The first time I tried Atomic Aquatics' SplitFins, I knew that my ideas about kicking would have to change. These fins ate up distance without hard work. Due to a lack of ankle strain, I felt like I was wearing no fins at all. The secret of the SplitFin is lift force. On conventional fins, some water is pushed backward but some sticks to the blade, creating extra drag. On SplitFins, water moving over the surface is funneled through the split. Drag is reduced, and the blades act like wings or airfoils, creating lift. As a result, Atomic co-founder Dean Garraffa says divers can sustain a speed of 2.5 knots, compared to top speeds of 1.5-1.9 knots for conventional paddle fins. The most dramatic difference that I noticed was when surface-kicking on my back. My legs felt much lighter on the upbeat and follow-through with the SplitFins than with paddle fins. I also found that the SplitFins work best with a short, fast kick as opposed to a long, slow one. My only criticism involved the fin strap, which looked like rubber but was made of the same plastic material as the foot pocket. This material doesn't stretch, so putting on the fin required adjustment at the buckles. The set I was using was an early production model, and current versions come with rubber straps that should eliminate this problem.It isn't often that a revolutionary product comes along that changes the way we dive. The SplitFin is one of those products. Summary: In a new approach to dive propulsion, the Atomic Aquatics' SplitFins allow divers to swim faster and farther with less effort. The SplitFins act as underwater wings that reduce drag and create forward lift. MSRP: $189 To find a dealer, call Atomic at 714-375-1433 or check out its website ...