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Best Scuba Fins Reviewed
There are hundreds of scuba fin models out there, which makes it quite difficult to make a decision. It can be tempting to just grab the first pair you see that has a fun pattern, is a color you really like, or is the cheapest. To get the most out of your trip, though, you need to take the time to find the best scuba fins at the best price for you.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Size
These are available in a number of lengths, but the most effective ones are longer. The longer the blade, the more thrust each of your kicks will generate, which allows you to swim deeper more easily.
Shortfin blades can be very effective. These specific blades start near the top of the foot pocket combining the convenience of shortfins with the surface area of longer ones. Short ones are easier to carry, to put on, to transport, and to store than longer ones, which makes them more popular. Manufacturers use a number of methods to improve the effectiveness of short fins to make up for their length.
The shape of the fin can make it more or less effective at cutting through the water and propelling you through it. The most basic blade shape is a fanned out or tapered rectangular shape as seen in the U.S. Divers Sea Lion and Sea Lion Junior in the list above. Some come with a wavy blade, as seen in most of the Cressi brands listed above.
The wavy blades are more effective at cutting through the water, but if you don’t intend to dive often or are a novice, then you don’t need to worry about paying more for a wavy or curved blade. Even higher quality blades come in whale tail shapes and other more advanced shapes, but they aren’t necessary unless you’re going to be doing a lot of diving. Less fancy blades can be just as effective and cost less.
Materials
Scuba fin manufacturers use thermoplastic rubbers and technopolymers in their products. These materials are firm and durable. These are also materials commonly used in the outsoles of shoes, for example. To get the best of more than one compound or material, some manufacturers opt to use more than one material in the blades of their product. These materials are extra effective at cutting through the water while the wearer experiences less fatigue than when wearing others, as they help to create an optimal level of firmness and flexibility.
Features
Ribbing
Ribbing on these helps the wearer cut through the water more effectively. These are designed to be similar to fish fins, which is why they tend to be thicker near the foot area and thinnest at the very end of the blade. Just as fish have fins that stick out to their sides, they have ones that stick out from their bellies and their backs. To replicate fish fins, some manufacturers include ribbing which can be found on the top and bottom of the fin blade.
Venting
Some scuba fin blades have vents in them. These vary in shape, size, and location. Ultimately, however, there are only two types of vents on a scuba fin: a foot pocket vent and the general blade vents.
Railing
The railing is another important part of the scuba fin. The railing lines the sides of the blades and serves to help the blade cut through the water. There are two common types of scuba fin rails: water-channeling rails and tendon rails.
Style
Foot Pocket
The foot pocket is the part of the product that wraps around all or part of your foot. This section is just as important as the fin blade because the foot pocket secures the fin on your foot. There are two types of foot pockets: full-foot pockets and open heel pockets. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Which style is best for you ultimately depends on your personal preference and the environment you will be diving in, as well as the type of suit you will be wearing on your dive.
The foot-foot pocket looks like a shoe or bootie that has been fused with the blade. The full-foot pocket combined with the fin blade makes the scuba fin resemble a duck foot, which is the ultimate idea, as ducks are very good swimmers and divers. Full-foot pockets are generally made of a stretchy material that contracts and conforms to your foot. This material is often a soft elastomer or neoprene material. However, full-foot pockets are less customizable, as they generally do not have straps and buckles which can be tightened around their heel to improve the fit and the ability to keep it in place.
Open heel foot pockets act like slip-on sandals, but they have important straps and buckles to help you secure it on your foot. Sometimes, to help your foot grip the fin better, manufacturers include ribbing in the foot pocket, but ultimately these ribs would be worthless without straps and buckles to secure the fin.
Straps and buckles are generally not essential for full-foot pockets. However, they do provide the wearer with a more customized feel and a more secure fit. Without the strap, your fin may slip off your foot. Some have a stretchy spring strap which does not require a buckle because it’s an extension of the foot pocket itself. The stretchy material flexes so you can pull the strap over your heel and then contracts so that it creates a secure fit. Others have buckles and hook-and-loop closures that allow the wearer to put on and remove them easily. These features also allow for better customization of the fit and the wearer can tighten the strap as much as they need to for a secure fit. Many scuba fin manufacturers utilize quick-adjusting and quick release buckles. Unfortunately, these buckles and straps may break. Full-foot pockets sometimes have straps across the ankle or over the top of the foot. These straps allow the wearer to tighten the foot pocket around their foot so they won’t lose the fin in the water. This extra layer of security also adds support for your foot and ankle, which can protect them from injuries.
Foot Pocket Location
The location of the foot pocket in relation to the rest of the fin matters more than you may expect. Ideally, the best scuba fins have blades that start as high up on the foot pocket as possible to increase the surface area of the blade. This maximizes the efficiency of each kick and reduces your foot and leg fatigue. However, longer blades that start at the end of the forefoot area of the foot pocket are also just as effective as their shorter counterparts.
Foot pockets that are located on top of the fin can reduce the effort required to thrust your foot upwards and can reduce friction which could slow your movement as you swing your foot up in the water. If you find that you generally have to use more effort to kick back, this style of foot pocket would be best for you. Positioning your foot above the blade allows you to put more power behind your upward kick.
Foot pockets that are located below the fin can reduce the effort required to thrust your foot downward and can reduce friction that can slow your movement as you swing your foot down. If you find that you have to work harder to push your foot down in the water, then you may benefit from an under blade foot pocket. Positioning your foot below the blade allows you to put more power behind your downward kick.
Use
Is there a difference between scuba diving in warm water or cold water? Are there options made for different water temps? There isn’t much of a difference for divers when choosing products for cold or warm temps but there are a few considerations be aware of.
The most obvious difference between cold water and warm water options is that those for cold water has to allow for foot exposure protection. This can involve the thickness or material of the protection. Warm water ones usually have a foot pocket that is small because they are constructed to be worn with bare feet or a neoprene sock that is thin for a fit that is snug. Those for warm water is generally smaller and lightweight.
Let us return to products for cold water. Coldwater products are usually larger in size because they have to accommodate extra space in the pocket for the feet. Since more protection means extra weight, the products will have extra features and components to enhance speed and movement in the water. These types are usually open foot with an adjustable strap so swim boot and foot sizes can be easily accepted and fitted. They are the best option for ones who like to wear drysuits too.
There are options that can be used in both temps of water. Such fins are usually neutral or unweighted and are very versatile. To make your own versatile fin, you might want to consider a cold water fin and then add a wetsuit boot constructed with neoprene for foot protection from the strap and to fill up the foot pocket space. It sounds cumbersome, but it’s a really common choice for divers who want a multi-purpose fin without having to purchase more than one.
10 Best Scuba Fins
1. Oceanic Viper
Efficiency and power are the focus of these. Constructed for all skill levels in diving in snorkeling and they are very lightweight. You’ll have quicker acceleration with stress and pressure reduced. Larger size compared to others, performance is increased for better propulsion and thrust. Eleven color combos are available to choose from.
This special feature helps to direct any water off the blade’s tip. This gives you efficiency, power, speed, and movement that is improved and better than the competition.
The side rails and channels are engineered to help move the water flow off your product. Its engineering power lies in its ability to prevent water from spilling off the blade sides. Having a direct flow instead of a spill helps to reduce any compromise between movement and ability.
2. U.S. Divers Sea Lion Jr.
These two-tones from U.S. Divers are designed to be easy to use and to be a low-risk investment for young divers. They are made with a sturdy and buoyant rubber compound that increases the swimming performance of the person wearing them. The Sea Lion Junior is easy to transport and designed with small feet in mind.
These U.S. Divers juniors are short and compact, which makes them easy to transport. They are also the perfect size for children and people with small feet. The full-foot pockets on these conform to your foot to allow for the most secure fit. They also protect your feet so you don’t have to wear diving booties.
These juniors are quite affordable, as they have the lowest price points on this list. They’re perfect for novice swimmers and children looking to try out diving.
3. Cressi AGUA Short
The Cressi AGUA SHORT is available in a handful of color schemes, but it is also a dynamic and effective option for beginners and experts alike. The flexible below foot blades are quite short, which makes them easier to put on, easier to wear, and reduces the amount of effort required to propel yourself forward in the water.
The Cressi AGUA SHORT comes with a soft self-adjusting foot pocket which effortlessly conforms to your foot to provide you with the very best fit possible without squeezing your feet.
The hydrodynamic railing on the Cressi AGUA SHORT is designed to support your feet so it takes less effort for each kick and helps you propel yourself through the water.
4. Scubapro Seawing Nova
Acceleration, maneuverability, and power is the name of the game for this fin. With a paddle-like design, your scuba activities will have support with comfort, speed, and efficiency. Thrust is possible with joints that pivot, free-flowing water with reduced drag on the blades, and the foot pocket is ergonomic for reduced leg strain. The construction is Monprene and seven colors are available.
Pivoting allows for an object to oscillate or turn. The Nova has tech that controls the pivot to provide an angle of movement that is efficient and maintained regardless of how you move or how soft or hard you kick. Thrust is greatly generated and unnecessary energy and drag are reduced.
Monprene is a thermoplastic elastomer compound (TPE) and gives a feel that is soft-like, flexibility, stretch without compromising on the strength. This is a blend of polymeric resins for various textures, hardness, and natural properties to provide you with the best scuba swim.
5. U.S. Divers Proflex II
The Proflex II snorkel fin comes with dual-composite blades, which alternate between firm rubber and flexible silicone materials. The ribbing on these allows your foot to cut through the water more easily by mimicking the horizontal and vertical fins on fish. The vents allow water to pass through and reduce water turbulence and double as handles for easier transport.
There are three vents on these. The toe vent allows breathability and comfort for your forefoot. The vents on either side of the foot pocket make each kick easier. The soft silicone pocket encases your entire foot for a snug but comfortable fit. This makes your dive more comfortable. It is also flexible, so it’s easier to put on.
These are available in the low price range, making them an affordable investment for your next dive. This product is also versatile and good for scuba diving and snorkeling.
6. Mares Superchannel
New and improved, Mares Superchannel offers you a huge super-channel plus the standard side channels. Ensuring your legs continue to feel great the thrust you get while wearing these is amazing. This fin also features dual stabilizers keeping the wobble out of your kick cycle. In addition, this helps you maintain your power level. When in need of a product that will keep you going through hours of adventure, look towards the Mares Superchannel.
Mares uses Channel Thrust Technology to ensure your scuba fin gives you the most power through the thrusting phase. This helps ensure your legs feel great for long-lasting enjoyment. When looking at these, you will find better water movement due to the superior water channeling.
These are exceptionally flexible. This allows the water to travel down the blade without spilling over the sides. When your fin allows side spillage it causes more effort on the wearer. Keeping the water moving smoothly will also keep you gliding through it with ease.
7. IST Deep Sea
These simple and no-frills give you a number one fit with powerful propulsion, speed, and engineering. The construction is rubber for flexibility and strength that withstands extreme temperatures and environments. A blade that’s curved provides powerful kicks, the ribs are hydrodynamic for the greatest energy return, and the turbo vents give a jet-like acceleration. An optional spring strap is available for an extra supportive fit.
The rubber is very strong helping to reduce wear and tear and prevent the durability from losing its stiffness. This will also give you a fit that is snug to help reduce any drag while still remaining comfortable. Also, the power is enhanced to be very reliable thanks to the material.
You will have better propulsion and thrust as the blade is stiff and the different grooves help to move water in and out of the channels. The curvature of the blade and its ribs, that are structured, give maneuverability for a kick that is springy.
8. TUSA Solla
With a new and improved design, different features provide great maneuverability, propulsion, and speed. A unique technology enhances performance and specialized design for better flow and movement. The foot pocket is anatomic and multi-compound with a fin strap that is anatomic for superior fit and support. EZ system buckle for easy on/off and the come in eleven color combos.
This cool and unique fin technology uses a compound called proprietary thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It’s smartly positioned within the blade and structure of the foot pocket for better advancement. You are provided with top efficiency, propulsion, and speed that has a power input.
The current pricing is slightly more expensive than average. As with others, the more features the higher the cost. If you are serious about scuba diving, however, having a dive that is fun, safe, secure, and enhances your experience is much more important and makes the price well worth it.
9. TUSA X-Pert Zoom Z3
These TUSA X-Pert Zoom Z3 swims are designed for snorkeling, but they can also be good for scuba diving. They come in six color schemes so you’re sure to find one in a color you like. The TUSA X-Pert Zoom Z3 fins have adjustable straps and short blades, which make them much more convenient to use than some of their longer peers.
The heel strap on these fins is adjustable and can be loosened or tightened to provide the best fit. The more secure the fit, the most comfortable you will be. The short blades on these fins are sturdy and durable. These scuba diving fins are also easier to transport and to put on than longer scuba diving fins.
10. Cressi PRO LIGHT
These come with more technologies built into them than many of the scuba and snorkeling fins on this list. These are built to enhance your performance. These powerful products come with dual material blades and an anatomically designed under-fin foot pocket to enhance your diving experience. They also have an easy one finger release system for your convenience.
These Cressi brand fins are made with thermoplastic rubber and polypropylene technopolymers. These materials make them more durable and more flexible, which gives you more thrust as you swim.
The under-fin foot pocket in these Cressi fins gives the fins more surface area. The pocket itself has soft expansion sides and a ribbed insole. It is also anatomically designed.
Sources
- , Warm Water Fins vs. Cold Water Fins, Informative Guide
- , How to Gear up your Scuba Kit Quickly, Easily and Efficiently?, How-To Guide