The Gangloff Review: FINIS Edge Fin

by Mark Gangloff, Olympic Gold Medalist

I don’t normally do stand-alone product reviews at SwimOutlet.com, as we usually compare a group of items in one product category, but FINIS has been such an innovator with training accessories and workout equipment over the years that it made sense to test out their newest innovation to hit the market-- the FINIS Edge Fin.

Size/Fit
As I pulled the FINIS Edge Fin out of the packaging, the design features immediately caught my attention. The silicone was thick and malleable at the same time. This combination makes the fin rigid enough to provide high propulsion and comfortable enough to wear for a long period of time. Finding this balance is huge.

I wear a size 13 shoe, so I chose an XL (11-13). I like my fins a little snug, so this fin fit well for me, considering I am at the outer edge of that size range. I recommend choosing your fin size accordingly. At the bottom of the fin there is an opening for your toes and mine did stick out over the edge a little bit, which didn’t feel great when pushing off the wall, but this would not deter me from purchasing this fin.

Performance
When I buy a fin, I’m looking for speed and this fin is FAST. When kicking with the tops of your feet you have the ability to hold a lot of water creating a lot of torque. But, that’s not all; this fin is innovative in that it allows you to hold more water with the bottom of the fin. As an athlete, feeling your kick with the bottom of your feet is very difficult. As a coach, teaching athletes to use the bottom of their feet is even more difficult. This fin makes it possible to “use the bottom of your feet.” Overall, I give the Edge Fin an A+! High performance fins are hard to come by, but FINIS has done it—comfortable and able to create high levels of performance.

Summary
To quote the product designers at FINIS, they were out to develop a fin that was “fast and promotes the swimmer’s natural kick cycle, without compromising on comfort.” They accomplished just that and developed a fin that really feels like an extension of your foot.
Pros: FAST fins; bottom of the fins perform better than competitors hitting a hard-to-work part of the kick.
Cons: Toes hang over the edge for the sizing that I selected, but very minor issue and I prefer a tight fit anyway.