Cressi Reaction EBS Fins Review: Power Meets Lightweight Design

The Cressi Reaction EBS is built for divers who want a fin that delivers strong thrust without weighing them down. I’ve been using these fins for about 18 months now, mostly in tropical waters but also in some colder conditions with thicker boots. They’re popular with traveling divers and dive professionals who need something reliable that won’t destroy their luggage weight allowance. At around $140-175, they sit comfortably in the mid-range category.

What You’re Getting

The Reaction EBS uses a polypropylene blade made with Cressi’s three-material molding technology. The blade starts directly from the back of the foot pocket. Weight is around 0.7 kg per fin. Length varies from 51-56 cm depending on size. Comes in four sizes from XS/S to L/XL. Available in four colors including blue, black, yellow, and white/pink. The EBS elastic bungee strap system makes donning easy even with thick gloves. Price sits around $140-175 depending on where you shop. These are designed for recreational divers who want something packable but with real performance.

Real-World Performance

I’ve used these fins in Indonesia, Thailand, and a few pool sessions teaching students. The polypropylene blade is noticeably lighter than traditional rubber fins but still gives you solid power. Flutter kick feels natural and efficient. Frog kick works well. In moderate currents they handle fine, though you’ll definitely notice you’re working a bit harder than with bigger, stiffer fins.

One thing many dive instructors mention is that these fins work particularly well for photographers and videographers. The shorter blade makes it easier to hold position and make small adjustments without kicking up sediment or disturbing the environment. I’ve had several underwater photography students specifically ask about these fins after trying them during courses.

The EBS strap system is genuinely convenient. I can slip these on and off quickly, even when wearing 5mm gloves. The strap is pure latex rubber that stretches up to eight times its original size. After 18 months of regular use, mine haven’t lost any elasticity. The foot pocket fits comfortably with thin tropical booties and also accommodates thicker boots, though you might need to size up if you’re using heavy cold-water boots.

Durability has been impressive. The polypropylene construction seems genuinely tough. I’ve done rocky shore entries and plenty of boat diving where fins get thrown around. No cracks, no delamination. They just keep working. Many dive centers in Southeast Asia use the standard Cressi Go Fins (similar construction, slightly stiffer material) and they seem to handle the daily abuse of rental life really well.

How They Compare

Against the Cressi Frog Plus ($90-120), the Reaction EBS is lighter and more responsive. The Frog Plus has a more flexible blade that some divers find easier to kick but can feel a bit floppy when you need power. The Reaction gives you better thrust without demanding as much leg strength as the stiffer Mares Avanti Quattro Plus.

Compared to the Mares Avanti Quattro Plus ($140-190), the Reaction is lighter and more compact for travel. The Mares fins deliver more raw power in strong currents but they’re heavier and bulkier. The Mares also cost a bit more. If you’re diving mostly in calm to moderate conditions and travel matters, the Reaction makes more sense. If you’re regularly diving drift sites with heavy current, the Mares might be worth the extra weight.

The newer Mares Avanti Quattro 4X (around $180-200) offers similar lightweight construction with Mares’ four-channel design. It’s a closer competitor to the Reaction EBS in terms of travel-friendliness, though still slightly heavier and more expensive.

Our Take

The main strength of the Reaction EBS is the balance between performance and portability. They’re light enough to not murder your luggage allowance but still deliver solid thrust when you need it. The polypropylene construction is genuinely durable. The EBS straps are convenient and haven’t failed on any of the divers I know who use them.

The limitation is current performance. In strong currents, you’ll work harder than with larger, stiffer fins. They’re also not the absolute most compact travel fin if minimal size is your priority. But for most recreational diving situations and for dive professionals who move between different environments, they perform really well.

Final Recommendation

Buy the Cressi Reaction EBS if you want a durable, versatile fin that works across different diving environments without weighing down your travel bag. They’re a good choice for traveling divers who want something lighter than traditional open-heel fins but still solid underwater.

The polypropylene construction makes them especially suitable for divemasters and instructors who want a durable fin that can handle daily use. They work well for tropical diving, pool sessions, and colder water dives with boots. They’re also a strong option for underwater photographers who value control and maneuverability over maximum power.

Skip them if you mainly dive in strong currents and need maximum thrust. They’re also not the smallest or softest fins to pack. If ultra-compact travel gear is your priority, a full-foot fin might be better.