The 10 Best Spearfishing & Freediving Fins Reviewed 2024 (Buyer’s Guide)

Spearfishing is one of the oldest forms of hunting in the world and a very popular sport that continues to grow today.

But aside from the wetsuit and mask, you’re not going to get very far without the right kind of diving fins.

And it’s essential that you choose the best spearfishing fins that are right for you – otherwise you could well end up having a miserable time in the water with limited success.

So, let’s take a look at what’s out there, with a buyer’s guide and FAQ section to follow.

The 10 Best Spearfishing and Freediving Fins 2024

SEAC Shout Spearfishing and Freediving Fins

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A popular entry-level brand, SEAC offer up their Shout long fin model which is a nice, affordable way into the sport.

The foot pocket is made with thermoplastic rubber, and has been designed for use with a neoprene 2.5 millimeter booty.

The material of the main blade is a “thermoplastic technopolymer with a high modulus of elasticity,” ensuring you’re getting the best possible performance from a budget-level diving fin.

Highly rated, the Shout model is a great choice for new spearfishers and freedivers who want to dip their fins into the water for the first time.

Pros

• Excellent price.
• Rugged, durable build quality.
• Choice of colors available.

Cons

• On the heavy side.
• Will take more effort to use.

Takeaway

Probably the best freediving fins for beginners, these fins are an affordable way into either sport, and their durability should last you for many dives to come. Just remember that sizes run a little large, so make sure you do your research.

Maverick America DJ Sand Tiger Carbon Fins

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Let’s take a look at a good example from the other end of the scale now, with these premium spearfishing and freediving fins from Maverick America.

Designed to offer you the best possible performance without causing leg fatigue, they’re made from carbon-fiber, with a 25-degree angled fin to improve comfort and efficiency on the backstroke of your kick.

The parabolic shape helps to displace more water in the midline section, ensuring you have great trust and propulsion through the water, while minimizing blade wobble.

Tested and recommended by spearfishing and freediving professionals, you’d have to go a long way to beat this kind of quality.

Pros

• World-class diving fins.
• Highly maneuverable.
• Medium stiffness.
• Premium quality materials and design.

Cons

• Very expensive.

Takeaway

Spearfishing can be unpredictable, and you want the best possible performance and control in those potentially fast-changing situations. This is the fin that will do it all – but at a price.

Leaderfins Pure Carbon Fiber Fins

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Here we have a top-quality blade that’s a composite of epoxy resin and carbon fiber, allowing you superb control and maneuverability in the water.

Angled at 20 degrees to improve efficiency through the kick cycle, you can choose the right blade stiffness for your needs (heavier divers should choose stiffer fins), and the super-comfortable foot pockets are made from soft EPDM rubber.

Additionally, the rubber rails that are attached to the fins provide maximum efficiency in water flow redirection, so you can be sure that little energy is wasted when you’re traveling with these blades.

And with a powerful snap for improved propulsion, they will get you where you want to go – fast.

Pros

• Premium quality construction.
• Hydrodynamically designed.
• Lightweight and durable.

Cons

• Remember to double-check the fit as it can be a bit tricky.
• On the pricey side.

Takeaway

These blades have been beautifully designed and manufactured, with all the hallmarks of a professional spearfishing and freediving fin.

Don’t forget, you’ll also need one of these amazing spearguns too, so follow that link in your quest to get fully kitted out for your next underwater adventure.

SEAC Motus Italian Design Long Blade Fins

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Designed especially for freediving and spearfishing, you have the best of both worlds with these colorful fins from SEAC.

The Motus has been made with a cutting edge polymer that maximizes flexibility and reactivity, while not being as pricey as the more expensive carbon or fiberglass options.

The blades are fully interchangeable, so you can change them out at a later date if you find something that works better for you, and the thermoplastic rubber foot pocket is durable with a dual material density.

The long blades allow you to get the most thrust out of your kick cycle, while minimizing fatigue, and the blades are set at 22-degrees.

Pros

• Affordable price point.
• Durable construction.
• Blade edge rails for maximum propulsion.
• Choice of colors – including camo.
• True to fit.

Cons

• None to speak of.

Takeaway

It’s hard to find fault with these fins at this price point, and they make a superb beginner to intermediate option, with the bonus of being able to switch out the blades if and when you want/need to upgrade.

MAKO Spearguns Competition Spearfishing Fins

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Also with removable, interchangeable blades, these Mako Competition fins offer the chance to upgrade to fiberglass or carbon when you’re ready.

The comfortable foot pockets are designed to accommodate a variety of different blades available on the market, so you could start out with these and end up rocking some high-end freediving fins later in your underwater career.

Made with a composite of Borealis and a small amount of fiberglass, these affordable fins offer a nice balance of performance and price, and you don’t have to keep them forever as your skills improve.

Pros

• Durable plastic construction.
• Great price.
• Highly rated.
• Comfortable foot pocket fit.

Cons

• Blades scratch easily.
• Not the most attractive design.

Takeaway

A decent training spearfishing fin that won’t let you down, there probably isn’t a better beginner option out there – especially considering it’s an interchangeable design.

Mares Razor Spearfishing and Freediving Fins

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Designed to be worn with a three millimeter neoprene sock, the Mares Razor pro is a popular and efficient diving fin suitable for all levels and abilities.

The foot pocket has been performance engineered so that it offers the best possible power transmission right from the foot through to the fin.

The V-tip prevents the fin from slipping from side to side while kicking, and it features an interchangeable blade so you can change it out when you feel you need to.

The black and grey fin options are more rigid than the camouflage – where available – and the high-quality elastomer blade offers excellent agility and performance.

Pros

• Name to trust.
• Affordable price point.
• Highly rated.
• Versatile use.
• Durable construction.

Cons

• Tendency to scratch easily.

Takeaway

Another great beginner/intermediate fin that offers a genuine sense of improved power and control in the water. Note that this is the Razor and not the Razor Pro, but aside from that, this is a quality spearfishing fin that’ll get you kicking to success.

Riffe Silent Hunter Freediving Fins

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Here we have arguably the best plastic fins for spearfishing available, with a premium, beginner level set from popular underwater brand Riffe.

Offering the longest high-strength tapered plastic fin on the market, you’ll have a powerful spring to catapult you through the waves, making them ideal for swimming in currents, and fighting stronger fish.

Able to develop more thrust with much less effort, the flexible side rails help channel water away from the main blade, thus eliminating wobble in the water, and giving you the best chance at silently hunting your unknowing quarry.

Pros

• Name to trust.
• Premium quality materials.
• Durable, yet flexible blades.
• Open heel model available.

Cons

• Not interchangeable.

Takeaway

While being able to switch out the blades on the fin pockets would have been nice, at this price point you’re getting one of the better entry-level plastic diving fins on the market anyway.

How to Choose the Best Fins for Spearfishing and Freediving

If you dive a little deeper in this article, you’ll find a handy buyer’s guide and FAQ section for help in choosing the best fins for you.

Here are some of the things you should be considering and looking out for before making a purchase.

Skill Level/Experience

There are distinct differences in diving fins, depending on their design, construction, materials, and other factors as we will outline below.

But before you decide which one you should go for, it’s prudent to weigh up your own skillset and experience in advance. Is this your first time? Perhaps you’re an intermediate diver with a few trips under your belt? Maybe you’re an old pro who knows exactly what to look for?

I would recommend purchasing a dive fin that is in line with your own honest appraisal of your level. There’s no need to spend nearly $500 on a product if you’ve never even been underwater.

Material

Spearfishing and freediving fins most commonly come in three different types of materials.

Plastic fins are an excellent choice for beginners. They’re super durable – which is great for diving around rocks and other hazards, and their price point makes them ideal as an entry-level option.

If you’ve never used longfins before, and/or you’re just starting out in the sport, plastic fins are highly recommended. Although be aware they can get warped over time and lose their shape.

Fiberglass fins are much more efficient than plastic, ensuring your energy isn’t misspent and you get improved propulsion.

They will bend more through your kick cycle, which means you’re going to get a more powerful snap which increases thrust – and trust me when I say the difference is huge.

S-Class is a more efficient fiberglass construction, so look out for fins of this quality if you want the best at this level.

Finally, carbon fins are the most expensive option. They’re much lighter than the previous two materials, although the difference isn’t so great between carbon and fiberglass.

You will, however, notice the difference when it comes to power, as carbon fins are easily the best freediving fins out there – for when you really need to get down deep.

They also make good spearfishing fins for propulsion and efficiency, and are simply the go-to option for more experienced divers who want to travel double the distance while minimizing fatigue.

You’ll also find that the composite blades are more commonly interchangeable – and you’ll find more information on that below.

Fit and Sizing

Foot pockets should be snug, as you will break them in over time and they will loosen up.

While it can be a challenge to achieve the perfect fit when shopping online, it’s certainly not impossible.

Read the sizing guides with care, and check out the reviews from divers with the same measurements as you.

Remember, exchanging products has never been easier if you don’t quite get the right one first time.

Length

Spearfishing and freediving fins are typically longer and thinner than scuba or snorkeling fins, and this is so the diver can propel themselves through the water faster and further.

Longer fins will give you more thrust and propulsion, which is vital for achieving greater depths in freediving, or stalking your prey if you’re spearfishing.

Good spearfishing and freediving fins will usually come in anywhere from 30-40-inches in length. Some divers prefer longer fins, others stay with shorter models. The decision is really up to you.

Blade Stiffness

This is a very important factor when it comes to your fin’s overall performance in the water, and how much control, power, and maneuverability you’re going to have.

As a general rule of thumb, larger/heavier divers will most likely benefit from stiffer fins.

This isn’t set in stone, but if you’re up to around 150 lbs you should look for a soft fin, up to 220 lbs a medium fin, and anyone over that should choose a hard fin.

However, this can vary dramatically with different manufacturers, as not all brands will have the same levels of stiffness through their blades.

It’s best to double-check with the manufacturer of the diving fin you’re considering for the best advice, or look for reviews based on divers who are a similar size and weight to yourself.

Also, the environment and conditions you’re diving in will make a difference. If you’re going to be fighting strong currents and fish, then I would lean towards choosing a stiffer diving fin.

Stiffer fins are more suitable for beginners too, at least until you have a handle on the technique. For more information, check out the video below on diving fin stiffness.

Interchangeable Blades

Some spearfishing fins can offer the convenience of interchangeable blades. This is advantageous if you simply want to switch out the blade material or design to improve performance at a later date.

You might even want to purchase the foot pockets completely separately, get them fitted, and then choose blades to suit further down the line.

Perhaps you’ve damaged your blades on a previous dive and you need a new set. They might have worn or warped over time and you need an upgrade. Some blades can scratch easily, too.

Either way, purchasing diving fins that aren’t fixed will allow you to switch things up, either as a result of damaged fins, or your skills and experience are improving and you need the next level of fin technology.

If that’s the case, look for blades that have foot pockets, or, simply purchase a pair of foot pockets first, and then select your blades afterwards.

Aside from the obvious advantages in saving you money and improving your gear in the long run, it can also be cool to have a set of different colored blades depending on your diving aesthetic. But that’s perhaps for the more advanced, serious spearfishers out there.

Color

And speaking of color, when you’re spearfishing, it’s a little more important than just a cool aesthetic.

You should try to choose fins that help you blend in with your surroundings, so blue, green, or camo-colored blades are recommended.

For freediving, it doesn’t matter so much.

Still, if you’re a freediver or perhaps an underwater videographer who enjoys attempting to seamlessly merge with the subsea world, then it will also benefit you to be as invisible as possible.

Cost

Good quality diving fins can vary in price from being very affordable, to exorbitantly expensive.

As mentioned above, I would recommend purchasing something that reflects your skill level and experience.

But if you’re genuinely shopping for the best spearfishing fins, you’ll likely be paying well over $100 for them, with one or two exceptions.

And just like these excellent spearfishing masks – you shouldn’t cut corners here. Always buy the best you can afford for a comfortable, rewarding, safe, and successful diving trip.

FAQs

How do you choose spearfishing fins?

I would suggest you decide on your budget first, take into account your skill level and experience, and then choose the kind of material you would like – using the buyer’s guide above.

Once you have those factors in place, you’ll be well on your way to choosing the best spearfishing blades for your needs.

Why are spearfishing fins so long?

Spearfishing and freediving fins are longer in order to propel the diver further in the water in relation to how much effort it takes to do that.

The longer the fin blade, the less effort it’s going to be through your kick cycle to push you as far as possible.

However, there is a limit, as anything over 40-inches is excessive, as it’s not very practical for maneuverability and control. It’s rare you’ll find fins longer than around 38/39-inches anyway.

What are the best freediving fins?

It depends what you’re looking for and what would best suit your needs, so there’s no one product that is “the best” freediving or spearfishing fin on the market.

That said, most pro and experienced freedivers/spearfishers are rocking carbon blades, so keep a look out for that class of diving fin and you can’t go far wrong.

What is the difference between long and short fins?

Short fins are more suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling – where you don’t need to travel as far on one breath, for example.

Check out the video below for a guide to the type of fins you should be looking for – and the differences between each model.

Is there a difference between spearfishing and freediving fins?

Not really. You can purchase fins that are clearly branded for each sport, but to be honest, there’s not going to be much difference between them.

However, you’ll see clear differences when you compare freediving and spearfishing fins to their scuba counterparts, for example.

What are the best spearfishing fins?

Again, it depends on what you’re looking for. The best freediving and spearfishing fins for beginners are generally completely different to those used by the pros.

Look for something that’s suitable for your skillset and experience and you should be fine.

All the fins in this review are suitable for a variety of purposes and levels, but if you have any further questions, feel free to shoot me a message below.

How long should my spearfishing fins be?

Spearfishing fins will typically be somewhere between 30-40 inches in length.

It’s really up to you how long they should be, but remember that longer fins will propel your further, but require more initial effort to do so.

What’s the best material for spearfishing fins?

Carbon fiber. Next question.

Joking aside, carbon fiber is the premium material for spearfishing fins, but it might not be the “best” for your needs.

Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so refer to the buyer’s guide above to explore that in more detail, and then you can make your own mind up as to which is the best for you.

How do interchangeable fins work?

Great question. With some diving fins, the foot pocket stays the same and you can change out the fin blade itself, which saves you money in the long run when you need to replace damaged fins, or you simply wish to upgrade.

Watch the guide below which goes into detail on how you do that. Although it’s focussing on Mako fins, the system can more or less be applied to any brand.

Can my freediving fins be taken as carry-on luggage?

Unlikely. Carry-on luggage cannot be more than 22-inches in length for most airlines, and both freediving and spearfishing fins exceed that measurement considerably.

If your fins don’t already come with a protective bag, it’s well worth purchasing a diving backpack for them, as they’ll need to be checked in and you don’t want any damage to occur before you’ve even seen water.

We all know what those baggage handlers can be like…

Summary

Spearfishing and freediving are exhilarating, fast-growing sports and the products on the market are doing their best to keep up.

I hope this review and guide has helped you choose the best spearfishing fins for you – or the keen diver in your family and friends.

Let me know which model you’ve gone for any why – or just to regale us with your underwater stories and experiences.

Stay safe out there – and happy diving!