All You Need to About the Hollis F1 LT Fins:
Dive Fins Features
The Hollis F1 LT fins take the proven design of the original F1 and refine it for divers who need agility and reduced weight. They’re compact, powerful, and built for demanding conditions. Here are the features that stand out most when using them underwater.
Lightweight SEBS Construction
The fins use a lighter thermoplastic elastomer (SEBS) instead of the denser rubber in the full-size F1. This makes them easier to handle on the surface, reduces leg fatigue, and helps with travel packing. Despite the weight cut, they still deliver a stiff, responsive kick.
Short Blade with Vented Channels
The shorter blade is designed for control in confined environments like wrecks or caves. Vented channels along the blade reduce drag on recovery strokes and boost efficiency on the power stroke. That balance makes them suitable for both frog kicks and flutter kicks in tight areas.
Spring Heel Straps with Pull Tab
The fins come with stainless steel spring straps, which make donning and doffing simple. A large rubber pull tab allows you to adjust them even with thick gloves. Hollis also gives multiple mounting positions, letting you fine-tune the fit of the strap to your boot.
Generous Foot Pocket
The foot pocket is wide and comfortable, accommodating drysuit boots as well as thick wetsuit booties. Divers who switch between gear setups will appreciate the extra room and the security of a snug, open-heel fit.
Negative Buoyancy
These fins are slightly negatively buoyant. That helps keep your feet down in drysuit diving and adds stability in horizontal trim, which is especially useful in technical diving positions.
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Hollis F1 LT: Manufacturer's Specification
Fin Type: | Paddle, Vented |
Foot Pocket Type: | Open Heel |
Blade Lengt: | Approx. 20 in / 51 cm depending on size |
Material(s): | SEBS compound (thermoplastic elastomer) |
Strap Type: | Stainless steel spring strap with large pull tab, |
Weight: | ~1.57 kg per pair (≈ 3.46 lbs) |
Buoyancy: | Slightly Negative |
Activity: | Travel, Recreational, Technical |
Our Rating: Hollis F1 LT Review
Overall Score
4.2/5
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4.5
Fit and Comfort
The wide foot pocket is comfortable and fits both wetsuit booties and bulkier drysuit boots. The spring straps make it easy to get in and out, and the multiple strap-mounting positions give extra adjustability. On long dives, they feel secure without creating pressure points
4.0
Performance & Efficiency
For a compact fin, the F1 LT delivers strong thrust. The short blade makes frog kicks, back kicks, and helicopter turns easy, which is why they’re popular with wreck and cave divers. They’re not the fastest for long surface swims, but they shine when precision and control matter.
4.5
Build Quality & Durability
The SEBS material feels tough and holds up well under repeated use. The stainless steel spring straps are solid, and the vented blade design is proven to last. Divers who’ve used them for years report little change in stiffness or performance.
4.0
Ease of Use & Features
Spring straps with large pull tabs make donning and doffing simple, even with thick gloves. The shorter blade is easier to travel with and less awkward to handle on boats. They’re slightly heavier in the water compared to true travel fins, but that negative buoyancy is intentional for technical diving.
4.0
Value for Money
They cost more than many recreational fins, but you’re paying for specialized performance. For divers who need precision in technical settings, the price is fair. If you only dive occasionally in open water, these may feel like overkill.
What We Like:
✅ Compact and Maneuverable
The shorter blade makes these fins easy to handle in wrecks, caves, or tight swim-throughs. You can perform precise kicks like frog kicks, back kicks, and helicopter turns without stirring up silt. That level of control is what sets them apart from longer, bulkier fins.✅ Durable Build
The SEBS compound blade and stainless steel spring straps are built to last. Divers who use them frequently report very little wear, even after years of use. The construction feels solid in hand and doesn’t soften over time.✅ Comfortable Fit
The foot pocket is generous enough to fit drysuit boots while still working well with standard wetsuit booties. Combined with the adjustable strap positions, you get a secure fit that doesn’t pinch or rub during long dives.✅ Negative Buoyancy
The slight negative buoyancy helps you maintain trim and stability, especially in technical setups. This is particularly useful for drysuit divers who want to keep their feet down without constantly adjusting.What We Don't Like:
❌ Not Ideal for Long Surface Swims
The short, stiff blade isn’t designed for covering distance efficiently. If your dives involve extended surface swims, these fins will feel less efficient compared to longer paddle fins.❌ Higher Price Point
The cost is higher than many recreational fins. While the performance justifies the price for technical divers, casual or occasional divers may not see the same value.❌ Heavier Than True Travel Fins
Although lighter than the original F1, they’re still heavier than most fins marketed for travel. If weight savings is your top priority, you may find them bulkier to pack compared to dedicated travel fins.The Verdict
The Hollis F1 LT fins are built for divers who need precision and control more than outright speed. They shine in technical environments such as wrecks, caves, and confined spaces where compact fins make all the difference. The combination of strong thrust, negative buoyancy, and durable construction makes them a reliable tool for demanding dives.
They are best suited for technical divers, underwater photographers, and anyone who values maneuverability over long distance efficiency. Recreational divers who do mostly open water dives may find them less practical, especially if surface swims are common.
If you want a pair of fins that balance power, control, and toughness in a compact package, the Hollis F1 LT is a solid choice.
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Hollis F1 LT: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The foot pocket is wide enough to fit both standard wetsuit boots and bulkier drysuit boots. Divers using very thin tropical boots may find the fit a bit loose unless they adjust the strap position.
The F1 LT is lighter and has a shorter blade, which makes it easier to maneuver in confined spaces and less tiring to carry for travel. The original F1 offers more thrust and stability in open water but comes with added weight and bulk.
Yes. Hollis offers replacement spring straps, and they are easy to swap thanks to the multiple strap-mounting positions on the fins.
Hollis F1 LT Fins
If you are looking for new high-quality fins, you should stick around and take a closer look at the Hollis F1 LT Fins. We are reviewing a review of the Hollis F1 LT Fin to tell you all about what they bring to your scuba diving experience.
Product Brand: Hollis
4.2
Pros
- Compact design for tight spaces
- Durable SEBS material and stainless steel straps
- Comfortable, wide foot pocket
- Negative buoyancy aids trim control
Cons
- Less efficient for long surface swims
- Higher price than many recreational fins
- Heavier than most travel fins