Written by our lead diver at Scuba Space, a PADI Master Scuba Diver and Law Enforcement Public Safety Diver with 12+ years of professional underwater operations experience.
There are very few pieces of dive gear that earn the title of an industry legend, but this fin is undeniably one of them. Enter the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Review (also called the Mares Avanti Quattro +). Originally launched decades ago and updated with modern bungee straps and Tecralene material, these four-channel powerhouses have been the standard issue recommendation for open-water students and technical divers for generations.
I bought my pair of Mares Avanti Quattro + fins back in 2014 for my initial Open Water certification class, and they served as my exclusive daily drivers until 2018. Over the course of hundreds of dives spanning every imaginable environment (ocean drift dives, shore entries, pool training, lake-bottom crawl missions, cenotes, boat dives, and more) I have put these fins through the ultimate long-term test to see how they stack up against modern competition.
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Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Review Summary
The Mares Avanti Quattro + remains one of the most powerful, bombproof fins on the market today. Featuring a classic four-channel design, it delivers unmatched forward thrust capable of pushing through aggressive ocean currents and heavy gear setups. While the trade-off comes in the form of noticeable leg fatigue during long flutter-kick sessions and a full-length blade that can be tricky to pack for travel, its rock-solid durability and raw power make it a timeless choice if you prioritize thrust above all else.
- Unique four-rib structure creates an arched shape during each stroke, converting muscle energy into efficient thrust and enhancing propulsion for improved underwater performance
- Unique Channel Thrust inserts on these versatile open-heel fins enhance water flow, pushing more water with each kick.
- Constructed with a soft thermoplastic rubber foot pocket and a durable Tecralene blade deliver comfort and longevity
- Exceptional Raw Thrust
- Bombproof Durability
- Versatile Propulsion
- High Physical Strain
- Annoying to Pack
Thrust, Efficiency & Kick Performance
If there is one area where the Avanti Quattro Plus commands absolute respect, it is sheer, uncompromising power. Out of all the fins in my gear locker, these consistently deliver the highest raw thrust. When you need to dig in against a ripping current, the flexible channel thrust technology scoops water and propels you forward with unmistakable authority.
However, that maximum thrust comes at a cost: these things are hard on the legs. Unlike modern hinge-blade designs like the SCUBAPRO Seawing Supernova that flex automatically to reduce resistance, the Quattro + demands heavy physical effort from your thighs and calves. For years, my primary stroke was a traditional flutter kick, and after long surface swims or extended drift dives, my legs were invariably exhausted.
Both flutter kicks and frog kicks perform effortlessly with the Quattro +. Switching to a frog kick helps manage energy output, but there is no escaping the reality that this fin demands a stronger pair of legs to drive effectively.
Travel Convenience & Packing Realities
While the Quattro Plus excels in open water, packing it for international travel can be an annoying affair. Because it is a traditional single-piece rigid fin without modular disassembly, its long, stiff profile dictates how you pack your gear bag.
Traveling with these fins is a bit annoying. Even with my pair being a size Small, they took up significant real estate and were tricky to fit into standard luggage without angling them awkwardly.
Editor’s Note
If you wear a Size Large or Extra-Large, packing them for dive trips is going to require a dedicated, full-sized dive bag or strategic diagonal cramming.
Foot Pocket Fit & Strap System Setup
The open-heel foot pocket on the Quattro + is spacious and comfortable, accommodating both thin tropical wetsuit boots and heavy-duty drysuit boots without pressure points. The blade’s Tecralene construction distributes force across the footbed reliably.
The included Mares bungee straps are a massive upgrade over old-school plastic clicking buckles (which everyone knows just suck), but they do require some leverage to stretch over the heel of a thick boot. If these things ever break, I’m upgrading to spring straps ASAP.
Editor’s Note
| Key Specs | Mares Avanti Quattro + |
| Material | Tecralene / Thermoplastic Rubber |
| Design Type | 4-Channel Flexible Blade |
| Buoyancy | Slightly Negative to Neutral |
| Configuration | Open-Heel with Bungee Strap |
| Best For | Heavy Current, Technical, Ocean, & Power-Seeking Divers |
Durability & Field Resilience
Having owned my pair since 2014, I can attest that the Avanti Quattro Plus is practically indestructible. They have accumulated standard cosmetic scuffs, scratches, and rub marks from years of lake-bottom crawling, boat ladders, and rocky shore entries, but their structural integrity remains 100% uncompromised.
Even though they don’t get daily active duty anymore since I switched to my Supernovas, they remain completely functional and sit ready in my backup kit. If you buy a pair today, expect them to last over a decade of continuous hard use without failure.
FAQs
What are the differences between the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus and 4X fins?
The Mares Avanti Quattro 4X is the direct successor to the Quattro Plus, released in 2025. The main differences are a three-material blade (vs. two-material on the Quattro+), a slightly stiffer blade with raised side edges, an optimized foot pocket with a soft upper section and reinforced lower support, an anatomical heel pad, an anti-slip rubberized sole, and a reusable mesh bag included.
Are the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus fins positively or negatively buoyant underwater?
They are slightly negatively buoyant, meaning they help keep your feet from floating upward and assist in maintaining a comfortable, horizontal trim position while diving.
Can you wear the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus with bare feet, or do you need booties?
You need dive booties. These are open-heel fins equipped with bungee straps designed specifically to accommodate thermal or wet/dry boots rather than being full-foot pocket fins.
Final Verdict: Is the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus Worth It?
The Mares Avanti Quattro + is an absolute classic for a reason. If your primary diving consists of ocean sites with strong currents, heavy gear setups, or situations where maximum propulsion is non-negotiable, these fins are worth every penny.
On casual or chill dive days, however, I personally prefer trading away some of that raw power in exchange for leg comfort and lower kick fatigue. Some divers want maximum horsepower on tap 100% of the time, and if you have the leg strength to drive them, the Quattro Plus remains one of the finest power fins ever made.
They’re the most popular and best-selling fin on the market for a reason. You simply can’t go wrong with them.
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