Choosing Freediving Fins

Choosing the Right Freediving Fins: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Pros

Blade Material: Plastic vs Fiberglass vs Carbon Fiber

Your choice of material affects everything from power output to durability:

Plastic (Polymer)

Fiberglass

Carbon

pelengas polymer fins

Plastic(Polymer) Fins


Budget-friendly and durable, but at the same time they are heavier and less responsive, not as efficient as fiberglass or carbon. Best for: Beginners or casual divers Most popular models are:
Mares X-Wing
Pelengas Fins
C4 Up
H.Dessault HD
Ultrafins-Camo-Pathos

Fiberglass Fins

Durable Linearly Graded Fiberglass Blades – Superior to Polymer Fins
The high-performance fiberglass blades offer greater efficiency than standard polymer fins. There are different kinds of fiberglass depending on the production method. For example UltraFins Fiberglass – The Most Advanced and Efficient Fiberglass Blades available on the market.

UltraFins uses cutting-edge, high-pressure manufacturing technology to produce premium fiberglass blades—far superior to standard vacuum-pressed blades made by many Chinese manufacturers and some European brands that outsource production. This advanced and expensive process delivers unmatched power, responsiveness, and durability. Depending on your choice of foot pockets, UltraFins fiberglass can perform on par with high-end carbon fiber fins.

Most popular Fiberglass fins are:
Ultrafins with Pathos pockets
Ultrafins Blue
UltraFins Performance

cetma fins

Carbon Fins

Carbon Blades – Maximum Efficiency for Freediving and Spearfishing These linearly graded carbon blades offer the highest energy-to-propulsion ratio across all fin types, making them the most efficient choice for serious freedivers and spearfishers, the blades maintain a perfectly straight shape throughout their entire lifespan—ensuring consistent performance and power. Note: While carbon is more fragile than fiberglass, these blades remain highly durable when used properly. Most popular Carbon fins are:
Cetma Taras Cabon fins
29/71 B-Spec Carbon fins
Cetma Edge Carbon fins
Cetma Prana Carnon Fins
UltraFins Carbon with Pathos pockets

Blade Length: Long vs Short Fins

Long Blade Fins

Provide more thrust with less effort. Ideal for deep dives and competitive freediving. Long fins (usually 80–95+ cm) are the standard for deep freediving and spearfishing. The increased blade length generates greater propulsion with minimal effort, allowing divers to descend and ascend more efficiently—crucial when managing breath-hold and depth. Best for: Depth diving and spearfishing at medium to deep ranges.

Short Blade Fins

Shorter freediving blades (typically under 75 cm) offer greater control and maneuverability, making them useful for shallow dives, training in pools, or navigating tight underwater spaces like caves or wrecks. 
Easier to maneuver in shallow water but less efficient at depth. Best for: Shallow spearfishing or confined environments.

Blades' stiffness

Selecting the correct fin stiffness for freediving and spearfishing is essential for comfort, performance, and energy efficiency. The ideal stiffness depends on your physical strength, body weight, diving style, your kick technique and of course fin usage. Heavier divers or those who make deep, powerful dives often choose from stiffer blades, which provide stronger propulsion. Lighter divers, or those who prefer a more relaxed or energy-saving swim, usually do better with softer blades, which reduce muscle fatigue. If you’re new to freediving or unsure which to choose, a medium stiffness fin is a safe option that suits most conditions and body types.

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