Are you tired of dealing with different fins on every dive? Have you noticed in the water that some are too small, others too big, or that you find it difficult to keep up with your dive buddies without understanding why?
In this guide, we will explore the essential aspects of choosing the right diving fins and I will introduce you to the best models depending on the type of dives you do.
Key considerations when purchasing diving fins:
Intended Use of the Fins: Reflect on whether your dives tend to be calm, long, or with current. In the latter case, it is recommended to invest in fins with a long blade and an optimal balance between firmness and flexibility.
Personal Fitness: Be realistic and select fins that suit your leg type. If you are athletic and sporty, you may need longer fins with a greater blade hardness.
Comfort: Comfort is as important, or even more so, than advanced fin technology. Make sure you feel comfortable with them.
Ease of Use: Check that you can handle them easily, as this will make it easier to prepare and remove the water. In situations such as currents or rough seas, where you must remove your fins while holding on to a rope or ladder to board the boat, it is crucial that they are easy to remove, even with one hand.
Fins | Price | Suppression | Ideal for |
Bungee (spring) | Technical divingProfessional divingDiving in currentsAdvanced recreational diving | ||
Bungee (spring) | Medium advanced recreational diving | ||
Bungee (spring) | Technical divingProfessional divingAdvanced recreational diving | ||
 | Foot pocket | Snorkeling | |
Bungee (spring) | Advanced recreational diving | ||
Bungee (spring) | Advanced recreational diving | ||
Bungee (spring) | Advanced recreational diving |
These fins stand out in key aspects: power and ease of swimming. The optimal rigidity of its blades allows efficient movement with minimal effort, even in current dives. I used them on dives in the Maldives, where I noticed that some divers with good legs had difficulty moving upstream, while I managed it with relative ease. This efficiency in movement translates into a notable reduction in air consumption.
Another aspect I love is the bungee fastening, which makes them incredibly easy to put on and take off, both in and out of the water. Despite having used fins with adjustable straps in the past, after trying this system, we have no intention of going back.
It is important to mention that if you are a woman and have very thin feet, they may be a little wide for you, even using the smallest size. In my case, with 5mm pumps with soles, they fit perfectly, but it is likely that for smaller and thinner feet they could be loose, even with boots.
In summary, in my experience, these fins are ideal for diving in all types of waters, especially standing out in dives with current or prolonged movements. If your preference is to dive exclusively on wrecks, you may not take full advantage of all its advantages.
With an extremely reasonable price and satisfactory performance, these fins are a wise choice. However, if you are used to more flexible fins, you may perceive the blade as somewhat rigid. They are an excellent option if you are looking for quality fins without making a significant investment, especially for dives that do not require strenuous efforts. However, keep in mind that they are not the optimal option for very long distances or medium to strong currents.
Designed for exceptional performance, Dive Rite XT fins are the ideal choice for demanding divers. With updates for 2020, these fins offer a new rotating buckle for easier adjustment.
The XT's monoprene blend provides an optimal balance between power and efficiency in strong currents. Its versatile shape is ideal for various styles of kicks, being rigid but lightweight to avoid cramps over long distances.
They stand out for their flexible stainless steel heel strap, molded heel pad and lightweight rotating buckle for a personalized fit. Available in black, red and 'anarchy' blue, the Dive Rite XT offers stiffness, comfort and style in a compact package.
Perfect if you are one of those who take advantage of every opportunity to immerse yourself or if you dedicate yourself professionally to this fascinating sport. These fins stand out for their comfort and ease of use, being equally easy to put on and take off, even when in the water, thanks to their buckles that can be quickly unbuckled with just one hand.
They incorporate effective vertical stabilizers in the external area of the distal part of the fins and lateral channels that facilitate movements.
All this translates into notable thrust power without requiring excessive efforts, offering outstanding results, especially in current dives or those in which considerably long distances are explored.
Purchasing Guide to Select your Diving Fins!
We have already stripped down the crucial points for choosing your fins and we have even shown you some of the top models on the market.
Now, let's delve into the fascinating world of diving and thoroughly explore everything you should consider when purchasing the best fins. Also, we will give you the trick on how to choose the right size and keep your fins in tip-top shape.
Types of Diving Fins
Adjustable:Â The most common in scuba diving, always accompanied by booties. Personally, they are our favorites because of their comfort and ease of putting them on and taking them off. There are two styles:
With adjustable straps and buckles that make it easy to unfasten, a wonder when you get out of the water!
With spring strips, more durable, since the rubber bands do not break with use. They are preferred by cave divers and technicians.
Pockets or Closed:Â They are not adjustable and are generally worn barefoot. Ideal for snorkeling and freediving, and occasionally, for diving in warm waters.
Foot Comfort
Your fins should hug your foot without being too tight. They should be like that perfect hug that makes you feel great. Comfortable fins are happy fins.
Hardness and Size of the Blade
Hardness? The right one for your style!
Soft Shovel: Less effort, perfect for recreational diving. They are a little more difficult to advance in currents.
Rigid Shovel: More power, but more effort. Ideal for current dives or dives where trim is very important and you must dive backwards.
As for size, think big but not too big. The fin should not exceed the measurement between your ankle and knee. We don't want fins that look like surfboards on your feet.
Manufacturing Material
There are two categories:
All rubber:Â From the upper to the foot pocket, everything is made of neoprene.
Composite:Â The majority on the market. The blade is made of plastic and the foot part is made of rubber. Lighter and my favorites.
Diving Fin Colors
Choose bold colors that make you stand out underwater. Unless your goal is to be the diving ninja and you don't want to be seen, or you're going to swim with sharks (which is unlikely, although they are sometimes fans of brightly colored fins!).
How to Choose the Right Size
Quick Tip:Â You don't want fins that leak or get too tight. Following the saying: neither too big nor too small, but just right.
Maintenance of your Diving Fins
After each dive, give them a good rinse with fresh water and let them air dry. Avoid direct sun so they don't age prematurely!
And so you don't get confused with other clueless divers, mark your fins! It's not necessary for everyone to know your initials, but at least you should be able to distinguish them easily.
If you have the chance, try different fins when you dive. It's the best way to find out which are your perfect wings.
Here are some tips to ensure you choose the most suitable fins during the test:
Wrap around fin: Try this standing fin. Lift your foot off the ground and move your leg and ankle up and down. The fin should not come off or move excessively during these movements. Also, if you plan to wear neoprene booties, choose a larger size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Adjustable fin: Try it with a boot. Keep in mind that when using this type of fins, you will always need booties, so it might be a good idea to purchase both items at the same time to evaluate their comfort together.
When inserting your foot into the fin: Make sure your foot goes in until the top of the foot pocket section reaches your ankle. In this position, the heel should not protrude beyond the bottom edge of the foot pocket, and the big toes should not touch the toe. If this occurs, it indicates that the fin is too small. A fin that only partially inserts into the foot can cause premature fatigue as it will exert too much leverage against the ankle.
Finally, adjust the straps: Position and adjust the straps to ensure they fit snugly without being too tight or causing discomfort.
Additional tip: If you have the opportunity before purchasing them, try different fins when you go diving. This hands-on experience is the best way to determine which type of fin you are most comfortable with and which one best suits your needs.