Fourth Element Tech Fins Diving Features
I’m a big fan of channel fins, but I’m a bigger fan of what Fourth Element is doing in the scuba world. Their new masks, with a simple upgrade, are a game changer. They simply put a tilt to the tempered glass, making the line of sight line up with a diver’s head position.
So, knowing the care Fourth Element puts into its gear design, I was excited to get a set of channel fins made by this forward-thinking company. The testing went off without a flaw. At the time of testing, these were actually one of the fastest fins in the flutter kick, and that says a lot since channel fins aren’t known for being fast.
Speed and power aren’t the only thing the Fourth Element Tech fins have going for them. They also have great control and maneuverability. Due to being shorter and wider, back-finning and helicopter turning were seamless, and thanks to the stainless steel spring strap and rubber pull tab donning and doffing the fins was easy. Not only that, they are comfortable and travel fairly easily.
On top of all this, these fins are easier on the environment than some of their competitors, and I firmly support that initiative. Because the Tech fins are made from recycled parts, natural materials, and recyclable materials, I feel good about sporting them, knowing I’m doing a small part to protect the environment we all love.
These are great all-around fins that I would confidently recommend to my fellow tech divers and my open water students alike. I am confident that they will make your diving that much better.
Fourth Element Tech Fin Straps
The Tech Fins strap is stainless steel with a rubber pull tab, making donning and doffing the fins easier. The Tech fins also come with a rubber heel pad, making them all that much more comfortable.
Fourth Element Tech Fin Blade
The Fourth Element Tech fins are a channel fin with three channels that help push the water along and reduce drag. Stiff rails along the outside edge ensure that every kick counts as you drive through the water.
The Tech fins have a short, wide blade. This offers maneuverability without compromising on power, which is there when needed. Simultaneously, the shorter length improves agility and makes it more convenient to stow the fins for transport.
Ultimately, you will get more control when the end of the fin isn’t two and a half feet from the end of your foot. The width of the Fourth Element Tech fins means you don’t suffer any lack of surface area attacking the water.
Measuring from the tip of the fin to the end of the foot pocket, the length of the Tech fin is 20.5 inches (52 cm). The length will vary slightly depending on the size of the fin you choose.
Fourth Element Tech Fins Colors & Accessories
The Tech fins come in black, aqua, and gray. While the options are limited, the design definitely makes up for the lack of color. They look sharp, and will look great with all your other gear.
Fourth Element Tech Fins Price/Quality Ratio
Compared to other tech-inspired channel fins, the Fourth Element Tech fins are relatively affordable. And since they perform just as well as, if not better than, some of the fins in the channel fins categories, they are actually a steal.
You can also feel good about your purchase knowing that Fourth Element Tech fins are made from recycled and recyclable natural materials, as well as using zero plastic packaging. Anything we can do to lessen our impact on the environment is a win by us.
Do we recommend the Fourth Element Tech Fins?
We do recommend the Fourth Element Tech fins. They are comfortable, fast for a channel fin, and easy to control and maneuver. They are only slightly negatively buoyant, so they are a perfect fin for those who are unsure of making the switch to technically-inspired channel fins.
While not all channel or technical fins are negative, the vast majority are designed that way. The fins act both as a counterweight to the additional gear that tech divers carry, as well as offsetting the buoyancy of a drysuit, where air tends to get trapped in the feet.
As high-quality fins that are also better for the environment, Fourth Element Tech fins are a great fin for any diver.
No matter what you’re looking for, check out our comprehensive fin guide and our rigorous fin test on YouTube, where we put all manner of channel, paddle, and split fins through their paces.
Specs & Features
| Fin type | open heel |
|---|---|
| Blade style | channel |
| Material | rubber |
| Weight | not specified by manufacturer |
| Length | not specified by manufacturer |
| Sizes | M, L, XL, XXL |
| Strap style | stainless steel |
| Number of colors | three |
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