In 2018 Mares Pure Instinct pushes strongly on the composite materials blade fins, and does it with a wide offer based on extremely high quality. Fin range, already presented on the article of 2018 novelties by Mares, is made of 5 different models, 2 in carbon and glass fiber, and 3 in 100% glass fiber. Among the first, we have the Mares Razor Matrix.
Mares Razor Matrix
They are the top of the line fins among the 5 new models of 2018, thanks to the carbon and glass fiber composition and the long and narrow design. Such model of fins, and more specifically of blades, is particularly indicated to very technical spearos that dive deep, or to freedivers that, evidently, perform at high depths (beyond 30 meters).
Materials
Carbon fiber is a plain 3K, that offers better results compared to the twill utilized with the Mares Razor Carbon, that are no more in the Mares product offer. Together with the carbon fiber, the blade is made of additional glass fiber sheets, that make the blade more resistant and easy to use, thanks to a more fluid and comfortable bending action, compared to the 100% carbon fiber solution (as from Mares tests), which can result more “nervous” and that give only small additional advantages in terms of reactivity.
Quality is key, as for a big company like Mares such point can never be put into second place. So, both carbon and glass fiber have been chosen in the Prepreg solution, meaning a pre-impregnated fiber with specific quantity of resin added industrially in precise quantity and distribution, meaning not excess of resin and no possible defects such as air bubbles are present, which would determine mechanically weak points.
But not only. Manufacturing process of the blades is also based on a very attent and precise treatment of Prepreg material, that is now, differently from the Razor Carbon, worked in vacuum conditions and in steel moulds at extremely high pressure (above 100 atm). In such a way the resin utilized is in correct quantity with no residue, permitting the perfect functioning of the fibers and weight reduction, with additional control on defects such as air bubbles. This is somehow visible by the extremely high quality external look of the blades of the Razor Matrix. Moreover, the utilization of Prepreg must be done in the correct timing, without long periods of inactivity. Prepreg material in fact tends to harden with time, even though it is kept in refrigerated stores, and this leads to the loss of its best elastic and mechanical characteristics. Mares is extremely careful in utilizing Prepreg material in the correct timing to maintain best possible elasticity and resistance.
Also, the part of the blade under the footpocket has been redesigned, where now the blade bends along all its length with a continuous curve and, at the same time, without going beyond certain angles that become inefficient. For such reason the angle between footpocket and blade has been reduced from 26° of Razor Carbon to 22°. In such a way the total bending angle of the blade does not exceed 30°, beyond which fins become heavy and tiring for the legs.
The layers of carbon and glass fiber are made with straight profiles positioned orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the blade. The distribution of the composite material sheets are progressive, meaning of different lengths, in a way that the thickness is variable along the blade with final parabolic curve that, used with the correct technique, determines a better thrust and efficiency when finning. The athlete will be able to vary its technique to use the tip or the whole of the blade depending on the specific needs. Matrix are offered, as additional widening of the product range compared to the Razor Carbon (in one stiffness) in two versions, Soft and Medium.
Water rail
Improved compared to the past, water rails have a specific shape made with mould that permits to have a profile with variable height, with its highest point around 15-18 cm from the tip of the flap. The new shape of the water rails is more efficient and determines the perfect curve of the blade and the correct water flow, in a way that finally does not strain the legs. Profile of water rails is thin to reduce weight, even though the part glued to the blade is wide for best strength and duration of such connection.
Dimensions, thickness and weight
Measuring the blades from the holes of the connecting screws, to which also the classic plastic clips on the longerons are added, they are 58.5 cm long centrally and 65.5 cm laterally, due to the swallow tail profile of the flap. Width measured inside the longerons and water rails is 13.5 cm in front of the foot and increases quickly to 20.5 cm towards the flap. Thicknesses are 0.7 mm on the tip of the blade, 0.95 mm mid way, and 1.4 cm in front of the footpocket.
Weight of Mares footpocket measure 43-44 is equal to 700 grams, while the blade with water rails weighs 290 grams.
For the complete technical data sheet of the Mares Razor Matrix click Mares Razor Carbon.
