Introduction
At Apneapassion we were really curious to know more about the Alchemy carbon fiber blades. In fact, they are always well presented on social media with fantastic photos and videos. “Does the great perceived quality match with reality and performance?” we asked ourselves at AP. Alchemy sent us a pair of Alchemy S blades, specifically indicated for spearfishing, and we asked for the Soft version. Anxious of knowing how these fins performed, we involved a very experienced athlete to test them for us. Sergio Cologno, Apnea Academy instructor and strong spearfisherman, has given them a go both in the pool and at sea. He was impressed but some special aspects!
Ease of wear
The test is focused on the Alchemy blades, and on Alchemy website the option is only with Pathos Fireblade footpockets. Still, Sergio has decided to mount the blades on C4 400 foot-pockets series. The ease of wear with this solution has been evaluated excellent by Sergio.
Lightness on the legs
“It feels as if you have no fins”, is the comment by Sergio. “Probably the best characteristic of these fins is this one. Total lightness, no fatigue at all, it is as if you do not have them on your feet. After 8 hours at sea spearfishing the Alchemy S had given no stress at all to Sergio’s legs. Amazing!
Performance
Very good performance in terms of acceleration and speed, in line with other high level carbon fiber fins on the market. It is though the matching with the record low fatigue that gives as result a really excellent product. This also applies to surface transfers.
Ascent from the bottom
The ascent from the bottom is extremely effective and strong. Going down to -33 meters there is no limit at all by the Alchemy S blades in pushing the diver towards the surface. In addition, the smoothness and softness give great comfort, but at the same time the thrust is extremely strong.
Directionality and shallow water
Directionality is great. The limited length of 60 cm measured from the curve under the foot to the tip helps to move easily among the rocks. The noise generated by the Alchemy S blades is totally absent. This is key of course during spearfishing.
Adjustments and foot-pocket adaptation
The Alchemy S blades do not have specific adjustments possible. They are though offered in 5 different hardnesses: Soft, Soft/Medium, Medium, Medium/Hard and Hard. This gives a good choice to the diver.
Votes
Ease of dressing (C4 400 foot-pockets) 9
Lightness 9.5
Comfort 9.5
Fatigue 9.5
Speed 8.5
Acceleration 8.5
Acceleration from the bottom 9
Surface transfers 9
Ease of finning 9
Encumbrance 9
Dive directional control 9
Dives down to -15 meters 9
Dives down to – 25 meters 9
Noise 10
Adjustment possibilities: no
Adaptation to other foot-pockets: yes, to traditional ones
Conclusions
The Alchemy S blades have really confirmed the visual impression they give. The quality, in fact, is not only in the look, but also and especially in the performance. In particular the lightness, fatigue reduction and ease of finning, are really of top level. Performance in terms of acceleration and speed is very good. Even in the pool, tested by Sergio, the Alchemy S blades have given excellent results.
Technical characteristics
For all details on the technical characteristics of the Alchemy S blades go to the Alchemy website related page.
