2022 Best FINS Staff Picks with Apeks, Dive Rite, Mares and Scuba Pro

I surveyed our staff of 14 divers, which 7 are Instructors of various levels with decades of experience, to include myself. The 2022 Best FINS Staff Picks for your review. Apeks, Dive Rite, Mares and Scuba Pro. LINK: www.divers-supply.com/scuba-g...
Product Links:
Sea Wing Nova: www.divers-supply.com/scubapr...
Dive Rite XT: www.divers-supply.com/dive-ri...
Apeks RK3: www.divers-supply.com/apeks-f...
Mares X-Stream: www.divers-supply.com/mares-x...
Mares Avanti Quattro +: www.divers-supply.com/mares-q...

[@pellelidell007]

Thanks for the great review. I own two of these fins: the Apeks RK3 (standard) and the Scubapro Seawing Nova 2 (standard). I'm very happy with both but I tend to use my RK3s more. They're neutrally buoyant, very sturdy, short and manoeuvrable, comfortable, come with spring straps and deliver great thrust. Excellent for flutter, frog, helicopter, and reverse. As for the SP Seawing Nova II - neutrally buoyant, has comfortable foot pockets and is lightweight (great for travelling). Probably the best OW flutter kick fins I've ever used but not quite as convincing when frogging. But when swimming against heavy currents and/or drift diving - they're ace! But...what's "right" for one diver might be "wrong" for the other. It all comes down to personal taste, physical capability, leg strength, technique, trim, dive environment etc so if possible, test the fins before you purchase them. I've had the opportunity to test most of my gear before buying so I've avoided costly pitfalls thus far...

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hey Pelle ! Your comments are spot on, what's perfect for one diver may not be great for others. Some folks are better off with an SUV vs a pickup truck. The RK3's just seem to do a lot of things right vs some of the other brand/model fins. Nice that you've been able to "Test Drive" some of the gear you've had interest in before lying down your money. Thanks for your comments and for watching the channel. Bob C

[@Debelius-13]

I've been using a YELLOW Avanti Quattro for years and i've been found once when i lost my DSMB by having my fin in my hand up . Will never use any other color . Love them

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Great tip ! Thinking outside the box sometimes can really make a huge difference. Thanks for the comment Bob C

[@actuallyKhit]

Thank you for making this video 🙏

[@DiversSupplyYT]

My pleasure Kritttee, I enjoy doing these for you folks.. Regards Bob C

[@tolvalyndennison2368]

Tolvalyn here! Coming back to get the ScubaPro Seawing fins. Rob loves his! Thanks Bob☺️

[@DiversSupplyYT]

What great fun it was to meet you and Rob yesterday at the store. Is there a specific size/color ??? Regards Bob C

[@Jimmy_CV]

Just bought a set of the dive rite Xt fins from y'all. And honestly I'm super impressed. I had a pair of the edge velocity pro and they were great for flutter kicks but not so much for frog and back kicks. The XT fins were super easy to backfin helicopter and had a really powerful frog kick.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Oh yes Jimmy C. The XT are light and stiff bladed, great for those back and frog kickin".. Thanks for your note ! Regards Bob C

[@zaanesterhuyzen1350]

Really informative, thank you so much!

[@DiversSupplyYT]

You're very welcome Zaan !

[@MellyCharm]

Thanks a lot! Very useful info

[@DiversSupplyYT]

You're welcome Mai ! Regards Bob C

[@D.H.CE_FL]

I've been wanting to get a pair of the super bright colored tech fins (RK3 or Jets), but really like my Quatros. Btw, you and your son's purple and orange Novas are very appreciated by students trying to keep an eye on the instructor in classes. I used to go with all black everything, but after chasing those orange fins around for a few classes, I always make sure to wear a bright obvious color to help my buddy know which diver is me.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

You know after the one time I tested out Black SP GO Sports. a member of the group said, "Bob I could find you".. Next dive put my Oranges back on... Regards Bob C

[@BurhanMuntasser]

I noticed that you are wearing a NAUI t-shirt. I am a NAUI instructor since 1987. I love the Scubapro Go Sport fins the most, mares quattro the least.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Yes, I'm currently a NAUI ITCD and SDI ITCD Ambassador, past SSI Master Instructor, NASE Master Instr and PADI IDC Staff Instr. Usually wear SDI/TDI shirts, but with all these bright fins I thought I'd go Orange in this video. I too like the GOs, but they're not my favorites for general use. After using the X-Streams the Quattros feel somewhat bulky. Thanks for your comment Bob C

[@dontdoitbaby]

I got DiveRite XT fins and Sea Nova , one kick of DRXT=3 kicks SN. The best three fins in the world to against water flows 1. Dive Rite XT fins 2. GULL Barracuda 3. Scubapro Jet Fins

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thanks Willian for your note. Much appreciated ! Bob C

[@NARCD73]

My SeaWing Novas purchased in 2016 broke in 2020. Hopefully they've done another redesign. I did get my warranty replacement.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Yes sir, they redesigned the flex section. Regards Bob C

[@RyceMods]

im a big fan of the mares power planas

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hi Ryce, They are very popular fins ! Thanks for the comment Bob C

[@PaulRanky]

Thanks a lot, many good fins... I have been diving with the Mares for several years. It has been good in strong current. I am tempted to get the SCUBAPRO... Question: How does the Mares compare to the Scubapro Seawing Nova Gorilla Fin? I know the SCUBAPRO is a lot lighter to travel with, BUT: how is it handling strong current? Also, how would you test these fins and chose the best you like? Go to a store, suit up and test them in a swimming pool? But how about testing them in strong current? You need an endless pool... or real ocean... Thanks, Paul

[@DiversSupplyYT]

I dive a lot in my SP Seawings Gorillas... Bob C

[@andreasmitropoulos]

Good morning Bob from Greece ! I have been using Mares Avanti Tre FF fins and have been very happy with them being so light (600g each). I do not feel that I wear fins and I have very good propulsion in all styles. I am struggling with the back kick but maybe is my (lack of) skill on this. I am very tall with thin legs and dislike the stiff fins. Although I always dive in warm waters sometimes I have to rent boots in order get to the boat from a rocky shore and then before the dive take them out in order to use the FF fins , which is a bit awkward. Which OH fins would you suggest to me ? Scuba pro Go sport ? Will it have enough propulsion ? I am a fan of Mares fins but the Xtream seems awkward to me and I have seen comparison video which did not perform so well compared to other Mares fins and the Quattro seem bulky.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thanks for the question Andreas. A light fin, which in most cases will not be stiff, will not back kick or helicopter very well. I know what you mean by rocky beaches and our little urchin friends make shore entries without good boots tricky. After my living in Sardinia for 3 years I never shore dove without boots. If you're looking for an all around fin that will provide good thrust while diving in general, as well as back & helicopter maneuvers, today I'd have to go with Apeks RK3 regulars. Regards, Bob C

[@mikeforce72]

I have the Mares X-treme. I've had them for less than 6 months and have a dozendives on them and a few pool sessions. While I like them and they have good thrust for flutter kicks they are not good for me for frog kicks. For cold water diving the XL size foot pocket is still small for my dry suit boots. The other problem I have is that the plastic on the blade is not a solid peice and they are begining to seperate at the seam where the flexible plastic in the center is welded to the hard plastic side bar/rails.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hey Mike, I'm personally not use X-tremes as a drysuit fin. With the resistance of a Drysuit, tank and BCD that's a bit much for them. Think I'd stick to a Tech style fin. When it comes to Drysuit boots that really pushes you toward RK3 Supers or XXL sizing.. FYI: My X-tremes are 5 years old with a ton of water time and the translucent and black blade is just beginning to separate. But I've really gotten my monies worth out of them... and will buy another pair shortly. Regards Bob C

[@mikeforce72]

@@DiversSupplyYT Thanks for the reply. I have a pair of Deep6 coming to try.

[@mathieud.4197]

Hi from France, what type/brand of fins would you recommend for a tall (2m - foot 13) and heavy diver (250 lbs). I use Mares Avanti Quattro Power Fins to swim in pools but for all reasons you exposed in previous videos i'm going on open heel fins. I tried seawings xl which i found not powerfull enough but the foot pocket was nice and mares quatro xl which were powerfull but i found the foot pocket a bit too small. Thank you for your channel. Your video on the Aqualung L3gend finished to convince me on this reg :) and after 80 dives i never regretted it.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Hi Mathieu D. So BIG guy, plus Scuba gear, equals a lot of drag (resistance) plus being a strong person I'm guessing here, your leg strength tends to over power the standard NOVAs. This happens more than you realize. I own both NOVAs, standard and Gorillas and the G's are stiffer than the standards and you can feel it. That may be a choice. The Apeks RK3's would be where I would point you first and there are the RK3 HDs. They are stiffer and you can feel it right in you hands. Are they big, No. Are they less expensive than NOVAs, Yes. Secondly I'd suggest TUSA's Switch PROs. These are fairly new fins on the market and seem to be appropriate for your abilities. *They are in the same price range as the RK3s. To finalize; the RK3 HDs are very "Techie" as I use the term in looks where the Switch PROs are more recreational in appearance. * Don't think you'd go wrong with either pair.* Hopefully these comments are helpful and thank you for being a viewer and hopefully subscriber plus sending in your question. Regards to France, I loved my time in Reims. Regards Bob C

[@mathieud.4197]

@@DiversSupplyYT Thank you Bob for your answer. Being big makes finding suitable equipment complicated. TUSA'S Switch Pros look realy nice but are kinda difficult to find in Europe and it seems no shop sells it in France. In only found them on a Netherlands or Spanish web sites. I have to confess I'm a little concerned about the resistance of the fin at the removable part (maybe i'm wrong). Apeks RK3's are easy to find and in some shop that's their bestseller, i only dive in wetsuit or in semi dry suit (Waterproof SD combat). Are they equivalent in power as Mares avanti quattro power ? Seawings Gorilla can be found quite easy too in France. Keep going on your channel, your long experience is realy usefull for new divers.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

@@mathieud.4197 Sounds Like RK3s may be in your future. Thanks for your reply. Bob C

[@michaelzschoche2746]

The wing tip you’re referencing is called a “winglet” at least in a Austin anyway.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

OK

[@mariuspoparascu1822]

Hello sir, great video. I’ve got a question for you since I do not know what decision to take. I am not into scuba diving, just casually freediving and snorkeling. I have found someone that sales a new pair of avanti quattro plus + mares flexa ds 5mm boots for 60€. Basically at this point, 60 eur for this pair of flipper and boots sounds like a bargain to me so I am thinking to buy them and use them for freediving and snorkeling. What are you thoughts? My only requirement is to get a pair of flippers that can propel me powerfully under water so, I have to choose between this kit and a pair of seac motus spearfishing fins. What would you advise me to do? If I get the Mares avanti quattros for freediving, would those be powerfull enough? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work !

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Marius, First would be "how serious are you about Freediving" vs Snorkeling ? Free divers tend to poo-poo a fit that uses a bootie because of Parachute Effect drag. Because Quattro + and Seac Montus are two very different animals. Both are good but if it's snorkeling for fun and just diving down looking around Quattros. If you want to take a Freediving course and get down there safely, go Motus. Thanks for the question and regards ! Bob C

[@mariuspoparascu1822]

@@DiversSupplyYT thank you very much Bob for your fast reply. I am just looking for something that is able to propel me through water as fast as possible even though I would not be swimming at really high depths and just moving around at the bottom of the sea looking for shells and stuff. What would you advise me to get in this case? I would also like to mention that I am taking the quattros in consideration as an option just because of the bargain that I found, otherwise I would have gone directly for the freediving pair

[@phxcamera]

If you had to choose a pair to redo your PADI 800m fin swim, which would you prefer?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Sorry for late reply, think I'd use the X-Tremes

[@Garrett__H]

What type of fins would you recommend for a jr diver (10-11 years old)? Most of what I see that fits kids are shorter snorkeling fins.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Oceanic Vipers or TUSA Solla are a good choice. Reasonably priced too. Regards Bob C

[@Garrett__H]

@@DiversSupplyYT Thanks!

[@sntshkmr60]

Are Apeks RK3s suitable for snorkelling? Which one of them is best for snorkelling?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Not really a good choice for snorkeling.. my .02

[@rogersmith3915]

Which is a better performing fin in heavier currents?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Apeks RK3 or SP Nova the DR would be good also.. Thanks Roger ! Bob C

[@iuhihs]

Hi, I am a new diver who is looking for potential fins/flippers suitable for travel. I have Seawing Supernova (detachable) and Go Travel(light.about 1.1kg) in my list for now. What other fins/flipper can be taken into consideration?

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Aesir not trying to be wise in my answer, but how much room do you have in your bag length ?

[@iuhihs]

@@DiversSupplyYT currently I have a laptop bag which is about 44cm.

[@iuhihs]

@@DiversSupplyYT Bags I use are typically bagpack for laptop about 43cm. Depending on recommendation I can get one that fits the fins as long as it fits under the seats of the airplane.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@iuhihs 🤔🤪

[@renatogodinhorg]

👏🥰👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Thank You Very Much ! Regards Bob C

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Or, instead of fins, you could get a scooter.

[@DiversSupplyYT]

Sweet, scooters are great fun, some dive boats don't allow them though... everybody wears fins..very cool suggestion ! Lot more expensive than fins...Regards Bob C

[@leonardocenteno7031]

Hi Bob, I hope you’re planing to make a full review of the Scubapro Seawing Supernova pretty soon ✌🏼🤿✌🏻

[@DiversSupplyYT]

As soon as I get them in my hands... or feet I should say !

[@leonardocenteno7031]

Awesome!