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The 9 Best Freediving Fins for Deep Diving

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When it comes to deep diving, having the right freediving fins is crucial for maximizing performance and comfort. The best freediving fins on the market are the CETMA Edge and Saac Motus Fibrex, offering exceptional durability, efficiency, and ease of use for freedivers of all levels.

The CETMA Edge fins, made of carbon fiber, deliver strength, stiffness, and durability for deep diving adventures. Paired with custom-molded S-Wing foot pockets, these fins ensure a comfortable and secure fit, enhancing your overall diving experience.

The Seac Motus Fibrex is an excellent choice for high-performance freediving fins. These innovative fins feature a unique fiberglass compound, comfortable dual-material foot pockets, and interchangeable blades mounted in the SEAC full-foot pocket. The double-density material construction, hard thermoplastic rubber ribbing and sole, and soft thermoplastic rubber coating combine to provide an optimal balance of performance and comfort while diving.

Every diver should invest in the best gear to help them reach past their limits.

Best Freediving Fins for 2023 Reviewed

1. CETMA Edge

Best Freediving Fins (Carbon Fiber)

If you want a serious freediving fin, check out the CETMA EDGE. They have a strong and even stiffness blade.

The Mantra is also a good choice if you’re looking for a slightly shorter blade but with the same profile.

Pair it with custom-molded S-Wing foot pockets, and you’ll love your deep dives even more.


2. Seac Motus Fibrex

Best Fiberglass Fins

The Seac Motus Fibrex Freediving Fins are dive fins with an innovative fiberglass compound, comfortable dual-material foot pockets, and high-performance design.

The SEAC Motus Fibrex Freediving Fins comprise an innovative fiberglass compound with high-performance characteristics.

These interchangeable blades come mounted in the SEAC full-foot pocket for complete freediving fins set.

The full-foot pocket of these spearfishing fins is constructed in double dual-density materials. The sole and ribbing are hard thermoplastic rubber, with soft thermoplastic rubber for the shoe.

This blend optimizes your comfort and performance ratio for cutting through the water.


3. Mares Razor Matrix

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These freediving fins are a great budget pair of carbon fiber fins. They don’t have as much power as some of the more expensive carbons, but they will serve you better than a set of fiberglass or plastics.

These should be for the diver looking for a second set of fins or a travel set. Nothing is worse than worrying about your gear if you’re shore diving or traveling.

When you bring a set of plastics and realize they don’t give you the power you need for the conditions, you are put in a bad situation.

Add these to your arsenal, and don’t be worried if you damage them.


4. Omer Stingray Plastic

Most Comfortable Fins

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The Omer Stingray Full Foot Fins Fixed Blade is characterized by its Thermo-Rubber Foot-Pocket and the angle between the foot-pocket and blade – the 22 degrees (compared to the traditional 15/17 degrees).

With traditional fin blades, an angle between the heel of the foot and the calf of the leg remains when the leg is extended to kick.

This angle causes a loss of propulsion. The 22 degrees-angled blade design accommodates this anatomical characteristic and ensures maximum efficiency throughout the kicking cycle.

The 22-degree angle optimizes the power of the push through the water relative to effort. Using a thermo-rubber of two-different-stiffness compounds increases comfort over regular foot pockets.

The non-vented blades of the Stingray are produced in a low-modular Polypropylene material.

Extending from the foot pocket are side rails which add stiffness to the blade and prevent water from spilling” over the outer edge of the blade.

The blade of the fin is also channeled. The side rails and channels focus the movement of water down the blade’s surface, increasing power.

The foot pocket has a large rubber pull tab making Donning-and-Doffing Easier.

The Stingray Fin is black and is covered by a 24-month limited warranty.


5. Cressi Gara 3000 LD

Best Beginner Freediving Fins

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Gara 3000 Long Distance is Cressi’s entry-level freediving fins designed with soft blades, making the Cressi Gara 3000 LD a perfect choice for the beginning diver or those not familiar with using long-blade fins.

The LD version originates from the greatly-appreciated Cressi Gara 3000, but the blade material is softer than the previous version. The soft blades make them stand out.

Thanks to the softer blade, less muscle effort is required for kicking, so divers can use them longer, making them perfect for many hours in a row.

The Cressi Gara 3000 LD is constructed with durability in mind and a long soft plastic blade that can effectively transfer power with minimum effort, making this fin very comfortable and easy on the legs for the beginner or during long-duration dives.

The Gara 3000 LD is extremely comfortable and is a full-foot pocket-style fin. This fin is constructed using Cressi’s unique three-material molding process.

Different compounds bind together to provide flexibility in the foot area and deliver power through the blade due to the stiffness the molding process provides.

It can comfortably be worn with or without neoprene socks.


6. Mako Freedive Hunter Fins

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Mako is known for bringing direct-from-factory gear at low prices. These fins are low-cost and durable fins for the new diver.

If you’re looking for fins that won’t break the bank in case you’re unsure if freediving or spearfishing is your thing, then pick these up.

They can be resold reasonably to another diver if you do not enjoy the sport.


7. Cressi Soft Full Pocket Long Blade Fins

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These Cressi fins are another low-cost option for the new freediver. These fins are a bit softer than the Cressi 2000HF, which will put less strain on your ankles.

If you’re looking for a pair of entry-level fins that will be kind to your joints, then give these ones a shot.


8. Mares Pure Instinct Razor

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These Mares are a great set of fins, and I’ve had buddies use them for years before switching. One guy I know even used them for nearly ten years before the plastic started to get so old that it cracked in half.

You might be wondering why these are so far down the list if they are a solid pair of fins. They are more on the expensive side for a pair of plastic fins. Try these if you want plastic and don’t mind the price.


9. Beuchat Mundial One Fins

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These Beuchat fins round out our top 10 freediving fins. These fins are a solid mid-priced entry-level set of plastic fins with a wide foot pocket.

When it comes to finding the right set of fins, it depends on your foot size and how comfortable you feel diving with them for hours.

If you try all the other fins and don’t like them, then this should be your last stop on your journey.


Why Do You Need Freediving Fins?

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The simple answer is to get yourself in a position to shoot more fish in a single breath.

The complex answer is taking into account your skill level, the environmental condition, the comfort of the fins to increase your dive time, how much efficiency you can get out of fins, and the list goes on.

Experience vs. Novice

I know a guy who spent a few days with his buddies testing out a bunch of spearfishing fins to see which ones worked the best to try and put to rest the ambiguity of which was the best.

They realized quickly that carbon fins did not substantially increase dive times.

An experienced large old man using plastic fins will have a better dive time than a young buck repping new carbons. The diver and his technique trump any technology.

I’ve even seen divers in Asia not use fins, and they were deadly in the depths.

The only thing the divers doing the test noticed was that the initial acceleration and the force needed to initiate the dive for the first 10-15 feet showed that the carbons were the quickest.

It didn’t make much difference after the diver got past this zone. Does this mean you should go out and pick up a pair of carbons today?

Maybe if you want that extra second or so of dive time…

Best Freediving Fins

Honestly, if the placebo effect works on you because you bought carbon fins, and it increases your dive time, maybe then you should buy them.

The reality is that most fins are relatively similar, but costs vary a bunch.

Freediving and spearfishing are dangerous sports. If you need the most expensive freediving gear to feel like your gear will take care of you…OPT FOR THE EXPENSIVE STUFF.

If that’s not something that rests on your psyche, then just get a robust set and spend the saved money on more freediving gear or trips to exotic locations to practice.

Now that we are clear on how you should view fins, let’s dive into the details regarding the various fin features.


Listen to more freediving tips on the Cast & Spear Podcast

Top Freediving Fin Features

Enclosed Foot Pocket

Most foot pockets are universal in that they will trap your foot to help you drive the power from your legs through the tip of the fin efficiently to propel you forward.

The main things to look for are the wideness or narrowness of the pocket and the firmness of the rubber used.

Remember that most off-the-shelf fins will require space for a fins sock, so if you try on a fin barefoot and it fits great, it might be too snug with the sock.

For barefoot diving, go for smaller foot pockets. The larger ones are great if you want to use neoprene socks.

Softness

It tends to be a personal preference when it comes to material softness. You’d probably be better off with a softer footpad, as that seems to be correlated with more comfort and longer dive times.

The last thing you want is something super stiff that tires out your ankles and legs, making you call the dive early.

A good rule of thumb when sizing foot pockets: when trying on the fins, flex your foot to the natural diving position while standing.

If your finger can squeeze in the side while flexed, and if it feels snug, then it’s a good fit.

Remember, efficiency is key with fins, and a solid foot pocket will help you transfer the power from your legs through the tip of the fin.

Not all fin blades fit each foot pocket. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK before buying.

Materials

Freediving Fins Flex
Pick a robust material that flexes easily and bounces back quickly. Source

There are three main freediving fin materials:

  • Plastic Blades
  • Fiberglass Blades
  • Carbon Fiber Blades

Plastic Freediving Fins

Plastic blades are the cheapest and least efficient style. They are good for you if you’re a newbie because they are fairly robust and, most of the time, will weather the barrage of abuse you might throw at them.

If you’re into recreational diving, instead of going broke on a fancy pair, try plastic for a while, they’ll get the job done and won’t break the bank.

You’ll notice with plastic blades that when you bend them and let them go, they are slow to bounce back to their original position.

This means a loss of efficiency, which adds up with each kick, tiring you out faster.

Fiberglass Freediving Fins

Fiberglass blades are much more responsive than plastic. After being bent to their original position, their response time is fast, which means more efficiency from each kick.

This is the most noticeable jump you’ll see between fins. If you have plastic fins and switch your blades to fiberglass, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the added ease for your dives.

These have less resistance when closer to their original position than carbon, making them less efficient than carbon.

Fiberglass, however, tends to be a bit more durable than carbon fiber for less cost, so keep that in mind.

It might be worth buying two sets of fiberglass blades for the same price as carbon for nearly the same efficiency.

Carbon Fiber Freediving Fins

Carbon fiber blades are the Ferraris of the spearfishing world. If you have a pair, you’re the cool kid.

They are the most responsive from bent to their original position, which means they are the most efficient in transferring energy per kick.

If you look at slo-mo videos of freedivers, you can see super long carbon fiber fins have a sinusoidal shape in the water. This role is great at providing thrust to the diver.

Are you going to feel the difference between fiberglass and carbon fiber? Probably not, unless you’re a serious freediver.

Carbon fiber could make sense if you’re diving more in high current areas or consistently do deep dives, but this is a rarity rather than the norm.

Blade Stiffness

Blade stiffness is heavily dependent on brand to brand and the materials being used. Each material is broken down into soft, medium, and hard.

Some manufacturers have poor quality control, and a soft in one batch of blades might be firmer than another batch. Hopefully, the brands I’ve picked in this list are not in that camp, but just be aware that it could happen.

Some spearos recommend opting for a slightly stiffer fin because it helps when you need to get a bit more propulsion, especially when fighting big fish.

Therefore, medium to soft is probably the best blade stiffness for most spearos.

Here’s a simple firmness (blade stiffness) guideline:

  • Diving in current? Use a stiffer blade so you can get more power per kick.
  • Are you a spearo? Use a stiffer blade so you can fight current and fish.
  • Are you a pure freediver and never dive in current? Go for a softer blade depending on how big you are (bigger, go a bit stiffer).
  • The deeper you dive, the stiffer your blade should be to balance out the lack of buoyancy.

Overall, your stiffness level will depend on your body shape and leg muscles.

Fin Rails or No Rails

A group of freedivers believes that having rails on the edges of the fins channels the water through the center and maximizes thrust.

You might get a slight advantage, but for most spearos, it most likely will not be noticeable.

Therefore, get them if you want them, but don’t stress about them.

Interchangeable Blades

Some freediving fin models feature interchangeable blades. This is a good feature to look for. You can easily replace blades when your fin gets old. Models with these interchangeable blades usually have a longer lifespan.

Blade Length

When choosing a fin, also opt for a long blade length. Longer fins have increased power, propulsion, and efficiency, so you’ll dive deeper and faster. But if you’re a beginner, you need large muscles strong enough for a long fin. This will take some weeks or even months of training to achieve.


How to Care For Your Freediving Fins

Taking care of your freediving fins is relatively straightforward, but always check with the manufacturer for more details.

For General Care

  • Try not to stand on the fins, especially the tops. The weight could bend or break the delicate material.
  • Don’t leave them in extremely hot or cold areas, as the thermoplastic rubber could dry out or freeze, degrading the foot pocket. This could also damage the blades.
  • Don’t leave your fins in a hot car because it could deform the materials.

After Diving

  • You are best off rinsing them with fresh water and drying them. Make sure they aren’t wet if you place them in storage. Use a fin bag if you have one. If you do store them, keep them in a cool dark place.

Harmful Chemicals

  • Try not to get tar, gasoline, alcohol, and various chemicals on your fins. This could degrade the various materials and shorten the life of the fins.
  • If you do spill something on the fins, try to rinse it off with water. If that doesn’t work, try soap and water. Try to avoid abrasive and corrosive solvents like alcohol or paint thinner.

Freediving Fins Buyer’s Checklist

  • If you’re new to freediving or spearfishing, stick with plastic or fiberglass fins.
  • Find the most comfortable foot pocket.
  • Soft to medium-firm will suit you for most situations.
  • Do your best not to kick the fins against rocks or the reef to keep them from breaking.
  • Once you find a pair you like, pick up a few more for different diving conditions.
  • Make sure you use fin socks unless you have a custom foot pocket.
  • Clean your fins with water after each dive. Make sure you dry them before storing them.
  • Don’t keep your fins in a hot car to prevent deformation.

Insider Advice

How many advanced divers spend countless amounts of money to find the perfect pair of carbon fiber fins?

There’s no one-size-fits-all for anyone diver and the countless conditions you’ll be diving into.

The most important aspect of a perfect free-diving fin is the foot pocket if that’s not comfortable, no fin, whether plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber, will matter.

Truthfully, if you’re a great freediver or spearo and you were great using $150 fins when you upgrade to the $450 fins, they BETTER.

Otherwise, why did you spend the money? Are they significant, or do you just think they are great?

Shop On a Budget

If you look on Craigslist or used dive shop sales, you tend to see a bunch of carbon fiber fins for sale, and they are often cheap!

If you’re saying, “These carbons are the best fins ever,” why are you selling them after three months?

You should be saying, ”This is the darkest day. After five years, I’ve worn these fins down to my toes, and I’m still debating keeping them just because it’s like losing a family member.”

For performance, it all comes down to what you need to get yourself in the best position at the right time to spear a fish. Do you tend to dive 15 feet, 70 feet, or triple digits?

You’re best off with a comfortable set of fins you’re used to. Find a decent pair that you like, then buy a spare.

Keep one for your regular diving needs and have a better pair for when you launch off the rocks or kick them around the reef looking for lobsters.

If you have the cash, get a third pair for the boat diving and deeper dives.

All for cheaper than one set of top-of-the-line carbon fiber fins!

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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