Fins
Shopping for fins,  whether for diving, snorkeling or recreational swimming, comes down to comfort. Below you'll find descriptions of the major fin designs. What each feature attempts to do, in the end, is make you feel comfortable while your feet are inside the fins, kicking away. Of course, your compatibility with a fin depends on the contours of your foot and your strength, as well as what you plan to use the fins for, how often, and where (In a pool? In the ocean? 100 feet below the surface in a drift?).
Basic Fin Types
These are five major designs for fins. You'll notice, in the top picks section below, that most new fins employ some combination of the designs described here (a closed-toe split-fin, for example). These days you can mix-and-match according to your taste.
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Full-foot fins are the most basic of the bunch. - All around basic beginner fin.
- Least expensive.
- Hard to put on and take off.
- Lightweight and easy to travel with.
- No adjustability.
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These are closed-toe fins with adjustable straps on an open heel. - Easy to fit.
- Comfortable wear.
- Average power fin.
- Perfect for intermediate divers.
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Short fins are for surfing or body boarding. - Adjustable versions available.
- Not useful for snorkeling and diving.
- Inexpensive.
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Split-fins with adjustable straps. - Revolutionary design
- Available in Scuba and Snorkel versions
- Lessen leg fatigue.
- Fast and powerful.
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The classic Force fin. - Diver favorite.
- Expensive.
- Very comfortable.
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Hints About Sizing and Fit- You want to make sure that the fins have some room to breathe. While exercising your feet will naturally swell. If the fins are too tight they can give you blisters and rub your feet raw.
- When in doubt, opt for a half-size bigger, or try open-heel fins with adjustable straps, which are very comfortable and can be used in various types of underwater activities.
- If you plan to swim in chilly climates you will want to invest in neoprene booties or fin socks. In cold temperatures, usually anything below 40 degrees (F), many pros recommend wearing a drysuit, though it's expensive and requires some training. If you plan to wear a drysuit you'll need fins an extra size or two bigger.
- If your feet are oddly shaped or your toes are very long, closed-toe or full-foot fins might feel uncomfortable. In that case, you might need to spring for Force fins, which are open-toed and easy to customize to your feet.
- Free divers will need long-blade fins that provide quick, strong bursts of power, while bodyboarders and surfers require short, easily maneuverable fins.
Split vs Paddle
While most fins operate like paddles, split fins use a propeller force that is meant to reduce leg stress and fatigue by making you work less. In turn this will decrease air consumption and extend bottom time (time underwater) when you're diving. They improve speed and maneuverability as well. One note though: not everyone appreciates these split-fins and there is plenty of debate about their use.
Top Picks
Fins named 2005 Testers' Choice by Scuba Diving:
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Apollo Sports Bio-Fin Pro Yellow C-Series Top-Rated, $260, split-fin, open toe, 3 lbs (as opposed to 1 or 2 for others), open heel. |
Atomic Aquatics Full-foot Splitfin $89, split-fin, open-toe, lightweight , full-foot. |
Akona Azione $75, split-fin, open-toe, full-foot. |
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Oceanic Vector Best Buy, $45, modified paddle, open-toe, full-foot. |
Aeris Velocity Duo $100, split-fin, closed toe, open heel. |
XS Scuba Power Fin $80, limited lifetime warranty, traditional paddle, closed-toe, open-heel. |
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