makes pulling this fin on and off a cinch, both on deck and in the water.

Performance


The Seawing Nova is fast. It easily outpaced this year’s competition and then almost beat an Apollo C-Series Yellow –– the fastest open-heel kicker ScubaLab has ever tested –– which we used as a control fin. But the beauty is you get all this turbo power without any leg strain or ankle stress. The notched stabilizing ribs and flexible blade combine to deliver a very propulsive snap on the down-stroke. The fin is stable on straightaways and highly maneuverable, including backing up. It’s the only fin this year to earn top scores in “Power vs. Stress,” “Acceleration” and “Alternate Kicks” categories.

Bottom Line

The Seawing Nova is ScubaLab’s favorite kicker for 2010. It racked up the highest total score in ergo tests, was the fastest fin on the speed course, earned the No. 1 spot in our test divers’ “Top 5 Favorites” list and comes with the best warranty around. Just a few testers’ comments: “Good power, good maneuvering, very comfortable.” “These fins are fun. I don’t want to take them off!” “I love these fins!” We couldn’t have said it any better.

May 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links
Aeris Velocity X3| Aqua Lung Slingshot
Cressi Frog Plus| SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova
Hollis F1| Tilos Torrent
OMS Slipstream| Tusa SF-15 X-Pert Zoom Z3
Mares X-Stream| Scuba Max FN-320 Mach II Turbo

Stats

Top Averaged Speed 2.3 mph
Ergo Score 83
Top 5 Points 38

Specifications

Warranty Limited Lifetime
Sizes S, M, L, XL
Colors Black, White
Weight 1 lbs., 14 oz. (size M)
Bouyancy Slightly Positive
Price $189
www.scubapro.com

Scubapro’s newest kicker is made of durable Monoprene and features a wing-shaped blade that connects to the foot pocket via a pair of stabilizing ribs, which let the blade pivot allowing it to generate thrust. Molded mini-stringers add some stiffness to the blade and support the stabilizing ribs, which are notched to increase flex and enhance the blade’s angle of attack. The blade has up-curved edges that contribute to the fin’s stable feel in the water. The foot pocket has an extended heel plate that Scubapro says maximizes power transmission and minimizes leg strain. A heavy-duty marine-grade bungee strap with over-molded heel pad/finger loop provides a lot of comfort and makes pulling this fin on and off a cinch, both on deck and in the water.

Performance

The Seawing Nova is fast. It easily outpaced this year’s competition and then almost beat an Apollo C-Series Yellow –– the fastest open-heel kicker ScubaLab has ever tested –– which we used as a control fin. But the beauty is you get all this turbo power without any leg strain or ankle stress. The notched stabilizing ribs and flexible blade combine to deliver a very propulsive snap on the down-stroke. The fin is stable on straightaways and highly maneuverable, including backing up. It’s the only fin this year to earn top scores in “Power vs. Stress,” “Acceleration” and “Alternate Kicks” categories.

Bottom Line

The Seawing Nova is ScubaLab’s favorite kicker for 2010. It racked up the highest total score in ergo tests, was the fastest fin on the speed course, earned the No. 1 spot in our test divers’ “Top 5 Favorites” list and comes with the best warranty around. Just a few testers’ comments: “Good power, good maneuvering, very comfortable.” “These fins are fun. I don’t want to take them off!” “I love these fins!” We couldn’t have said it any better.

May 2010 Issue Scuba Lab Review Quick Links
Aeris Velocity X3| Aqua Lung Slingshot
Cressi Frog Plus| SCUBAPRO Seawing Nova
Hollis F1| Tilos Torrent
OMS Slipstream| Tusa SF-15 X-Pert Zoom Z3
Mares X-Stream| Scuba Max FN-320 Mach II Turbo