Fin recommendation
- Thread starter alicezhang
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Alice:
You have a multitude of freediving fins, ranging from inexpensive plastic fins to extremely expensive carbon fiber fins. Since you're a beginning freediver and intend on travelling with them, I recommend you purchase plastic freediving fins with a good foot pocket (rigid sole, which fits). Yes, the footpocket affects the fins efficiency and your comfort, on which you should never compromise.
The Mako plastic fins are excellent fins (I've used them for scuba diving as well) and quite inexpensive. Of course, you have options from Cressi, Omer, Riffe, Picasso, Mares, Beuchat, JB Ezclapez and various other freediving equipment manufacturers. Do take in consideration that they are longer and you will need a bag long enough to accommodate them.
I think you'll be surprised at how easily and fluidly you move underwater, absent the encumbrance of scuba gear. Don't get caught up in the various blade materials. Yes, Carbon Fiber fins are the most efficient but cost quite a lot ($400 plus). They can break easily during transport, if not properly protected Also, their efficiency means that your rate of descent may overtake your ability to equalize. Barotrauma to your ears will end your freediving and scuba diving plans very quickly.
O.
You have a multitude of freediving fins, ranging from inexpensive plastic fins to extremely expensive carbon fiber fins. Since you're a beginning freediver and intend on travelling with them, I recommend you purchase plastic freediving fins with a good foot pocket (rigid sole, which fits). Yes, the footpocket affects the fins efficiency and your comfort, on which you should never compromise.
The Mako plastic fins are excellent fins (I've used them for scuba diving as well) and quite inexpensive. Of course, you have options from Cressi, Omer, Riffe, Picasso, Mares, Beuchat, JB Ezclapez and various other freediving equipment manufacturers. Do take in consideration that they are longer and you will need a bag long enough to accommodate them.
I think you'll be surprised at how easily and fluidly you move underwater, absent the encumbrance of scuba gear. Don't get caught up in the various blade materials. Yes, Carbon Fiber fins are the most efficient but cost quite a lot ($400 plus). They can break easily during transport, if not properly protected Also, their efficiency means that your rate of descent may overtake your ability to equalize. Barotrauma to your ears will end your freediving and scuba diving plans very quickly.
O.
Phantom Menace
Contributor
l use the Quattro Power fins for underwater rugby and underwater hockey. They are good fins for that (if a little heavy compared to Briers etc. but they do not carry the same price tag). They are also a good all round fin.
For free diving and spearfishing I have some more serious fins - DiveRs from Australia. These cost a fair bit but have also served me really well and taken a bit of a beating but they would be overkill for someone starting out. If you are considering free diving beyond shallower snorkeling then have a look at mid_range spearo fins like the ones Mako suggests - they will make a difference.
---------- Post added May 21st, 2015 at 12:24 AM ----------
Yes, foot pocket fit is important - for both comfort and power transfer - this is why the better blades are often sold separately to foot pockets so you can choose pockets that suit your foot.
I don't agree that it should be a concern that fin efficiency will cause you to descend too rapidly and overtake your ability to equalise - surely you would just swim more slowly or even stop finning down if you were having trouble equalising????
How much longer are free dive fins vs the Quatrro Powers ? I have small feet, my Quattro Powers size 7.5, are 28" long. They are a little stiff for me. Mako has replaceable blades. They talk about cutting their entry level blades as an option. Wondering how the Makos compare if I cut them to the same size as the Quattro Powers.
Last edited:
Phantom Menace
Contributor
I don't know about Makos.
My DiveRs are a little over 40" long from fin tip to back of the heel pocket i.e. maximum length (and I have big feet - size 13 UK / 15 US). These are at least as long, if not longer, than any other free diving fin I have seen. I don't think they necessarily need to be as long as they are!
The composite blades are flexible and have good "memory" so they are easy to kick and also return quickly to the normal position. If I take the end of the blade in my hand I can roll the blade back on itself in a full circle without fear of breaking it.
My DiveRs are a little over 40" long from fin tip to back of the heel pocket i.e. maximum length (and I have big feet - size 13 UK / 15 US). These are at least as long, if not longer, than any other free diving fin I have seen. I don't think they necessarily need to be as long as they are!
The composite blades are flexible and have good "memory" so they are easy to kick and also return quickly to the normal position. If I take the end of the blade in my hand I can roll the blade back on itself in a full circle without fear of breaking it.
lemke
Contributor
I use the Mako fins all the time for scuba. I guess you COULD cut the blades, but you'll lose the flexibility and "snap" which makes them "work".
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