Like any piece of diving equipment, scuba diving fins are an absolute must. Consider wearing 20 odd kilograms of bulky dive equipment underwater without them; you would be going no where fast!
Broadly speaking there are a bunch of design variations to the same theme, however fins can be simplified down to two categories: Open heel and full foot. Open heel fins are by far the most popular choice when it comes to recreational scuba divers and you can read more about why in Buying your own gear.
What to look for
When thinking about how to buy diving fins, there are some basics that should be common across the board. The fin should be comfortable and fit like a shoe. Too small and it will cramp your foot, too big and you will lose a tonne of efficiency. It is also a good idea to think about the purpose you are using it for and the type of propulsion you require in the water. For freediving and spearfishing you will often see quite long and flexible fins being used with the power for the kick cycle coming from the knee, where high efficiency for low effort is the objective. For ocean divers that will spend most of their time subjected to currents, a stiffer and comparatively shorter fin is used with the power of the kick cycle coming from the thigh for a stronger push through the water.
Here is the round up of the top five best value fins for recreational scuba divers!
Cressi Frog Plus
Cressi’s Frog Plus are a well designed open heel fin that incorporates some of the best design technology without the price tag. The fin itself is constructed using three separate materials: Soft rubber for the foot pocket, dual density and very durable polymer for the blade as well as silicone for channeling properties on the blade surfaces. The fin is designed such that foot pocket sits below the blade offering more surface area for the propulsive cycle. The heel strap comprises a robust rubber strap and plastic buckle arrangement that can be easily adjusted or unclipped with gloves on. Check price here.
Apeks RK3
Probably one of the best known fins in the scuba diving community, the Apeks RK3 have a distinguished lineage being the preferred fin for military, coast guard and other professional divers around the world. Renowned for their durability and simplicity, the RK3 has been a top seller among recreationalists and professionals alike. The short but wide thermoplastic rubber fin provides good forward thrust while maintaining maneuverability. The RK3 employs a spring strap that is used to secure the fin onto your foot that can easily be manipulated whilst still wearing gloves. A great fin, but it comes at a slight premium. Check price here.
Oceanic Viper 2
The Oceanic Viper 2 is a great value entry level fin and can be purchased in either open heel or full foot designs. The fin makes use of hydrodynamic vents and channels to improve blade power and efficiency. Lighter than most entry level fins at this price, the Oceanic Viper 2 is a very affordable option for the weight conscious travelling scuba diver. The open heel design uses an easily adjusted quick release rubber strap and plastic buckle arrangement. Check price here.
Mares Avanti Quattro+
Evolving from the Avanti Quattro, the Quattro + features a new blade composition resulting in a slightly more flexible construction absorbing more energy from the kick cycle. This in turn generates more propulsion through the water for the same given level of effort, resulting in more efficient and higher performing fin. The bungee heel strap is robust and easy to use with a single hand for quick donning and doffing. A popular choice for dive shops; this fin is well used by recreational divers and as hire gear. Check price here.
Scubapro GO Travel
As the name suggests, this fin is designed with the travelling diver in mind. The Scuba Pro GO Travel as a pair in a mid sized option comes in at an impressive 1.2kg! That is up to almost half the weight of some of the competing fins in the same class. Open heel with a robust bungee strap, this fin has also been designed such that it can be worn barefoot; socks and boots will also fit if you are looking for that extra protection or comfort. Scuba Pro have created the GO Travel with durability in mind creating a fin made out of one single material to prevent delaminating and tearing sometimes associated with composite fins. Power bars on the GO Travel ensure adequate rigidity such that a balance of stability, manoeuvrability and power is achieved. Check price here.