What Size Fin Do I Need?

We recently read that zappos.com, a giant online shoe retailer, has a 30% return rate for improper fit so the size question is not limited to swim fins. The question may be even more difficult with fins because a 'shoe' size is only part of the answer. The brand and type of neoprene bootie you wear, particularly heavy soled or rock boots, will have as much effect on the selection of fin foot pocket as the shoe size. Some people, especially those with high arches, prefer a loose fit in their fin and others prefer a snug fit. Our recommendation is to make your 'best guess' following our size guide and rely upon the Dive Gear Express no hassles return policy. If you are in a hurry and uncertain then consider ordering two sizes at the same time so you can try on at home, select the best fitting size and return the other.

Universal Spring Straps are available in three different lengths of 8, 10 and 12 inches. Sizing is not critical because springs of course do stretch to fit, so choose the length based on the size of your fin and your preference for a snug or loose fit. For small size fins, use the 8-inch length. For medium fins the 8-inch will be snug, and 10-inch will be loose. For large fins, we recommend the 10-inch length and it's by far the most popular size. For X-large fins we suggest the 10-inch for a snug fit and for a looser fit or with drysuit boots go with the 12-inch. The oversized Turtle fins are definitely the 12-inch length.

Each pair of Universal Spring Straps includes three different sets of adapter fittings that allow them to attach to almost any diving fin. They come already setup with the "old school" fitting for Jet, Rocket, Power and Turtle Fins. Change to the "large post" fitting for almost all modern fins that have a standard molded post attachment point. Use the "small post" fitting for Atomic brand split fins.

Beware of Fin Hyperbole

Fin designs are an aspect of dive equipment that seem more like fashion trends, and there seems to always be someone promoting "a better mousetrap." Most of these elaborate fin designs work fine when used to move forward at a modest speed using a flutter scissor kick, and the split fin design tests especially well in this regard. However, many designs are poor if you wish to frog kick or use almost any of the swimming techniques preferred by experienced divers in tight spaces. Even with a full scissor kick, the fancy fins are weak when swimming all out against current, or working to overcome the drag of a drysuit or technical equipment. Full foot pockets and elaborate heel strap systems are also more likely to cause the loss of a fin in forceful swimming.

We've always been mystified by the preference for fancy fins, but in March 2010 we saw a video of a large number of new divers swimming in a variety of different fin designs and had an epiphany. Many of these fancy fins actually do seem to help swimmers with very poor swimming technique, particularly if the diver is using a kick that looks like they are pedaling a bicycle. Be skeptical of those "fin performance reviews" that favor the casual recreational diver; many experienced divers who have learned how to swim properly will choose a versatile no-frills open-heel fin design with a stiff blade and a strong, reliable spring strap at an affordable price.

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