OMS Slipstream Fins Review
Summary
One-liner: A reliable, medium-stiff paddle fin ideal for drysuit diving and long bottom times.
Dive Types: Cold Water + Drysuit + Local
Price Tier: $$$
Ownership: Personally owned and used exclusively for drysuit dives
Overall Score: 8.6 / 10
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Medium stiffness helps with leg fatigue | Negatively buoyant in freshwater |
| Strong back kick and maneuverability | Less powerful flutter kick than Quattro |
| Rugged and durable for cold water | Not ideal for warm water travel |
| Good control for drysuit skills | Not the fastest fin in open water |
Why I Chose the Slipstream Fins
I switched to the OMS Slipstream after using the Deep6 Eddy fins during my GUE Fundamentals course. I was diving with a steel backplate and drysuit, and hoped the Slipstream’s slightly softer flex would reduce the leg cramping I was experiencing on long bottom times. Only time will tell if that tradeoff pays off, but so far I prefer the OMS fins for all my drysuit dives.
Performance in the Water
- Trim & Buoyancy: Slightly negative in freshwater, but still manageable in drysuit configurations with a steel backplate.
- Kick Styles: Performs well with frog and back kicks, slightly less powerful on flutter than Mares Quattro. Precision is on par with the Eddy.
- Comfort: Feels smoother over long dives compared to the stiffer Eddy. No hot spots or strap issues with proper boot fit.
- Control: Easy to maintain position for skills. Clean helicopter turns, easy to modulate kick force in cold water.
Comparisons
Deep6 Eddy Fins
- Stiffer and more precise
- Neutrally buoyant in freshwater
- Better for wetsuit dives or skill-intensive dives
- OMS is smoother for long drysuit dives
Mares Avanti Quattro
- More flexible and travel-friendly
- Better propulsion, worse precision
- Preferred for warm water wetsuit dives
Verdict
The OMS Slipstream is my drysuit fin of choice. It’s comfortable, predictable, and forgiving—especially on longer dives where fatigue matters. I’m still evaluating it for long-term performance, but so far it’s proven to be a solid addition to my cold water kit.
Would I buy it again? Probably. If it helps reduce leg fatigue, it’ll stay in rotation long-term.
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 | 6.5 | 15% | 0.975 |
| Durability & Build Quality | 8.5 | 15% | 1.275 |
| Value | 8.5 | 10% | 0.85 |
| Brand Trust & Transparency | 9.0 | 10% | 0.90 |
| Total | 8.60 / 10 | ||
Rounded Display Score: 8.6 / 10
Scored in freshwater using size XL fins with steel backplate and drysuit.
Deep Dive Score Explanations
- Function & Performance – 9.0: Great balance of control, maneuvering, and drysuit compatibility.
- Ease of Use – 8.0: Comfortable and easy to manage, but not travel-optimized or beginner-focused.
- Versatility – 6.5: Limited to drysuit and cold water use. Not ideal for warm water or travel.
- Durability & Build – 8.5: Sturdy and consistent construction. No complaints so far.
- Value – 8.5: Strong option in the mid-to-premium price tier.
- Brand Trust – 9.0: OMS has a solid reputation, though not as strong as Shearwater or Deep6.