Everything You Need To Know About The Mares X-Stream Fins?
If you just take one look, you can clearly see that the Mares X-Stream Fins look nothing like your traditional scuba diving fins. Mares says this is due to two years of resources, experiments, testing, and four patents all concentrated into one unique product.
These new Mares Fins get their sleek look and performance from three distinct materials, each with its own mission. They also claim the X-stream performance, comfort, and lightweight design are the incredible result of sixty passionate years serving the diving industry. Let's dive into the features and find out if they live up to the hype.
Hinged Blade for Better Angle of Attack
An optimized pivoting blade causes the blade to flex at an optimal angle during both the upward and downward strokes, increasing the efficiency of your kick while reducing negative trust. This feature allows the fins to have a greater angle of attack on the power stroke pushing more water backward, propelling you forward more efficiently, and minimizing fatigue.
Reduces Parachute Effect
The foot pocket is perforated, which allows water to drain from the space between your dive boot and the foot pocket, eliminating excess drag as you swim. This also makes the fins easy to get on and off even while in the water.
Lightweight
They weigh only 1.45 lbs (0.66 kg) per fin, this was made possible by removing areas of the fins that don’t contribute to trust. Because the fins are very light, it takes less effort to move them through the water.
Comfortable Fit
Mares created a very comfortable fit with an ergonomically designed foot pocket. The combination of softer materials with stiffer materials creates a foot pocket with an extremely comfortable fit while ensuring all the power of the foot is transferred to the blades.
Channel Trust Technology
A clear, soft rubber is used on the blade to create a super channel. This creates a large flexible central panel that helps propel water flow more efficiently down the fin blade instead of letting it spill over the sides, giving you the best performance with minimal effort. The result is a powerful and efficient kick that minimizes leg fatigue.
Bungee Strap Design
The Mares X-Stream fins come with a unique bungee strap design that makes putting on and taking off your fins a breeze. These spring straps are made from high-quality materials that exceed traditional buckles and steel springs in terms of elasticity, durability, and resistance to the elements.
Mares X-Stream Diving Fins: Manufacturers Specification
Foot Pocket | Open Heal |
Blade Style | Hinged/Channel |
Buoyancy | Slightly Negative |
Weight | 2.9 Lbs/1.34 Kg |
Length | 23.2 to 25.2 Inches /59 to 64 Cm |
Our Rating: Mares X-Stream Review
Overall Score
4.6/5
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Design
The Mares X-Stream made with high-quality materials, has a sleek design that looks and performs great in the water. They are also incredibly lightweight and comfortable.
Funtionality
The hinged blade, perforated foot pocket, and channel trust technology all contribute to the fins' excellent performance. However, some users have experienced the straps slipping off during dives.
Comfort
One of the most comfortable diving fins on the market, thanks to its ergonomic foot pocket design and lighter weight. The bungee strap design also adds to the overall comfort.
Cost
The X-Stream fins come at a higher price point compared to other dive fins on the market. However, its innovative design and performance make it worth the investment for serious divers.
What We Like
Overall, the X-Stream fins are a great pair of fins. below are a few points we really liked about these fins.
- Innovative Design: The Mares X-Stream fins have a unique design that sets them apart from traditional paddle fins. You can spot them from a mile away. This design not only looks great but also improves performance and comfort
- Superb Performance: The Mares X-Stream fins deliver an impressive thrust and performance in the water. They are also easy on your knees and ankles because the angle of attack provided by the hinged blades gives a lot of power with minimal effort.
- Remarkable Comfort: The comfort offered by these fins is unparalleled. The combination of softer and stiffer materials creates an ergonomic foot pocket that’s extremely comfortable, ensuring all the power of the foot is transferred to the blades. The unique bungee strap design adds to the overall comfort, making it easy to put on and take off the fins.
- Lightweight: The lightweight design makes it less effortful to move them through the water, enhancing the overall diving experience. This also makes them very easy to carry when out of the water as well and can be great travel fins.
- Quality Materials: The Mares X-Stream fins are made of high-quality materials, promising durability and long-lasting use. They are tough and rugged yet soft where they need to be.
What We Don’t Like
- Price: The Mares X-Stream fins, while offering exceptional performance and comfort, come with a hefty price tag. They are more expensive than the average dive fins on the market, which could deter budget-minded divers.
- Strap Issues: Some divers have reported the bungee straps tend to slip off during dives. While these instances are infrequent, it is something to consider, especially for those planning on undertaking longer or deeper dives.
- Flex too Easy: Some scuba divers find that these fins may pivot and flex too easily. This may take a little time getting used to at first especially if you’re coming from more rigged dive fins.
- Color Fading: A minor issue, but worth mentioning, is the color on the fins tends to fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight. While this does not affect the performance, it takes away from the aesthetic appeal of the fins over time.
Who Should Buy These Fins?
The Mares X-Stream Dive Fins are ideal for serious divers looking for high-performance, comfortable, and lightweight fins. They are also suitable for those with knee or ankle issues as the hinged blades provide excellent power without putting too much strain on these areas. However, due to their higher price point and potential strap issues, they may not be the best choice for budget-minded divers or those planning on undertaking longer and deeper dives.
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The Bottom Line
The bottom line is, that the Mares X-Stream is a comfortable and lightweight pair of fins that delivers both stability and a lot of snap on the downkick. What you get is a fin that delivers excellent kicking power that is easy on your ankles and knees and simply looks great underwater. Its lightweight design also makes them great for traveling as well.
Have you used these pairs of fins before or own a pair? Share your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear what you think of them.
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