i still think the Model 1 is a very good monofin - great for freediving. i think a couple of records have been set with it, such as the current AIDA CW record of -90m by Carlos Coste. so that goes to prove that it is very good.
i don't believe there is a one-size-fits-all perfect monofin that suits every single freediver. instead i think you have a range of variables to play with such as stiffness, dimension and weight etc. you can narrow down the range of possible monofins to ones that are suitable for deep freediving, and then beyond that i think you just have to choose the one that feels the best for you and your technique. your ideal choice of monofin wont necessaily remain the same - because your technique is always changing (improving!) and chances are you're diving ever deeper. in the end, there has to be some experimentation. the Model 2 LD is my 4th monofin
they are:
1. Waterway Model 2 Middle distance (crap - too stiff)
2. AkwaSport Cooda 8 (from NZ) (ok, but slightly too stiff, didnt feel great)
3. Waterway Model 1 Long distance (good fin)
4. Waterway Model 2 Long distance (better than the Model 1)
that's the order in which i bought them, and each was better than the last. i have since sold the first 2 in the list, and may eventually sell the Model 1 LD.
since buying that first monofin, i've made countless dives and chopped and changed with weighting and technique, and am now quite well settled with things, and doubt that i'll find a monofin that is much better, but you never know!
no, i dont think the Model 2 LD is too soft. i chose it because it's softer than the Model 1. to me, it seems i can generate the same propulsive force with less effort - that's how it seems anyway. also, i think it suits my technique better - arms by my side the whole time with little bend in the knee. i've heard of one variation which is apparently similar to eel motion. from the sounds of it, this is pretty much what i do.
before wondering whether a fin is too soft at depth (or at the start of the dive), ask yourself whether you're getting the best out of the fin in terms of technique first.
alun