Hi
I’m looking to change wheels, I currently have some Zipp 404 tubs, was thinking of going to clinchers, and would like some Hed 3’s, any ideas if the Hed’s will be quicker? they are quite a bit heavier, by over a pound I reckon, but aero trumps weight is what I keep reading.
The Hed website has aero data saying the H’3 are more aero than the 404’s, but other sites say the 404’s are about the same aero wise as the H3’s.
Anyone ridden both and can compare?
Thanks.
You’ll find more of a difference in tire choice, than the difference in aerodynamics between the two…unless you are riding them in very windy conditions…then the Heds will be faster, but very difficult to control.
I’ve had both.
It really depends on what you are looking for. I doubt either is really faster than the other–not so much that it would possibly matter any ways. If you want a wheel you can race and train on get the Hed3’s. If you are looking at just race wheels I would stay with the Zipp 404’s. After owning virtually every Zipp and Hed wheel I can say with out exception that the 404’s where my favorite. Sold them to a ST’er when I upgraded my front wheel to an 808. Worse mistake I have ever made. I loved those wheels. Never really liked the deeper wheels (loved the disc / 909 set up though). The Hed 3’s are great wheels—just don’t see the reason to change.
I’d say they are both fast. Probably a draw. I rode my fastest IM split on 404’s, and my fastest 40k time on the 909 set up. I don’t really see a huge gain after a 60mm deep wheelset. If the Hed3’s are faster I never noticed.
FWIW–my next wheels will be the Stinger 6’s. I think the 60mm rim depth is plenty deep and extremely versatile.
I will completely echo tjs comments. I’ve been on/had about all wheel combos (currently running a Hed Jet90 front and disc clincher rear). I also regret selling my Zipp 404 tubulars - VERY versatile wheelset! I didn’t like my H3s - bad braking pulsations, slightly out of true and slow/sluggish feel (to spin up, etc.) and rough ride. Fine for short TT/tris and likely very aero. The 404 tubulars were just SO light and rode nice for aero/race wheels. Put a rear cover on your 404’s and be done. Glue on some cross tires in the fall 
I’ll second the rough ride on the HED3’s. I rode them for training and racing for many years. After switching, just for a change, to Jet90’s I found that the HED3’s were a rough ride and caused me to move around alot on the bike. The 90’s are much faster in the real world then the HED3’s.
Also loved my 404 tubbies. Now have 808 clinchers and they are just not the same. They may well be faster but for whatever reason those 404’s were just awesome. Thinking about buying some for my road bike just cause.
Hi Guys
Thanks for replies, you’ve help me make up my mind, I’m going to stick with the Zipp’s, I’ve just been offered a good deal this weekend on some new Veloflex tubs at a good price, so that has helped me decide too.
Thanks again.
To all out there considering on getting Zipp’s or Hed 3 with a combination disk… I give a sincere vote to Zipp 404’s. THe guys at my LBS recommended that I get a set of Zipp 404’s to train on and race. I didn’t think much of it until I recently had the opportunity to actually race in my new set of 404’s. What a difference!!! I will turn back to my old combination. The ability to get up a bridge was just amazing. I used to have to struggle to get up the bridge but with the Zipp’s, it was completely the opposite. They drove me up the bridge and the more I pushed, it felt the easier it got. My legs didn’t burn as much.
Trading the HED 3 and disk for the set of Zipp’s was the best choice i have ever made in cycling.
Now I need to get a new bike. Getting rid of my Jamis Elite for a new bike. Want to go with something carbon instead of aluminum. Any ideas?
Hopefully, this decision will be as good as getting the 404’s.