Best Fins for Strong Currents: Top Picks for Divers in 2023
Fins play a crucial role in helping divers navigate and maneuver in strong currents. They provide propulsion, allowing you to move through the water more efficiently and with greater control. High-quality fins designed specifically for strong currents typically have stiffer, longer blades that generate more power and improve maneuverability.
Our team vote the Mares Avanti Quatto Plus as the best fins for strong currents as they offer all this and more! We’ll discuss them in more detail later in this post.
What is the best BCD with integrated weights?
To answer that question straight off, the team here at Diversdock agrees that the 2 best fins for strong current are the:
They have a flexible, yet firm blade that ensures efficient movement in the water.
Click image to view on Amazon
Click image to view on Amazon
When diving in strong currents, it’s essential to have fins that offer adequate thrust, allowing you to maintain your position and counteract the water’s force. Good fins can help conserve energy, reduce fatigue, and enable you to respond quickly to changing conditions. Ultimately, choosing the right fins can significantly enhance your safety and diving experience in strong currents.
Best Fins for Strong Currents
After researching and testing various fins, we’ve identified the top options for those looking for the best fins for strong currents. These fins are designed to provide optimal power and stability making them an excellent choice if you encounter strong currents.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Check Price | ||
| Check Price | ||
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price | ||
 | Check Price |
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
These fins are popular for their channel thrust technology, which allows for powerful thrust and maximum maneuverability in strong currents.
They have a flexible, yet firm blade that ensures efficient movement in the water.
- Bungee strap system: This makes it easier to put on and take off the fins, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
- Four-channel design: The channels on the blade help to increase water flow and enhance thrust, providing better propulsion in strong currents.
- Versatility: These fins are suitable for both recreational and technical divers, making them a great all-around choice for various diving conditions.
Mares Avanti Quattro Plus
Scubapro Seawing Nova
With a unique design that combines the power of a paddle fin with the maneuverability of a split fin, the Seawing Nova fins are great for strong currents.
They have a durable monprene construction and a variable blade geometry for optimal power transfer.
- Pivot Control Technology: This ensures that the most efficient angle of attack is maintained throughout the entire kicking cycle, optimizing thrust and reducing fatigue.
- Durable construction: The monprene design ensures long-lasting durability, even in challenging diving environments.
- Marine-grade bungee strap: The strap provides a secure and comfortable fit while making it easy to put on and take off the fins.
Scubapro Seawing Nova
Atomic Aquatics Split Fins
These fins feature a split blade design that reduces drag and increases efficiency, making them suitable for swimming in strong currents.
They’re made of high-quality materials and have a comfortable foot pocket for extended dives.
These come in open-heel or full-foot – see more choices here.
- Split blade design: The split blades work like a propeller, channeling water more efficiently and reducing the effort required to kick.
- EZ-LOK buckle system: This allows for quick and easy adjustments, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
- Compatibility: These fins are compatible with both open heel and full foot designs, making them versatile and suitable for different diving conditions and preferences.
Atomic Aquatics Split Fins
Hollis F1 “Bat Fin”
These fins are designed for technical diving and are particularly suitable for strong currents.
They have a solid, rigid design that provides maximum power, while their vented blades reduce stress on the legs.
- Spring heel strap: This ensures a secure fit and makes it easy to put on and take off the fins, even when wearing thick gloves.
- Angled blade: The blade’s angle helps improve propulsion and thrust, making it easier to navigate strong currents.
- Durable construction: These fins are made of high-grade, heavy-duty rubber, ensuring reliability and durability in demanding diving conditions.
Hollis F1 “Bat Fin”
Apeks RK3
Designed in collaboration with military and public safety divers, the RK3 fins are built for performance in challenging conditions.
They have a short, wide blade that provides excellent propulsion and maneuverability in strong currents.
- Compact design: The short and wide blade design makes these fins ideal for confined spaces, while still providing excellent propulsion in strong currents.
- Durable construction: Made from thermoplastic rubber, these fins are built to withstand harsh diving environments and demanding conditions.
- Customizable fit: The adjustable stainless steel spring straps allow for a secure and comfortable fit, making them suitable for divers with different foot sizes and dive boot thicknesses.
Apeks RK3
IST Rubber Rocket Scuba Diver Fins
Another military choice are the IST Rubber Rocket Scuba Diver Fins. The IST Rubber Rocket fins are known for their durability and reliability, making them suitable for challenging diving conditions, including strong currents.
The stiffness of the fins’ rubber material provides powerful thrust, while the vented design reduces stress on the legs during the kick cycle.
The IST Rubber Rocket Scuba Diver Fins are a top choice for military special ops and the U.S. Navy SEAL program, so you know they’re built to withstand tough conditions!
- Durable rubber design that is built to last
- Curvature and tapered blade for better propulsion (good for strong currents!)
- Deep grooves channel water backwards for a powerful kick
IST Rubber Rocket Scuba Diver Fins
Fin guide: Important features for strong currents
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing fins for strong currents is the material they are made of. Fins made of high-quality materials such as carbon fiber or fiberglass are more durable and can withstand the force of strong currents better than those made of plastic or rubber.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the fins also play a crucial role in their performance in strong currents. Fins that are longer and narrower are better suited for strong currents as they provide more power and control.
Cressi Gara fins a good option for strong currents, particularly for experienced divers and freedivers. The long blade, combined with the rigidity of the materials, ensures efficient power transfer, making them suitable for diving in strong currents.
However, it’s worth noting that these fins may be less comfortable and more challenging to maneuver for some divers due to their length and stiffness. They are better suited for those who have experience diving in challenging conditions and have developed the necessary leg strength and technique.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the fins is another important factor to consider. Fins that are too stiff can cause fatigue and discomfort, while those that are too flexible may not provide enough power. Look for fins that have a good balance of flexibility and stiffness for optimal performance in strong currents.
Foot Pocket
The foot pocket is the part of the fins that fits over your foot. It’s important to choose fins with a comfortable and secure foot pocket to prevent slipping and discomfort. Look for fins with adjustable straps and a snug fit to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Open-heel or Full foot fins
When diving in strong currents, you may want to prioritize propulsion and efficiency. Open heel fins with stiffer blades, such as the Scubapro Seawing Nova or Hollis F1 “Bat Fin,” are typically better suited for these conditions. However, some divers might find full foot fins like the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus or Cressi Gara Modular to be sufficient in strong currents as well.
Table: Features to Consider
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Material | High |
| Size and Shape | High |
| Flexibility | Medium |
| Foot Pocket | High |
By considering these important features, you can choose the best fins for strong currents that will provide optimal performance, comfort, and durability.
While all fins reviewed in this post are great choices for diving in strong currents, the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus stands out as a top choice for many divers. Its channel thrust technology, flexible yet firm blade, and bungee strap system provide a combination of power, efficiency, and comfort. Additionally, its four-channel design helps to enhance propulsion, making it suitable for various diving conditions.
