After the test in CWT of the C4 SPORTECH freediving fins done by the two Champions of the Apnea Passion Team, Michele Tomasi and Luciano Morelli, at the y-40, we have made a test in DYN. Our tester is the strong athlete Andrea Micarelli, of the Apnea Passion Team and Member of the ASD Water Instinct ASD, whose personal best is a very good 180 meters.
Andrea represents exactly the kind of tester who is experienced and very technical, still, he is not the absolute champion that sometimes has capacities and philosophies too far from the classic “human” customer. Andrea has tested both the C4 SPORTECH FBG in fiberglass, and the SPORTECH Carbon.
SPORTECH foot pocket
“My foot is size 42 and I have initially tested the C4 Carbon SPORTECH Soft size 41-43 silicone foot pocket. The foot arch is perfectly reproduced by the foot pocket sole, providing additional comfort and stability. The rear strap (the foot pockets are open-heel) is soft thanks to the silicone solution and is not too high, allowing it to fit the heel perfectly yet gently.
At the tip I felt some free space and the possibility of the foot to move a little, which is not perfect for the transmission of the force from the foot to the blade. Still, this is a limit only for performance and not at all in simple training sessions. In case of the need of maximum performance optimization, one could use a toe sock or open heel sock, or even better, a smaller size foot pocket. I have initially used a 1.5 mm thick toe sock and the adherence of the foot pocket at the tip of the foot has improved enormously.
I have then tried the size 39-41 PROTECH foot pocket and indeed it has determined a better wrapping of my feet and reduced the internal movement improving performance. Clearly, comfort is lower and the use of such low size for me would not be compatible with training sessions. Still, the elasticity of the silicone and consequently the rear band of the foot pocket, keep the comfort at high levels.
C4 SPORTECH FBG
The C4 SPORTECH FBG Soft fins, meaning the ones with glass fiber blades, are very comfortable and do not fatigue the legs. They can be used for pool training with very long sessions without having to sacrifice performance. For everyday use and pure enjoyment, they are excellent. The thrust is very good, but above all the comfort is unbeatable; even during speed changes and acceleration, they deliver good reactive thrust.
C4 SPORTECH Carbon
The C4 SPORTECH Carbon Soft fins are definitely more reactive than the fiberglass ones and generate more thrust. They allow a narrower, more efficient kick for more advanced freedivers. I tested them over a distance of 125 m and did not experience any leg fatigue.
