When I received the a pair of Talaria fins from Sea & Sea UK for review, there was something about them that seemed familiar. After puzzling over this for a while, I suddenly realized what it was - they are very similar to TUSA's X-Pert Zoom fins, which are my favourite of the fins currently on the market. Like the X-Pert Zoom fins, the Talaria fins use the patented Nature's Wing design of fin and there is a logo on the back of the blade acknowledging this. However, while the Zoom and Talaria fins are similar, there are differences. The blades are a slightly different shape and the Talaria fins appear to have a higher rubber content.

So, what were they like in the water? Performance-wise the Talaria fins were extremely good, propelling me through the water at considerable speed. Underwater, it was so difficult to tell them apart from the X-Pert Zooms, so much so that I thought I would conduct the ultimate comparative test by wearing a Talaria on one foot and a Zoom on the other. The result was as I had expected there was no notable difference in performance.

The major difference between the fins is that the X-Pert Zoom has a better buckle system - it is far easier to put on and take off than the Talaria.
When it comes to choosing between them, it's a tough one. The Talaria fin only comes in black and has an inferior buckle, but it's a great performer and is £30 cheaper than the X-Pert Zoom. Your call!

Value verdict: 7 out 10.
Performance verdict: 9 out of 10.
Excellent quality at a good price