How to Choose Between Molchanovs Freediving Bifins: Competition Fins
By Kristina Zvaritch and Asya Kleshchevnikova
What makes the Molchanovs PRO bifins ‘professional,’ and how do you choose the best ones for competition diving?
Not all freediving bifins are created equal, and this is especially true when you’re aiming for record-breaking depths and distances. Every movement you make in these kinds of performances matters, and even the smallest details of your equipment can make a big difference. That is why we are shining the light on features to look for in competition bifins and the difference between our PRO bifins in this article, which is part of our complete guide to Molchanovs freediving bifins.
Keep reading to find out how to maximize your performance with the right equipment!
So what exactly are the features that make bifins more suited for maximum dives? Check them out below!
And since your body, level of flexibility, and finning technique are unique to you, your bifins need to work for you—not the other way around! While one pair of bifins works for one athlete, they may not work so well for another athlete, or even hinder their performances.
This is why Molchanovs offers two pairs of bifins - the PRO Hyper Bifins and the PRO Bifins 3 (discussed in further detail in the next section). Once you choose which pair of bifins works with your finning technique, you continue the customization with foot pocket configuration and fit, blade size and stiffness, and foot pocket angle (on the PRO Hyper Bifins).
But customized Molchanovs hand-built foot pockets let you choose between 3 different ‘fits.’
Note that the maximum time you can wear foot pockets (especially a ‘Tight’ fit) depends on your level of experience and how flexible your feet are. If you would like to improve your foot flexibility, watch this video!
Additionally, the flat blade design of the PRO Hyper Bifins makes it more durable compared to a fixed-angle blade. With the foot pocket now responsible for creating the angle through additional rubber construction, you gain the ability to customize the foot pocket angle to your ankle flexibility - larger angles for less flexible ankles and smaller angles for highly flexible feet. But take note that this customizable feature does create a heavier foot pocket due to the extra rubber used in its construction.
Plus, you can customize the overall foot pocket fit, blade size, and blade stiffness, making the PRO Hyper Bifins the most customizable pair of Molchanovs bifins!
P.S. World Champion Alexey Molchanov chose the PRO Hyper Bifins to set his CWTB World Record to 124m (407ft) at the CMAS 7th Freediving Depth World Championship 2023 - watch it here!
Molchanovs Hand-Built Foot Pockets:
Take note, though - the blade angle is fixed at 28° (but don't worry, the open heel design still lets your foot flex more during the kick cycle). Just keep in mind this creates a weak spot in the blade, so handle with care: no pool wall push-offs or jumping in the water with your fins on.
But hey, there's a silver lining - that fixed blade angle means you get an ultralight foot pocket since no extra rubber is needed in the foot pocket construction. This allows the PRO Bifins 3 Carbon to weigh in at only 1.5kg (3.3lb), while the PRO Hyper Bifins Carbon weigh 2.2kg (4.9lb) due to the extra rubber in the foot pocket.
While you cannot customize the foot pocket angle on the PRO Bifins 3, you can still customize the blade size according to the blade stiffness you choose, making them super maneuverable according to your body dimensions.
P.S. World Champion Arnaud Jerald chooses lightweight foot pockets and blades to perform his bifin world-record performances! Check out this video of him using the previous generation of the PRO Bifins 3 (the Competition Bifins 2x Carbon) to dive to 122m (400ft) and back at Vertical Blue 2023!
Molchanovs Hand-Built Foot Pockets:
While carbon fiber is more lightweight and fiberglass blades are more durable, it really becomes a matter of your own personal preference.
But if you are a competitor with plans to break records or compete in big competitions, we suggest choosing carbon blades. There is a slight difference in performance between the two types of blades that is only really noticeable on deeper dives or longer distances in the pool.
Don’t forget to double-check your actual foot measurements to the sizes on the product page’s size chart - if they don’t add up to size, go with custom foot pockets.
For either pair of bifins, the blade material is a matter of personal preference. But if athletes have their eyes on records and big competitions, we suggest choosing carbon fiber blades.
Check out the chart we made below to compare the PRO Hyper Bifins and the PRO Bifins 3.
Are you ready as ready to compete as we are? Make sure to check out the Molchanovs Wave 4 - Competitive Freediver course to learn the ins and outs of competitive freediving and how to prepare for your first competition! Also, don’t forget that you can get training session plans through Base Training and some helpful tips from the experts in different Base Training + programs.
And of course, make sure to never train or fun dive alone - only with a trained and certified buddy!
What makes the Molchanovs PRO bifins ‘professional,’ and how do you choose the best ones for competition diving?
Not all freediving bifins are created equal, and this is especially true when you’re aiming for record-breaking depths and distances. Every movement you make in these kinds of performances matters, and even the smallest details of your equipment can make a big difference. That is why we are shining the light on features to look for in competition bifins and the difference between our PRO bifins in this article, which is part of our complete guide to Molchanovs freediving bifins.
Keep reading to find out how to maximize your performance with the right equipment!
Photo credit: Federico Buzzoni
Features to Look for in Competition Bifins
The PRO line (short for ‘professional’) features equipment specifically designed for freedivers focusing on performance and amateur/professional freediving athletes. There are features that make them different from bifins you’d use strictly for fun diving or training, but some bifins can be used for multiple purposes.So what exactly are the features that make bifins more suited for maximum dives? Check them out below!
Efficiency
With the right level of customization, you can you get true efficiency from your bifins, which means going deeper in the ocean or further in the pool with less effort - talk about rediscovering your limits!And since your body, level of flexibility, and finning technique are unique to you, your bifins need to work for you—not the other way around! While one pair of bifins works for one athlete, they may not work so well for another athlete, or even hinder their performances.
This is why Molchanovs offers two pairs of bifins - the PRO Hyper Bifins and the PRO Bifins 3 (discussed in further detail in the next section). Once you choose which pair of bifins works with your finning technique, you continue the customization with foot pocket configuration and fit, blade size and stiffness, and foot pocket angle (on the PRO Hyper Bifins).
Maximized foot-to-blade energy transfer
It’s no secret that if your feet are wiggling around in your foot pockets, the energy transfer from your feet to the blade during a kick will suffer. Maximized energy transfer is reached via tight foot pockets and a glued connection of the foot pockets to the blade. This is why competitive freedivers who don’t have customizable foot pockets choose standard foot pockets 1 - 2 sizes smaller than their usual size!But customized Molchanovs hand-built foot pockets let you choose between 3 different ‘fits.’
- Comfortable: The foot pockets have more space for your feet without actually letting your feet move around inside them. They are comfortable for about 2 hours of wear.
- Normal: With a tighter-than-comfortable fit, there is an increased energy transfer from foot to blade. Allows for about 20 - 50 minutes of wear.
- Tight: This is specifically for performance dives. While you have to squeeze your feet into the foot pockets (that’s what Silicone Grease is for, after all), you’ll have the best control over the blade and unparalleled energy transfer. Suitable for about 10 - 30 minutes of wear.
Note that the maximum time you can wear foot pockets (especially a ‘Tight’ fit) depends on your level of experience and how flexible your feet are. If you would like to improve your foot flexibility, watch this video!
Maneuverability
Longer bifin blades are NOT necessarily better! Freedivers come in short, average, and tall sizes, and blade length should be adjusted accordingly. Thankfully, the competitive range of bifins at Molchanovs give you blade size customization options ranging from “Small,” “Regular,” and “Large".Molchanovs Competition Bifins
There are two pairs of Molchanovs bifins that National and World Record Holders wear on their deepest/longest performances!
Photo credit: @tones.of.blue
PRO Hyper Bifins
The PRO Hyper Bifins feature the monofin foot pocket freedivers love, paired with a fiberglass or carbon blade! The extra rubber on the foot pockets gives you a more spring-like effect with each kick, allowing for an extra dose of propulsion.Additionally, the flat blade design of the PRO Hyper Bifins makes it more durable compared to a fixed-angle blade. With the foot pocket now responsible for creating the angle through additional rubber construction, you gain the ability to customize the foot pocket angle to your ankle flexibility - larger angles for less flexible ankles and smaller angles for highly flexible feet. But take note that this customizable feature does create a heavier foot pocket due to the extra rubber used in its construction.
Plus, you can customize the overall foot pocket fit, blade size, and blade stiffness, making the PRO Hyper Bifins the most customizable pair of Molchanovs bifins!
Selecting the right foot pocket angle
To figure out what your ideal foot pocket angle is, have someone photograph you with your leg extended forward and your toes pointed as straight as possible. If you can draw a straight line from your leg to the tips of your toe, opt for a 30° foot pocket angle. If your ankle angles slightly upward, go with 35°. For those with exceptional flexibility where the line slopes downward, choose a 25° angle.
Photo credit: @tones.of.blue
P.S. World Champion Alexey Molchanov chose the PRO Hyper Bifins to set his CWTB World Record to 124m (407ft) at the CMAS 7th Freediving Depth World Championship 2023 - watch it here!
PRO Hyper Bifins Specs
Explore the features of the PRO Hyper Bifins Fiberglass/Carbon at a glance!Molchanovs Hand-Built Foot Pockets:
- Heavy-duty, wear-resistant, and UV-resistant
- Custom open-heel foot pockets for flexibility
- Comfort Lining interior with soft micropore for maximized comfort
- Increased toe space for added relief
- Same foot pockets as the Molchanovs monofins to allow more load to be placed on the hips
- Customizable foot pocket angle: 25°, 30°, 35°
- Engraved Molchanovs logo on the front
- Choose between standard EU sizes or custom sizes
- Available in 100% carbon fiber or premium 100% UHC fiberglass
- Handcrafted from start to finish
- Hand-layered blades for superb response and feel
- Customizable blade size and stiffness to suit your body type and level of strength
- Ideal for freedivers who use a quad-driven technique with a strong front kick and less focus on the back kick, allowing you to put more load on your hip muscles
PRO Bifins 3
For freedivers looking for a lightweight competitive bifin, set your eyes on the PRO Bifins 3 in fiberglass or carbon fiber! With the original Molchanovs hand-built foot pockets (no extra rubber like on the PRO Hyper Bifins), they are featherlight and give your feet a naked feeling in the water.Take note, though - the blade angle is fixed at 28° (but don't worry, the open heel design still lets your foot flex more during the kick cycle). Just keep in mind this creates a weak spot in the blade, so handle with care: no pool wall push-offs or jumping in the water with your fins on.
But hey, there's a silver lining - that fixed blade angle means you get an ultralight foot pocket since no extra rubber is needed in the foot pocket construction. This allows the PRO Bifins 3 Carbon to weigh in at only 1.5kg (3.3lb), while the PRO Hyper Bifins Carbon weigh 2.2kg (4.9lb) due to the extra rubber in the foot pocket.
While you cannot customize the foot pocket angle on the PRO Bifins 3, you can still customize the blade size according to the blade stiffness you choose, making them super maneuverable according to your body dimensions.
Photo credit: @evsychev
P.S. World Champion Arnaud Jerald chooses lightweight foot pockets and blades to perform his bifin world-record performances! Check out this video of him using the previous generation of the PRO Bifins 3 (the Competition Bifins 2x Carbon) to dive to 122m (400ft) and back at Vertical Blue 2023!
PRO Bifins 3 Specs
Discover what the PRO Bifins 3 Fiberglass/Carbon has to offer.Molchanovs Hand-Built Foot Pockets:
- Heavy-duty, wear-resistant, and UV-resistant
- Custom open-heel foot pockets for flexibility
- Comfort Lining interior with soft micropore for maximized comfort
- Increased toe space for added relief
- Engraved Molchanovs logo on the front
- Choose between standard EU sizes or custom sizes
- Available in 100% carbon fiber or premium 100% UHC fiberglass
- Updated blade-layering pattern for more propulsion with less effort
- Size-graded blades ensure that your blade’s total surface area works best for your height
- A 28° blade angle emphasizes your back kick and creates a more seamless front kick
Foot pocket sizing
Don’t forget that whether you’re choosing the PRO Bifins 3 or the PRO Hyper Bifins, you must double-check your foot measurements - even if you are choosing a standard EU size. That means taking a tape measure and a friend, watching this video on how to properly take the measurements, and comparing your measurements to the product page’s size chart. If your measurements don’t match a size on the size chart, then go ahead and measure your arches as well and order custom foot pockets to ensure the best comfort and performance out of your foot pockets!Fiberglass or carbon fiber?
The million-dollar question!While carbon fiber is more lightweight and fiberglass blades are more durable, it really becomes a matter of your own personal preference.
But if you are a competitor with plans to break records or compete in big competitions, we suggest choosing carbon blades. There is a slight difference in performance between the two types of blades that is only really noticeable on deeper dives or longer distances in the pool.
Quick Summary
Freedivers who are already competitors (or aspiring to be) need to look for three key elements in competition bifins:- Efficiency
- Tight foot pocket fit
- Maneuverability
Don’t forget to double-check your actual foot measurements to the sizes on the product page’s size chart - if they don’t add up to size, go with custom foot pockets.
For either pair of bifins, the blade material is a matter of personal preference. But if athletes have their eyes on records and big competitions, we suggest choosing carbon fiber blades.
Check out the chart we made below to compare the PRO Hyper Bifins and the PRO Bifins 3.
| PRO Hyper Bifins Fiberglass | PRO Hyper Bifins Carbon | PRO Bifins 3 Fiberglass | PRO Bifins 3 Carbon | |
| Standard EU / custom foot pocket sizes | Both available | Both available | Both available | Both available |
| Durable blades | Yes | Needs extra care | Yes | Needs extra care |
| Foot pocket/blade angle | Customizable: 25°, 30°, 35° | Customizable: 25°, 30°, 35° | 28° | 28° |
| Different blade sizes available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Size 42EU: 2.3kg (5.1lb) | Size 42 EU: 2.2kg (4.9lb) | Size 42 EU: 1.7kg (3.7lb) | Size 42 EU: 1.5kg (3.3lb) |
| Suitable for long sessions | 'Comfortable' or 'Normal' fit only (if custom foot pocket) | 'Comfortable' or 'Normal' fit only (if custom foot pocket) | 'Comfortable' or 'Normal' fit only (if custom foot pocket) | 'Comfortable' or 'Normal' fit only (if custom foot pocket) |
| Suitable for fun diving | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Suitable for training | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Suitable for competition | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Suitable for spearfishing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
And of course, make sure to never train or fun dive alone - only with a trained and certified buddy!
Photo credit: @daniel_arias_cordova
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