Mares X-Tream

The X-Stream is constructed of three distinct materials, each with its own mission. It starts with a thermoplastic blade frame and footboard. Stiff black rubber is over-molded on the blade’s side rails and at the juncture of the fin’s next-generation Optimized Pivoting Blade (OPB). Finally, a clear, soft rubber is used on the foot pocket and on the blade’s Superchannel center panel. The result is a comfortable, lightweight fin that delivers both stability and a lot of snap. The X-Stream’s perforated foot pocket is interesting. It not only eliminates drag, but also makes the pocket more flexible and eliminates that sucking effect when removing the fin after a dive. The fin also comes with Mares ABS Plus buckles. By using the buckle’s cam action for donning and doffing, the strap never slips out of adjustment.

Performance

The lightest full-size fin in this group, the X-Stream proved to be one of the faster fins on the speed course, generating a lot of power for not a lot of effort. The OPB feature really showed its stuff, delivering a propulsive blade snap that test divers could feel push them forward on every down stroke (this same effect also made for some fun face-down surface kicks). The fin earned solid marks for performance using all kicking styles, and while some divers found a little ankle strain when locking into tight turns, overall the fin was rated comfortable, stable and very maneuverable.

Bottom Line

With the X-Stream you get good kicking power in a comfy fin that looks really cool underwater. Earning a solid third-place spot on the “Top 5 Favorites” list, it doesn’t offer much in the way of nonskid, but otherwise this fin is definitely a keeper.