Mares Avanti Quattro+ Fins Review
Last updated: May 2024
- Effortless propulsion: Great thrust with minimal effort for relaxed dives.
- Travel friendly: Light enough to pack without weighing down luggage.
- Comfortable fit: Flexible blade stays easy on the legs during long swims.
- Trusted companion: Has remained in my warm-water kit since my Open Water days.
- Warm-water specialist: Best when flutter and casual frog kicks are the priority.
Overall Score: 8.3 / 10 (Strong)
See current pricing at: Dive Right In Scuba or Paragon Dive Shop
The Mares Avanti Quattro+ fins remain my go-to for warm water travel diving thanks to their smooth propulsion and comfort. I've used them on countless fun dives with wetsuit boots and they never let me down. They aren't ideal for technical maneuvers or drysuits, but for relaxed trips they shine.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great propulsion with minimal effort | Not precise for back kicks or fine control |
| Comfortable and flexible blade | Slightly negatively buoyant in freshwater |
| Light enough for travel | Not suitable for drysuit or technical diving |
Why I Chose the Avanti Quattro
These were the fins I purchased for my Open Water class, and they’ve stayed in my kit ever since. For warm water wetsuit diving, especially travel dives where I want easy flutter kicking and strong propulsion, the Mares Quattros are still a favorite. I pair them with Converse or wetsuit boots and they’ve never let me down on fun dives.
Verdict
The Mares Quattro fins are still my favorite for warm water wetsuit diving. They’re easy to pack, easy to use, and deliver great propulsion without requiring a ton of effort. I wouldn’t use them for drysuit or skill-intensive dives, but for travel and casual use, they’re excellent.
Would I buy it again? Yes—for warm water diving, it’s still the one I reach for.
Who Mares Avanti Quattro+ Fins Is Best For
This item is best suited for:
- Warm water recreational divers who want easy flutter kicking and strong propulsion
- Traveling divers who need packable fins that stay comfortable during long swims
- Divers who prefer flexible blades for relaxed fun dives
It may not be ideal for:
- Divers focusing on technical skills like back kicks or precise hovering
- Drysuit or cold-water divers who need stiffer, more rigid fins
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 8.5: Excellent propulsion, but lacks control finesse.
- Ease of Use – 9.0: Beginner-friendly, no learning curve.
- Versatility – 7.0: Wetsuit only. Not suited for drysuits or cold water.
- Durability & Build Quality – 7.5: Solid, but not as rugged as technical fins.
- Value – 8.5: Great bang for the buck in a classic design.
- Brand Trust & Transparency – 8.0: Widely known brand, though not best-in-class for innovation or transparency.
Performance in the Water
- Trim & Buoyancy: Slightly negative in freshwater, but manageable. Not ideal for strict trim work.
- Kick Styles: Best suited for flutter and casual frog kicks. Back kick control is limited.
- Comfort: Very comfortable with flexible blades that don’t tire the legs during long surface swims.
- Control: Responsive and fast when moving forward, but not great for stopping or hovering in place.