The world of scuba diving fins can be confusing. There is an endless array of models to choose from, so which are the best scuba diving fins for you? Is it the ones that look like they are used by the military or fins that seem to be packed with cutting-edge technology? Ultimately, the perfect fins will depend on your budget, diving style, and what you want out of your fins!
Best All Rounder: Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
The Mares Avanti Quattro family of fins has been an industry standard for over twenty years. These are so popular that if you take a peak into most dive instructor and divemaster kit bags around the world, there is a good chance you will find a pair of Avanti Quattros’. The new Mares Avanti Quattro Plus delivers excellent performance, building on a highly efficient and durable design. The fins are easy to carry around to and from dive spots thanks to the large thumb loop on the fin straps.
Features of the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus include:
- Large open-heel design for dive and drysuit boots – a closed-foot version is available.
- Bungee straps make it easy to slip and the fins on and off.
- Long foot pocket to accommodate different styles of boots.
- Hi-Flex technology in the fin blade for excellent power when kicking.
- Suitable for different kicking styles.
- Trim tabs that offer improved ankle protection in the water.
- Relatively lightweight compared to its size.
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
The Avanti Quattro + fins exceed the established performance of the traditional model thanks to the use of new materials that optimize efficiency. Greater responsiveness and thrusting power with an even more attractive look.
Best Travel Fins: Oceanic Accel
If you are a traveling diver, look no further than the Oceanic Accel fins for the best scuba diving fins. These lightweight, compact fins are perfect for tucking away in your checked bags without swallowing up a whole chunk of your luggage allowance. Although smaller than many other fins, they are no slouch and deliver excellent power and maneuverability. In terms of weight, they are super lightweight, with a regular-sized fin coming in at 1lbs5oz/ ~0.6 KG. the fins are also shorter than other fins, with a regular fin coming at 21 inches/~ 54cm. You can slide your Oceanic Accel fins into the smallest dive bags when traveling.
Features of the Oceanic Accel include:
- Made from durable Neoprene synthetic rubber.
- Vented blade design for additional power and performance.
- Silicone strap for ease of donning and doffing.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Available in multiple sizes XS-XXL.
Oceanic Accel
Compact and responsive, its clean lines and efficient shape make it an excellent all-around fin. Shorter than most top-line full-foot fins and very lightweight, the Accel gives fans of open-heel fins the best of both worlds: the comfort and adjustability of an open-heel fin, with the weight, size, and performance of a full-foot fin.
Best For Drysuit Diving: Apeks RK3
Based on an older, tired, and tested design that is a firm favorite with navy divers and special forces operators worldwide, the Apeks RK3 is about as indestructible a fin as you can get and a top candidate for the best scuba diving fin on the market today. Made in North America, these tough fins are perfect for any environment. They are ideal for drysuit diving since their additional weight is a perfect counterbalance to any air in your drysuit boots. The fins are available in two versions a Hard HD version which is stiffer and harder, and a standard version which is more flexible. Your choice will depend on your diving style, fining technique, and what you are more comfortable with.
Features of the Apeks RK3 include:
- Vented design for increased flow and propulsion power.
- The standard version is available in 4 colors Pink, Yellow, white, and Black.
- The hard version is available in 4 colors, dark grey, light grey, and orange-black.
- Gromit holes for easy attachment of carabiniers and bolt snaps.
- A Compact design that makes it easy to stow away and pack.
- Large foot pockets make it ideal for large booties or rock boots.
Apeks RK3 Fin with Adjustable Stainless Steel Spring Straps
The RK3 fin is a traditional all-rubber design. The RK3 blade material is formulated to withstand the most challenging environments, temperatures, and abuse. The short wide blade provides maximum forward thrust while maintaining great maneuverability. The vented blade design reduces resistance on the upstroke and enhances thrust on the downstroke. The fins come standard with stainless steel spring straps.
Best Full Foot/Snorkelling Fins: Cressi Reaction Pro
If you are looking for full-foot fins ideal for diving and snorkeling, then you can’t go wrong with the Cressi Reaction Pro making a contender for one of the best scuba diving fins on the market today. The non-vented design creates a channeling effect that allows the user to generate significant power in their kicks with minimum effort. Constructed from 3 different materials, the Cressi Reaction Pro is rigid, flexible, and supple in all the right places, making it easy to use in various situations.
Features of the Cressi Reaction Pro Include:
- Variable blade thickness for optimum propulsion power.
- Wide-soled foot for additional comfort to the wearer.
- Rigid ribs down the side of the blade create a channeling effect for increased power.
- Thermo-rubber-covered soles for perfect grip on slippery surfaces like boat decks.
- Advanced design placing the foot pocket below the blade for maximum power when kicking.
Cressi Reaction Pro Fins
The Reaction Pro is an innovative full foot fin in look and performance. It is molded using the exclusive and Cressi system with 3 materials, that combines together they create the channeling effect. The channeling effect is the characteristic of the fin that enables a high level of energy to be transferred in both up and down strokes of the kick pattern. The blade originates from the upper part of the foot pocket to increase the surface by 20%.
Best Budget Fins: TUSA Liberator X-Ten
If you want the best scuba diving fins and budget is a big constraint, look no further than the TUSA Liberator X-Ten. They are a mainstay of many dive schools in the tropics since they are incredibly durable and are priced as a great budget option. Despite the low pricing, the TUSA Liberator X-Ten is no slouch. While they are not perfect, they can do everything any fin on this list can with much of a noticeable difference. The TUSA Liberator X-Ten offers a great balance between durability, stiffness, flexibility, and power for a highly economical price.
Features of the TUSA Liberator X-Ten include:
- Non-Vented design for maximum power output when fining.
- Dynamic Stabilizers on the blade’s surface maximize water flow and generate maximum power.
- Quick-release buckles provided by the TUSA patented easy-to-adjust fin strap makes donning and doffing a breeze.
- The entire fin blade flexibility allows the diver to create the maximum force in various kicks.
Tusa Liberator X-Ten
The Liberator X-Ten fins are made with a specially designed compliant material that gives the entire blade a flexible bending force. Dynamic stabilizers on the blade surface and rails facilitate water flow, generating optimum propulsion with minimal exertion. This racy design is made from the most advanced and durable materials to provide ideal flexibility and stability.
