C4 Mustang verses Special Fins Hybrid Pro

[Jimbo]

I have narrowed down my choices to these 2 fins for spearfishing 50 to 90 feet. I have size 13 feet (6'4'' and 200 lbs.) and am a little concerned about the Mustang footpockets being large enough to accomodate a 1.5 or 3 mm sock and still fit as they only go up to size 13 1/2.
Anyone have the same foot size with the C4 Mustangs? For the special fins I am considering a beuchat/immersion foot pocket, 46-48. Never tried them but have read a lot of good things about them, again any guys with large feet ever use the Beuchats? Also how would the Beuchats do with accepting special fins blades? Any help is appreciated. Also I see that Special Fins sell a foot pocket with the fins, has anyone ever tried it, is it their own pocket?

Thanks Jim

 

[trux]

Beuchat pockets are excellent, but usually it it more hassle to put any non-Beuchat blades into them, because of different position on the fixing screws, and because of different profile of the side rail - the T in the rubber rail is smaller than at Omer/Sporasub, so you may need to reduce the blades edge with sandpaper. I've spent about half a day to mount C4 Flaps into Beuchat pockets. You can get also carbon Beuchat blades - they look very nice, but are quite expensive. Though, I just see that the price dropped considerably - it is now 149€ per blade (incl. 19.6% VAT so may be even cheaper for export), instead of the previous exaggerated ~250€ per blade.

EDIT: I just see that there is even better price is for the complete pair (in footpockets) of Beuchat Mundial Carbon: it dropped to already quite acceptable 290€ (incl. 19.6% VAT)

 

[pim]

Beuchat pockets are excellent, but usually it it more hassle to put any non-Beuchat blades into them, because of different position on the fixing screws, and because of different profile of the side rail - the T in the rubber rail is smaller than at Omer/Sporasub, so you may need to reduce the blades edge with sandpaper. I've spent about half a day to mount C4 Flaps into Beuchat pockets. You can get also carbon Beuchat blades - they look very nice, but are quite expensive. Though, I just see that the price dropped considerably - it is now 149€ per blade (incl. 19.6% VAT so may be even cheaper for export), instead of the previous exaggerated ~250€ per blade.

EDIT: I just see that there is even better price is for the complete pair (in footpockets) of Beuchat Mundial Carbon: it dropped to already quite acceptable 290€ (incl. 19.6% VAT)

Special fins can make blades that fit perfectly on Beuchat pockets; then you will have to send them your pockets but that is no problem.

I bought Beuchat pockets because of the fit they have....

ciao ciao,
Pim
Immersion freedive academy and shop

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks guys for your input, so many choices...!! The comfort of the pocket makes a big difference, especially on those long days that is why I wanted to go with the Beuchat, but now I think I'll go with the Omer 46-48 footpockets and decide between Special fins hybrid and Falcon C4 probably the 40 because I am 200 lbs. (without weights) and want to spear down to 90 ft.
Appreciate your help!
Jim

 

[Shark 1980]

Hello, I have Beuchat Mondial Competition, Beuchat Mondial Sport (softer blades) and I´m very satisfied with Beuchat footpockets. They are very comfortable... especially if you have wide foot.
If you have wide foot I would recommend to buy Beuchat footpockets, Omer are much more narrower. But best way how to find it ... just to try it in the nearest shop with free-diving equipment.
As regards blades, I have no experience with C4, but I have a pair Stereo Carbone Special Fins (stiffnes medium) and they are really great!! I sent beuchat footpockets to them and they make blades specially for me (I could choose stiffnes, but even length and width). "Special fins" make the best fins all around the world and have a great servis.... that´s my opinion.
I would not recommend to go with Mustang (because of the footpocket), so you can choose between Hybrid + beuchat footpockets and Falco or Flap + omer footpockets ...just try footpockets to recognize which fit better for you )
Vašek

 

[Jimbo]

Thank you Vasek, I appreciate your help.

 

[surfunc]

Hey Jimbo, have you thought about the flaps instead of the falcons? The flaps are supposed to be 15% more efficient than the falcons and are about the same price. I got a pair a few weeks ago and love them.

 

[Jimbo]

Surfunc,

Yes I had thought about the flaps but I ended up going with the Mustang 40's. With a 3 mm sock the footpockets feel great. Haven't put the laces in yet. Just couldn't do the Omer footpockets, the Mustangs are very light and seem to have a good cruising speed without tiring out your legs. I haven't dove any deeper than 60 ft with them yet, I will be interested to see how they do on deeper dives. How are your flaps while on the bottom, are you kicking off to go up? Gotta love the C4's, great product very happy so far.

 

[surfunc]

Surfunc,

Yes I had thought about the flaps but I ended up going with the Mustang 40's. With a 3 mm sock the footpockets feel great. Haven't put the laces in yet. Just couldn't do the Omer footpockets, the Mustangs are very light and seem to have a good cruising speed without tiring out your legs. I haven't dove any deeper than 60 ft with them yet, I will be interested to see how they do on deeper dives. How are your flaps while on the bottom, are you kicking off to go up? Gotta love the C4's, great product very happy so far.

I hope you like your mustangs, I'm sure they will prove to be excellent fins. My flaps are great on the bottom, I can accelerate off of the bottom very well. I definitely don't push off with them though, I think that's a big mistake with any carbon fin. I tend to baby them a bit and avoid hitting bottom with the fins as much as possible. They are incredibly smooth and my ankles don't feel sore at all even after a full day (8+ hours) of diving. I'm very happy so far, but still a little worried about the durability, I hope I get a few years of use out of them.

 

[Marwan]

Jimbo, my fins are secialfins Hybrid (medium stiffness), im a slightly smaller guy so maybe the HArd would be the way to go for you...they are my favourite fins for spearfishing and i have tried many including the c4.. they fit (and are sold with) OMer footpockets...i dont like the omers very much and switched to sporasub, from older fins i had.. MAAAAAANNNNNN it made all the difference..
good luck with your choice

cheers