Like a pair of running shoes to marathoners, diving fins are essential diving equipment to scuba divers. Thus it is imperative that each fin is perfectly suited for the diver who is using them. However when it comes to choosing the right pair, there are several factors that scuba divers might need to look out for before purchasing them.
Fin Type
There are 2 main types of diving fins. Mainly the full foot diving fin and the open heel diving fin.
Full Foot Fins
Full foot fins fit like a shoe and are perfect for scuba divers who are looking to engage in dive travelling rather than shore diving. They are lightweight and do not require booties. Hence the amount of energy required is much less. However, there is a tendency to get blisters on the foot, and diving off rocky shores will not be feasible.
Open Heel Fins
Open heel fins on the other hand work across a range of foot sizes but require booties. It allows for more power to be channeled into the fins as the base of the foot pockets are generally stiffer.
Blade Style
Standard Paddle Fins
These standard paddle fins are the conventional flat surfaced fins that come with reinforcement on the sides to ensure water stays on the fin and provide a greater strength to it.
Jet Fins
These types of fins are designed to keep water on the fins and subsequently release it as a focused “jet”, hence the name. These fins are much more common among advanced and technical scuba divers as they tend to be heavier.
However, it comes with a good amount of torque which can help provide a great amount of propulsion. This can be especially useful for technical divers or other diving professionals when it comes to having to tow another weaker diver underwater. Their short and wide shape allows for scuba divers to execute precise maneuvers underwater as well.
Split Fins
These fins are split in the middle to reduce drag and are therefore said to be energy efficient and highly beneficial to casual divers, inexperienced divers without a proper foundation in kicking techniques or those who suffer from leg and knee injuries as it offers less joint pressure. However, this comes at the expense of kicking power and thrust, reducing the swimming speed of the diver.
Force Fins
These fins provide the most amount of power as they are light and efficient. However these fins are usually more on the pricier side.
Hinged Fins
These types of fins come with a pivot point at the tip. This allows divers to adjust the angle accordingly and is extremely useful for shore diving as the fin can be conveniently worn with the blade shifted out of the way.
With these factors in mind, here are some of our recommendations for the best fins to get in 2021.
Mares Avanti Quattro Pro Diving Fins
The Mares Avanti Quattro Pro Diving Fins come with 4 channels which helps increase its thrusting power. Made out of a new hi-flex material, these pairs of diving fins come with increased efficiency that far surpasses the performance of the traditional model. The foot pockets also add on thrust with less exertion required from the scuba diver.
Each of these diving fins also come with a Mares Bungee Strap that follows the compression of the diving boots.
Find our more about the Mares Avanti Quattro Pro Diving Fins
Problue F-749
The Problue F-740 Rubber Diving Fins is a remarkable pair of diving fins that are composed of high quality rubber that ensures greater efficiency by reducing its weight while providing a greater amount of thrust compared to conventional diving fins in the market. The diving fins come with a pair of stainless steel spring straps that follow the compression of the scuba diver’s diving boots regardless of the depth.
The short length and thicker side walls of the fins allow for precise manoeuvring underwater and the vents allow for easier kicking as well.
Find out more about the Problue F-740 Rubber Diving Fins
Oceanic Accel Diving Fins
The Oceanic Accel Diving Fins is a compact and responsive pair of diving fins with clean lines and an efficient structure that makes it an excellent all-around fin. It comes with tough side edges that enables it to generate a good amount of thrust while being lightweight. Its lighter body therefore allows scuba divers to engage in precise underwater maneuvers and other kicking styles.
It features a vented fin that improves water flow as well as durable high stretch straps for easy donning or doffing.
Find out more about the Oceanic Accel Diving Fins
Apeks RK3 HD Diving Fins
The Apeks RK3 HD Diving Fins provide a large amount of thrust with its stiffer build as a result of its higher density composition. Though slightly heavier than the original Apeks RK3 diving fins, this HD pair is still considered lightweight and yet produces more thrust for multiple kicking styles.
It comes with a spring strap with a rubber tab attached that allows for scuba divers to easily put on or take off.
Find out more about the Apeks RK3 HD Diving Fins
Scubapro Sea Wing Nova Diving Fins
The Scubapro Sea Wing Nova Diving Fins combines the classic Scubapro diving fin technology with the latest innovations in hydrodynamic design. This pair of diving fins excel in both high and low-speed maneuvering and offers improved handling when making small directional adjustments. Composed of space-age Monprene® elastomer, this pair of diving fins is virtually indestructible.
Its wing-shaped blade ensures a balance between stiffness and flex. The marine grade bungee strap that comes alongside is self-adjusting, durable and comfortable for easy donning and doffing the fin.
Find out more about the Scubapro Sea Wing Nova Diving Fins
When it comes to choosing the right pair of diving fins, do remember to check in with the various factors above. Based on your diving experience and type of diving you engage in, the diving fins you may want to get might differ vastly from another diver.