damaged carbon fins upon arrival - opinions?

[Hurlow]

My ordeal with subprof.com (over 1.5 months before recieving them-only shipped then because I asked them to finally cancel the order) has been beyond annoying. I can't recommend avoiding them enough-though mostly because of what my fins looked like when the finally arrived.
Today my new carbon fins arrived (GFT Carbonio Aero) and they clearly have some damage. Being completely new to carbon fins, I was hoping for some opinions on how bad this is. I plan to ship them back for a refund and order elsewhere (no dealers near where I live).
These patches appear to be more than just surface scratches, they easily catch my nail, and in some places appear deeper. They can be found on both fins.

Opinions (besides 'avoid subprof')?

 

[Hurlow]

75 views and no responses- seems typical for this forum.

Based on my experiences with subprof so far I wouldn't be surprised if they say this is 'normal' or 'cosmetic'- and don't want to return them.

Am I right in thinking these are problematic for new carbon fins?

 

[foxfish]

I guess I am the same as the other typical 75 viewers & don't really know the answer!
There certainly seems to be damage or imperfections but I just cant really see enough detail to tell exactly what has happened!
It may be possible to repair the problem with some quality epoxy but in an ideal world the fins should of reached you in perfect condition - I would say your best bet would be to send the best pictures you can take to subprof.com & see if they answer with a helpfull reply!

 

[Mullins]

My C4s look exactly the same, so I doubt it's a problem.

 

[Hurlow]

My C4s look exactly the same, so I doubt it's a problem.

Really? Thanks. Did they come like that? I just worry about the structural integrity -as the damage near the base seems kindve deep. I'd hate not to return them and have one snap at 100ft.

Anyone else been using (or buy new) carbon fins that looked similar?

 

[Mullins]

Doesn't look like damage to me - as long as the carbon fibres are infused with resin, they don't need a shiny layer over the top. That's just aesthetic. I think it may actually be an indication they're producing good quality fins with high pressure and the right resin:fibre ratio. But you'd want somebody with better knowledge of composites to tell you for sure.

 

[foxfish]

Well that was what I was trying to say....it is very difficult to say from the photos.
If I could examine the fin I could tell you if there is an issue or not!
It could just be that a few microns of the surface fibers have not been saturated by the epoxy & a simple, spot, application of low viscosity epoxy would seal in the imperfection but, it is impossible to say from the info I have available.

 

[kkdavids]

Carbon generally comes with imperfections , but the shouldnt feel rough to the touch

 

[Hurlow]

Carbon generally comes with imperfections , but the shouldnt feel rough to the touch

And that is my concern-- you can definitely notice roughness and in a spot in the second pic, the cuts go deeper than what I can identify via fingernail. I really don't want seawater getting in and compromising integrity, or just find out while under water that it was not just a surface problem.

Is there any way to know?

 

[Pav]

I would send HR photos to manufacturer. Often you get quicker and more helpful response from manufacturer than retailer (although your legal rights are with the retailer (uk)). If you at least log your concern with them if you have problems down the line of have a record of your concern.