Christmas present! Hed3 Vs FC 808 Vs FC 404 VS Jet 9

So looks like I am getting a new front wheel for Christmas the parents and the Mrs are all chipping in!!!

So Money will probably not be and issue (I guess) not sure about what budget but can make up any deficit myself its a once in a long time opportunity !!!

So I already have 50 mm Cosimic Carbone Clinchers. (rear with wheel cover and Power Tap.

Need a deeper faster front wheel what should I go with?

so far my research short listed the following (prefer clinchers)

Hed 3
Hed 3D
Zipp Firecrest 808
Zipp Firecrest 404
Hed Jet 9

Now one source I looked into says the 404 actually outperforms the 808 http://fishboy.triathlete.com.au/2010/12/zipp-releases-firecrest-rim-shape.html

What are people thoughts? this is a once in a long time opportunity so want to maximise the benefits here!!!

the new 404 outpeforms the OLD 808, not the NEW 808

money no object the firecrest 808 is probably the fastest wheel.

I think it depends a bit on the race conditions. I have the H3 and the Hed Jet 60. I like both but prefer the Jet on a windy day.
Since money is no object, I would go with the 808. You already have good front that you can use if you think the conditions might not favor the 808. Just my opinion, I am sure to get blasted by others as on Slowtwitch everyone is always wrong.

New 404 outperforms old 808;

the new 808 outperforms new 404

I’d go with the 808 cost no object or the Jet 9 if cost is an issue. There is data on most of these wheels in the recent Tour magazine. In term of speed I recall it was 808 > Jet 9 > 404 > Hed 3 deep (they used a 23mm tire, don’t know how that effected results)

Of those options, I’d get the HED Jet 9 FR. It’s the biggest bang for your (family’s) buck, and you’re not really losing much to an 808FC (which is the fastest wheel - though at a cost).

Of those options, I’d get the HED Jet 9 FR. It’s the biggest bang for your (family’s) buck, and you’re not really losing much to an 808FC (which is the fastest wheel - though at a cost).

x2

808 fc cc
.

Of those options, I’d get the HED Jet 9 FR. It’s the biggest bang for your (family’s) buck, and you’re not really losing much to an 808FC (which is the fastest wheel - though at a cost).

x3. It’s also a rock-solid wheel that you can use whenever you like w/o worries.

As others have said: the J9 is the best value, the 808FC is the best (i.e. fastest) wheel.

With the 808FC you will need carbon brake pads (either swap out the pads when you race if the wheel is race only, or train on it full time). Don’t use the same pads and swap between carbon and aluminum rims, it will damage the carbon wheel.

looks like most in favour of the 808FC as the fastest wheel but the Jet 9 as the best bang for buck hmmm

was interested in a Tris spoke but looks like they are not considered that fast anymore?

With the 808FC you will need carbon brake pads (either swap out the pads when you race if the wheel is race only, or train on it full time). Don’t use the same pads and swap between carbon and aluminum rims, it will damage the carbon wheel.

thanks thats a good practical consideration

I am all for new gear but how much faster do you expect to go with the new wheelset compared with the mavics? I ask because that is my current set-up as well. 30s per hour?

The Hed 3 is on par aerodynamically with the Jet9 if you run it with a 20mm tire. However, if you run it with a 23 it’s slower. There is such a better selection of 21-23mm tires out there, it just makes a lot more sense to go with one of the new wider wheels.

The other issue is that the Hed3 is more difficult to control in side winds and it has harsher ride qualities. It’s a good wheel but it’s not that hard to believe that 22ish years later there are better ones.

I am all for new gear but how much faster do you expect to go with the new wheelset compared with the mavics? I ask because that is my current set-up as well. 30s per hour?

That is a good point probably not that much faster 30 sec would be good but it is about bling too!!! I have a chance for a an upgrade around the 1200$ mark so just thought a wheel would be the obvious choice!

I’ve ridden a stinger 9, a flashpoint 60, a hed 3 and a firecrest 808 front wheel. Hands down, the fc808 was the best all around wheel of those.

I am all for new gear but how much faster do you expect to go with the new wheelset compared with the mavics? I ask because that is my current set-up as well. 30s per hour?

That is a good point probably not that much faster 30 sec would be good but it is about bling too!!! I have a chance for a an upgrade around the 1200$ mark so just thought a wheel would be the obvious choice!

I had a Carbone and upgraded to a J9; 30 sec. would be generous, you’re at marginal gains but the blink factor is sweet as is knowing you’re on the fastest setup.

How about wind tunnel testing?

http://www.a2wt.com/Bicycle.htm

The trispokes are much tougher in the wind and putting a cover on would be challenging.

How about wind tunnel testing?

http://www.a2wt.com/Bicycle.htm

Why does every second photo in the wind tunnel have HED 3s in it?