Fin Parts

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a standard rubber fin strap and a spring strap?

A standard rubber fin strap threads through the buckles on your fin and adjusts by pulling through a tab — you set the length each time and buckle it closed. It works fine but can be slow and fiddly, especially with cold or gloved hands. A spring strap replaces the rubber strap entirely with a coiled metal or rubber spring that uses tension to hold the strap against your heel. There are no buckles to deal with — you step in and the spring snaps into place, and step out by pulling the strap away from your heel. Spring straps are significantly faster to get on and off, which matters on boat dives and when entering or exiting the water quickly. Most of our Divemasters and Instructors use spring straps and consider them one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make to any pair of open-heel fins, often saying they are "life-changing!"

Will a spring strap fit my existing fins?

Most spring straps are compatible with the majority of open-heel scuba fins that use a standard buckle attachment. We carry three styles to cover different fin designs: the quick-release spring strap fits fins with standard quick-release buckle slots; the universal clip spring strap uses a hook clip that fits a wider range of fin rail designs; and the metal turtle spring strap with metal clips suits Scubapro Jet Sport and similar turtle-style fin rails. If you are unsure which style fits your fins, email us a photo of the heel of your fin — showing the buckle attachment points — and we will identify the right spring strap for you.

How do I replace the strap on my open-heel fins?

On most open-heel fins the strap feeds through or clips into the buckle housings on each side of the heel. To remove the old strap, squeeze or press the buckle release tabs and slide the strap ends out. To install the new strap, feed each end through the buckle slot from the outside in, pull through enough length to adjust, and test the buckle is seated properly before diving. The process takes about two minutes per fin. If the buckle itself is cracked or broken, replace it at the same time — a buckle failure underwater is more disruptive than a strap failure. If you are replacing part of the quick-release buckle, be sure to replace both the strap-side of the buckle as well as the piece attached to the fin. Although they look similar, sometimes small differences will cause the strap to get tugged out of the clip during the dive.

What are fin and boot grippers and do I need them?

Fin and boot grippers are elastic loops that slide over your neoprene boot before you put the fin on. They sit around the foot pocket area and press the boot snugly against the inside of the fin, preventing the boot from shifting or the foot pocket from ballooning with trapped air during your descent. This is particularly useful in cold water where thicker neoprene boots can create a loose fit inside the fin foot pocket, causing the fin to feel sloppy and reducing kicking efficiency. They also help prevent air movement inside drysuit boots. If you have ever had a fin feel loose or noticed your boot moving around inside the foot pocket, grippers will solve the problem. They are inexpensive and reusable.

My fin strap snapped at the dive site — what should I keep in my save-a-dive kit?

A spare fin strap is one of the most common save-a-dive items used in the field — rubber straps degrade with UV exposure and repeated salt water use and can snap without warning, often at the worst possible moment. Carry at least one spare rubber strap sized to fit your fins, and if your fins use quick-release buckles, a spare buckle as well. Our Save-A-Dive Kit includes a rubber fin strap with quick-release buckles, a silicone mask strap, a snorkel mouthpiece, and a snorkel keeper — all in a compact dry pouch that fits in your gear bag. Individually, a spare fin strap costs under $15 and takes two minutes to swap on site. It is the kind of item you only appreciate once you have needed it.