Top 10 Spearfishing Fins

Are you ready to explore the deep seas? If so, you know that, besides a good mask and a wetsuit, you’ll need a great pair of fins. They will give you the power and propulsion necessary to dive deep into the underwater world, explore the seabed, or fish for the perfect catch.

You’ll notice that they can differ in design, length, stiffness, and material. That’s why it’s important to think about the type of diving you’re going to be doing, your skill level, and your budget.

I know, there are many models on the market, and making a choice isn’t easy. Don’t worry! I’m here to explain the things you should take into account to find the right model.

Check out these articles to find the best dive boots, diving cameras, diving bags, masks, gloves, dive knives, and spearfishing wetsuits. 

TOP 10 FREEDIVING FINS:

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SEAC MOTUS CARBON FIBER

The main highlights of this model are: 1- High-quality blades made from a mix of carbon fiber and epoxy resin. 2- Super comfortable foot pockets made from soft thermoplastic. 3- Hydrodynamic rails. 4- Optimal blade end form.

Advantages: It’s designed to provide the highest level of hydrodynamic performance on your dives. It feels very light on the legs, but is really strong. 

Disadvantages: Carbon fiber fins are incredibly lightweight. However, they tend to break easier than plastic fins. I’d say that durability is my major concern here. 

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SEAC MOTUS TECHNOPOLYMER

This model offers high performance, quality, and durability without the need to spend hundreds of dollars. It isn’t cheap (it’s in the high-end range), but it’s worth every penny. The interchangeable blades provide great thrust with minimum leg stress.

Pros: Although it’s not as lightweight as the previous model, I like how lightweight it feels while you’re diving. It’s really comfortable to wear. The polymer blades feel stronger and more durable than those of the previous model.

Cons: It doesn’t perform as well as the Seac Motus Carbon. 

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CRESSI GARA 3000 LD

This super-popular model mixes high-quality polypropylene and thermoplastic rubber to obtain maximum efficiency and comfort. The blade is made from soft materials (15% more flexible than the Gara 3000 HF) to provide a less-exhausting diving experience. A dive dag is included.

Pros: In my experience, what sets the Cressi Gara apart from its competitors is durability. I’ve been using this model for 10 years, and only now is it beginning to show wear. Also, I love that it’s not pricey at all.

Cons: Finding the right size can be confusing depending on where you purchase it.

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OMER STINGRAY EVO

They are cheaper than carbon fiber models, but provide high performance, comfort, and durability. The blades are fixed via screws and are interchangeable. The 22-degree angle between the foot pocket and the blade provides a powerful thrust. It’s one of the best models on the list at a reasonable price.

Advantages: I noticed that the foot pockets are a bit wider than those of regular fins. This could be a key decision factor if you have wide feet.

Disadvantages: I wish they were a bit lighter. 

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MARES RAZOR PRO

This is a great model for beginners and intermediate divers looking for high performance and interchangeable blades. The special design of the lateral stringers increases the water flow toward the V-shaped tip, increasing propulsion and reducing leg stress. You should wear them with a 3 mm neoprene sock.

Pros: The foot pocket provides a great fit, and it doesn’t feel too tight in any particular spot. 

Cons: I feel like they scratch easily. Durability should be improved. 

BUDGET RANGE:

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MAKO HUNTER

Probably the best option for entry-level divers looking for something inexpensive, yet reliable, durable, and efficient. The blades provide good propulsion and stability and the thermoplastic pockets feel very comfortable, even when you aren’t wearing socks.

Pros: They provide a great fit and powerful propulsion.

Cons: Keep in mind that they are quite stiff. Also, they are a bit fragile and easy to break. You’ll have to take good care of them.

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CRESSI GARA PROFESSIONAL LD

The Cressi Gara Pro stands out for its high-performance blades, which require less demanding kick. High-performance blades that require less demanding kick. The improved anatomy of the foot pocket and the long blade deliver great power. One of the best values for the money, they are great for entry-level divers.

Let’s compare this model with the Cressi Gara 3000 LD. The Cressi Gara 3000 is great for powering off the bottom, but it’s not so good for swimming on the surface. It’s stiffer than the Cressi Gara Pro, and it allows you to go faster. However, it can feel a bit tiring to use for long periods. The Cressi Gara Pro is softer, easier to kick, and cheaper. Overall, the Cressi Pro is better suited for entry-level divers, while the Cressi 3000 is highly appreciated among more experienced divers. 

Advantages: The footpockets feel really comfortable. 

Disadvantages: I’d say that the sizes aren’t the same as those of other Cressi models.

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BEUCHAT MUNDIAL ONE

This model mixes a thermoplastic elastomer foot pocket with a technopolymer blade to obtain an efficient, powerful, and comfortable one-piece fin. A great option for beginners and intermediate divers looking for an affordable option.

Pros: I like how they perform.

Cons: When you wear them barefoot, they can feel a bit loose. I recommend that you wear them with dive boots.

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SEAC SHOUT S700

This popular model provides great comfort and powerful thrust. Hard blades with channel rails provide an efficient kick. Available in five sizes and three camo colors, they are designed to be worn with 2.5 mm neoprene boots.

Advantages: It feels comfortable, and you don’t need to make a great effort to get a powerful kick. 

Disadvantages: Like most budget models, it features a fixed blade. You can’t interchange blades.

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WAVE

They are robust and resistant, but flexible and comfortable at the same time. The rubber pocket is designed to prevent over-flexing, thus increasing kick power to the blade. It’s a popular budget option for entry-level divers.

Pros: I love how well it performs for its price. The foot pocket is soft and comfortable, yet it provides a great fit. It features interchangeable blades, which is not common among budget-range fins. 

Cons: The overall construction could be improved. Some parts start to show wear too early. 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

ARE YOU A BEGINNER?

Your needs will change depending on your experience and the type of diving you are going to practice. If you’re just starting out, a basic model will work. Of course, your model must offer good performance and durability, but you shouldn’t spend hundreds of dollars on the latest pro model.

Experienced divers, especially those who like to go really deep, will know how to get the most out of advanced professional models.

WHY SHOULDN’T YOU CHOOSE OPEN-HEEL?

If you are mainly a scuba diver or snorkeler who does a little recreational apnea from time to time, you could opt for open-heels designs. They are easy to take on and off, as well as efficient and powerful. Also, you will wear them with neoprene dive boots, which makes them super comfortable to wear. However, keep in mind that open-heel models are not designed for deep dives.

You should focus on full foot models. They are better for apnea because the rubber foot pocket completely wraps around your feet, which results in a more secure fit. Also, this tighter fit results in an increased thrust that will allow you to dive at a faster speed.

BLADE LENGTH

Choose long blades and never short ones. Longer blades displace more water than short ones, considerably increasing propulsion, power, and efficiency. By using longer blades, you will dive faster and deeper with less effort and stress.

TYPE OF BLADES

There are two types of fin blades: paddle and split.

Split blades are great for scuba diving. They give great strength to the fin because they act like propellers, providing the same thrust with less effort. However, they are not recommended for apnea.

When it comes to underwater fishing, the blade must be able to move large amounts of water. That’s when paddle blades are more efficient. Also, they are a better choice when you are diving through currents.

MATERIALS

Most foot pockets are made of soft rubber because it’s a flexible, durable, and comfortable material. In any event, I recommend that you use dive booties or socks to prevent blisters. Also, rubber doesn’t protect your feet from getting cold, so keep this in mind if you’re diving in cold water. In that case, you should wear a good pair of thick dive boots.

When it comes to the fin blade, there are three main materials:

Plastic: Most entry-level and intermediate models are made of plastics such as polypropylene, technopolymer, and other polymer alloys. They are very popular because they are solid, resistant, and affordable. On the downside, they tend to lose rigidity after extended use, which makes them less efficient over time.

Fiberglass: This type of blade provides better performance and durability. The main disadvantage is that they are more expensive than plastic blades.

Carbon fiber: these are the preferred choice among professional and experienced freedivers because they offer the best performance: light weight, high efficiency, and great propulsion. On the downside, they are much more expensive than other materials.

DURABILITY

Now that we are talking about materials, it’s important to understand that the most efficient material isn’t the most durable one. For instance, carbon fiber is a top material because it has the best performance. Unfortunately, however, it’s more fragile than plastic, and, therefore, less durable.

We know that plastic models can lose shape over time. However, they can last for many years. Some divers use basic plastic fins to dive in rocky areas and then save their expensive carbon fiber models for boat diving and competition.

INTERCHANGEABLE BLADES

As you have noticed, some models feature interchangeable blades. This will drastically increase their lifespan, as you’ll have the option of replacing only the blade when it gets old.

STIFFNESS

You’ll notice that apnea blades are made in different amounts of stiffness. It’s hard to say which level of stiffness will be right for you, as it depends on your body shape and your leg’s muscle. People with short, strong legs will produce more propulsion than divers with long, skinny legs.

Generally speaking, divers who can’t produce strong propulsion should opt for soft blades, while divers with strong propulsion can go for medium-hard blades.

Beginner freedivers or those who like to swim on the surface will prefer to have soft or medium blades, as swimming or snorkeling on the surface with rigid blades is uncomfortable.

If you have doubts, you can choose soft-medium blades, as they work well for pretty much all kinds of divers.

FIN RAILS

Some divers believe that having rails on the edges of the blades will give you more propulsion, as they are supposed to channel the water through the blade.

Water channeling rails should start where the foot pocket tendons end and be around 1.5 cm high. They must be soft so that they don’t interfere with the blade’s original flexibility. Besides providing more thrust, they protect the blades from impacts.

Fin rails are important when you are choosing a carbon fiber model. However, don’t worry too much about them if you’re diving with a plastic model.

COLOR

Models are available in many colors and designs, with dark ones being the most popular. Bright colors are good for snorkeling, as ships can see you at a distance. However, they are not great for fishing because they can scare away fish. Camouflage models are quite popular, too.

PRICE

If you are looking for the best carbon fiber models, prepare to spend around $300-$600. However, this is unnecessary unless you are a top elite diver.

You can get a great pair without breaking the bank. Expect to spend around $100-$150 for a good model. If you are really on a budget, you can get a pretty decent pair for as low as $70.

TRAVEL

Because these blades are longer than regular dive blades, they don’t fit into standard diving bags. Whether you are traveling by car, boat or plane, I strongly recommend that you get a freediving bag that will protect your gear while you travel to your next destination. This bag should be extra padded, especially if you are carrying carbon fiber blades.

CAN I USE MY SCUBA DIVING GEAR FOR APNEA?

Well, if you wanted to give it a go, you could. However, I don’t recommend that you use your regular dive fins for apnea as they are not really designed for such activity. If you are taking it seriously, you’ll need to get the proper gear to get the most out of the activity.

THE MOST POPULAR BRANDS

OMER

This Italian manufacturer is one of the biggest producers in the world. Its products don’t tend to be cheap, but they are of high quality and durability.

MAKO

From wetsuits to spearguns, masks to other diving gear, this reliable brand is very well known by divers who look for the best quality at reasonable prices.

SEAC, MARES, AND CRESSI

These brands are very popular because though they produce high-quality products, they are better known for their mid-range, affordable models. If you are starting out in the submarine world and are looking for something good at a great price, take a look at the models from these three great manufacturers.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR GEAR

Though fins can be an inexpensive part of your diving gear, you should take proper care of them so that they will last for many years.

In fact, if you follow these recommendations, you will be replacing them only to take advantage of newer designs and technologies.

1- Always transport them in a reliable dive bag. Make sure it’s well-padded if you are planning to travel by plane.

2- Clean your finds after every use. I recommend that you rinse them thoroughly in fresh water.

3- Let them dry out of direct sunlight.

4- Store them lying flat to prevent the blades from getting bent. Remember, it must be a dry place, out of direct sunlight.