Years after years, the presence of carbon models tends to be systematic for all manufacturers. Consumer side, if this offer is more developed a certainty that THE most suitable product exists, the fact remains that wind up among all these choices is often difficult. We help you this month to find your way through this jungle carbon!

Why carbon?

Myths and reality around a fiber.

Manufacturers usually offer 100% carbon fiber blade, those who do not offer are the wrong material! WRONG! In reality, very few manufacturers offering 100% carbon fiber blade. The reason is simple : a report additional cost / performance frankly not interesting. Indeed, if we should put that layers of carbon, that would mean reducing the weight of all these layers so as not to stiffen so far our precious blades. The problem, the fiber weight to cost a fortune and therefore easily increase 100% the price of our carbon fin for performance not necessarily revolutionary. So knowing that it is the outer carbon layers which work more in terms of performance, the choice was made by 90% of manufacturers to offer true sample made of carbon but also fiberglass. He had to know!

What are its advantages? What does this really fiber? Is it really so interesting? Barely through the door of shops, the carbon will have to face his biggest enemy : the rumor. Because sold as premium product, some have rigged qualities hitherto unexpected but also a lot of ills. Here is a quick history to make the house together on a lot of preconceived ideas.

"To see if it's stiff, too easy, you press the blade!" : It would indeed be tempted to believe that supporting just with the hand on the blade enough to know if the fin is stiff or not. Actually you get an idea of the rigidity of the blade by cons to know that the fin of one hand must be taken into account that the arms of the foot pocket (which makes sense) but also and especially the angle of foot pocket. Indeed, a rigid blade on a foot pocket with a little corner will fin stiffer action in the same blade on a foot-pocket with a larger angle.

"The carbon is what it takes to make the rigidity" : Not only! In fact, if one may say that three layers of fiberglass are five times less stiff in bending than the same in carbon (429 N.mm2/mm Broadband cons 2018 for carbon), we must above all see a tremendous opportunity to reduce the number of layers and win with finesse while maintaining a maximum nervousness.

"The rigid, for heavy !" : Not necessarily true, and quite the opposite ! If you previously arranged the models with the flexible for light  men and stiff for heavy men, which seemed logical. In the material reality of the practitioner, it is a little different. Thus some readers gauge 70 kilos we have shown a preference for stiff fins and other heavy among our taste testers for ultra flexible models. If our side we remain convinced that flexiblr fin is a product more interesting than the steep in its greater versatility and economic side (Mifsud style), we also understand that some people need to feel larger and presses on in the foot to feel good progress. In short, a matter of taste!

"Carbon is nice but you need the level ! " : Wrong! Considered a high-tech equipment, fins fiber (glass or carbon) are no less accessible than their equivalents in plastic. Often lighter, fin fiber will be less tiring for little stiffness has been well chosen (though flexible models focus initially). More sensitive to shock point, we would obviously be more careful than a model fiber.

"The carbon that is interesting that for depth, besides they told me they earned 25% more easily" : Sometimes true, often false! While it is true that when one approaches high depths, a carbon blade will definitely difference. Do not forget however that the mechanical carbon will use a more flexible fin for superior performance even see a model fiber or plastic. Result, even at shallow depths, a palm carbon is an advantage in terms of travel and tire. Now, when to make 25% just by switching models, nothing is certain in the sense that changes in depth can be summarized as the notion of buying equipment. The depth tamed or rather the body must get used to it to evolve, it is reality!

"From carbon, very little for me, is too fragile! " : "True and False ! It is obvious that if in addition to spearfishing or freediving, you are also specialized in the high-flying jump fins flat. There is some, you may often break blades. In the same kind must be avoided, and that is good for any type of fin, exiting the bottom using your blade folded like a good support. In fact, a carbon blade is simply more sensitive to shock point. Seriously, if the case exists (often with problems of infiltration of tissues) the warranty period is here for that, if your fin goes smoothly the first few uses, it is a good sign!

2010 summary !

Over the years, brands seem to master the increasingly precious dark fiber. It is increasingly able to choose a hardness really suited to his application within each range and is a big step forward this year. On the manufacturing front, the quality of construction and finishing again seems to still level with finished products always better, even better studied and better mounted. Side performance, this year there is a homogenization of levels. Gone are the days when models were seen clearly withdrawals and others who pranced in mind. This year, though some models continue to have a small lead, the others are brought much closer to real differences often become more sensitive to feel. A different hardness often done to completely change the situation.

All winners then ?

While some may find the results can be quite similar between models, we must understand that it is also what surprised us all. So the goal was more than ever to describe objectively the functioning of a particular fin with its advantages, disadvantages and predilections. Thus, it remains only to see and choose the model that comes closest to what you want in a fin carbon.

Test instructions :

With such a homogenization of level, we multiply the water crossings and further refine the analysis. Tested several times in the pool, each model has been tested repeatedly by our test team both in France and Spain.

In order for you to follow the test numbers after numbers, we kept the same test procedure as for the comparative plastic fins. So for those who somehow missed (and you can not resume more): upon receipt, the fin is measured from all angles, weight, angle, length, width, short ... anything goes.
For mechanical testing, we will place the foot-pocket on a flat surface and a lead of one and two kilo will be positioned in the top third, we measure the distortion of that first third. Then, the first third to be placed on the support and the lead placed on the second third and so on until the end of the fin.
Then, we go directly to achieving the first test in the pool along with all the testing team. Each tester will then perform 4 lengths of 25 m apnea (time to be more or less the same model) while counting the number of fin stroke that he makes. This being done, he starts with another fin, establishes its reference time with it and go again.

Following this test, the number of fin stroke is pooled and the various sensations experienced by everyone. New for this test, we wanted to develop a real test of power. Thus, two elastic 10m will be attached to each tester, it will then be put in dynamic apnea with 2 elements marking the hand. The first element will mark the beginning of the effort zone's largest and the second maximum point of this area. We then measure the positioning of markers for each fin and each of the testers. At the same time, another tester, located behind the first, is responsible for recording the behavior of the fin during exercise (spin, peeled, ..) At the end of the test, the pooling is done with abstract feelings in effort for each tester.
Towards the big blue, where each model will be tested in conditions as diverse as possible, from fishing shallow at high current through the Indian fishing in medium depths. Finally, we end by realizing the maximum depth test assessed by testers (maximum depth to which they believe to be in performance). A final pooling is conducted and a summary of each frond is performed with the approval of everyone.

The test :


Breier 760B3C5 : A first-rate quality !

Technical : Eric Breier is the leading manufacturer of composite fins French. Specializing for many years in the job of composite materials, it has put in place a perfectionist approach to his work to draw all his productions up and it shows!

Behind a name not necessarily the seller or fantasy lies in a blade is made with a sampling of fiber quality (heavy twill carbon fabric on top and small carbon twill fabric on the underside of each being protected by a glass tissue type 80 or 100 gr taffeta outer skin). In short side sampling, nothing to say, it's clean, nervous and well studied. Guidance is achieved through guides 20 cm long and 18mm tall. The foot-pocket is adopted for this fin is a Beuchat model whose arms were cut. The angle is among the least important since it is 10 degrees. The B3C5 is part of the lighter models out of the water in this test. Side finish, nothing to report, it's clean, shining and wing collages are impeccable.

Action Pool :

On the surface, Breier seems a bit steeper than the average (this is probably due to its small angle) in attack but already terribly nervous. The first immersion will only confirm this finding. Powerful, Breier is a fin that propels a fairly large and will achieve 25 meters with a number of stroke among the smaller fins. The place is clean and fairly good guide even if purely for use pool and saw his nervousness, a little more guidance would be a plus to further improve its performance. The downside is more rigid than others, it also requires an energy expenditure of a little greater. At the turn, that turns effortlessly, guidance and does not interfere with the recovery is quite volatile. The power tests have confirmed that experienced a loss in the first 3.

Offshore :

As pool, Breier 760B3C5 amble appears more rigid than the average surface but nothing alarming though. In the current, it is still widely used without excessive fatigue and with a speed quite incredible. First down, you leave quickly and effortlessly surface with good support. A few fin strokes later, we're already at the bottom. In agachon, the fin rest and butted seems neutral feet. Same as in Indian and more good nervousness may be a plus for acceleration. At the wound, we feel well supported and recovered fast with average effort. During raids deep felt even if the descent is effortless with a clear drop, the first fin strokes to 30 feet require a little more energy but can quickly take off the very bottom with a ballast inappropriate.

In conclusion :

The Breier 760B3C5 is part of the leading models, as might be expected from a model made by a specialist. Powerful, extremely nervous, versatile, handy, featuring a high quality manufacturing level, these fins are a true investment for practitioners rigorous. Recall that the B3C5 simply represents a greater rigidity than the current average. From our side, with such a sampling, we still dream of a little more flexible model which would undoubtedly also among the leaders of this test.

Beuchat Mundial Carbon : A value that persists

The comparative pass, Beuchat Mundial Carbon at rest. Model forefront of our first comparison, the fin over the years has become a real safe bet. She held this year? The first change, the Marseille firm returned to a carbon cloth a little different this year as it abandons the big screen for a carbon-carbon fabric taffeta much smaller. The blade is well understood and has declined as sculptures to facilitate guidance. Always guiding hand, there are guides parabolic Beuchat positioned at the end of fin and a length of 24.5 cm for 25mm high. The foot-pocket is the now famous or timeless foot-pocket brand quite ergonomic, lightweight and good quality. The finish is flawless, the fiber does not move, the icing is perfect, collages without smudging. Finally neoprene bag is abandoned because the pair comes in a nylon bag this year.

The angle found is 12 degrees.

Action Pool :

No change in the behavior of this fin, Beuchat Mundial Carbon is always an attack stiffer than average (again, the angle of 12 degrees there is certainly no stranger). On the surface, however, the kicking is done without significant effort and fairly nervous. In dynamic apnea, the kicking was pretty nervous and propels well without large expenditure of energy. The fin gives a rather pleasant sensation of lightness. The place is spotless and the fin careful its axis. Arriving at the turn, the rotation is good, boosting quality. The Mundial Carbon can cross the 25 meters with a number of fin strokes located in the middle. The power test shows us his side an interesting result with a maximum at the top of the table.

Offshore :

From the start, we find the prize that we have known for some years now. Powerful, and feature a propulsive attack a bit steeper than the average, the Mundial allows travel without too much effort including the current. First descent, Beuchat also offers pretty good support and exits from the surface quickly. The vertical fin strokes propel readily to the bottom. Arrived at the bottom, one plate without effort and the fin does not interfere at any time. In India, the handling is good, the Mundial Carbon does not interfere with anything. We find the same observation to the hole. During raids deep, the Mundial Carbon shows a reassuring demeanor. Guidant although the descent and propulsion, it will show a good potential and no surprises at the wound. With an attack fairly powerful fin strokes without being among the most economical, and help propel many to leave the bottom fairly quickly.

Conclusion :

Years pass and the Beuchat Mundial Carbon receives them pretty well. Indeed, if competition is a little tougher this year, the fin always shows a behavior versatile, powerful enough, and competitive. With good quality workmanship and interesting results, this model represents a valid purchase for a majority including those who like a fin with an attack a bit more experienced.

C4 Mustang3 hardness 25 : Totally Flexible!

The Italian firm released this year a new version of its palm favorite Mustang. Thus under the name Mustang3 you're supposed to find a palm more flexible, less tiring to yield identical. From a technical standpoint, the wing won the outset 1.5 cm length, the width remains the same. Side wing, no change to note in terms of fiber, one is left with a big frame twill carbon turvy. It may be noted that the Italian company announced their 100% carbon fiber wing, a rarity! The wing has no tread and is guided by lateral guides dishes throughout its length and an imposing height of 4cm. The liner is the now famous liner C4 ultra ergonomic and equipped with a lacing system. Side finish is very clean, the icing is perfect, collages without smudges, the fiber perfectly positioned. The angle of the wing is 20 degrees.

Action In the pool :

Flexible would be tempted to say from the first meters! Indeed, with ergonomics that makes you feel amazing and rare to be at one with the wing, you can immediately feel important enough flexibility. The attack is soft to medium stiffness (again, the angle of 20 degrees softens the rigidity of the attack) and allows kicking surface without effort. In dynamic apnea, en route to a session of the TGV! The guide really strong (maybe even too) with a flawless place gives the impression of perfectly palmer online without loss of effort. The lengths are effortlessly and with good speed. Nervousness is good and well experienced. During the turn, it is the palm that they can sustain more force in steering, recovery is good. The power tests show results in the average.

Offshore :

At sea, the palm directly shows good behavior and an interesting side propulsion. In a medium stiffness, it can travel quite economical even in current where the ergonomics of the shoe prevents any loss of energy. First down, support is pretty good and the guide can propel itself extremely rapidly to the bottom. Reached the bottom of the shoe ergonomics still plays a vital role and will not allow too undergo the influence of height really important guides in the current. In India, despite once again saving ergonomics, the C4 are affected significantly more than average and can sometimes destabilize the uninitiated. During raids deep, there is a perfect guidance during descent. The cable 30 meters are without a major effort, the attack allows kicking once again leave the bottom very quickly and guidance prevents loss of water by giving a sensation of lift.

Conclusion :

With C4 is always a special feeling, the reason is simple: the slipper and guidance. Thus, it is often all white or all black short one likes or dislikes. With a good nervous, quite powerful, ultra-guided and easy to use, 3 Mustang C4 also benefits from an exceptional level of finish. In short, this lightweight palm enough action seems perfectly dressed to delight fans of guides and ergonomics.

User Profile : Looking for a palm to guide and ergonomics very strong, powerful and somewhat tiring.

Dessault Force DS Max 2 : evolution !

The Dessault Force Carbon there for a while now. This year, the Montpellier firm change the game with a new sampling of new fiber and sloping. The goal is simple: to allow the fin to have a different rigidity between the attack and return. From a technical point of view, Dessault adopts a sampling of different carbon, there is a small twill fabric on top and large frame on the bottom. The wing presents sculptures "warped" on almost any length for the guide. The side guides are quite small as 8mm high for a length of 18.5 cm outside arm foot-pocket. The foot-pocket is the famous model Dessault, broad, robust and a sizable weight. Side finish is nothing to report, it is very clean and well done, well positioned fiber, collage perfect ...

The angle is 18 degrees. The fin version is tested 2 so the more rigid the range.

Action Pool :

Dessault belongs to the surprising palms of this test. Much heavier than average and more rigid, it is surprising when the first shots of fin. In surface action, the angle of 18 degrees but can travel relatively cheap. In apnea dynamics, actuation'll take a little more energy but can achieve the 25 meters with a speed quite interesting. In action we feel is a difference between attack and kicking back. The place is clean enough, the kicking is in line without much effort even if we would have liked a little more guidance. Arriving at the turn, a treat! The fin does not interfere maneuver at any time and rotates effortlessly, the recovery is powerful and will immediately help locate the cruise speed. The power test shows a rapid saturation in the average effort in kicking but with a large reserve of power that will allow him to return in mid-high array of max effort.

Offshore :

At sea, you can immediately feel the weight of the palm that will allow some to forget the ballast anchors (almost 400g of difference with the lightest model test out of the water). On the surface, despite a somewhat stiffer side trips are not too tired even if you feel very quickly that the course we prefer the more flexible version. First down, support is good and good enough speed to leave the surface. We take advantage of maneuverability in the descent quite surprising and very typical "hunting". Check the bottom, the fin plate is instantly and does interfere at any time. In India, it is part of the leading models, never intrusive and handy. During the raids deeper despite the minus side guided, we come to reach the target point accurately. At the recovered 30 meters, one feels a big support for the push to loosen the bottom, the energy expenditure is higher than the average cons. One senses in the first meters starting from the bottom guidance lighter than average.

Conclusion :

This new Dessault presents a beautiful change from the previous model. With a more modern place, it can travel quite efficient. The rigid two lovers should be more rigid models, the others will go directly to version 1. With agility and a superior weight, the Dessault is a pure spearfishing fin but although this may go a little kid ponds without excel, however. We will highlight a top finish and the best bag for this test!

E Esclapez tek1 and 2 : versatile and easy!

Arrivals this year, E tek 1 and 2 represent the range in carbon Esclapez.

The Etek 1 is a model the most rigid and the Etek 2 most flexible. Mostly typed spearfishing, these fins may be surprised by the arms of foot-pocket on almost the entire length of the wing. Technically, you are entitled to a wing made of a carbon cloth reduced frame. The finish is flawless with a most beautiful glaze test (mirror option, the fish will they be sensitive? The question remains!). So next guide, as we have already said, nothing outside the long arm of slippers. This is a model can be a bit solid but light enough in the water. It is made of two substances to avoid excessive strain on and under the foot. Finally, we note that the pair of fin comes with a cloth bag.

The angle of the liner is 20 degrees.

Action Pool :

Arriving in the pool, both versions are surprisingly lighter weight one might imagine. On the surface, both versions allow easy movement through an angle large enough at the liner. In dynamic apnea, the kicking seems fairly light and the speed reached a good level. The fin held properly and guidance and good. Efforts have nothing extreme version with an even less with the 2 and the economy is good at 25 yards. When cornering, the guide does not feel unduly and the rotation is good. The revival with version 1 is good, with an average nervousness without tiring. Version 2 revitalization of sound, more flexibility.

In tests of power, it comes with both versions to an average yield of good quality and performance characteristics are in effort too is an interesting level.

Offshore :

Fairly light feet, the E tek allow surface displacements relatively cheap in all conditions. Version 2, more flexible, will be even more comfortable weight for "light" or lovers including savings in the current. First down, good power can quickly leave the area for a fall fairly precise without being restrictive. Arrived at the bottom, the fin plate is well on the ground and is pretty well forgotten in the current. In the Indian, the handling is pretty good without leading and participating in economic displacement. During the raids the deepest, the same conclusion as before, without being very guided the E tek enough to make fairly precise raids. On the ascent, the E 2 tek offers power rather interesting despite greater flexibility and requires a little more time to reach the surface (thus saving option). The E tek a back 30 meters with a stronger support without negatively in the register of the economy.

Conclusion :

Esclapez propose with these two models offers an interesting response that a spearfishing may request a fin carbon. Fairly strong, lighter than expected, versatile and if they would have liked more nervous I Tek the match, however, a majority of practitioners and may even represent an interesting purchase for a first fin carbon.

Carbon Imersion Essential : a blade interesting, but ...

We tested last year the carbon fin Imersion Freediving Spirit developed by Stéphane Mifsud. This time it's the classic version that fits in this roundup. Here, there is a blade made using a silk screen average carbon above and below. The guides are 22.5 cm in height reduced to 8mm. There are also foot-pocket Imersion already present on all ranges of fins spearfishing. It is a model large enough to relatively ergonomic and flexible marked. Side finish, nothing to report, the collages are clean and well made blade. The angle of the foot-pocket is 20 degrees.

Action Pool :

In the first fin strokes on the surface, this E carbon emits a sensation of lightness and flexibility rather surprising. This feeling is accentuated by the foot-pocket Imersion as comfortable as it is versatile. Result, it feels a little sail under the foot during movement and overall accuracy suffers a bit. Once this is built, the surface displacements are effortlessly through the large angle of the foot-pocket. In dynamic apnea, the yield is attractive with a number of beats in the average of 25 meters. The place is clean enough and guiding in the average. Arriving at the turn, no worries, the maneuver is simple and economically. The revival is done without effort and the fin seems really light on his feet.

When testing power, average power is about average as high cons can be noted a slight saturation max effort probably due to the flexibility of the shoe.

Offshore :

At sea, the first rounds of fins on the surface, we find this light and fluffy character peculiar to carbon fins Imersion .. The surface displacements are effortlessly including in the current. First down, no problem everything goes perfectly. Arrived at the bottom, fins perfectly follow the body and does not interfere with agachon even in the current. In India, we feel a good grip. During apnea the deeper the descent is no problem with an accuracy of fall interesting. On the rebound, if the blade gives good access to power, one still feels a little loss of energy in the foot-pocket and a voltage higher than the average over the forefoot. No doubt even if the power is there's take-off, they prefer more flexibility in kicking strength.

Conclusion :

The Imersion E-Carbone Essentiel is the fin while flexibility. Seeking lightweight and comfort rather than rigidity, is a fin that will appeal especially to fans lighter and flexible. Reactive and lightweight yet she is not lacking energy to be used in a wide range of use. Easily accessible and versatile, it perfectly fit for a first purchase carbon. One regret: With more than keeping this model would become even more performance.

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