I’m going to break down and do some kick sets this winter and want some feedback on fins…I have never used them 'cause I hate kicking 
So the TYR split fins and the Aquasphere ones look big, the Zoomers look small and more effective but what do I know I don’t kick.
Any thoughts
Andrew
Zuras. Very light, easy on the knees. Didn’t chew up my toes like the zoomers did.
I’ve only used the Zoomer blue fins and have been happy with them- they definitely increase your propulsion which is helpful in many drills. If you want something more aggressive, they make a stiffer set in red (faster, but work your legs more). Make sure you size them correctly- snug is better than loose. They’re also not terribly expensive (~$30 IIRC) and can be found at general sports stores like Big 5.
Fins are fine but I submit that you don’t need them. All too often I find that triathletes use fins a crutch to keep up on kick sets at Masters practices. This doesn’t make them better kickers. If you are really interested in improving your kick, do these things:
If you must use fins, Zoomers are probably your best best since they provide a more realistic sensation that over-sized diving fins.
If you have to get fins, be careful with the zoomers. I wanted to work on my kick after having no kick for a long time. They have caused nothing but problems for me because 1) I have terrible kick form and 2) they are extremely heavy for fins.
Govols nailed it imo. Those three exact things have helped me more than fins ever have.
I have had problems with the zoomer Z2, the ones that are blue and white, giving me all kinds of blisters on my feet. The red ones seem to be better. I think the key is to look for a shorter legth blade.
a few years back I broke my ankle. I couldn’t fit it into a fin for a long time, so went without. Turns out I have become a much better kicker by not using them. Sucked at first, but hang in there. Use them for drills. Other than that maybe on some easy days. I do like to use them with paddles.
When kicking on your back, what position do you recommend? Ie. arms at sides, or outstretched ahead of you, or during backstroke?
Streamlined with arms stretched out. Do this instead of using a kickboard.
Thanks- my kick sux so I’m open to any method that will help me correct that! I especially like how that method gives me instant feedback to let me know when I’m doing it wrong.
Unless you’re having problems with ankle flexibility / pointing your toes, I would not use fins. You’re trying to improve your kick for racing without fins. So practice kicking *without *fins.
If you HAVE to get them. I’d recommend buying a cheap walmart pair and cutting them down to a smaller “zuma” size.
Phelps.
They are shaped like Michael’s feet.
x2
Practice kicking without a kickboard on your stomach too. Keeping your head up enough to breathe really makes you work.
Fins are a crutch.
Andrew, for a guy with your swim ability, I wouldn’t bother with fins. The biggest bang for your buck time-wise is going to be hard freestyle sets.
I don’t think there’s much value in kick sets for triathletes. I may do a bit of kicking to loosen up my legs if they’re feeling blocky from biking or running but not much quality stuff.