Freediving deep underwater, on a single breath hold, can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Add to that the thrill of pushing yourself further and staying underwater longer than you ever thought possible – this is the world of freediving. But as a freediver dives on just a single breath, they must conserve both their oxygen and energy levels.
An essential tool for helping conserve energy are freediving fins. Freedivers choose specific fins explicitly designed for freediving, and they make all the difference while you’re underwater. But with so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know what the best freediving fins are.
From monofins to carbon freediving fins – we deep dive into the best freediving fins in this ultimate buyers guide below.
Table of Contents
Overview of Best Freediving Fins in 2024
- Best allround fin for demanding freedivers: Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Fins
- Best allround and beginner budget fin: Cressi Gara 3000 LD Freediving Fins
- Best budget fin for demanding freedivers: OMER Stingray EVO Long Blade Freediving Fins
- Best technopolymer fin for intermediate freedivers: Mares Razor Pro Freediving Fins
- Best fin for advanced freedivers: Beuchat Mundial Carbon LS Fins
Read on for more information and details on each product.
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Why Do Freedivers Use Special Freediving Fins?
As a freediver, you have likely watched many videos online of professional freedivers diving to some serious depths. While analyzing their freediving techniques, you probably noticed they are wearing fins specifically made for freediving. These long, flexible fins are essential for freediving – but why is this?
Provides Propulsion
One key reason freedivers wear fins is that they provide the propulsion needed to get through the water. Remember, many freedivers want to dive deep and beat their personal records – and that requires power. Fins provide the extra ‘push’ needed to get further underwater without tiring out quickly.
Conserves Energy
When we swim without fins, we must use our own power and strength to move through the water. But wearing freediving fins provides excellent leverage and requires less energy to move. As freediving fins are often long (much longer than scuba or snorkeling fins), they require less effort to use. As a result, they need less energy from the freediver – which is ideal when you’re working on a single breath hold.
Displaces More Water
The best freediving fins are nice and long. This is because they displace more water, creating a larger ‘engine.’ Longer fins create much more thrust than shorter ones and help the freediver maintain good speed and momentum.
Saves Oxygen
Oxygen is essential to the sport of freediving. The more oxygen you can conserve, the longer and deeper you can go underwater. When wearing fins, they help you move through the water faster and with less effort. This means a freediver needs to use less oxygen, thus helping them stay underwater longer. Together with the right breathing techniques, the right fins can extend your dive by many minutes.
For Competing
Specific freediving disciplines require the diver to wear fins. For example, the Constant Weight (CWT) disciple involves the diver using either monofins or bi-fins to swim down alongside a dive rope. Fins are an essential feature in this discipline and provide the necessary propulsion to compete.
The Best Freediving Fins
It’s time to pick the best freediving fins for your needs. If you are still unsure what you need exactly, have a look at the sections further down below. Whatever fin you buy, with online shopping, making an informed purchase doesn’t have to be complicated. You can find a great selection of fins at various price points and with different performance levels.
We recommend doing your research before investing in any type of fin. Make sure the style, material, and size suit your needs. With this being said, here are some of the best freediving fins currently available on the market!
Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Fins
Summary
Cressi freediving fins offer spectacular performance and quality – and the Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Fins do not disappoint. With a medium flexibility making them suitable for a range of divers, they come with a closed-heel foot pocket that fits snugly and is comfortable to wear.
Made from elastomer and techno polymers, these Cressi freediving fins provide great thrust, speed, and efficiency. The blade features thermoplastic rubber rails, which give an added layer of protection against damage. Overall, these lightweight and durable Cressi freediving fins are perfect for the avid freediver.
Price: $150-170 – Check latest price now
Our opinion: Best allround fin for demanding freedivers
Key Features
- Very versatile fin: Excellent choice for deep free diving and spear fishing
- Non-vented blade design
- Self-adjusting multi-compound foot pocket
- Highly energy-efficient – less energy required to load blade
- 29 degree blade angle
What We Like
- Very performant fin for demanding freedivers of all levels
- Excellent for deep freediving and spearfishing
- Comparably low price point
- Much greater resistance to shocks compared to carbon fins – almost impossible to break
What We Dislike
- Gets scratches quite quickly (but that applies to most fins)
- Somewhat stiffer blade might not appeal to everyone
Cressi Gara 3000 LD Freediving Fins
Summary
You really can’t go wrong with Cressi freediving fins. The Cressi Gara 3000 LD Fins are for those who want to upgrade their freediving game. Deeper diving with longer distances traveled is possible with these Cressi freediving fins – the only thing holding you back would be your breath hold capability (check out our guide on the best breathing exercises)!
These fins are made from a lightweight and durable thermoplastic and feature a closed-foot pocket. With a fixed fin blade that can measure up to a whopping 30 inches, you can remain powerful and efficient even at greater depths.
Price: $100-130 – Check latest price now
Our opinion: Best allround and beginner budget fin
Key Features
- Softer blade material ideal for beginners, enabling flexible yet still powerful fins
- Made for low-effort kicking, enabling hour-long usage
- Softer blade also suitable for use in cold water (which tends to stiffen materials)
What We Like
- Outstanding fin for beginners, but also great allround fin for even advanced freedivers
- Great long distance fins since the blade requires very little effort for propulsion
- Excellent choice for cold water
- Very budget-friendly price point
What We Dislike
- Foot pockets are quite tight and may not offer best fit for wider feet
- Not as smooth or fluid as carbon fins
OMER Stingray EVO Long Blade Freediving Fins
Summary
The OMER Stingray EVO Long Blade Fins have to be mentioned when talking about freediving fins. With a wonderfully soft rubber and plastic blend, they are ideal for various freediving activities. With excellent power and comfort, these are some of the best freediving fins for new divers.
The keyhole that these fins feature improves performance by channeling water and guiding the blade during movement. No matter your experience level, the OMER Stingray EVO Long Blade Freediving Fins will have you gliding through the water in no time. Plus, they are one of the best freediving fins for practicing your finning technique – so you can confidently explore the ocean’s depths.
Price: $150-170 – Check latest price now
Our opinion: Best budget fin for demanding freedivers
Key Features
- New color increases visibility on the surface while being camouflage on rocky and sandy bottoms
- 22-degree downturned blade, medium stiffness
- Keyhole improves performance by channeling water and guiding the blade during movement
- Interchangeable blades – can be upgraded to carbon
What We Like
- Nice big open toe foot pocket
- Modular fins – easy to replace blades
- Great allround fin with great propulsion
- Budget-friendly price point
What We Dislike
- Can be a bit difficult to fit certain blades into given the rather large angle
- Some find the Omer foot pockets not the most comfortable
Mares Razor Pro Freediving Fins
Summary
If you’re looking for a technopolymer fin that’s both lightweight and powerful – the Mares Razor Pro Freediving Fins are for you. With a medium stiffness, these fins offer outstanding performance for experienced freedivers. The closed foot pocket and removable blades make these fins comfortable and easy to wear.
The Mares Razor Pro is truly a high-quality fin – and offers excellent power when you need it most. They are known to deliver the best performance among all technopolymer fins currently on the market.
Price: $200-250 – Check latest price now
Our opinion: Best technopolymer fin for intermediate freedivers
Key Features
- Highly efficient fin thanks to the advanced polymer elastomer mix, which optimizes elasticity and reactivity
- Interchangeable blades
- V-tip to increase thrust and prevent the fin from slipping laterally
What We Like
- Best performance among all technopolymer fins currently on the market
- Comfortable foot pocket (design consulted by leading Italian podologist)
- Easily interchangeable blades
- One of the lightest freediving fins on the market
What We Dislike
- Nothing really
Beuchat Mundial Carbon LS Fins
Summary
With a reinforced heel and medium stiff blade – the Beuchat Mundial Carbon LS Fins are some of the best freediving fins. Made from a dual-material polymer, these fins are both durable and affordable. The blade is removable and also nice and long (69cm), allowing for a smoother and more efficient kick.
The Beuchat Mundial Carbon Fin is ideal for advanced freedivers who want to master new techniques of freediving. Plus, the removable blade makes the Beuchat Mundial Carbon easy to travel with and simple to replace when necessary.
Price: $500-550 – Check latest price now
Our opinion: Best fin for advanced freedivers
Key Features
- Entirely designed and manufactured in France
- Blade 100% carbone – made for flexibility, versatility, great finstroke efficiency and reactivity
- The Mundial elastomer bi-matter foot pocket is a benchmark regarding comfort, reactivity and power transmitted to the blade
What We Like
- High flexibility meaning better finstroke comfort without compromises in performance
- Multi-purpose fin – efficient for shallow and deep dives, from ship or shore
- Great efficiency in swimming, diving and ascending
- Outstanding reactivity for fast acceleration when starting the ascent from deep dives
What We Dislike
- Higher price point
The Different Types of Fins: Freediving Monofins vs. Bi-Fins
Before we look at the best freediving fins in more detail, let’s discuss the two main types of fins: freediving monofins and bi-fins. While they are both designed for freediving, they have notable differences in terms of function and performance.
Monofins
Freediving monofins are a single fin that encompasses both feet. Wearing a monofin can give the impression of a dolphin’s flipper or mermaid’s tail. This type of fin is usually made from a robust, flexible material such as fiberglass or carbon, and they are designed to be used as one. Serious freedivers often use freediving monofins, as they allow for greater speed and power underwater – which is ideal for competitions.
Monofins are good for those who want to hit record depths when diving in a straight line. But, as your feet and legs are bound together, freediving monofins do require the diver to use a specific diving technique. Known as the ‘dolphin kicking technique’ – this technique can be hard to master and is not ideal for most freedivers.
Bi-Fins
Bi-fins are long single fins worn on each foot, like a regular pair of flippers. Bi-fins are considered the best fins for recreational freediving, as they allow you to use different swimming techniques. For instance, you can use the traditional ‘flutter kick’ or experiment with different kicking styles. This also makes bi-fins perfect for those who are just starting out in freediving.
Bi-fins allow you to stop and easily maneuver in the water. This makes them an excellent choice for spearfishing and exploring coral reefs. However, bi-fins may not generate as much speed and power as freediving monofins.
Overall, bi-fins are best for new and experienced freedivers, while Monofins are more suitable for those looking to compete and hit record depths.
Things to Consider Before Buying Freediving Fins
Not all freediving fins are made equal. Some of the best freediving fins may vary depending on particular elements such as length, material, and flexibility. Before you run into the dive shop and grab any fins, you must know the different types of freediving fins.
Let’s look at the different components that make up freediving fins, so you can find the best pair for your needs:
Length
The average pair of freediving bi-fins will measure around 31-38 inches. As we know, the longer the fin, the more power, and thrust it generates. There are shorter fins available, but these are best kept for training purposes – such as developing your flipper kick technique.
Material
Three main materials are used to create freediving fins: carbon, fiberglass, and plastic. While each does the same job, their weight and strength can differ. Which you choose will most likely depend on your budget and needs.
Carbon Freediving Fins
For the most lightweight yet delicate fins, you should go for carbon. Carbon is the most expensive material and can be used by both competitive and recreational freedivers. As it’s lightweight and designed to generate maximum thrust, it’s ideal for those looking to dive deep.
Carbon freediving fins are notoriously brittle and should be handled with care. If you often travel long distances or dive in rocky areas, you must be extra careful when packing and using them. With this being said, carbon fins offer excellent ‘snap’ and displace an impressive amount of water.
Plastic Freediving Fins
By far the cheapest option, plastic freediving fins are the go-to choice for beginners. These relatively lightweight yet strong fins are usually made from a hard, durable polymer. But as plastic is heavier when compared to carbon fins, they require more effort to move – meaning your energy will deplete faster.
Plastic fins are also not very flexible and can deform easily. However, plastic fins are perfect for those on a budget or who want to try out the sport before investing in more expensive fins.
Fiberglass Freediving Fins
The middle ground between plastic and carbon is fiberglass freediving fins. These are commonly used among recreational divers, as they offer more thrust than plastic and are cheaper than carbon fins. Fiberglass provides a great snap while diving and is much less prone to damage when compared to carbon fins. Although, we must note they are not as durable as plastic – so be sure to keep them away from sharp surfaces.
Flexibility
Freediving fins come in different levels of flexibility and stiffness. The stiffer the fin, the more powerful the thrust – but these fins are not the best fit for everyone. The flexibility of your fins correlates with your weight, strength, and ability.
- Super Soft: Best for petite divers who weigh no more than 60kg. Super soft fins are very flexible, which makes them easy to control.
- Soft: The best choice for every diver. Soft fins are great for those weighing around 50-70kg. This level of flexibility works for most freedivers and is fairly easy on the legs.
- Medium: A good alternative for those who want a balanced blend of power and control. Medium flexibility fins are a good option for divers weighing over 70-100kg and freedivers who want to push themselves further.
- Hard: Ideal for experienced divers and those who weigh over 100kg. Stiff fins are great for more powerful kicks but require strength and energy to control.
Blade Type
There are two blade choices when picking the best freediving fins. Both fixed and detachable blades offer different levels of performance and control.
Fixed Blades
Fixed blades mean the blade is attached to the foot pocket. Integrated blades are perfect if you want maximum thrust and speed, as the blade and foot pocket is connected in one piece.
Detachable Blades
Detachable blades are easily removed and replaced, which means they last longer. Often connected with screws or clips, you can remove the blade for travel – as you can easily fit them in a suitcase or backpack. Plus, if a blade gets damaged, you can simply replace it with a new one. Detachable blades are great for freedivers who want to customize the performance of their fins.
Comfort
The foot pockets of your fins should fit snugly around your feet. Fins that are too tight may cause cramps, so test out different sizes before investing in a pair. When picking the best freediving fins, you have two choices between foot pockets – open heel or closed foot.
The closed foot is the best choice for freediving. They offer excellent insulation and provide a more efficient kick since all of your foot is in contact with the fin. When choosing the right size fin for your feet, be sure to account for socks – if you decide to wear them.
Socks
Freediving socks are snug and fit over your feet, which helps you to keep warm in cold water. Not only that, but they also provide extra protection against cuts, scraps, or blisters from rough fins.
Technique
Finally, the most important aspect of freediving is technique. Try to develop a style that maximizes thrust with minimal effort, and find a kick that works for you. We recommend practicing with your fins – from carbon freediving fins to monofins – to understand their differences. This will also help you find your own personal preference. Remember, even the best freediving fins cannot compensate for poor technique.
Final Thoughts on The Best Freediving Fins
Choosing the best freediving fins for you will depend on your experience level and your dive style – and of course also on what you like as well as your budget. Whether you want fins for leisurely diving, spearfishing, or intense freediving competitions – there is a fin out there for you.
No matter which fins you choose – from carbon fins to the well-loved Cressi freediving fins – ensure they fit snugly and you feel comfortable wearing them. Most of all, enjoy the experience of freediving with your new fins!
