The only split fin in this year's open-heel group, the Z3 is easily recognizable by its radical 27-degree blade angle. In the water, the fin racked up some of the best scores of this group in acceleration, stability and efficiency.

The Tusa FF-19 X-Pert Evolution was a test-diver favorite, with many of the testers commenting on how comfortable it felt, whether kicking easy or hard. Testers didn’t report any leg or ankle strain, and noted that the fin was fast, powerful and agile, plus very responsive using all kicking styles.

Kicking versatility through interchangeable blades is the name of the game with Cressi’s new Gara Modular free-diving fin. The standard blade is lightweight and provides a nice mix of power and flexibility.

Cressi’s Reaction adjustable fin has a long and relatively flexible blade that’s made from a new-generation technical polypropylene. This lightweight composite makes for a responsive fin throughout each phase of the kicking cycle.

IST’s Fathom Blue is a powerful long-blade full-foot fin purpose-built for free diving. The foot pocket is made from 100 percent rubber, yet offers multiple densities to provide some areas with supple softness for comfort, and others with rigidity for maximum control, durability and spring.

Constructed of a flexible polypropylene blade and a thermoplastic rubber foot pocket in an open-heel design, Tilos’s lightweight Torrent fins offer increased flexibility, which translates to a more comfortable kicking experience.

This rear-entry, 4 mm, high-density neoprene dry suit weighs 50 percent less than traditional neoprene dry suits. When ScubaLab tested dry suits this past winter, the immediate reaction from every tester was “Is this a dry suit?”

The Pro Light is an extremely light and well-balanced fin that’s surprisingly responsive and powerful. The compact blade features a soft rubber center panel that’s flanked by thermoplastic stiffeners and flexible yet supportive side rails. This combination provides nice blade flex when kicking, and allows you to maintain stability whether you prefer flutter, scissor or frog style kicking. The fin has two flaps along the end of the blade, a design that allows divers to change direction with only minimal kicking effort.

Based on a design used in Cressi’s successful free-diving line, the classically crafted Master Frog paddle fin offers performance-minded divers pure power for a great price.