After having tested the three lengths of carbon fiber fins by Leaderfins, 60, 70 and 80 cm, verifying the different behaviour of each one of them, we have proceeded, still at the Y-40, with the test of two different angles, 20° and 33°. Again, the test was brought forward by our Champion Luciano Morelli.

Testing process

Utilizing the area of the Y-40 which goes down to the record depth of 42.15 meters, Luciano Morelli has dived multiple and consecutive times changing the fins used. The constant conditions of the pool have been key in the analysis of the dives.

Utilizing the Cressi King, winner of the Best Choice by Apneapassion 2023, each dive has been studied on the Cressi App to verify the speed of the dive in each instant. In particular, the dives have been analyzed in the restart from the bottom, checking the capacity of the fins to push Luciano back up in the point where the speed is zero and the negative asset is at its highest. This is where the acceleration of the fins can be best evaluated. After the first three meters of ascent, the speed is again checked to understand the velocity that can be achieved after the initial acceleration. In addition, due to the fact that a dive is linked to the intensity of the kicks and the technique used, Luciano has also counted the kicks to ascend from every dive.

20° angle fins

The fins used and the dive

The blades used have been the 20° and 33° angle solutions, both 80 cm carbon fibre blade Leaderfins, which are by the way particularly accessible economically, and equipped with the Leaderfins Forza footpockets. The stiffness of the blade utilized for this test has been Medium.

Following the vertical line, Luciano has dived to almost 40 meters, just a little less considering the need to turn at the bottom, position himself vertically, and restart from still, with the Cressi King on the wrist.

Time, kicks, acceleration and speed

In the dive with the 20° angle fins Luciano has needed 53 kicks to ascend from 36.8 meters, with a total time of 40″.

After 2 meters coming up from the maximum depth the speed has been 0.73 m/s, an extremely good value. The speed after another 2 meters, which then becomes quite constant, is measured with the Cressi King equal to 0,78 m/s, also a good value as “maximum speed”.

No delay in the Cressi graph (see area indicated by the red arrow) is visible in the restart phase from the bottom.

Dive graph of the Cressi King at the Y-40 using 20° 80 cm carbon fiber Leaderfins

Comment by Luciano

“The 20° 80 cm carbon fiber Leaderfins are very immediate in the reaction. The acceleration from the bottom is excellent and so is the maximum speed. Then position of the ankle and the general comfort is good, but not excellent”

33° angle fins

The fins used and the dive

As anticipated, the 33° carbon fiber blade Leaderfins, have the same stiffness (medium) and length, 80 cm as the previous, so all parameters, except the angle, are unvaried. The constant conditions of the Y-40 are also key to keep all the parameters unvaried.

Time, kicks, acceleration and speed

In the dive with the 33° angle fins Luciano has needed 53 kicks to ascend from 37.2 meters, with a total time of 43″.

After 2 meters coming up from the maximum depth the speed has been 0.69 m/s, a good but not excellent value. The speed after another 2 meters, which then becomes quite constant, is measured with the Cressi King equal to 0,78 m/s, instead a very good value as “maximum speed”.

The not excellent acceleration from the maximum depth is visible also in the graph of the Cressi King, where a delay in the restart is shown.

Dive graph of the Cressi King at the Y-40 using 33° 80 cm carbon fiber Leaderfins

Comment by Luciano

“The 33° 80 cm carbon fiber Leaderfins are more fluid, less nervous and more comfortable than the 20°. Still, the restart from the bottom of the Y-40 is not as effective as with the 20° blade fins. The maximum speed feels similar between 20° and 33° blades.

Conclusions

Working with excellent carbon fiber fins by Leaderfins, the difference between the 20° and 33° blades is quite clear. As expected the 33° permit a more relaxed position of the ankle and a more general comfort of the finning. Something that Luciano has also indicated as greater fluidity, less nervousness and less tiring. On the other hand, the angle of 20° positions the blade in a more advanced position compared than that of the 33°. This generates a more immediate thrust which is perceivable in particular at the restarts from the bottom, but in general will be felt in every acceleration, especially starting from still.