The freedom of underwater exploration can be hindered by poorly chosen fins. But fear not, fellow aquanauts! This guide dives deep into the key factors to consider when selecting your perfect underwater propellers, ensuring you glide effortlessly through coral reefs and conquer even the strongest currents.

Key Things to Consider When Purchasing your Fins Are:

Fit First
Like Cinderella's glass slipper, the ideal fin snuggles comfortably without pinching or slipping. Remember, unlike masks, you'll constantly move your feet when diving. Open-heel fins with booties offer superior fit and warmth, while full-foot fins are lighter and ideal for warm waters. Opt for a snug fit that allows 1 inch of space at the heel for maximum control and minimal ankle strain.
Are you more of a shore or boat diver?
Consider your diving style. Shore dives often involve walking over rocks, making open-heel fins with sturdy soles a better choice. Boat dives offer the luxury of light, compact full-foot fins like the Mares Avante Tre or Avante Quattro Power+.
Full foot versus Open Heel
A lot of people thought the difference between a full foot fin and an Open Heel fin is one with booty and the other without. But there are other factors that probably help to make your choice. Full foot fins are usually a lot lighter and you may see a lot of dive guides like this option. Like in Maldives, a lot of dive guide prefer full foot free diving fins. They tend give you pretty decent propulsion traveling in a straight line. And like diving condition in Maldives are usually strong constant current in Channel diving, i think they are very useful in those situation. As for me, i need a more maneuverability especially when i’m teaching students and reacting to students during lesson dives, free diving fins are very dragging and does not give me instant thrust when changing direction. So i would rather have a shorter Open Heel fins like Jet-Fin for diving. The negative part about Jet Fin, is that its really heavy to travel with. Some fins my weigh about 3kgs. Full foot fins are usually made with some plastics materials which makes it a lot lighter while Paddle fins can be made of full rubber materials. My open heel fins tends to last a lot longer than my full foot fins because i realize the plastic deteriorates faster than the rubber ones. Full foot fins also tends to be a lot cheaper too.
Paddle versus Split fins
From the first invention of fins, paddle type fins has been the first type of design. It serve to be very efficient until today. Split fin are recently evolved and designed for diving about 20 plus years ago. One of my first pair for fin is a split fin. I think its very useful and efficient for new divers. Especially for those who still getting the hang for diving or do not have a very strong legs. Split fins works best with flutter like fining. It takes lesser energy, which also means you uses lesser air during dives. But what i find Split fin lacks is quick burst of thrust and maneuverability. As i started teaching and realize that i need quick instant burst of speed to help students when they are floating up etc, i find paddle fins give me better short burst. The downside, you may end up using a lot of energy and air consumption with paddle fins.
Travel Light? Pack Smart
If you need something light weight and don’t take up too much space for your luggage, i suggest and full footed fins. You can can get Fins like the Mares Avante Tre which are light and gives you decent propulsion. Although there are lot of light weight full foot fins in the market nowadays, i think it will depends on your budget.
Finding Your Fin-tastic Color
Color would be the least concern for me. Most of my fins are usually black and i do have a couple for white ones. But i do realize when im leading divers, they recognized my white fin better. There are so many options for fin color nowadays. Pink, purple, green etc. I think it’ll depends on how you want your underwater photo to look on you. Im not very color coordinated on my dive gear. So i’m not the best person to ask which color is the best for diving. To me, function is important over style.

How to fit Fins properly:

I’ve seen many divers dives with me with wrongly fitted fins. Some too big, some way too small. When i asked, they say the shop they bought from this is the best fit and they just follows. Ensure you try a couple of different model with a properly fitted booty for Open Heel fins. Make sure you move your feet around in it. Your feet should not wriggle in the foot pocket. Also move your ankle up and down. Ensure the foot pocket does not cut into your feet when you move it. You need about a maximum of 1 inch from our foot pivot point to the fin’s foot pocket. Too much, you’ll be using our ankles to propel.

Do you shore dive or boat dive more?

If you are mostly resort based diving, that’s where you’ll get a most of your shore dives from. But if you prefer Live a board type diving, then you’ll be doing a lot of boat dives. Majority if the better dive sites involves you taking a boat out. But there are some great shore dives like Tulemben in Bali if you prefer that kind of diving.

Budget

Fins prices goes as cheap as $50 and some fins can even cost up to $900. But i think an average price range of a decent fins is between $150-$250. Remember, the most expensive doesn't guarantee the best fit or performance. Prioritize comfort, functionality, and your diving style for an optimal underwater experience