We have presented and tested the C4 Wolverine silicone fins. The concept behind this type of fin was originally introduced by Molchanovs some time ago, but C4 Carbon decided to develop a product that is similar in concept yet clearly different in execution. Let’s take a look at the main differences and at how our experts, Luciano Morelli and Michele Tomasi, have compared the C4 Wolverine with the Molchanovs Core.
Design differences
Before moving on to the sensations reported by the Apnea Passion Team athletes, we can analyze the design differences between the C4 Wolverine and the Molchanovs Core. The most immediate and evident aspect is that the Italian fins are larger, definitely stiffer, and heavier than the Russian ones.
C4 Carbon aimed to design silicone fins capable of delivering greater thrust and performance, particularly during deeper dives. On the other hand, the Molchanovs Core are lighter and therefore appear less demanding and easier to use.
A comparison of dimensions and weight, considering size 42-43, shows that the C4 Wolverine are 56 cm long with a maximum width of 20.5 cm, while the height of the blade stiffening ribs, which are 7 against 4 of the Core, at mid length is 4 cm. In contrast, the Molchanovs Core have a length of 55 cm, a maximum width of 20 cm, and the height at mid length is 2.5 cm, definitely smaller than the C4.
The weight of the C4 Carbon Wolverine fins is 1070 grams, while the Molchanovs Core weigh 905 grams.
Tomasi’s and Morelli’s sensations
We combined the impressions of our two athletes into a single review, as their feedback was almost identical.
Molchanovs Core
The Molchanovs Core are light and flexible, and they work perfectly for fun sessions but also for training, especially during dynamic apnea in the pool. The feeling is also very good during CWT dives.
We tested them at Y-40, where we had a lot of fun using them. From a travel perspective, the idea of moving with such short and compact fins is very appealing, as they are easy to transport while still delivering unexpected performance.
Descending to –42 meters at Y-40, however, highlighted some limitations of the Molchanovs Core at greater depths. It also raises the question of how they might perform in colder water, potentially delivering different and even better results.
It is important to consider, in fact, that the water at Y-40 is thermal water. Even though it is cooled by a dedicated system from its natural temperature of 87°C down to about 33°C, it is still very warm. Silicone can become softer under these conditions, losing some reactivity compared to more traditional environments such as swimming pools (26–28°C) or the sea, where temperatures—especially in the Mediterranean and during mid-season—are generally much lower. In fact, silicone changes between 5 to 10% its softness and reduces reactivity with a variation of water temperature from 26°C to 33°C. This applies more on softer structure, which is the one of the Molchanovs Core.
C4 Wolverine
The C4 Wolverine fins are clearly thicker and heavier than the Molchanovs Core. Nevertheless, they are still easy to carry and remain a good option for traveling.
The sensation on the legs is noticeably different from that of the Core and clearly reflects C4’s intention to create a more performance-oriented but also more demanding fin, especially for training purposes. The effort required when finning with the C4 Wolverine is definitely higher compared to the Molchanovs Core.
For muscle stimulation during training, the C4 Wolverine prove to be more effective, while for simple fun or for less trained athletes, the Molchanovs Core are the better fit.
In CWT, the greater effort required with the C4 Wolverine compared to the Molchanovs Core is evident. However, when reaching –42 meters, the ascent was clearly better with the C4 fins. Their thicker and more rigid structure allowed for a more efficient push on the way up.
Once again, water temperature may have favored the C4 Wolverine, but it is also true that at Y-40 no ballast is used and wetsuits are very thin. At sea, with thicker wetsuits and ballast, the change in buoyancy from the surface to depth requires more thrust during the ascent—an area where the C4 Wolverine would clearly offer an advantage.
Overall, the fit of the foot pockets is excellent on both fins. The Molchanovs Core feel slightly softer and therefore just slightly more comfortable than the C4 Wolverine. However, this difference is intentional, as the C4 silicone fins require a stronger and more direct connection between the foot and the foot pocket to efficiently transfer power.
