This month we tested the Speeder HD (High Density) fins, a military green polypropylene model that represents one of the cornerstones of the Salvimar catalog. It is a product on which extensive engineering studies and innovations have been focused, and I was eager to test them “in the field.”

As soon as they arrived, I opened the cardboard packaging; the fins were stored inside a durable plastic bag. The first thing I noticed, even before taking them out, was the weight. In my mind, I had the mistaken idea that, since they were made of polymer, they would not exactly be lightweight. Instead, the opposite was true. They are incredibly light!

At first glance, the eye is immediately drawn to the color: a uniform military green shared by both the foot pocket and the blade, even though they are separable components. On the upper side of the blade, the large Salvimar logo is printed in the classic acid green color, while just below it, in smaller lettering, we find the “Made in Italy” mark and the name of the fin, also in acid green.

The lines are attractive and modern, featuring a narrower design near the foot pocket (12 cm wide), widening toward the center of the blade (21 cm), and then narrowing again toward the end (19 cm). The tip resembles a pyramid with a rounded apex.

The Speeder foot pockets are the result of a highly technical approach to shape, structure, and material research. They were designed to outperform previous-generation models and improve overall comfort. For this reason, Salvimar developed a technology with underfoot side rails, allowing better energy transfer and maximum efficiency with every kick.

This innovation increases hydrodynamics. The blade section inserted into the foot pocket is now noticeably narrower than that of most other models on the market, preventing water from simply bouncing off that area and instead channeling it toward the blade itself. This concept mirrors the anatomy of fish: the caudal peduncle (the narrow section before the tail) is slimmer than the tail fin itself in order to direct water particles efficiently toward the tail.

After careful engineering studies, Salvimar realized that the same principle applies to freediving and spearfishing fins: the smaller the section at the base of the foot pocket, the greater the amount of water channeled toward the end of the blade, resulting in optimized kicking efficiency. Furthermore, the side rails are reinforced with rigid clips overmolded into the rubber, making the foot pocket and blade act as a single unit and optimizing energy transfer.

During molding, the Speeder incorporates a polypropylene insole that provides rigidity while maintaining a soft and lightweight upper section (65 shore). In combination with the rigid clips on the side rails—recognizable by their glossy black color—this system also improves the connection between the two components.

The choice of materials has optimized both weight and durability. The Speeder HD features a variable-thickness foot pocket and a specially designed shape that reduces weight without compromising strength. The variable thickness ensures greater rubber thickness in areas subjected to higher stress.

The front section design has been particularly refined and carefully researched. To protect the toes, the front of the upper has been closed without compromising comfort or efficiency. In addition, a dedicated niche for the big toe has been created inside the side rail, ensuring perfect foot-to-knee alignment and consequently a stable kick. This new design concept offers maximum comfort and a perfect fit, to the point that the fins can even be worn without socks.

During development, the Ligurian company paid particular attention not only to the characteristics of the foot pocket and blade, but also to the interaction between them through an improved insertion system, enhancing the overall functionality. The blade is secured not only through interlocking but also by two stainless steel screws positioned near the arch area of the foot pockets. In this same area, there are also two pronounced grooves designed to channel water toward the blade.

The blade itself is made of polypropylene, ensuring good propulsion and excellent elastic return while minimizing effort. The blades feature a 29-degree angle. To further improve thrust, they are manufactured with variable thickness: 3.5 mm at the heel and 1.8 mm at the tip. The fins also feature approximately 1 cm water rails, pre-molded and ending near the base of the tip.

In terms of specifications, the complete fin (with size 39/40 foot pocket) measures 100 cm in length and weighs around 800 grams.

The Speeder HD is available in four sizes: 39/40, 41/42, 43/44, and 45/46.

AT SEA

I prepared my equipment and packed the fins into the Cyclops bag: they fit perfectly, so I didn’t need a separate fin bag or to carry them by hand. I’m lucky enough to live just a few meters from the coast, so even on days with limited time, I can still train.

Ready to enter the water, I put on my 3 mm Salvimar Tactile Green socks and then slipped into the fins effortlessly. The positive sensation was that my foot felt completely enveloped without any pressure points.

As mentioned, I didn’t have much time, so I decided to do repeated 20-meter apnea dives with one minute of recovery. First, however, I had to swim about 300 meters from shore to reach the drop-off.

I immediately noticed that the Speeder HD delivers strong thrust, though to make the most of it you need trained legs. The foot pocket confirmed itself to be extremely soft, and despite that softness, the power generated by the leg is transmitted directly to the blade without energy loss. I experienced no slipping during swimming, thanks to the small water rails running parallel along the blade. The result is a smooth and continuous kick with little to no energy dispersion.

When I reached the drop-off, despite the long swim, I felt no discomfort in my feet except for a slight sensation under the heel where the rigid insole rests (though I got used to it during later outings). In fact, I can honestly say I had never experienced such comfort in a foot pocket before. Of course, to cover these distances effectively, you still need trained legs.

I swam another 50 meters beyond the edge, where the sandy bottom should be around 22 meters deep. I lowered my heart rate, began ventilation, and descended.

During the first 10 meters, while still positively buoyant, I had to push hard to overcome buoyancy. With a steady kick, without excessively widening the scissor motion, I reached the bottom and prepared for the ascent.

The takeoff from the bottom felt easy; a single powerful kick was enough to immediately “grab” the water. I paid close attention to leg technique: propulsion originates from the upper part of the leg and transfers down to the fin, which responds smoothly without dead spots or slipping.

It didn’t take long to understand how these fins should be managed in the water. Despite being made of technopolymer, I found the blades to provide excellent thrust, provided you do not exaggerate with speed or force. Maintaining a regular kicking angle—not too narrow and not too wide—is essential. The kick therefore needs to be controlled and precise in order to achieve maximum efficiency.

I completed around ten 20-meter dives with one-minute recoveries. By the end of the session, my legs were starting to feel the accumulated lactic acid, and I still had a long swim back to shore ahead of me!

The Speeder HD are fins that require well-trained legs. They are perfect for endurance training or dives not exceeding 20 meters in depth. Their resistance and durability, combined with the softness and comfort of the foot pocket, make them ideal for beginners looking for a quality product at an affordable price. They are also excellent for more experienced divers during winter training sessions, helping maintain leg conditioning while waiting for the warmer season.

Overall, my first impressions were very positive, impressions that would later be confirmed during subsequent outings in different conditions.

THE NUMBERS

PROJECT: 8.5 The goal was to create a “commercial” product with top-level characteristics and cutting-edge technical solutions entirely designed and manufactured in the Ligurian facility. Mission accomplished.

MATERIALS: 8 A robust technopolymer that still provides excellent elastic return to the blade; the foot pocket upper features extremely soft rubber (65 shore).

COMFORT: 9 The foot pocket is incredible. The foot is perfectly enclosed and supported, while the niche for the big toe minimizes—if not completely eliminates—the annoying toe cramps we are used to. In summer, socks may even be unnecessary.

PERFORMANCE:7 Performs best at medium depths, when the right balance between kick amplitude and force is achieved.

DESIGN: 9 The innovative foot pocket design and the variable-thickness blade are major strengths.

VALUE FOR MONEY: 8 The Speeder HD costs around €90–100, sometimes less when discounted. Definitely money well spent.