When I bought my Scubapro Jet Fins, I was looking for some rugged fins to be used mostly in cold water diving with a drysuit. Since 2016, I have done more than 200 dives in different environments with my Jet Fins and can definitely recommend them.
Check them out on Scuba.com (US), Mikes Dive Store (UK), or Dive Inn (EU).
Scubapro’s Jet fins were first produced in 1965, and soon became extremely popular among divers to the point that they are still today the most widely imitated scuba rocket fin on the market. Since the very early years of production these iconic diving fins have been used by recreational divers, deep divers, technical divers, commercial divers and military divers.
The Scubapro Jet Fins are entirely made of rubber, making them particularly sturdy and rugged. They are relatively short and can therefore be used for different types of finning techniques, from the classical flutter kick to the more technical frog kick.
One of the aspects that I really like about the Scubapro Jet Fin is that they are quite rigid and heavy. This helps in turn to waste less energy while finning and at the same time reduce the need of carrying lead or diving weights.
Given those two characteristics, I recommend the Scubapro Jet Fins for adult divers that are planning to dive mostly in cold environment with relatively thick neoprene wetsuits or drysuits.
However, if you are looking for an all-rounder scuba fin to be used also in tropical waters, the jet fins will definitely not disappoint you.
The only downside is that the Scubapro Jet Fins might be somewhat heavy to carry along in your diving trips.
Let’s take a deeper look into the specs and technical info.
1. Scubapro Jet Fins Specs and Technical Info
- Fin Type: Scubapro Jet Fins are bladed fins, with an open heel. This means that you needa pair of diving booties to use them, they cannot be used bare foot.
- Construction Material: The Jet Fins are made entirely out of rubber. A small curiosity: when Scubapro started producing the Jet Fins, many divers were complaining about the rubber smell. The US company has then started to add some vanilla flavour to the rubber in order to remove the smell.
- Average Weight: The Jet Fins weight on average 2.4 kilograms or 5.3 lbs. There are some slight weight variations based on the size and on whether you choose the stainless steel or rubber strap.
- Buoyancy: Buoyancy is negative. This is definitely one of the main advantages of the Scubapro Jet Fins.
- Heel Straps: You can choose between stainless steel spring or adjustable rubber heel straps. I recommend the stainless steel version as it is self adjustable.
- Foot Pocket: Open heel, large foot pocket. Ideal for dry suit diving.
- Design: The Scubapro Jet Fins are vented, meaning that they are optimally designed to to decrease drag on up strokes and optimize it in down strokes.
- Available Colors: Scubapro Jet Fins are available in Black, Green, Camouflage, White, Red, Pink and Yellow.
- Made in: The Jet Fins are made either in the USA or in Taiwan. Contrary to what some divers think, the models made in Taiwan are not fake nor imitations, they are simply produced under Scubapro’s license and marketed throughout the world. Many imitations are however available from other scuba diving brands.
2. Scubapro Jet Fins Sizing
Jet fins come in 4 different sizes, from M to 2XL. When buying your Scubapro Jet Fins, you should be particularly mindful of the type of diving you will be doing.
For example if you are planning to dive mostly in a dry-suit, you will most likely need fins that are one size larger than if you would be diving in a 5mm wetsuit.
The following table will help you choose the correct sizing. Note that the Jet Fins are not produced in size “Small”, this is also one of the reasons why I do not recommend them for children.
The sizes shown in the table are based on the type of dive boots you will be wearing.
3. Unboxing Scubapro Jet Fins
I have bought my Scubapro Jet fins from my dive shop, and therefore have decided to bring them home without useless plastic bags or boxes.
However I can pretty much tell you my first impressions I had when taking those fins for the first in my hands.
The first thing you notice is in fact their weight and sturdiness. Compared to most other scuba diving fins they definitely feel heavier both while holding them in your hands and while wearing them.
Next thing that will strike your eye is the spring straps, which looks quite oversized. It looks hard at the beginning, but while trying the fins on you will definitely notice how easy it is to slip your feet in and out. You will also notice how the spring heel straps holds your feet firmly into the Scubapro Jet Fins.
All in all, they have a beefy shape hinting at their power and durability from teh very first moment you see and touch them.
If you take a second to look at the design of the Jet fins, you will see all the vents that will make your finning smooth, regardless of the type of technique.
4. Scubapro Jet Fins Performance
High performance of the Scubapro jet fins is noticeable at the very beginning of a dive. From the moment you put them on you will notice how easy it is to wear them on and off thanks to the flexible spring heel straps.
The moment you start finning you will notice that the Scubapro Jet Fins are somewhat rigid. This may seem awkward at the beginning, but you will soon realize that you will actually need to put less power while fining.
This is equally valid whether you are used to the flutter finning technique or to the frog kicking technique. I find the Jet Fins particularly useful in case you are starting to learn frog kicking. In fact, their rigidity will make you really feel in control of your finning.
I have noticed that the Scubapro Jet Fins are useful also for beginner divers. Particularly while performing scuba diving skills that require you to be in a fin pivot position (i.e. only your fins touching the ground while the rest of your body is floating).
In case you are looking to buy a pair of fins to be used both for scuba diving and snorkelling, I would not recommend the Scubapro Jet Fins. In fact, given that they are negatively buoyant, you will feel slightly more tired while snorkelling.
5. Conclusion
Scubapro’s jet fins are definitely one of the best fins on the market. Although you can find many imitations from different brands, if you want some rugged scuba fins that last forever, I definitely suggest to stick to the original Scubapro version.
Due to their ruggedness, Scubapro’s jet fins are commonly used by dive instructors, commercial divers, tech divers and military divers. Due to their comfort, you will also see them among old school recreational divers.
Their proven vented design decreases your finning effort, with an effortless upward stroke and a powerful downward stroke.
Given that they are relatively short, i find them particularly useful in case you are diving from dive boats as they are easier to walk in then longer fin types.
Be mindful however that they are relatively heavy, I therefore do not recommend them for kids and snorkellers, although they are a perfect fit also for beginner divers.
Check them out on Scuba.com (US), Mikes Dive Store (UK), or Dive Inn (EU).
JET Fins FAQs
Where are Scubapro Jet Fins Made?
The Jet Fins are designed by Scubapro in the USA and made either in the USA or in Taiwan. Although the Jet Fin became popular with Scubapro, the original durable rubber construction design was actually invented and produced by Beuchat in the early 1960s. The jet fin design was then purchased by Scubapro in 1965. They are the first vented rubber fins sold on the market.
How Long are Scubapro Jet Fins?
The Jet fins are 26 inches or 66 centimeters long. Their length is relatively shorter as compared to other type of scuba fins (e.g. full foot desing, split fins), as the jet fins have a short blade.
What Fins Do Navy Seals Use?
US Navy Seals use different types of fins. Among those, the preferred brands are Scubapro’s Jet fins, Rocket Fins, and Pro Model Force Fins.
Can I change the Jet Fin Heel Strap with Halcyon Heel Straps?
You can choose either traditional fin straps from Scubapro or some valid substitutes such as the Halcyon heel straps.
What Are Some Good Alternatives to the Scubapro Jet Fins?
Although the Scubapro version is the best one on the market (and also the ehaviest), you have some valid alternative of jet type of fins. In particular i like the Apeks RK3 HD, or the Hollis Bat Fins. I own and regularly dive in all of them and find little to no difference to the Scubapro ones.
What is the difference between rocket fins vs jet fins?
Rocket fins are produced by Aqualung, whereas Jet Fins by Scubapro. Aqualung’s rocket fins have a orizontal vented blade. This design is meant to reduce drag while making for a more energy-efficient kick.
The Scubapro Jet Fins are entirely made of rubber, making them particularly sturdy and rugged. They are relatively short and can therefore be used for different types of finning techniques, from the classical flutter kick to the more technical frog kick.