PRO Monofin 4X Fiberglass
Standard Molchanovs Hand-Built Foot Pocket Sizing
Important note: If you have a noticeable size difference between each foot, wider feet, or especially high or low arches, we suggest ordering custom foot pockets. Follow the ‘Custom Hand-Built Foot Pocket Measurement Guide’ guide below to measure your feet correctly.
Custom Hand-Built Foot Pocket Measurement Guide
Custom Foot Pocket Fit Guide
The desired fit determines the tightness of the foot pockets. Three options are available:
Comfortable: More space inside of the foot pockets for your feet. Your feet will feel like they’re on the verge of movement, but won’t actually have movement since any friction between your feet and the foot pockets will cause blisters. Comfortable for about 2 hours of wear.
Normal: More comfortable compared to the ‘Tight’ fit. There’s slightly more space inside for your feet, but not enough space for extra movement. Allows for about 20 - 50 minutes of wear.
Tight: Specifically designed for performance, which means that the fit is especially tight. This gives you the best control over the blade as the feet are very compressed with no space for any extra movement inside of the foot pocket. Suitable for about 10 - 30 minutes of wear.
Important note: The maximum time a freediver can wear foot pockets (especially ‘Tight’ fit) depends on their level of experience and how flexible their feet are. If you’d like to improve your foot flexibility, watch this video on stretching for bifins.
Choosing Monofin Blade Stiffness
Blade stiffness depends on your height, weight, technique, experience, training goals, and blade size. Below are general tips on how to choose the right stiffness. If you are not sure, e-mail info@molchanovs.com with a video attached of one of your dives for a recommendation.
Soft: Suitable for smaller and lighter freedivers, and also for experienced freedivers with excellent ankle-driven technique. Softer blades are more economic in terms of energy consumption, although it mostly remains a preference among freedivers with more strength whether to choose a soft or medium stiffness.
Medium: Suitable for larger and heavier freedivers, freedivers with more lower-body strength, or for freedivers who needs more power.
Choosing Monofin Blade Size
We also offer the choice of a ‘Small’ monofin blade for freedivers who are under 65kg (143lb), shorter than 170cm (5ft 7in), or with shorter leg proportions. ‘Small’ blades are 2cm (0.8in) shorter than ‘Regular’ blades in length and width, and are particularly ideal for shorter freedivers because of their ease of maneuverability while additionally requiring less power and energy spent on kicks.
While the blade-layering structure of both ‘Small’ and ‘Regular’ blades are the same, the reduced surface area of the ‘Small’ blade can make them feel softer than ‘Regular’ blades.
If you’re on the smaller and lighter side (or if you prefer a more agile monofin), choose a ‘Small’ blade. If you’re on the taller or heavier side (or if you prefer a more powerful monofin), choose a ‘Regular’ blade.
Choosing Foot Pocket Angle
The standard 30° foot pocket angle will emphasize the back kick. If you have very flexible ankles, we recommend you choose a 25° foot pocket angle to balance the load between the ankles and hips. For stiffer, less flexible ankles, choose a 35° angle.