In a jungle of hundreds of different brands and styles the scuba fin review gives you a quick buyer´s guide. Read this and you know how to avoid a disappointment when buying your new scuba fins!
Every scuba equipment brand has its own product line of scuba fins. Fins have basically one job: Support a diver´s propulsion by increasing the space of his feet. Nevertheless every year a new model enters the market, promising to be the best fin ever.
If you can spend only a few days per month or year underwater, it is almost impossible to figure out what fin concept makes sense and which one is just marketing.
A scuba fin review of a professional is the best way to narrow the endless options down to a small selection. Based on that you can make your decision and buy the perfect scuba fin for your needs!
Why you should spend the money and buy your own scuba fins
The Problem with rental scuba fins:
We all have made a bad experience when using rental fins in a dive center: Mostly you get snorkeling fins that are too soft and small for scuba diving. Sometimes they have cracks so that you risk to loose them. Others have a very hard shell and cause blisters or even an abrasion.
When the water is cold or you have to pass a stony beach or cliffs, full foot fins for barefoot use are uncomfortable as well. Last but not least you have to adapt every time to a new fin.
The Advantage of having your own scuba fins:
Imagine you enter the water walking over a rocky surface. But your own dive boots with a hard sole protect your feet nicely. When you are deep enough to put your fins on, you know how to do it the best way, because they are YOUR SCUBA FINS. You can easily keep up with your dive guide, even in current, because YOUR FINS are made for scuba diving, not for snorkeling or looking fancy. After a week of diving your feet have no blisters or pressure marks, because YOUR BOOTS AND FINS fit perfectly.
What you should avoid when buying scuba fins
What you should look for when buying scuba fins
OVERVIEW - My top rated scuba fins
#1st Rated
OMS Slipstream
Basically identical design of the classic jet fin from other brands, but made of solid monoprene. This material is lighter (2.6 kg size XL compared to 3.2 kg). Hence the fin itself is neutrally buoyant, the metal spring makes it slightly negative. Metal spring heal straps are connected indestructible to the fin.
#2nd Rated
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
Many instructors love their Avanti Quattro. A weight of 1.8 kg makes them the lightest of the top 5 fins. paddle design, Thermoplastic rubber-Tecralene®, Bungee heel strap with plastic caps, slightly negative buoyant
#3rd Rated
Dive Rite XT fin
2.7 kg, solid metal spring straps, Injection molded Monoprene blade with monoprene center strip gives rigidity and flexibility, paddle design, stiff blade, negative buoyant
#4th Rated
Force Fin
weight 2.3 kg, bungee or fabric strap, solid connection, material polyurethane, slightly negative buoyant
#5th Rated
Hollis F1
rubber construction, Spring heel straps with easy-grip heel tab, Multiple strap mounting positions for a fine tuned fit, weight 3.2 kg
Detailed review of the top 5 scuba fins
OMS Slipstream
Pros
Cons
Conclusion:
The OMS Slipstream is a perfect fin for advanced divers and pro´s. It works in all conditions, is indestructible, the lightest of all jet fin models. I would only recommend to choose the Scubapro model if you have "light feet" and do mainly dry suit diving. For technical diving they provide the necessary precision to use all kicking techniques in perfection.
Product Rating Summary
The 2% missing are credit to the fact that the efficiency for flutter kicks is not perfect. The stiffness and paddle size demand more muscle power for thrust than some other fin concepts.
