Here are the main criteria to consider when choosing the right stiffness
1. Your fitness level
The strength of your legs plays a key role in choosing the right stiffness level.
- Soft: ideal for lighter people, beginners or those who prioritise comfort and long sessions without tiring.
- Medium: the best compromise for most people. It offers a good balance between power and comfort.
- Hard: recommended for very fit or powerful swimmers, capable of a vigorous kicking action
If the stiffness is too high in relation to your strength, you risk tiring quickly and losing efficiency
2. Your weight
Your weight directly affects your ability to flex the fin and generate propulsion
- Under 65 kg: a flexible fin is generally recommended
- 65 to 85 kg: medium stiffness
- Over 85 kg: medium to hard, depending on your strength
These guidelines are only a rough guide, as technique and physical fitness can also play an important role
3. Your type of activity
The stiffness can also vary depending on your use.
- Long sessions / exploration: opt for a Soft or Medium stiffness to minimise fatigue.
- Deep freediving / spearfishing with significant descents: a Medium to Hard stiffness can provide greater power
- Intensive or competitive activity: a Hard model can improve responsiveness and propulsion
4. Your personal feeling
Beyond the technical criteria, choosing the stiffness is also a matter of feel. Some divers prefer a very soft fin for comfort, while others look for a firmer, more dynamic response.
The aim is to find the best balance between comfort, performance and enjoyment.
Our advice
If you’re unsure between two different stiffness levels, it’s generally best to choose the more flexible one, as it will be more accommodating and less tiring over time. A well-fitting fin will allow you to enjoy your dives to the full, while optimising your efficiency in the water.