Dive Gear Guide 2015: Best Fins
ATOMIC AQUATICS BLADEFIN
-Unique engineering combines Power-Loop Monocoque and frame-rail designs to maximize kicking power
-Oversize vertical stabilizers at blade tip keep the fin tracking straight up and down
By combining two structural frame designs used in aircraft and Indy racecars, these sleek fins are engineered for power and thrust, while virtually eliminating ankle and leg strain. Now available in a wide range of colors.
Contact: www.atomicaquatics.com
MSRP: $179
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BODY GLOVE VAPOR
-High-efficiency water channels to maximize thrust
-Soft, open-heel foot pocket with quick-release buckle
Body Glove’s Professional series fins feature a vented blade composed of three materials for enhanced flexibility, designed to create a tunnel effect that channels water for increased thrust. The foot pocket is made of a softer material for comfort, and the bottom of the pocket is textured for a better grip.
Contact: www.bodyglove.com
MSRP: $49.99
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CRESSI ARA EBS HARD BLADE
-Larger foot pocket accepts bulky, cold-water boots
-New bungee stretch strap system for a secure fit that doesn’t require adjustment
Designed for cold-water use by divers who like a stiff fin, the new ARA EBS Hard Blade has a roomier foot pocket to accommodate beefy boots, and comes with Cressi’s new bungee strap for a comfortable, secure fit.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $169.95
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CRESSI ARA EBS SOFT BLADE
-Softer blade for reduced leg strain
-Designed with larger foot pockets for cold-water use
While it’s aimed at cold-water divers, this soft-blade version of the Cressi ARA EBS fin is suited to any diver with a larger foot size in search of a flexible fin with plenty of drive. It features Cressi’s new EBS bungee strap and bold graphics.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $169.95
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CRESSI FROG PLUS EBS
-Equipped with new elastic bungee system for hassle-free fit
-Foot-pocket placement increases blade’s working surface by 20 percent
Molded from a nearly indestructible composite material, Cressi’s Frog Plus EBS combines the properties of a traditional paddle with a design that maximizes the blade’s channeling effect. Cressi’s new EBS bungee strap makes for easy on and off, and provides a secure, comfortable fit.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $119.95
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CRESSI REACTION EBS
-Long tapered blade increases flex toward the tip for power without leg strain
-Now equipped with new elastic strap system for ease and comfort
The Reaction maximizes thrust without straining muscles by incorporating Cressi’s advanced technology of combining composite materials for a progressively flexible blade. The new EBS strap is made of a highly elastic compound for a snug, sure fit without adjustment.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $149.95
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CRESSI REACTION PRO
-Patented frame design uses three different materials to improve overall performance
-Long blade is thicker near the foot pocket and thinner toward the tip to produce both stability and lively flex action
Cressi’s full-foot fin is now available in new colors. Offering efficient kicking performance and a comfortable foot pocket, the Reaction Pro is a good choice for free diving as well as scuba diving.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $89.95
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SCUBAPRO JETFIN
-Durable rubber construction and no-nonsense metal buckles offer years of reliable use
-Proven vented design decreases drag on the upstroke and enhances thrust
Introduced in 1965, this fin set the standard for power and durability. Now in limited-edition pink, yellow, white, green and red, it remains popular. Comes with a traditional heel strap or convenient spring strap.
Contact: www.scubapro.com
MSRP: $131; $141 with spring strap
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SCUBAPRO SEAWING NOVA
-Articulated joint enables the entire blade to pivot, generating substantial thrust
-Improved design available in bold colors
Producing a propulsive snap that can rocket a diver through the water, this recently improved fin is stable on the straightaways and highly maneuverable when kicking in tight spaces. Available in full-foot or open-heel styles, multiple colors, and the Gorilla version — a stiffer fin with more power.
Contact: www.scubapro.com
MSRP: $139 full-foot; $199 open-heel; $209 Gorilla
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SHERWOOD TRITON
-Vents between pocket and blade increase thrust and decrease drag
-Extended heel pad is comfy and improves power transfer
The Triton is made of 100 percent Thermoplastic Urethane, to maximize comfort and flexibility. It is positively buoyant and can be fitted with an optional stainless- steel spring strap.
Contact: www.sherwoodscuba.com
MSRP: $145 with standard strap
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Seac GP 100 4x4
-6-inch fin provides in-water stability and power
-Technopolymer blade material for strength, with insert comprised of new material capable of optimizing thrust
Seac’s blade fin is designed to optimize the channeling effect with each kick. The fin is made of materials that resist wear, providing a stable, comfortable fit.
Contact: www.seacusa.com
MSRP: $165
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SUBGEAR CARBON S1
-Blade of 99 percent carbon for exceptional performance
-Ultrasoft streamlined design to minimize drag
SubGear’s high-tech free-diving fins were used by William Winram in his record-breaking bi-fin dive to 94 meters. The supple, high-carboncontent blades with soft rails deliver maximum drive with minimal effort. Available by special order (XS-XXL).
Contact: www.subgear.com
MSRP: $549
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CRESSI GARA CARBON BLACK
-Designed for advanced free diving and spearfishing
-Blade available separately
The Gara Carbon Black fins have detachable blades that allow you to use the same foot pockets with different blades to tailor the blade’s flex and resistance. Available in sizes XS-XXL.
Contact: www.cressiusa.com
MSRP: $519.95 for complete pair
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With fins, there’s a lot to consider before you buy. Here are some things to keep in mind.
FULL-FOOTS VS. OPEN-HEELS
Full-foot fins are much lighter than comparable open-heel fins. They also create less drag because there aren’t any dangling straps. They tend to have shorter, more-flexible blades, making them easier to kick underwater. Because full-foots are designed to slip over a bare foot, you don’t have to wear a spongy neoprene bootie. This enables the foot pocket to grip the foot firmly and completely, allowing for more-efficient transfer of energy from foot to fin blade.
Getting a perfect fit in a full-foot fin is critical because the foot pocket can’t be adjusted. If it’s too small, the foot pocket will crush your toes; too large, and it will fly off your foot when you kick.
Finally, because you aren’t wearing booties, your feet have no protection with a full-foot fin. This can cause problems when you remove the fin to climb a boat ladder or trek across a rocky beach. While exceptions are numerous, in warm-water destinations — where divers wear less gear — full-foot fins tend to be popular; in cold-water locales, open-heel fins are preferred.
SPLITS VS. PADDLES
Split fins slice through the water with minimal resistance, because rather than pushing against the water with brute force, their flexible blades — when engaged in an up-tempo flutter kick — actually generate lift along with a jet-propulsion effect, similar to a boat’s propeller. The faster the propeller turns, the more propulsion is generated. In other words, with split fins, power comes from the speed of a diver’s kick rather than the force of the kick. However, due to the principles of the design, the best kick for a split fin is a narrow, rapid-flutter kick. Not all divers like to employ this kind of kicking action. For them, a paddle fin is probably the better choice.
Traditional paddle fins tend to have stiff blades that require more leg muscle to get them moving, and are designed for divers who want lots of feedback from their kick.
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