More than 15 years in development, the new Dual Directional Water Channeling fin design has a unique dual-directional water channeling system that, according to its maker, offers kicking power yet conserves kicking energy. The fin is shorter than most, and relatively lightweight, making it especially good for traveling.

The Dual Directional Water Channeling fin design delivered mid-range results out on the objective test courses, then racked up the third-highest ergonomic score in this year's face-off. Test divers particularly liked its short, easy-to-wield blades, enabling them to get close to reefs while maintaining perfect control to avoid accidental contact with coral heads. It also proved to be a very stable fin, and a natural for divers partial to frog and dolphin kicks.

The Dual Directional Water Channeling fin uses a super-simple strap system that eschews buckles. Pick the right adjustment slot on the strap, pop it over the fin post, and you're good to go. This system makes it hard to readjust at depth, but if you did it right to begin with, you shouldn't ever have to readjust it under water. Test divers found the foot pocket to be very comfortable, in spite of the fact that at the time of testing it was available only in medium/large. Small and extra-large sizes should be available by the time you read this.