If you’re looking for the best freediving fins, you’re in luck! This article is a complete round up of the 10 best freediving fins out there, along with what you should look for when buying a pair, how to care for your fins, and common FAQs.
It can definitely feel a bit daunting to spend a couple hundred dollars on a new piece of gear, but freediving fins are absolutely essential to the sport and needed at the most basic and advanced level.
To help you narrow down all the options out there and find a pair that’s best for you, keep reading to learn all you need to know about freediving fins!
Freediving Fins Comparison
10 Best Freediving Fins
If you’re looking for the best freediving fins, check out these top 10 options to find the perfect pair!
Rob Allen Scorpia
Best For: All levels
Material: Rugged & lightweight plastic with UV protection
For an all around great pair of freediving fins, the Rob Allen Scorpias will certainly do the trick. These fins are made to fit everyone comfortably and have immense power in the water.
Specially designed, the rubber foot pocket on these fins will keep your foot from over flexing, which ultimately leads to a more powerful kick all the way through the blade. You’ll also have ample control over these fins for efficient movement and maneuverability thanks to the rails on the foot pocket which channel the water towards the v-notch tip.
Made from a rugged and lightweight plastic, these blades are extremely durable and beginner friendly as they aren’t too expensive or fragile to use.
Just keep in mind that these fins run a bit large, so you may want to size down when purchasing or wear them with booties.
Mares Razor Pro
Best For: Beginner / Intermediate freediving
Material: Elastomer & technopolymer
If you know anything about freediving gear, you’ll know that Mares is a top brand when it comes to high quality, durable equipment. Their Razor Pro freediving fins are no exception.
Crafted from technopolymer, these fins are durable and suitable for a wide variety of conditions. The blades are interchangeable, which is a huge perk when it comes to the fin’s lifespan, and offer a high performance design.
With rails from the foot pocket, water is pushed towards the v-tip to channel the water and propel you even further. The v-tip is handy in any case as it will prevent your foot from slipping side to side while trying to kick.
These fins were designed to be worn with a 3mm neoprene sock, and are an excellent starter pair that will get you used to freediving in no time.
Cressi Gara Pro LD
Best For: Beginner freediving
Material: Elastomeric polypropylene
Cressi is another highly reputable brand in the diving world, and make great gear for a reasonable price. If you don’t want to pay and arm and leg for freediving fins, this is one of the best pairs you can get for under $100.
They’re built for performance and made from elastomer polypropylene, which will be pretty much indestructible underwater. You’ll also be able to kick with less effort, as the fins are rigid, but designed for fluid and soft movement that covers long distances.
What makes these fins so special is that the foot pocket was reengineered to be below the blade, which delivers the most amount of force with the least effort.
These are an excellent choice for a starter fin as they’ll get you used to wearing and kicking with a longer blade. It’s advisable to order a size smaller than your shoe size for the best fit.
Omer Stingray Carbon
Best For: Advanced freediving
Material: Carbon fiber
Looking to up your freediving fin game and want a pair of carbon fiber fins? Check out these Omer Stingray fins, with interchangeable blades crafted from high quality carbon fiber. They come in three different stiffnesses (20 soft, 25 medium, 30 hard) so you can tailor them to your own personal preference.
These are made for high performance, with rails stretching from the foot pocket to the v-tip of the fins to channel water and give you a powerful kick. You’ll especially feel this on your dive down and while kicking to the surface, as your legs won’t tire despite the distance you cover.
Of course, being carbon fiber, these fins are much more expensive than some of the other freediving fins out there, but are worth every penny if you’re advanced in the sport. The carbon fiber used was designed specifically for freediving fins, and coupled with a thermo-rubber foot pocket, you’ll be close to unstoppable underwater.
Mako Competition
Best For: Beginner / Intermediate freediving
Material: 10% fiberglass 90% borealis
This is definitely among the most interesting pairs of freediving fins thanks to their construction. Made from 10% fiberglass and 90% borealis (a type of plastic), you get the best of both worlds here. The blades are next to indestructible but also give you all the benefits of a fiberglass fin without the hefty price tag.
But if you did feel like upgrading to fiberglass or carbon fiber fins, the blades here are interchangeable.
The foot pockets on the Mako Competition fins are especially designed for all day comfort, maintaining stiffness where important while still feeling soft on your feet. You’ll find that they may support your ankles better than other fins, without sacrificing flexibility. They’re also the same foot pockets found on the Mako fiberglass and carbon fiber fins.
These fins are affordable and flexible, especially when you look at what you’re getting, and are the perfect starter pair as you’ll be able to upgrade them as your skills improve.
If you plan on wearing them with a sock or booties, you’ll probably want to size up. But if you have any concerns or questions about what size is best, Mako customer service is outstanding.
Seac Motus
Best For: Beginner / Intermediate freediving
Material: Technopolymer
If you want a fin that acts like carbon fiber without paying a premium, the Seac Motus will do the job. These blades are made from a special blend of technopolymer for the best propulsion to effort ratio. This is also further enhanced with the 22-degree angle between the blade and foot which allows you to go farther, faster without wasting energy.
The blades are also interchangeable, so if you feel like you do want to upgrade to fiberglass or carbon fiber, they’ll fit onto the thermoplastic rubber foot pocket. Seac also makes a fiberglass Motus fin if you prefer.
Some reviewers call these the perfect freediving fins because they’re light on the legs and provide tremendous value for a low price. They’re comparable to the Cressi Gara line, however the foot pockets on this pair are known to be more comfortable.
These fins run big, so prepare to wear booties or socks, or size down when ordering.
Beuchat Mundial One
Best For: Beginner / Intermediate freediving
Material: Technopoylmer
For an epic pair of entry level freediving fins, check out the Beuchat Mundial Ones. These fins are made from technopolymer with a thermoplastic elastomer foot pocket to combine comfort and power.
You’ll have an easy time maneuvering underwater thanks to the v-tip on the blade, and the rails extending from the foot pocket will channel water and ensure there’s no slipping while you kick.
These one-piece fins are great for getting acquainted with freediving, and will even be beneficial for intermediate divers who are looking for something powerful, affordable, and comfortable for all day wear.
When ordering, keep in mind that the foot pocket is wider than most fins, which can easily be combated with socks, booties, or sizing down.
Mares Avanti Quattro Power
Best For: Beginner freediving
Material: Tecralene polymer
Another strong contender from Mares are these Avanti Quattro Power freediving fins with four channels for increased power. The Channel Thrust Technology actually moves more water while you kick, while using the same amount of energy, which makes these the perfect fins for covering long distances fast.
The blade is made from Tecralene polymer for an extra strong kick. They’re quite stiff, so it’s best if you have a little bit of practice before hitting the water with them if you’re a total novice.
If you’re a scuba diver interested in dabbling with freediving, these may be a good fin choice for you as they’re quite versatile and can be used for multiple underwater activities.
The molded foot pocket is made from thermoplastic rubber and very large, so be sure to size down.
Leaderfins Carbon Fiber
Best For: Advanced freediving
Material: Epoxy resin & carbon fiber
One of the highest quality fins on the market, it’s hard to beat this carbon fiber pair from Leaderfins if you’re an advanced freediver.
With a 20-degree angle and a high quality mix of epoxy resin and carbon fiber, these things are performance galore. Not only will they feel light as a feather on your feet, but they’ll support your ankles and be comfortable for all day wear.
They come in three stiffnesses with soft up to 70kg, medium up to 90kg and hard over 100kg giving you a range to choose from based on your personal preference.
The soft foot pockets come in a huge range of sizes and have rails to redirect water in the most efficient way. They run a little small so you may want to size up.
Since these are carbon fiber fins, they’re much more fragile than polymer blades, but are also super reasonably priced if this is your first time using fins of this material.
Seac Shout S700
Best For: All levels
Material: Thermoplastic technopolymer
If your days in the water are long and tiring, these freediving fins are some of the best out there. They’re specially designed for prolonged use with a supremely comfortable fit and a highly efficient thrust.
Produced in Italy and made from technopolymer, these 22-degree angled blades are flexible and provide an astounding amount of power with even the lightest kick. You certainly won’t tire yourself out wearing these.
The foot pocket is designed to be worn with 2.5mm neoprene boots, so you’ll probably find it runs a bit large. However, it’s extremely comfortable and very lightweight.
A final perk to these best freediving fins is that they come in a variety of camo colors and patterns to match your diving conditions to a tee.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Freediving Gear For All Levels [2023 Edition]
How to Choose the Best Freediving Fins
Choosing the best freediving fins can be a daunting task, especially with so many options on the market. However, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind while on the hunt for the perfect pair… Check them out here:
Experience Level
Your experience level should greatly impact the type of type of freediving fins you choose. As a beginner, it may not be advisable to spend several hundred dollars on a pair of fins if you aren’t sure you’ll stick with the sport.
If you’re just starting out with freediving, you should be fine with a pair of basic fins… No need to splurge on the latest model.
But if you’re a more advanced freediver or looking to update your already existing gear, it may be well worth it to splurge on a new pair of fins, especially if you’re looking to up your game or get some more power behind your kick.
Type of Blades
In general, you’ll come across two types of blades: paddle blades and split blades.
Paddle fins are typically what freedivers opt for as the long, flat blade can move tons of water in a single kick. They’re extra efficient when it comes to covering distance, diving and resurfacing, as well as diving in choppy water.
On the other hand, there are split fins which are more common for scuba diving. While fins with a split blade are able to cut through the water with less resistance, they’re far less powerful than paddle fins and aren’t preferable when you’re diving on a single breath.
Blade Length
You’ll find freediving fins with a huge variety of blade lengths, ranging from moderate to quite long.
It’s best to choose a pair of long blades for freediving as they’re able to move a greater amount of water, and propel you further with less effort.
Interchangeable Blades
If you’re not entirely sure which type of blades you want, or are hoping for versatility when it comes to your freediving fin purchase, go for a pair with interchangeable blades.
While the foot pocket will remain stationary, you’ll be able to swap out the blade depending on personal preference or conditions.
Interchangeable blades also means your fins will have an incredibly long lifespan, as you’re able to simply change the blade to a new one once it gets too worn out.
Fin Rails
You’ll notice that some freediving fins have rails on the edge of the blades, and this is supposed to channel the water and keep the fin from “slipping.” Most plastic fins will lack rails, but this is something you’ll want to look out for if you’re using carbon fiber blades.
Besides channeling the water and giving you a more powerful kick, rails also protect the edge of your blades in the case that you brush up against something while diving.
Material
One of the most important considerations when it comes to the best freediving fins is the material. Here’s a little breakdown of what you can expect to find on your hunt:
Plastic: Plastic blades are the most basic and will be found on most starter and intermediate fins. They’re harder to damage than blades made of other materials, and they tend to be the least expensive as well. Different types of plastic fins include: technopolymer, polypropylene, and pretty much anything labeled as polymer. Though they’re great to learn on, their lifespan isn’t too long and the blade will become less and less rigid over time.
Fiberglass: A step up from plastic fins, you’ll find blades made from fiberglass. These are more durable and rigid than plastic fins, but also a bit more expensive.
Carbon Fiber: Almost all advanced freedivers will spring for a pair of carbon fiber fins as they increase performance in a way the other materials cannot. Carbon fiber is most popular with experienced divers as you’ll be able to propel yourself far without spending tons of energy. They also won’t lose their rigidity overtime and are super lightweight. That being said, carbon fiber is the most fragile blade material (and most expensive) so you should know how to properly dive with long fins before using a pair.
On almost all fins, the foot pocket is made from soft rubber which will be comfortable on your feet, but won’t keep you warm! If you’re freediving in cold water, it’s best to wear a pair of neoprene socks or boots.
Durability
Material and durability really go hand in hand when it comes to fins. While carbon fiber fins tend to be the best for performance, they’re easily prone to breakage. On the other hand, plastic fins aren’t the best for performance, but will never break (they’ll only become less rigid), giving them top marks when it comes to durability.
If you’re looking for a middle ground, fiberglass is a solid option that won’t break as easily as carbon fiber but performs better than plastic does.
That being said, many advanced divers will have multiple pairs of fins (or blades) that they can use based on different circumstances. When diving in rocky areas, for example, they may use plastic blades, and in clear waters, they probably prefer carbon fiber.
Price
Finally, when it comes to choosing the best freediving fins, price should be a main consideration. Fins can be super expensive and if you’re a beginner freediver, there’s really no need to spend several hundred dollars on a pair that you may not even know how to use properly.
If you’re just starting out, spending a little on a pair of basic fins will definitely be just fine as you get better acquainted with the sport. As your skills improve, you’ll be able to start spending a little more money to get a pair of fiberglass or carbon fiber fins that you won’t be hitting against rocks all the time.
How to Care for Your Freediving Fins
If you want your fins to last for years to come, it’s important to care for them well.
Here are some recommendations to ensure your fins stay in good shape both in and out of the water.
Rinse fins after each use: This is especially important if you’re diving in salt water! Use fresh water to clean off your fins after each use and dry them properly to remove any residue leftover after your dive.
Keep out of direct sunlight: UV rays can seriously damage fins. Keep them out of direct sunlight and store in a cool, dry place if possible.
Lay flat to store: To keep your fins from bending or warping, make sure they’re laid flat when stored.
Invest in a freediving bag: Since freediving fins are longer than scuba diving fins, you may want to invest in a specially designed freediving gear bag. This is also a must if you plan on traveling with your fins. A freediving bag should protect your fins from getting banged around (especially carbon fiber pairs), and you should ensure that the bag is padded in case it does get jostled a bit.
Freediving Fin FAQs
If you still have some more questions about the best freediving fins, check out these FAQs for more information.
Unfortunately, there’s no single pair of best freediving fins. This all depends on your skill level, budget and personal preference.
However, if you want a pair that combines value with performance, the Rob Allen Scorpia and Mako Competition are a safe bet.
There are a few main differences between scuba diving fins and freediving fins, however, if you aren’t too picky, you can get one pair for both.
A good example of this is the Mares Avanti Quattro Power which is long enough for freediving, but versatile enough for scuba diving.
All in all, it’s much easier to use freediving fins for scuba diving than it is to use scuba diving fins for freediving.
Learning freediving is all about getting in touch with your mind and body and learning to control it in a new way. When you learn freediving, the main skill you’ll develop is how to hold your breath for a long period of time. You’ll also learn how to move your body, conserve energy, and how to get back to the surface.
If you’re interested in learning freediving, it’s best to take a course where you’ll learn the specific techniques, as well as emergency procedures and other invaluable information for a day out on the water.
Hopefully, this guide brought you one step closer to the best freediving fins for all of your adventures. Just remember to take care of them and they should last you for many years to come.
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