Updated on October 28, 2020

Spearfishing requires speed, agility, and power underwater. That’s why a good set of fins is one of the first pieces of gear most freedivers and spearfishers buy! But, you won’t just use your fins while on the hunt. You’ll also need them to maintain buoyancy on the surface, and swim to and from your boat or shore. The best spearfishing fins will balance comfort and power, enhancing your overall performance in the water. 

Which fins work best for you will depend on where and how often you dive, and what conditions you’ll be spearing in. And, thanks to the rising popularity of freediving, there are hundreds of high-quality models to choose from. In this article, we’ll help narrow your search. Keep reading for information on all our favorite models, plus helpful tips for shopping.

For more of our top spearfishing gear recommendations, check out the Best Spearfishing Wetsuits.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Spearfishing Fins

  1. Cressi Free Frog
  2. Beuchat Mundial
  3. Cressi Gara Modular
  4. Sherwood Onyx
  5. XS Scuba Hypos
  6. Salvimar React
  7. Seac Sub Motus
  8. Cressi Gara 3000
  9. Mares Avanti Quattro Power
  10. Omer Stingray

 

Comparison Table - Best Spearfishing Fins

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NameFin LengthBladeConstructionPriceRatingReview
Cressi Free Frog17 InchesChanneledFixed Blade$4.8Read Review
Beuchat Mundial19 InchesFishtailFixed Blade$4.4Read Review
Cressi Gara Modular31 InchesVariable ThicknessModular$4.2Read Review
Sherwood Onyx30 InchesChanneledFixed Blade$$4.5Read Review
XS Scuba Hypos35 InchesFishtailFixed Blade$$4.7Read Review
Salvimar React32 InchesChanneledModular$$4.2Read Review
Seac Sub Motus34 InchesFishtailModular$$4.8Read Review
Cressi Gara 300036 InchesFishtailFixed Blade$$$4.7Read Review
Mares Avanti Quattro Power30 InchesChanneledFixed Blade$$$5.0Read Review
Omer Stingray24 InchesFishtailModular$$$4.6Read Review
NameFin LengthBladeConstructionPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Fins for Spearfishing

Cressi Free Frog

Specs
  • Blade: Channeled
  • Material: Low-Modulus Polypropylene
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 48 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 17 Inches
Features
  • Below-the-Blade Footbed For Larger Blade Surface Area To Increase Kicking Thrust
  • Heel Pull Tab For Easy Donning And Doffing
  • Non-Vented Fin Blade For Extra Thrust
  • Channels For Additional Power And Aquadynamics

BEST FOR: BUDGET

If you’re new to spearfishing or you just don’t want to spend a ton of money on fins, the Cressi Free Frog might be your best bet. This model has been around for years, and it’s an industry favorite thanks to its simple and straightforward design. This fin’s Below-the-blade footbed increases surface area, adding thrust to every kick. Combined with a channeled and non-vented blade, these features make the Frog one powerful fin. This model’s solid injection molded design won’t wear out and split as quickly as other construction types, and its pull tab is less likely to rip or tear as you don and doff.

Beuchat Mundial

Specs
  • Blade: Fishtail
  • Material: Thermoplastic Elastomer, Polypropylene Plastic
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 55 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 19 Inches
Features
  • Integrated Stabilizers Add Fin Stability And Power
  • Fishtail Shaped Blade For Agility And Direction Control Underwater
  • Reinforced Instep For Improved Comfort And Support
  • Reactive Foot Pocket Design Bends And Flexes To Fit Any Foot Shape Or Size

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS

The Beuchat Mundial is a top pick for new spearfishers, thanks to its powerful and comfortable design. This fin uses a fishtail shaped blade to deliver added agility and supreme direction control underwater. The fishtail feature is especially important for divers on the hunt. The Mundial’s integrated stabilizers offer rigidity in the blade where you need it, for extra stability and power. Plus, its reinforced instep and reactive foot pocket make it one of the most comfortable models on the market. If you sometimes have trouble finding fins that fit, this model might be your best bet. The Mundial is also one of the most affordable options around, so it’s perfect for first-time buyers.

Cressi Gara Modular

Specs
  • Blade: Variable Thickness
  • Material: Propylene, Hard Shore Plastic, Rubber
  • Construction: Modular
  • Weight: 57 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 31 Inches
Features
  • Decreasing Thickness Of Blade From 4mm To 2mm
  • Varying Degrees Of Blade Flexibility For Added Thrust
  • Fully Modular Design With Interchangeable Blade
  • Foot Pocket Easily Adapts For High Insteps Or Use With Neoprene Socks

BEST FOR: CUSTOM FIT

The Cressi Gara Modular offers a ton of unique features and design elements. This fully modular freediving fin allows you to change blades depending on your underwater performance priorities. Choosing between varying degrees of flexibility lets you decide how much thrust you want from each kick. All of the Gara’s blades decrease in thickness, giving you the ideal combination of strength and flexibility while you swim. Plus, its pocket uses a “self-adjusting” plastic that adjusts to fit your foot’s shape exactly. This feature is especially helpful to divers with unusually high insteps or uncommonly shaped feet and leaves plenty of room for Neoprene socks.

Sherwood Onyx

Specs
  • Blade: Channeled
  • Material: Polypropylene Composite
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 57 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 30 Inches
Features
  • Channels For Additional Power And Aquadynamics
  • Non-Vented Fin Blade For Extra Thrust
  • Highly Flexible Blade Adds Power To Each Kick
  • Firm Footbed Offers Extra Ankle Support And Reduces Joint Impact

BEST FOR: JUST THE BASICS

The Sherwood Onyx is an excellent entry-level fin that does everything you need and nothing you don’t. Its highly flexible unvented blade delivers plenty of thrust with each kick. A channeled design adds power, and aids with aquadynamics and maneuverability. Plus, a firm footbed helps support the ankle and reduce joint pressure as you swim. You won’t find any fancy bells and whistles on this model, and it isn’t designed for the fashion-focused. But, the Onyx is a high-quality fin that performs just as well as options twice its price. This “crossover” model is suitable for multiple sports, but SCUBA divers may find the extra-long blade problematic in some underwater environments.

XS Scuba Hypos

Specs
  • Blade: Fishtail
  • Material: Thermoplastic Rubber, Polymer
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 47 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 35 Inches
Features
  • Lightweight And Travel Friendly
  • Fishtail Shaped Blade For Agility And Direction Control Underwater
  • Foot Pocket Easily Adapts For High Insteps Or Use With Neoprene Socks
  • Flex-Polymer Blades For Power And Flexibility Underwater

BEST FOR: TRAVEL   

If you’re planning a spearfishing trip, you’ll want to travel with fins that are lightweight and flexible. The XS Scuba Hypos is a top pick for travel thanks to its ultralight flex-polymer design and outstanding performance in the water. This model features a fishtail shaped blade for added maneuverability while on the hunt. Its foot pocket can accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes and works well with neoprene socks, making it ideal for all different water temperatures. Plus, its extra-long channeled blade provides unsurpassed power with each kick. Best of all, the Hypos costs far less than similarly designed fins.

Salvimar React

Specs
  • Blade: Channeled
  • Material: Polypropylene, Thermoplastic
  • Construction: Modular
  • Weight: 59 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 32 Inches
Features
  • Fully Modular Design With Interchangeable Blade
  • Heel Pull Tab For Easy Donning And Doffing
  • Channels For Additional Power And Aquadynamics
  • Non-Vented Fin Blade For Extra Thrust

BEST FOR: MODULAR DESIGN 

The Salvimar React is a high-performance fin, designed with spearfishers in mind. Its modular build allows you to change between blades for targeted performance enhancement underwater. Different blade styles can add strength, agility, or endurance to each kick. Plus, you can pack the React’s pieces separately, making this fin super compact, and perfect for dive travel. This model’s extra-long non-vented and channeled design are perfect for short bursts of powerful kicking, which is a top priority for freedivers on the hunt. Plus, its highly flexible tabbed foot pocket is easy to don and doff without any rubbing or chafing.

Seac Sub Motus

Specs
  • Blade: Fishtail
  • Material: Techno-Polymer, Thermoplastic Rubber
  • Construction: Modular
  • Weight: 59 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 34 Inches
Features
  • Sold In A Variety Of Colors
  • Flex-Polymer Blades For Power And Flexibility Underwater
  • Integrated Stabilizers Add Fin Stability And Power
  • Foot Pocket Easily Adapts For High Insteps Or Use With Neoprene Socks

BEST FOR: VISUAL IMPACT

If you’re searching for a high-performance spearfishing fin that looks as good as it feels, the Seac Sub Motus might be your best bet. This model packs all the features you’d expect from a top-quality fin, plus it comes in a range of vibrant colors. Blue and green camo are perfect for hunting, while red makes you more noticeable to other divers in the group. The Motus uses flex-polymer blades with added stabilizers, making it highly powerful and flexible without losing rigidity. Plus, its flexible foot pocket allows you to integrate neoprene socks. This feature is perfect for preventing blisters and spearfishing in chilly dive conditions.

Cressi Gara 3000

Specs
  • Blade: Fishtail
  • Material: Plastic, Elastomer
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 65 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 36 Inches
Features
  • Highly Flexible Blade Adds Power To Each Kick
  • Reactive Foot Pocket Design Bends And Flexes To Fit Any Foot Shape Or Size
  • Includes Bag For Travel And Storage
  • Durable Construction For Everyday Use And Abuse

BEST FOR: EVERYDAY USE

Do you work in the water or spearfish every day? If you’re spending a lot of time underwater, you’ll want a fin that’s up to the challenge. The Cressi Gara 3000 uses heavy-duty construction, so it won’t wear out as fast as other similar models. Its highly flexible blade adds power to every kick, and won’t become too rigid in cold conditions. Plus, its reactive pocket is designed to stretch and mold, contouring perfectly to fit every foot. This feature also combines well with neoprene socks in cold conditions. The Gara comes complete with a travel bag, perfect for a daily commute to and from the water.

Mares Avanti Quattro Power

Specs
  • Blade: Channeled
  • Material: Tecralene, Thermoplastic Rubber
  • Construction: Fixed Blade
  • Weight: 67 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 30 Inches
Features
  • Sold In A Variety Of Colors
  • Channels For Additional Power And Aquadynamics
  • Non-Vented Fin Blade For Extra Thrust
  • Crossover Design Is Suitable For SCUBA And Freediving

BEST FOR: PRO PICK 

The Mares Avanti Quattro has been a favorite model among SCUBA divers for years. And, this famous fin’s Power edition, designed especially for freediving and spearfishing, lives up to the original model’s awesome reputation. The Quattro is known for delivering unsurpassed power underwater thanks to a channeled and unvented blade. The Power uses an identical design, but longer, for even more thrust per kick. This model is available in multiple colors, including camouflage, for divers on the hunt. Plus, its unique design makes it suitable for SCUBA and apnea. But, some divers may find the blade length problematic in silty or enclosed environments.

Omer Stingray

Specs
  • Blade: Fishtail
  • Material: Polypropylene, Thermo-Rubber
  • Construction: Modular
  • Weight: 70 Ounces
  • Fin Length: 24 Inches
Features
  • Fully Modular Design With Interchangeable Blade
  • Channels For Additional Power And Aquadynamics
  • Integrated Stabilizers Add Fin Stability And Power
  • Short And Heavy Design For Bursts Of Power

BEST FOR: TOP OF THE LINE 

The Omer Stingray is a top performer for spearfishing. This fin features a unique design that is shorter and heavier than similar models. This helps deliver “sprinting” bursts of power when you need them most. The Stingray uses interchangeable blades in varying lengths and weights, with some as compact as what you’d expect from a model designed for SCUBA. Plus, its channels and supports help water glide seamlessly off the blade’s edge, no matter which length you choose. These features add thrust and stability to each kick. Don’t underestimate this model based on its size; these are some of the fastest fins on the market.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SPEARFISHING FINS 

 

FIT

When you’re shopping for Spearfishing diving equipment, proper fit should be your top priority. A fin that fits well will feel snug but not tight, and your foot won’t slide around inside of it. You should never feel squeezing, rubbing, or friction between your foot and the fin. These issues can cause painful cramps and blisters. 

Your fins should be easy to don and doff, and shouldn’t pinch or bind anywhere along your foot. To check your fins for a good fit, stand normally and lift your heels off the ground one by one with your toes firmly planted. If you feel the fins sliding up and down on your heel, try a smaller size. You shouldn’t feel any rubbing or chafing on the tops of your toes or in the bunion area. 

If you’re new to spearfishing, the length of these fins may feel uncomfortable at first. And, some shorter SCUBA fins are suitable for spearfishing. But they aren’t always the best option. Freediving equipment is specially designed for the sport and will enhance your performance far more than gear intended for snorkeling and SCUBA. 

 

BLADE LENGTH

The length of your fins determines how they perform in the water. Longer fins displace more water with every kick. Just a few extra inches give you the power to propel yourself rapidly through the water, covering more distance in less time, while using less energy and oxygen. That’s why spearfishers and freedivers typically use an extra-long flexible blade. 

Are you new to spearfishing or apnea? You might want to choose an intermediate length, while you’re still getting used to things. At first, freediving fins might feel awkward or clumsy thanks to their length. You may need time to practice and adjust your kicking style, too. 

Freedivers and spearfishers who plan to explore full overhead environments like caves and shipwrecks may also prefer a shorter fin. The longer your blade, the more likely it is to stir up sediment, and accidentally contact your surroundings in small or narrow passageways. 

If you’re planning on tons of dive travel, choose a modular spearfishing model. The ability to disassemble your fins and pack the pieces individually will save tons of space in your gear bag and keep the elongated blades from becoming bent or broken. 

 

CONSTRUCTION

Most spearfishing fins feature a modular or fixed design. Which one is right for you depends on your comfort and experience level, plus where and how often you plan to dive.

Modular fins allow you to remove and interchange the blade. This feature is best for experienced spearfishers hoping to enhance their underwater performance with different blades for different tasks and environments. This feature is also handy for dive travel, as it makes your fins much easier to pack “in pieces.”  

Fixed blade fins are a better bet if you’re new to freediving. They are generally more affordable, and you won’t run the risk of losing tiny parts and pieces during setup and breakdown. Keep in mind that extra-long spearfishing fins using a fixed blade will be longer than most standard gear bags. This extra length makes them hard to pack, and nearly impossible to fly with as “carry on” luggage. 

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

 

CHANNELS, VENTS, AND STABILIZERS 

Some spearfishing fins are designed with channels to give you more power in the water. These ridges work with the freediving flutter kick, allowing the fin to bend and directing the flow of water over its surface. 

If you’re a SCUBA diver, you might be used to vented fins. But, these aren’t a top pick for spearfishers. Vents are suitable for steady swimming and endurance, but don’t add power to your kick in short bursts. This type of underwater sprint is vital for divers on the hunt. If you’re hoping to use stealth and strength to spear big fish, avoid vented styles. 

Stabilizers are raised ridges along the fin’s edge. These add stability and power to highly flexible blades and prevent bending and breaking, as well. When used in combinations with channels, stabilizers can help build speed and strength, allowing divers to hit top speeds as they approach their intended prey. 

 

FISHTAIL BLADE

A fin’s “fishtail” is a notch cut into the center of a fin’s blade. This shape resembles the split in a fish’s tail, hence the name. And, it performs similarly, too! A fishtail gives you improved agility and direction control underwater because it allows the two sides of your fin to operate with some small amount of independence, like a split SCUBA fin. 

 

HIGHLY FLEXIBLE BLADES

Some spearfishing fins, made from materials like flex-polymer and carbon fiber are highly flexible. This construction gives each kick extra “snap,” adding power as you swim. But, keep in mind that the more flexible a blade you use, the more prone it is to bending and breaking. High tech materials also add to a fin’s price, so this feature isn’t best for beginners. 

 

VARIABLE BLADE

Spearfishing fins often feature blades with varying degrees of thickness and flexibility. This feature adds thrust as you kick, as it changes the blade’s ability to flex and displace water. Blades that are thinner and more flexible toward the tip are suited to experienced freedivers as they are fragile.

 

REACTIVE POCKET

Reactive foot pockets use super-stretchy materials to mold to your foot’s shape. This feature is perfect for spearfishers with unusually shaped feet and high insteps. This added flexibility is also helpful in cold climates, as it leaves room for thin booties or neoprene socks. These accessories will help keep your feet warm, even if you’re hunting in cold water

 

FOOTBED

Your fin’s footbed is the base of its foot pocket. Some designs use a firmer material to reinforce this area, reducing joint impact and offering extra support for your ankles. Others use below-the-blade technology to create a larger surface area for kicking on your fin’s underside. This extra space displaces more water than a traditional design and adds thrust to each kick.

READ MORE

For more, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Spearguns

Spearfishing Wetsuits

Spearfishing Masks

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