C4 Wahoo 2009 true colors

[spaghetti]

After the interest shown by DB forum folks for the previous edition, I guess that as much interest will be matched by the new 2009 edition(s) of the C4 Wahoo fins.
As the previous, they have plastic blades and the famous left-right adjustable Mustang type footpockets.
New features of the two models of C4 Wahoo 2009 are the following: two new colours (Green, for the Irish divers, brown, for the rest of the world ); only one stiffness for both models green and brown (it's rated as medium-soft: they are stiffer than the 2008 Orange Wahoo and softer than the 2008 Black Wahoo), new blade material (a polymere named R-Tenax).
As a new product, I have seen them in only one shop so far, same price as the Omer Ice (indeed I have the impression they might be a valid alternative to this sort of medium-soft plastic stereofin as the Ice).
Here they are:

 

[trux]

As a new product, I have seen them in only one shop so far, same price as the Omer Ice.

What exactly does it represent? If it was around 100€, then it would be indeed a very interesting price for testing the C4 Mustang style fins. I know that many freedivers are very skeptical about them, and at the price of C4 fins only few of them are willing to risk buying fins that may not suit them well. If they could test them first on a cheap plastic version, it would certainly help clearing the doubts and increase the sales (assuming the Mustang concept really works for them).

 

[spaghetti]

Trux I don't think these fins are too cheap, nor too expensive: their price fits in with the general trend for this category of fins: plastic, though high quality and latest design.

The current price (in Italy) of the Omer Ice is around 130 euro, as the 2009 Wahoo are being sold for 135 euro in the shop I was referring to (Dallacolombina.com). The New Cressi Gara Pro are in the 100/120 range, and so you see this is the price range of the "top of the shelf" models in the realm of plastic fins. This is the trend.

 

[trux]

Yes, it sounds fair, although I'd really love seing a cheap version that one could easily afford to buy just for testing the concept, with the possibility to upgrade to higher quality blades.

I wonder why the new Wahoos don't have the same form as the 81 VGR - with the big lip instead of the smaller one as at the old models. Did it turn out not to be efficient, or why coming back to the old design?

 

[spaghetti]

Yes, it sounds fair, although I'd really love seing a cheap version that one could easily afford to buy just for testing the concept, with the possibility to upgrade to higher quality blades.

I wonder why the new Wahoos don't have the same form as the 81 VGR - with the big lip instead of the smaller one as at the old models. Did it turn out not to be efficient, or why coming back to the old design?

If you need a valuable opinion on the 81 VGR you may ask Bill (our Deeperblue Bill of Kona, Hawaii: the Baron of Breathold). He's got these fins, and as I remember his first impressions were very positive. Ask to him anyway.
However the short square flap is not necessarily "old design", as 2008 carbon models still in production, as the Flap VGR and Mustang VGR, still have the short square flap too...

 

[trux]

However the short square flap is not necessarily "old design", as 2008 carbon models still in production, as the Flap VGR and Mustang VGR, still have the short square flap too...

Yes, I see, but wonder why. Either the big flap is better, or it is not. So if one of them is better, why using the other one? Or is the big flap supposed to be better for slow freedivers, while the small one better for acceleration and moneuvrability? Or does C4 simply just experiment with the design to see what gets better feedback? Would be nice if Nata peeked in, and commented on it.

 

[spaghetti]

Would be nice if Nata peeked in, and commented on it.

Hopefully so!
Anyway it has been said that the long lip of the C4 81 Vgr is intended for pure freediving (and in particular for going way deep), while their long lip would be probably be annoying for spearfishing or pool disciplines, AFAIU.

 

[Jon]

After having owned both the Omer ICE fins and a pair of Mustang 30's I would buy the Wahoo's in a second before spending any cash on another pair of ICE fins.

The foot pockets are so much more comfortable, and warmer, than any other fin I've used to date. The angle on the blade makes it much quieter for surface swimming compared to the old style of footpockets.

I know that Specialfins had talked about making blades that would work with this style of footpockets. I'm not sure if they are still working on it or not, but Jyri sounded interested last time I emailed him.

Not sure I need another pair of fins, but for spearing around rocks I would certainly consider them.

Jon

 

[sgnips]

i own a pair of c4 mustang 80, and simply love them
i tried the 81 vgr for a week and simply loved them more
i'm trying those wahoo in my last few sessions and can't say nothing else but they're a great pair of fins: great power response, amazing feeling and not to mention the water rails

you'd say you have carbon @ your feet, not plastic, really

we're even thinking to suggest them as first choice fins for beginners: the water rails allow a straight stroke even for those who used to make their feet wandering around

 

[Bill]

Hi Spag
Thanks for the kind words. The 81s are the best fin ever. There mat be some room for improvement in the drag department. I'm not sure and the comfort level probably makes it worth a little drag anyway. Like the 80s you have to open up the kick to get the best performance but it's easier because you hardly feel that you are wearing fins. I don't have strong legs but I suspect the 40s will perform better for divers who do. It's amazing how much thrust you produce when you barely kick and they are super on surface swims. Now if this volcano that we live on will just stop spewing all the crap, I'll be able to clear the sinuses and write a report on some serious depth.

 

[Nata]

Would be nice if Nata peeked in, and commented on it.

Ciao!!
Spaghetti was really close to give you the right answer about:
"Why Wahoo ( or Mustang ) have a small flap and 81 VGR has a biggest one? "

The answer is because Wahoo-09 or Mustang VGR are made for snorkeling or spearfishing and 81 VGR is made just for pure apnea, CW or dinamic.
The 81 VGR is a longer fin, made for people who have to rich the best result spending the minus energy. This is a very soft blade for soft and continuous movements.
The Mustang or Wahoo-09 are made for differents type of use, where for example you don't have to save energy, but you have to be reactive and powerfull.
The dimension of the flap is study to give the best result in different type of use.

p.s. Be carefull about prices and models on internet. When you are looking for a sales point, please check if it is on our sales page on our web-site.