Okay, choosing diving fins (long fins vs. short fins) is an important part of a diver's equipment decision-making process. There is no absolute "good" or "bad", and the key lies in matching the type of diving, environment, personal physical strength, and skill level. Here is a detailed analysis article:
Selection of diving fins: a comprehensive analysis and decision-making guide for long fins vs. short fins
Fins are the "engines" of divers underwater, and their design directly affects propulsion efficiency, maneuverability, oxygen consumption, and fatigue level. The debate between long fins (usually referring to traditional paddle-type fins or long, flexible composite material fins) and short fins (often referred to as "hot shoe fins" or "travel fins") has been going on for a long time. A deep understanding of their characteristics is necessary to make the most suitable choice for you.
1. Comparison of core features
Long webbing (paddle/long composite webbing)
Length: Typically > 80cm, with long fins and a large area
Material/hardness: In the early days, it was mostly made of full rubber, which was hard; nowadays, it is mostly made of composite materials (rubber/plastic/carbon fiber), with a wide range of hardness options, including soft, medium, and hard
Propulsion efficiency: High. The long lever arm generates greater thrust, resulting in a longer forward distance per kick. Ideal for long-distance cruising and resisting strong currents.
Oxygen consumption/fatigue level: When used inefficiently, it consumes a lot of oxygen and is prone to fatigue (especially with hard and long fins). When used efficiently (breaststroke/helicopter kick), it is extremely energy-saving. It requires good technique and leg strength.
Mobility/Flexibility: Low (especially with rigid long fins). Large turning radius, making fine movements (such as backing up, hovering adjustments) difficult, requiring advanced kicking techniques (breaststroke, reverse kick).
Kicking technique requirements: High standards are set. Free kicks are generally inefficient, and only by mastering efficient kicking techniques such as the frog kick and helicopter kick can one leverage their strengths and avoid fatigue.
Streamlined shape/drag: When the body maintains a streamlined shape, drag is reduced. However, if the technique is poor (such as scissor kick or bicycle kick) or the body posture is poor, the fins are prone to getting caught on things or generating significant drag.
Carrying/Traveling: bulky and inconvenient. Large in size, taking up a lot of luggage space.
Applicable environment: open waters, strong currents, long-distance diving, and situations requiring efficient propulsion.
Typical users: technical divers, cave divers, experienced recreational divers (mastering advanced kicking techniques), and divers facing strong currents.
Short fins (hot shoe/travel fins)
Length: Typically < 70cm, with short and compact fins
Material/hardness: Mostly composite materials (plastics/high-grade polymers), generally soft or moderately soft
Propulsion efficiency: Low. With a short lever arm, a higher kick frequency is required to achieve the same speed.
Oxygen consumption/fatigue level: Relatively less prone to fatigue (especially with soft and short fins). High kick frequency but low force per kick, requiring less physical strength, suitable for beginners or those with limited physical strength.
Mobility/Flexibility: Extremely high. It is agile in turning and easy to perform delicate movements (backing, hovering, turning in narrow spaces), with relatively low technical requirements for kicking techniques.
Kick technique requirements: Low requirements. Free kicks can achieve good mobility and are easier to learn other kick techniques.
Streamlined/Drag: Small in size, not prone to getting caught on objects, and relatively low drag in complex environments.
Carrying/Travel: Lightweight and compact. Travel-friendly, saving luggage space and weight.
Applicable environment: Narrow spaces (wrecks, caves, complex coral reef areas), macro photography, drift diving (following currents), beginner practice, travel diving.
Typical users: Recreational divers (especially beginners), underwater photographers/videographers, wreck/cave divers (in very narrow areas), drift divers, travel divers.
Wave China is a diving fins supplier. If you are interested, please contact us.
II. In-depth Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses
The advantages of long webbing
1. Unparalleled propulsion efficiency: In open waters or strong currents, long fins can provide powerful thrust, allowing divers to travel farther with fewer kicks, significantly saving gas consumption (extending underwater time).
2. Resistance to current: It is an ideal choice for dealing with strong ocean currents, providing sufficient power to maintain position or move upstream.
3. Low energy consumption under efficient kicking techniques: Once mastering kicking techniques such as the frog kick, long fins (especially of medium stiffness) can provide extremely smooth and effortless propulsion, suitable for long-duration diving.
4. Stability: Long fins can provide a certain degree of stability in the water, especially during hovering (when combined with the breaststroke kick).
Disadvantages of long webbing
1. Steep learning curve: It requires time to learn and master neutral buoyancy kicking techniques such as the breaststroke, kickback, and helicopter kick, otherwise, the efficiency will be low and fatigue and cramps are highly likely to occur.
2. Limited maneuverability: In narrow, complex environments such as shipwrecks, cave passages, or dense coral reefs, long fins can make divers clumsy and difficult to turn, prone to bumping into the environment or diving partners.
3. High requirement for leg strength: When using hard long fins or when the technique is not proficient, there is a high requirement for the strength of the calf and ankle.
4. Travel inconvenience: Its large size and heavy weight make it a burden for air travel and liveaboard.
5. Potential risks: Poor technique (such as scissor kicks) can easily stir up sediment (which is dangerous in caves/wrecks), and may also damage fragile corals or harm marine life.
Advantages of short fins
1. Excellent maneuverability and flexibility: When working in confined spaces, complex terrains, or performing delicate underwater photography and videography, short fins can easily achieve rapid turning, reversing, and fine adjustments in hovering, making them the first choice for technical diving (narrow passages), penetration of sunken ships, coral reef diving, and underwater photography.
2. Easy to learn and use: The technical requirements for playing are relatively low, and free kicks can also provide a good sense of control. Beginners find it easier to get started and less prone to fatigue.
3. Lightweight travel: Small size and light weight make it a boon for travel divers.
4. Less burden on the legs: Usually made of softer materials, they require less pedaling force, making them suitable for divers with limited physical strength or insufficient leg strength.
5. Reduce environmental disturbance: In fragile coral reefs or low-visibility environments, it is important to avoid accidentally touching or stirring up sediments.
Disadvantages of short fins
1. Limited absolute propulsion: In open waters or strong currents, even if you kick desperately, you may feel powerless and struggle to effectively move forward or maintain your position, leading to increased air consumption and shortened diving time.
2. Low cruising efficiency: Long-distance flat swimming requires a higher kick frequency, and the overall efficiency is not as good as that of correctly using long fins.
3. Not suitable for strong currents: In very strong ocean currents, the propulsion provided by short fins may not be sufficient to safely navigate.
III. Key decision-making factors: Which one should you choose?
1. Diving types and environment:
Open waters/strong currents/long distances: Long fins are a more optimal or even essential choice (such as in the Maldives release and the Komodo current area).
Narrow spaces/complex terrains: The advantage of short fins is evident (such as exploring the interior of sunken ships, cave systems, and coral mazes).
Coral reef sightseeing/macro photography: Short fins are more suitable for precise maneuvering and avoiding environmental damage.
Mixed environment/general leisure: Both are acceptable, depending on personal preference and skill level. Those who master the frog kick can choose long fins to enhance efficiency; novices or those who prefer flexibility can opt for short fins.
2. Personal technical skills and playing style:
Proficient in frog kicks, reverse kicks, and helicopter kicks? Long fins can make you even more powerful and efficient.
Mainly using the freestyle kick or just starting to learn the neutral buoyancy kick? Short fins are easier to control, with a gentle learning curve and less frustration.
3. Physical strength and leg strength:
Are you physically strong and have strong leg strength? You can handle long fins (especially those of medium hardness).
Are you physically weak, prone to fatigue, or have old injuries in your legs? Short fins or soft/medium-length fins are more comfortable options.
4. Travel frequency:
Often travel by air and find yourself diving or struggling with limited luggage space? The portability of short fins is a huge advantage.
Are you mainly diving at local or easily accessible dive sites? If your luggage restrictions are minimal, you may consider using long fins.
5. Budget:
Both have a wide range of prices. High-end composite materials (such as carbon fiber) long fins can be very expensive, and there are also high-performance short fins with high prices. Basic rubber long fins and polymer short fins are relatively cheap.
IV. Important Suggestions and Trends
Don't overlook the material and hardness: Even though they are both long fins, the experience between fully rubber hard fins and carbon fiber composite medium-soft fins can be vastly different! Modern composite long fins (such as alternatives to Jet Fin or specially designed frog kick fins) tend to be lighter, more flexible, more efficient, and easier to master. Short fins also come in different hardnesses and designs (such as bifurcated fin blades) that affect performance. It's crucial to try them on and test dive (if possible)!
Neutral buoyancy kick is the core: Whether you choose long fins or short fins, mastering efficient and low-disturbance kicks such as the breaststroke is the key to improving diving skills, protecting the environment, and conserving gas. Short fins can also perform breaststroke effectively; long fins require these kicks to maximize their advantages.
Compromise for "going everywhere with one set of fins": For most recreational divers, if the environment is diverse and only one pair of fins is purchased, a medium-length composite fin (about 70-80cm) or a high-performance short fin may be a good compromise. They strike a good balance between efficiency and maneuverability (such as Scubapro Jet Fin/Seawing Nova, Apeks RK3, Mares Avanti Quattro+, etc.).
"Dual-use" has become a trend: more and more advanced divers (especially technical divers, underwater photographers, and experienced travelers) own two pairs of fins: one pair of long fins for open water/strong currents, and one pair of short fins for confined spaces/photography/travel. This is the most flexible and optimized solution.
Boot Fit: Ensure that the fins pocket perfectly matches the diving boots! Being too tight or too loose can lead to discomfort, blisters, or reduced efficiency. Wet suits come with elastic fins pockets, while dry suits with hard boots require specialized fins (usually requiring larger and harder fins pockets).
V. Conclusion
The essence of the debate between long fins and short fins lies in the trade-off between efficiency and flexibility.
Choose long fins (especially soft/medium-hard in modern composite materials): If you pursue the highest propulsion efficiency in open waters, need to resist strong currents, have mastered advanced neutral buoyancy kicking techniques, and are not often limited by luggage space.
Choose short fins: If you frequently dive in narrow and complex environments (wrecks/caves/coral reefs), are an underwater photographer/videographer, prioritize portability for travel, are a beginner, or prefer low physical exertion and high maneuverability.
Choosing a middle ground between high-performance medium-length fins or short fins: ideal for recreational divers seeking a balance in diverse environments.
The ideal solution is to have two pairs: for divers who pursue optimal performance and participate in various types of diving.
Ultimately, the best fins are those that allow you to safely, comfortably, and efficiently enjoy the diving environment you're aiming for. Evaluate your diving habits, target dive sites, skill level, physical strength, and budget. By combining these factors, you can make a wise choice. Remember, excellent kicking technique is more important than the fins themselves!
