3K or 12K T700 carbon fins: which blade spec should my dive brand order?
Choose 3K carbon for a softer, smoother kick and 12K T700 for a stiffer, more powerful blade. Then pick soft, medium or hard stiffness for each model. Our standard blade uses a 29° blade angle and a progressive thickness from 0.6 mm at the tip to 1.3 mm at the base.[1]
What changes between 3K and 12K T700?
- 3K uses fine tows of about 3,000 filaments. Blades flex more readily and give a smooth kick. They suit freediving and long recreational dives.
- 12K T700 uses tows of about 12,000 filaments of a high-strength grade. Blades are stiffer and give more thrust. They suit spearfishing, strong currents and technical diving.[1]
Many brands sell both, as a comfort model and a power model.
| 3K | 12K T700 | |
|---|---|---|
| Filaments per tow | about 3,000 | about 12,000 |
| Blade feel | more flex, smooth kick | stiffer, more thrust |
| Best for | freediving, long recreational dives | spearfishing, currents, technical diving |
Soft, medium or hard?
- Soft: freediving and snorkeling, for efficiency over long sessions.
- Medium: the all-rounder for recreational diving and moderate currents.
- Hard: the most thrust, for deep dives, technical diving and strong currents.
Match stiffness to the diver’s weight and leg strength as well as the activity. A heavy, strong diver may want a harder blade for the same use.
What does the blade geometry do?
The 29° angle between blade and foot pocket keeps the blade working through the kick without forcing the diver to flex the ankle. The thickness steps up from 0.6 mm through 0.75 mm and 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm. The thin tip flexes and returns energy, and the thicker base resists breaking under load.[1]
Progressive blade thickness
Which foot pocket?
Our fins use soft silicone rubber foot pockets, which are comfortable for long wear.[1] Ask for the size chart and check it against your market, because sizing differs between Europe, North America and Asia.
What can I brand?
For OEM and ODM orders you can choose colors, surface films, logos and packaging.[1] Ask for a sample of the finish before you approve bulk production.
What should my brief include?
- Fiber (3K or 12K T700) and stiffness for each model.
- Blade length and the foot pocket sizes you need.
- Color, surface film and logo, with your artwork.
- Quantity per model and size, and your launch date.
Fin samples are charged and ship in 5–7 days. Bulk orders take about 30 days.[2] Send your brief through the quote form or see the carbon fiber fins page.