Deep6 Eddy Fins Review
Summary
One-liner: Precision-focused and neutrally buoyant—my go-to fin for wetsuit dives where control matters.
Dive Types: Cold Water + Wetsuit + Local, Warm Water + Wetsuit + Local
Price Tier: $$$
Ownership: Personally owned and used for all wetsuit dives
Overall Score: 8.4 / 10
Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Neutrally buoyant in freshwater | Stiffness can lead to leg fatigue over time |
Excellent for back kicks and precise control | Not ideal for relaxed fun dives |
Durable and predictable performance | Not recommended for drysuit diving |
Why I Chose the Eddy Fins
These were the fins I used in my GUE Fundamentals class while diving with a steel backplate and drysuit. They’re extremely stiff and offer great control for back kicks, turning, and stability in trim. I eventually switched to OMS Slipstreams for drysuit dives due to leg fatigue, but I still use the Eddy fins for all wetsuit dives where I want precision. They’ve become my go-to for local skills dives, practice sessions, and dives where control matters more than propulsion.
Performance in the Water
- Trim & Buoyancy: Neutrally buoyant in freshwater. Excellent trim balance with minimal ankle weight impact.
- Kick Styles: Outstanding for frog kicks, back kicks, and helicopter turns. Flutter kicks feel heavy over time.
- Comfort: Very stiff—if your ankle or leg flexibility is limited, you may feel it after longer dives.
- Control: Best of the three fins I own for precision. If I need to stop or reposition without drift, this is the one I want.
Comparisons
OMS Slipstream
- Slightly softer, better for long bottom times in a drysuit
- Negatively buoyant in freshwater
- I switched to OMS to reduce leg cramping on drysuit dives
Mares Avanti Quattro
- Far more flexible, much easier flutter kick
- Not suitable for control-intensive dives or back kicks
- I still use the Quattro for all warm water wetsuit travel dives
Verdict
The Deep6 Eddy is a purpose-built fin. I don’t recommend it as a casual, all-around travel fin—but for local wetsuit diving, it’s the most precise and stable fin I’ve used. If you’re practicing skills, working on trim, or diving in conditions that require control, this fin is hard to beat.
Would I buy it again? Yes—for the diving I do, it’s a permanent part of my local kit.
"Deep Dive into the Score
Scoring System: Each category is scored out of 10 and weighted by importance. This model is used consistently across all gear reviews for transparency.
Category | Score (0–10) | Weight | Weighted Score |
---|---|---|---|
Function & Performance | 9.0 | 30% | 2.70 |
Ease of Use | 8.0 | 20% | 1.60 |
Versatility | 7.5 | 15% | 1.125 |
Durability & Build Quality | 8.0 | 15% | 1.20 |
Value | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
Brand Trust & Transparency | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
Total | 8.43 / 10 |
Rounded Display Score: 8.4 / 10
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9.0: Precise, stable, and ideal for control-based diving.
- Ease of Use – 8.0: Easy to don and doff, but stiff blade requires proper kick technique.
- Versatility – 7.5: Limited to wetsuit dives. Too stiff for warm water vacation use.
- Durability & Build – 8.0: Solid construction, no signs of delamination or fatigue.
- Value – 9.0: Mid-price range for a fin that punches above its weight in performance.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: Deep6 has a great reputation and a direct-to-consumer model I respect.