Lightweight and comfortable, the Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins (dive boots needed) are a simplified take on scuba fins for recreational divers. Additionally, these are also ideal for snorkelers, beachgoers and travelers due to their portability.
Weighing less than 3lbs and with a maximum length of 21 inches, these fins can fit into backpacks and smaller bags. Although they are lightweight, the Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins are designed to provide quite a bit of thrust, and their large, soft silicone straps are supposed to offer comfort and ease of use.
We had the neon yellow and aqua blue fins to test out.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Lightweight yet rigid
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Many color options
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Comfortable, flexible and durable
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Easy to put on and take off with soft silicon strap
Things we don't like:
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Shorter length
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Silicon straps can be lost easily when taking them off.
Review
The Oceanic Accel fins are a popular choice for divers that want to take their gear along while traveling. They are also a great choice for divers who want low maintenance fins that are easy to put on and take off.
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins also come in a wide array of flashy colors for anyone looking to add some flair to their beach and diving gear.
These fins offer a great balance between maneuverability and propulsion in the water. Their compact size, comfort and light weight make the Oceanic Accel Open Heel fins one of the best travel friendly fins on the market.
The silicone strap also makes it easy to get them on, no matter how bulky the dive boot. Silicone is softer and lasts longer too. It was a pleasure slipping these on and off from shore diving situations
Specs & Features
- Material: Monoprene synthetic rubber with Silicon strap
- Open heel
- Blade type: Vented
- Maximum length: 21 inches
- Sizes: XS- XXL (US: 5-12+) (EU: 36-46+)
Features
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins have many design features which make these excellent fins for travelers and divers.
Most prominently are the straps. The heel straps are made of high-stretch silicon which makes them easily adjustable, great for those in between sizes and for different types of dive boots.
Adjusting the straps, with the notches on the boot part, is easy and the elasticity of the silicone makes the fitting convenient too. The silicone is more durable than rubber and can be replaced in case of damage.
With a wide variety of colors the straps are also customizable and can be changed easily, increasing the length of the product life.
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins also have a unique vented shape. This vented shape gives the fin excellent power to move seamlessly through the water, giving good speed. The blade has a center channel, along with pronounced side rails, this helps to direct the water behind the diver for maximum thrust.
There is a piece on the blade, just in front of the toes, that can be removed to change the performance of the fin. We’re still investigating what affect–if any actual one–this has on the finning experience.
Strap
Rather than a rubber strap the Oceanic Accel fins have a silicon strap that functions the same way. The grab handle at the back allows you to pull the strap back to help get your foot in the fin and can be easily slid over the heel. This basic strap helps put the fins on and off while also feeling secure and unlikely to come off by accident.
The silicon strap also has cut holes that allow for the adjustment of the fin on notches, making it longer or shorter to fit your particular foot. That said, if you would like buckles or clips on your fins, the fins have the standard mushroom style cap that allows for the attachment of different fittings.
Blade
The Oceanic Accel fin blade is constructed of highly durable monoprene synthetic rubber blade material that ensures these fins will last a long time with the right maintenance. The blade has a streamlined design that ensures maneuverability while also providing a large enough surface area to facilitate adequate propulsion. The sole of the fin is textured and provides traction on wet surfaces.
Price/ Quality Ratio
Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins are versatile and well constructed making them an excellent fin option for their price. The unique selling point of these fins is that they are shorter than other fins making them portable. Yet they have enough thrust to compete with longer models.
They can be easily fit in a carry-on bag and taken on holiday. Additionally, these fins are strong enough for currents and stiff enough for easy maneuvering. Flutter, frog and other kicks can be easily performed using these fins making them good value for money.
Do we recommend it?
Yes, we definitely recommend the Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins for travelers who want to take a pair of portable snorkel fins with them. Although these fins won’t provide you with the most propulsion or maneuverability, they are a useful alternative for travelers who seek a portable, all-round alternative for taking their fins on travels.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Lightweight yet rigid
-
Many color options
-
Comfortable, flexible and durable
-
Easy to put on and take off with soft silicon strap
Things we don't like:
-
Shorter length
-
Silicon straps can be lost easily when taking them off.
Frequently asked questions
After testing a the Accel fins by Oceanic, they proved to punch above their weight–literally–in terms of thrust. They are a good lightweight option for traveling and proved to be quite comfortable and easy to put on because of the silicone strap. In fact, these new fins are worthy of consideration for some of the best fins on the market for scuba diving and snorkeling.
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins have an adjustable, high-stretch silicon strap. Read our review to see the pros and cons of this travel-friendly pair of fins.
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins come in sizes XS-XXL with a maximum length of 21 inches.
The Oceanic Accel Open Heel Fins are covered by warranty for 12 months.
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