
In freediving, choosing the right fins matters. They are key for performance and comfort (and sometimes style cause looking good while freediving is also important). Molchanovs is one of the most respected brands in the freediving world, known for producing high-performance gear trusted by divers of all levels. Their range of fins caters to everyone—from beginners taking their first breath-hold to elite athletes pushing world records.
This guide covers four popular Molchanovs bifin models: the CORE Silicone Bifins, SPORT Bifins 3, PRO Bifins 3, and PRO Hyper Bifins. Each fin has unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider which ones best fit your freediving style and goals. By breaking down the differences, this guide is here to make your decision easier—and help you feel more confident about choosing the right fins for you.
CORE Silicone Bifins

Quick description - Hypoallergenic and UV-resistant silicone, open-heel design, short fins.
Freediver Level - All levels, perfect for total beginners
These fins are made for beginners to advanced divers. They offer easy travel and comfort for training and fun dives for more experienced freedivers.
Molchanovs CORE Silicone Bifins are perfect for beginners. They focus on comfort and ease of use. They only provide decent propulsion with proper technique. This is why I only use these fins for my beginner freedive students.
Intermediate and advanced freedivers will also appreciate their utility. They can use the fins for training purposes. They can work on their basic flutter kick or even monofin technique. Or maybe going on a trip and don’t want to pack their long fins.
Many beginner freedivers start with long plastic fins. They’re not very efficient, but that’s okay for a beginner course. Because of their length, even with poor technique - like bicycle kicking - you still get decent propulsion. But that’s also the downside: they don’t give you much feedback when your technique is off, which can make it harder to improve.
These fins are made from high-quality silicone, which means no blisters, no irritation — just all-day comfort. They're hypoallergenic, UV-resistant, and flexible enough to fit both narrow and wide feet with ease.
The open heel and arch support design is inspired by the Molchanovs Competition Bifins 2, offering comfort, proper foot placement, and surprisingly efficient propulsion for such a compact fin.
Their shorter blades make them perfect for travel and give you more control and maneuverability underwater — ideal for fun dives, exploring tight spaces, or shooting casual underwater photos and videos.
That’s why even many advanced freedivers I know keep a pair in their gear bag. They’re practical, affordable, and honestly, hard not to love.
Freedive instructors also often use these fins when teaching in the pool as the long fins are most prone to breaking in pool sessions if someone accidentally steps on them while you are moving away.
Plus, they come in six colors — including PINK — which is a refreshing break from the sea of serious black gear most freedivers wear. Freedivers are especially stoked about the newly added mint and purple colors. Who says performance and personality can’t go hand in hand?
Confession time: when I first got these fins, they quickly became my everyday go-to. My long fins? They collected dust for a while.
Check out my short and long review videos that I did on these fins. Alexey Molchanov also managed to take these fins to 102 meters (334 feet) in competition.
Foot Pocket and Blade - Like a Mac

Why Is There a Mac in This Photo?
Let me explain…
Before we dive into the next three fin models, I want to talk about something often overlooked: the foot pocket. Most new freedivers - myself included when I bought my first two pairs of fins - only think about comfort and fit. But the foot pocket plays a huge role in performance. Choosing the wrong one can cause significant power transfer loss, even if you’ve got a great blade.
Here’s where the Mac analogy comes in.
Apple is known for designing its hardware and software together — the Mac, the iPhone — all built to work as one seamless system. That’s why they run so smoothly and efficiently. The same design philosophy applies to high-performance freediving fins.
When a blade is designed specifically to work with a matching foot pocket, the result is powerful: you get optimal energy transfer from your leg to the water. That means more propulsion with every kick, less wasted effort, and more depth with less fatigue.
It’s not just about parts fitting together. They have to function as one unit. That’s what gives you the edge — more speed, better endurance, and smoother dives.
And that’s why I bring this up now.
All Molchanovs fins come with foot pockets engineered specifically for their blades — ensuring maximum efficiency and power transfer with every dive.
SPORT Bifins 3

For Whom: All levels of freedivers.
Features:
- Available with either carbon or fiberglass blades.
- Removable foot pockets for customization.
- Anatomical silicone foot pockets for a better fit.
- Size-graded stiffness for efficient energy transfer.
- Available in multiple foot sizes with color accents.
- Short blades have recently become available
Use: Great for freedivers who want performance and convenience. They are also suitable as a first pair of long blades, for instructors as their teaching fins, and for frequent travelers.
The Molchanovs SPORT Bifins 3 are the perfect step up from the CORE Silicone Bifins — ideal for freedivers who want more performance, comfort, and customization, without jumping into the pro-level gear just yet. Now in their third generation, the SPORT series continues to be a top choice for serious recreational freedivers and instructors alike.
These are an excellent first pair of long fins, giving you the efficiency and responsiveness needed for deeper dives while still remaining user-friendly and travel-ready.
Removable Foot Pockets = Game-Changer

The standout upgrade in this version? A fully removable foot pocket system.
This opens up a whole world of versatility. For example:
- I use medium-stiff blades for teaching
- Soft blades for training sessions
- And I even size down the foot pocket for personal best dives to get a snugger, more responsive fit
- Traveling light? Swap to short blades for that quick freedive getaway - they’re easy to strap onto your backpack and carry on.
The best part? Switching blades or pockets takes just minutes - no special tools, no hassle. This is a huge advantage for freedivers who travel, as the fins can be easily taken apart and packed into a standard suitcase. No more bulky fin bags or oversized luggage.
Three Key Foot Pocket Innovations
Molchanovs didn't just make the foot pocket removable — they completely reengineered it to improve power transfer and comfort:
- Variable stiffness throughout the foot pocket to better support and direct energy
- Blade angle placed under the toes, instead of in front — for a more natural kick cycle
- A mounting plate on the nose compresses silicone downward, creating pressure on the blade from above — a unique innovation no one else is doing
These changes dramatically increase propulsion, reduce wasted energy, and make every kick count.
Comfort that Actually Helps You Perform
The SPORT 3 foot pockets are made from soft, anatomical silicone designed for ergonomic fit.
- Open-heel straps allow full flexion and extension of the foot, supporting natural finning motion
- Built-in arch supports keep the foot aligned and secure
- All of this results in maximum comfort with zero compromise on performance
Honestly? I think they’re the most comfortable foot pockets on the market — and I’ve tried them all.
Blade Design That Responds to You
The blade features a carefully layered construction with size-specific stiffness — meaning each size is tuned for optimal flex and power output. The result? A responsive, efficient blade that adapts to your kick and energy level.
You can choose between carbon or fiberglass blades, depending on your style. I personally love the fiberglass — they’ve got a snappy feel and deliver plenty of power when I’m teaching all day in the water.
Fit Options & Style
One critique from previous models was that the foot pocket was too wide. Molchanovs listened — the SPORT 3 now comes in both wide and standard-fit options, so freedivers with narrower feet get the snug fit they need.
They’re available in six sizes and include sleek color accents, so you can stand out a little in the ocean of all-black gear.
PRO Bifins 3

For Whom: Advanced to professional freedivers.
Features:
- Available with carbon or fiberglass blades.
- Lightweight, hand-assembled foot pockets for a precise fit.
- More rigid upper foot pocket for better energy transfer.
- 28° blade angle for improved back kick performance.
- Available in six accent colors and 11 foot sizes and custom foot pockets
Use for serious freedivers. High performance for fun diving, training, and competitions.
The Molchanovs PRO Bifins 3 are the pinnacle of the brand’s legendary bifin evolution. Originally launched as the Competition Bifins, they’ve gone through multiple upgrades from CB2 to CB2x and are now proudly rebranded under the “PRO” line to reflect their elite-level performance.
This isn’t just a name change. It’s a statement. These fins have powered countless world-record dives and are built for freedivers who demand nothing but the best.
Handcrafted Foot Pockets with Unmatched Comfort
One of the defining features of the PRO series is the handcrafted foot pocket. Unlike standard molded versions, these use softer rubber and are hand-shaped with precision to deliver superior comfort, fit, and responsiveness.
This handcrafted construction gives you a level of control and energy transfer that simply isn’t possible with mass-produced foot pockets. That’s one reason these fins consistently show up in elite-level performances.
Designed for Depth. Refined by Champions.

Each new generation of PRO Bifins goes through up to 10 prototypes, with direct feedback from Alexey Molchanov and a team of world-record-holding ambassadors.
Every aspect of the design, from stiffness to blade layering, is tested at depths over 100 meters to meet the highest performance standards.
Built for Advanced Technique
The PRO Bifins 3 are made for freedivers who have mastered their technique, whether that’s:
- Traditional front and back kicks
- Or modern high-frequency, low-amplitude styles used in deep competitive diving
Key performance upgrades include:
- A more rigid upper foot pocket for better energy transfer
- An increased blade angle from 24° to 28° for stronger back kicks
- Optimized blade layering that starts stiff near the foot and tapers toward the tip for smoother flex
- Size-calibrated stiffness based on your height and weight for tailored efficiency
🎨 Fit and Style, Down to the Details
The PRO Bifins 3 now feature the Molchanovs logo on the back and come in six accent colors to suit your personal style.
Choose from:
- 11 standard foot pocket sizes
- Or go custom for a truly perfect fit
- PRO Hyper Bifins - High Customizable

For Whom: Competitive athletes.
Features:
- Highly customizable with options for blade stiffness, length, and foot pocket angle.
- Bulkier and heavier, which might be less convenient for travel.
- Footpocket adapted from monofin design for better performance.
- Blade angles available in 25°, 30°, and 35°.
Ideal for advanced and competitive freedivers that need extensive customization for best performance.
The Molchanovs PRO Hyper Bifins take performance customization to the next level. Built for serious freedivers, they integrate advanced design elements to optimize both power transfer and comfort — especially for those with strong technique and specific anatomical needs.
Monofin-Inspired Foot Pocket Design
The defining feature of the PRO Hyper Bifins is the monofin-style foot pocket. Unlike standard bifins, your toes do not touch the blade. Instead, the angle is built into the foot pocket using a wedge, eliminating the need for a bent blade.
This innovation opens up a wider range of customization. Divers can now select blade angles of 25°, 30°, or 35°, depending on their flexibility, technique, and power preference.
- 30° (standard) provides strong back-kick support and reduces strain on the thighs.
- 25° is ideal for flexible divers who favor a forceful front kick.
- 35° compensates for stiff ankles and helps maintain efficient propulsion.
Custom Blade Size for Smaller Divers
Molchanovs has thoughtfully addressed the needs of smaller-bodied freedivers. If you weigh under 65 kg (143 lb), are shorter than 170 cm (5'7"), or have shorter leg proportions, you can choose a smaller blade with 10 percent less surface area. These blades also feature an optimized “bottleneck” shape, offering a softer feel and more controlled movement through the water.
Travel Considerations and Foot Pocket Size
Due to the robust monofin-style design, the PRO Hyper Bifins are bulkier and heavier than the PRO Bifins. This can make them less convenient for frequent travel or divers who need lightweight gear. If portability is a major concern, consider whether the smaller and lighter PRO Bifins might be a better fit.
Made for Quad-Driven Kickers
These bifins are ideal for freedivers who use a quad-dominant kicking technique, emphasizing a powerful front kick with minimal back kick engagement. The design supports intense hip and thigh activation, giving you maximum propulsion with every push.
That said, some divers may need to adjust their technique when switching to these fins. You may find you need to dial back the front kick and improve your back kick to get the most out of the design.
The Most Customizable Molchanovs Bifin Yet
The PRO Hyper Bifins offer the highest level of customization in the entire lineup. You can choose:
- Blade stiffness
- Blade size
- Foot pocket angle
The best combination depends on your size, body mechanics, ankle flexibility, and kicking style. If you’re unsure, ask your instructor or reach out directly to Molchanovs for guidance. They’ll help you find the perfect setup to match your dive style.
Choosing the right fins is essential for any freediver, impacting both performance and comfort. Molchanovs offers a diverse range of bifins, each catering to different needs and skill levels. From the beginner-friendly CORE Silicone Bifins to the highly customizable PRO Hyper Bifins, there's an option for everyone. Whether you're just starting out or are an advanced diver seeking top-notch gear, Molchanovs bifins provide excellent performance, comfort, and adaptability to enhance your diving experience.
Go to the Molchanovs website to purchase your next bifins and use the coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD to get 10% off.
If you're in Taiwan, you can purchase directly from us with free shipping anywhere in the Taiwan. Additionally, if you'd like to try the fins before buying, visit us in Xiaoliuqiul, we have the Core Silicon Bifins, Pro and Sport bifins to try before you buy, contact us here for more info.
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