Aqua Lung Express ADJ
“Armadillo” membrane accumulates elastic energy during the downstroke, and returns it at the end of each kick cycle for more kicking power.

Rubber side ribs channel the water down the length of the fin, minimizing the spillover effect.

The Express Adjustable is an efficient kicker with a foot pocket that is not only comfortable but provides different thickness zones, which secure the foot to the blade for maximum energy transfer.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $129

Sport Diver

Aqua Lung Hotshot
Silicone Power Bands form a “gear shift” system, enabling you to choose your optimum speed-to-effort ratio.

The blade is made of a customized technopolymer, creating lots of flexibility to maximize thrust.

Engineered with the traveling diver in mind, the Hotshot is designed to be worn with bare feet. The blade attaches to the sides of the foot pocket, optimizing the power transfer from leg to fin blade, which it does without creating leg strain.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $130

Sport Diver

Aqua Lung Shot FX Twilight
The blade is made with a high-performance elastomer to maximize kicking efficiency.

New spring strap includes a soft TPR heel pad along with Aqua Lung’s proprietary buckles.

The Shot FX is the female version of the X Shot. It offers special foot-pocket construction and sizing, and a shorter, softer blade that is easier on the legs and ankles when kicking.

CONTACT: aqualung.com
MSRP: $169

Sport Diver

Aqua Lung X Shot
Elastic blade insert creates a “spoon effect” that pushes more water with each downstroke, adding to efficiency.

Customized inner sole provides a grip effect to prevent wasted power from the lateral movement of the boot.

The X Shot is a high-performance fin that features an elastomer blade fitted with a high-flex center panel and a unique “Power Zone” that maximizes energy transmission.

CONTACT: aqualung.com MSRP: $169

Sport Diver

Atomic Aquatics BladeFin
A new power fin from the makers of the successful SplitFin.

Innovative design delivers snappy acceleration and power without ankle or leg strain.

While Atomic’s SplitFins have become a favorite for many divers who prefer splits, Atomic’s new BladeFin is aimed at divers looking for a bigger dose of power. The BladeFin’s innovative Power-Loop Monocoque design offers excellent speed and performs well using all types of kicks.

CONTACT: atomicaquatics.com MSRP: $179

Sport Diver

Cressi Frog Plus
Positioning of the foot pocket below the blade increases the working surface area of the blade.

Special safety pins prevent buckles from accidentally detaching from the fin posts.

Offering many excellent characteristics of a traditional paddle fin, the Frog Plus features a new blade material that produces a highly efficient channeling effect. This enables energy to be transferred in both the up- and downstrokes of the kick.

CONTACT: cressi.com MSRP: $99.95

Sport Diver

Mares Power Plana
Natural rubber construction makes for a rugged, negatively buoyant fin, perfect for technical diving.

Full-shaped foot pocket comfortably accommodates oversize wetsuit and drysuit boots.

This heavy-duty fin has a broad blade that’s flanked by substantial side rails. Where the rails are thickest, the blade is stiff, while near the tip, it’s flexible. The result is a fin that delivers lots of power and thrust when a diver needs it.

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $160

Sport Diver

Mares Avanti Quattro+
Stabilizers and thrust channels on the blade improve kicking control and efficiency.

Patented Mares bungee heel strap makes quick work of donning and doffing.

A new material added to its blade composition has given the Quattro+ more flex, creating a propulsive snap
that really gets this fin moving. It’s also highly maneuverable and energy efficient using all kicking styles.

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $144

Sport Diver

Mares Wave Open-Heel
Soft insert panel in the blade creates a “Superchannel” for max water flow.

Ergonomically designed, specially molded foot pocket reduces pressure on legs and ankles, and maximizes comfort on the feet.

The main and auxiliary channels in the Wave’s blade provide excellent thrust with high efficiency and reduced stress on calves and ankles. The double-button ABS Plus buckle release is user friendly on the Wave, which features new colors for 2014.

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $130

Sport Diver

Seac GP100
Its 26-inch blade creates a long fin that offers lots of in-water stability, regardless of kicking style.

Foot pocket is made with an elastomer for comfort and a rigid sole with extended heel plate for support.

The GP100 is designed for divers who favor a long fin and a lot of response from their kicking motion. Its blade is built with thick side rails and technopolymer stabilizing strips, resulting in a rock-solid kicker with some nice feedback.

CONTACT: seacsub.com MSRP: $130

Sport Diver

Mares X-Stream
Optimum Pivoting Blade design produces lots of forward thrust on the down stroke.

ABS Plus Buckles incorporate a one-time adjustment along with cam buckles for easy on and of.

The X-Stream’s blade combines a thermoplastic frame with reinforced side rails and a soft-rubber center panel. The foot pocket is made of soft rubber that’s perforated, making it lightweight, flexible and easy to remove after a dive.

CONTACT: mares.com MSRP: $199

Sport Diver

Scubapro Seawing Nova Full-Foot
New full-foot version has the same features that made the open-heel model a favorite.

Pivoting design allows the entire blade to generate thrust for good drive.

Like its open-heel predecessor, the full-foot Seawing Nova features a blade that attaches to the foot pocket by way of two stabilizing arms, allowing the whole blade to pivot for top thrust and speed.

CONTACT: scubapro.com MSRP: $139

Sport Diver

Sherwood Scuba Elite
Dual-composite fin blade features full-length power rails and a central flex channel to maximize kicking performance.

Unique high-stretch silicone heel straps keep foot pockets comfortable and secure.

This comfortable, easy-kicking fin feels good on the feet, delivers good kicking performance, and ofers more power than you’d expect from such a light fin. A broad size range (five sizes) ensures a comfortable fit.

CONTACT: sherwoodscuba.com MSRP: $120

Sport Diver

Tilos F7-13 Fiji Travel
Drag-reducing vents scoop water throughout the entire kick cycle, maximizing forward thrust while reducing stress on legs.

Compact size and light weight combine to create a fin that’s ideal for dive travel.

Tilos’ open-heel travel fin features a flexible blade, and foot pockets that are designed to comfortably accommodate all boot styles. The fin features quick- release buckles and an adjustable strap.

CONTACT: tilos.com MSRP: $79.95

Sport Diver

Tusa SF-22 Solla
Reinforced side rails and vents built into the blade maximize propulsion and maneuverability.

Anatomic foot pocket enhances comfort while increasing the power transfer to the fin blade.

Sporting a completely new design, the SF-22 Solla offers several features that promote speed, maneuverability and comfort, including TUSA’s patented 20-degree angled blade, and an anatomic fin strap and buckle system.

CONTACT: tusa.com MSRP: $119

Sport Diver

Cressi Gara Professional LD
Blade is made from a special polypropylene elastomer for a more fluid, softer kick.

Foot pocket has been redesigned with an ultra soft material to increase fit and comfort.

The Gara Professional LD offers all the performance characteristics of the Gara Professional, with
a new blade material that delivers more-controlled flexibility for enhanced comfort when kicking long distances.

CONTACT: cressi.com MSRP: $149

Sport Diver

Cressi Gara Modular
Comfortable foot pocket plus extra-long blade equals kicking power to spare for both scuba and apnea aficionados.

The ability to separate the foot pocket from the blade makes it the perfect traveling companion.

Kicking versatility through interchangeable blades is the name of the game with Cressi’s Gara Modular free-diving fin. The standard blade is lightweight, and provides a nice mix of power and flexibility.

CONTACT: cressi.com MSRP: $219

Carrie Garcia