C4 Carbon Fast HD stiffness

[Chino]

Hello friends, new one here

I did my research but most threads about this question are quite old, some of the fins models aren't even produced anymore.

I am an AIDA3 in Germany, trining for AIDA4, no competition plans, basically line and fun diving in German lakes, average depth 20+25m, max depth 35m.

Me: 186cm and pending between 82 and 88 kg. Most of the time 7mm suit with 5,5 kg of lead.

I used Leaderfins fibreglass in standard length and medium stiffness. Most of the time me and my buddies do 2-3 2-hour-sessions per day.

I am willing to upgrade to Carbon, but not willing to spend 500$/€/£. I found C4 fast HD (not 400) for very descent price (270€) and woild like to purchase them.

However, I am unsure about stiffness in Carbons in general and C4 in particular.

The fibreglass leaderfins felt a bit too stiff, my legs got sored after half an hour with 3-4 dives and 5-6 safeties. So I tend towards C4 in 25 (=soft). The C4 blade seems a bit longer than the LF (86cm vs 80cm). Does this affect the stiffness/feeling?

Angle is the same in both, i.e. 33°.

Any advise is aporeciated!!

Best,
Chino

 

[Claudio]

Hi there, I realize the is an older post, but did you get the C4 Fast HDs?

I don't think you will be disappointed with them. I've used C4 fins for years and enjoy the brand very much. I'm thinking of upgrading my C4 Mustangs to the new MB002. After trying the C4 carbon fins, I could never go back to plastic blades or even fiberglass blades. Even for rocky shore dives. You just have to be mindful not to bang the blades everywhere on the rocks and at the bottom, a skill necessary when spearfishing anyways.

The Fast HD uses C4's T700 carbon fiber weave, which is the stronger carbon weave that C4 offers (T300 being the older carbon weave they offer on their lower priced line of fins nowadays). For your weight, I think the hardness 25 will work well for you. I myself use the 30 hardness for long spearfishing sessions. I also have the 40 hardness, but only use that when I am in top shape and planning to dive deeper. I'm 100 kg, so 25 blade hardness would not work for me.

Hope this helps.

Claudio

 

[Chino]

I did not get the Fast, I got a pretty good deal on some MB001 and I love them. A big improvement over my old LF fibres. I got 25+ which is perfect for me. Stiffer would be a no no.

I am not thrilled by those overly long fins, thus I definately prefer the MB001 over the MB002, although the latter is hyped by others including apnea passion.

Is it worth the extra money? I do not know, but I think 350€ MB001 compared to 500€ Cetma or Alchemy is way better overall deal.

C4 250 footpocket: unbeatable

 

[Claudio]

I did not get the Fast, I got a pretty good deal on some MB001 and I love them. A big improvement over my old LF fibres. I got 25+ which is perfect for me. Stiffer would be a no no.

I am not thrilled by those overly long fins, thus I definately prefer the MB001 over the MB002, although the latter is hyped by others including apnea passion.

Is it worth the extra money? I do not know, but I think 350€ MB001 compared to 500€ Cetma or Alchemy is way better overall deal.

C4 250 footpocket: unbeatable

Great choice! I was looking at the MB001 too and was interested in the model when I thought the blade dimensions of the MB001 were shorter but wider than the MB002. Now I believe they are the same width. Information on the web is inconsistent about that.

 

[Chino]

Great choice! I was looking at the MB001 too and was interested in the model when I thought the blade dimensions of the MB001 were shorter but wider than the MB002. Now I believe they are the same width. Information on the web is inconsistent about that.

My AIDA instructor is a C4 dealer. I will ask him and clear that questions.

The MB002 is for sure a great fin, but I don't think that 10cm will make it x times better compared to MB001.

If my MB001 now broke, i'd buy another MB001!

 

[Chino]

My AIDA instructor is a C4 dealer. I will ask him and clear that questions.

The MB002 is for sure a great fin, but I don't think that 10cm will make it x times better compared to MB001.

If my MB001 now broke, i'd buy another MB001!

I am very certain that the width is the same, i.e. 19,5cm. If you look at the side by side images from apnea passion it is obvious. Thus, it is a matter of taste. I gues with the wright technique the longer fin will deliver more propulsion but I think the difference is marginal. I think the more accurate upgrade from MB001 would be S-990 or L-1090.
If my M001 broke, I think I'd go with something in the same length range around 80cm.