We have already presented in our X-Rays column the new C4 Storm fins, a very affordable offer. They are evidently thought for a beginner who wishes to start using long fins, and also prefers to save quite some money. With a list price of 70€ and offers on the web below 60€, the C4 Storm can be a good product to start with.
Feeling and comfort
What is good about the C4 Storm fins is the fact that they utilize the C4 250 foot pocket. Such a component is not exactly the one used on the high-end dismountable polymer blade fins, such as the 2023 and 2024 Best Choice by Apneapassion winners, the C4 Umberto Pelizzari. In fact, the C4 250 foot pocket version on the C4 Storm does not have the integrated rigid insole as, with these fins, it is the polymer blade mounted one piece with the foot pocket which gives it additional stiffness. Still, the design and wraparound effect of the foot pocket is unvaried and extremely good.
At the same time, the C4 Storm are extremely light, with a total weight of the size 43-44 equal to only 605 grams. This is obtained thanks to the 250 foot pocket, the lightest on the market, and the blade, definitely light, also thanks to a slightly shorter length compared to traditional long blade fins.
In the water with the C4 Storm
The lightness of the C4 Storm, united with the reduced length and soft material of the blade (needed due to the shorter length), make these fins extremely gentle on the feet and legs, so also very comfortable and easy to use. The C4 Storm are adapt to untrained rookies, who want an easy fin to be used in clam sea conditions and in the swimming pool.
On the other hand, all the above evidently also brings some downsides, such as fins with a thrust which is not comparable with the best long polymer blade fins on the market. The bending of the blade is quite immediate and can support well swimming and diving with reduced current or waves, and also works fine in shallow water dives, butnnot beyond that. In fact, the soft and comfortable blade of the C4 Storm is a little limited in stiffness and elastic return to work very well in dives beyond 10-12 meters maximum. Still, down to -15 meters the C4 Storm are still acceptable.
The best use of the C4 Storm
The pluses, softness and lightness, together with great affordability, and the minus, not a very good thrust, make the C4 Storm the perfect use for beginners, both spearos or freedivers, and to be used in the swimming pool. These fins are also an option for more experienced divers, who want to have a very affordable pair of fins to be used in conditions where you don’t want to use your expensive, eventually carbon fibre, pair.
So, for shallow water spearfishing among the rocks, the C4 Storm are a good option, as long as there is no strong current and not too many waves, as the thrust would be a little limited. The medium-length blade would also be a plus in such conditions. These fins can also be a good solution to leave on the boat as a second pair, in case of any issue with your official fins, or to lend to some guest on your boat. The C4 Storm, in fact, will not be those expensive fins you are worried about losing or having stolen if left unattended.
