Fin Material Guide

Fin stiffness and material depend on your strength, weight, kicking technique, and dive style.

Choosing the right fin material makes a big difference to your performance, comfort, and diving experience. 

We stock five main materials:

PLASTICS 

Ideal for beginners — durable, affordable, and reliable. Perfect for learning technique and general diving in shallow to mid-depths.

COMPOSITE FIBRE

Benefits of Using Composite Fiber in Diving Fins:

  • Lightweight Construction: Reduces fatigue and improves manoeuvrability
  • Stiffness and Responsiveness: Enables powerful propulsion and enhanced performance in the water.
  • Efficient Propulsion: Provides reduced leg fatigue and improved manoeuvrability, leading to a more enjoyable and productive diving experience.

CARBON FIBRE

Advantages of Carbon Fiber for Diving Fins:

  • Lightweight: Enhances manoeuvrability and reduces fatigue during dives.
  • High Strength and Stiffness: Provides powerful and precise kicks for improved propulsion and responsiveness underwater.

HYPETEX FIBRE

Characteristics of HypeTex Fiber for Diving Fins:

  • Visual Aesthetics: Vibrant colours and patterns for eye-catching designs.
  • Lightweight: Easier manoeuvrability and reduced fatigue during dives.
  • Strength and Stiffness: Provides powerful and efficient propulsion.
  • Durability: Resistant to corrosion, impacts, and wear for long-lasting performance underwater.

INNEGRA FIBRE

Benefits of Innegra Fiber for Diving Fins:

  • Impact Resistance: Protects fins from damage and enhances durability.
  • Flexibility: Improves energy transfer for efficient propulsion.
  • Lightweight: Reduces fatigue and enhances manoeuvrability underwater.
  • Used in industries such as Formula 1 and aerospace
  • Vibration Damping: Provides a smoother and controlled swimming experience.
  • Chemical Resistance: Protects fins from degradation in various diving environments.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your deep-diving technique, Spear West offers a full range of Diver, Penetrator and Cressi fins to suit every skill level, diving style, and budget.

Stiffness Guide

Choosing the right fin stiffness is essential for comfort and performance in the water.

  • X-Soft Fins — Ultra-flexible blades designed for smaller or lighter divers, or those who prefer effortless kicking on long surface swims and shallow dives. They provide maximum comfort and minimal fatigue.
  • Soft Fins — Easy to kick and reduce leg fatigue, making them ideal for beginners, lighter divers, shallow dives, and long surface swims.
  • Medium Fins — Offer more power and control for divers who want extra thrust or for those weighing 85 kg and above. They’re great for deeper dives, stronger currents, or when carrying extra gear.

For detailed matching, check out our Penetrator and Diver Fin Charts, or visit us in-store for a personalised fin fitting and stiffness recommendation.