Mares Volo Race Scuba Fin Review

By
Rebecca Strauss
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Rebecca has been an avid traveler and scuba diver for many years. She began her editorial career by updating travel guides, which took her all over...
- Editor at DIVEIN.com

The Mares Volo Race fins have been in the Mares lineup for a long time, and for good reason. They’re lightweight, efficient, and comfortable—designed squarely for warm-water divers and snorkelers who want to maximize propulsion without exhausting their legs.

Using Mares’ Channel Thrust technology, the blade guides water flow efficiently, producing a smooth kick cycle that feels easier on the legs than most comparable fins.

These fins aren’t aimed at technical or cold-water divers. Instead, the Volo Race fits into that “comfort and efficiency” niche—ideal for long reef dives, surface swimming, and travel.

We tested them in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez while snorkeling with orcas and found them ideally suited to the task of fast surface swims, quick duck dives, and easy donning and doffing. Think of them as the opposite of heavy, stiff fins that demand a lot of muscle power.

Let’s dive into our review of the Mares Volo Race fins.

About this review

To help you find a Scuba Fin that will fit your needs, we’ve tested, researched, and reviewed the best ones available today.
We test both in the water, diving in various conditions - and in our lab - so we can give you accurate answers on quality, performance, and the overall value.

Read about our test of Scuba Fins

Recommended in: Scuba Fin

Things we like:

  • Comfortable closed-foot pocket that works barefoot or with thin socks
  • Channel Thrust system delivers good propulsion with minimal effort
  • Lightweight and travel-friendly design

Things we don't like:

  • ​​Not powerful enough for strong currents or demanding dives
  • Closed-foot design limits use with thick boots
  • Less durable than solid rubber or heavy-duty fins

First Impressions: Lightweight and approachable

Straight out of the box, the Mares Volo Race fins feel light, almost surprisingly so if you’re used to traditional rubber or technical fins. The foot pocket is soft and ergonomically shaped, clearly built for comfort and warm-water use. The blade itself is long and flexible, with visible channels molded in to direct water flow efficiently.

The first impression is that these are approachable fins—unintimidating for new divers and appealing to anyone who values comfort and efficiency over brute force. For travel, the light build is immediately attractive, as they won’t add much bulk or weight to a dive bag.


Price/Quality Ratio

The Volo Race fins sit at the lower-to-mid price range, and that’s exactly where they belong. They don’t have the durability of a solid rubber fin or the all-around versatility of the Mares Avanti Quattro+, but they don’t pretend to. What you get for the price is a well-designed, efficient, and comfortable fin that’s perfect for its intended environment.

From a gear-testing standpoint, the value proposition is clear: if you know you’ll be diving in warm, calm waters and want a fin that’s easy to wear all day without fatiguing your legs, the Volo Race fins are a solid choice. If you’re looking for a single “do-it-all” fin that handles both calm reefs and strong currents, you’ll probably be happier spending more on the Quattro+.


Do we recommend the Mares Volo Race Fins?

Yes—if you’re the right diver. The Volo Race fins are an excellent match for snorkelers and recreational divers in warm-water settings who want an efficient, comfortable fin that’s easy on the legs.

They were ideal for snorkeling with fast-moving animals like orcas because they were so quick to get on and off, and offered plenty of propulsion at the surface. They’re not suited for technical diving, cold water, or high-current environments, but that’s not their purpose.

For relaxed reef dives, snorkeling trips, or long surface swims, they deliver exactly what they promise. If you want more power and versatility, look at the Mares Avanti Quattro+. But if efficiency, comfort, and travel-friendliness are your priorities, the Volo Race fins are a dependable and enjoyable option.


Specs & Features

Fin type Closed-heel
Blade style Channel
Material Thermoplastic rubber
Weight 1.5 lb (.68 kg) per fin in size 42/43
Length 14.6 inches (37 cm) in size 42/43
Sizes Six
Strap style N/A
Number of colors Four
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