Interesting. I'm glad to see the focus on getting under 7 ounces. But without knowing the specs, I too wonder about the stack. It doesn't look very high. Is this going to be in the Asics Metaracer category, or perhaps Skechers Speed Elite? So far only Nike has combined high stack with sub-7 ounce weight in a carbon plated shoe. Other companies have chosen one of those but not the other, with Saucony perhaps coming the closest to balancing them both but without quite rivaling the Next% specs on either.
New Balance Fuelcell RC Elite - A True Elite Marathon Racer
- Thread starter RW Staff 2
- Start date
The RC Elite will definitely be more cushioned than the MetaRacer or Speed Elite. We measured the Fuelcell TC at 36-26 and it should only be slightly lower in stack. My prototype doesnt feel quite as cushioned as an Alphafly/Vaporfly but it still feels fery cushioned underfoot and can easily go the full marathon distance.
It’s interesting the perspective you have with the alphafly/vaporfly. I’ve never run in the alphafly but I find a huge difference in cushion between the 4% and next %. In my opinion I would rather run a marathon in the TC over the 4% even with extra weight. The next % is a whole different deal though, no question I would choose it over either, the weight to cushion ratio seems tough to beat. So I’m very interested how the RC feels and either way I’m going to do my best to get a pair on the 1st.
I'd agree, I've done a good amount of running in the OG 4% and Next %. The Next % definetely feels more cushioned (which it should, it has more ZoomX underfoot) but both for me have plenty of cushioning for the Marathon. The MetaRacer and Speed Elite on the otherhand feel much lower in comparison and many people will find them more suitable for the 10k to half marathon. So far I find the Fuelcell RC Elite to be very cushioned underfoot. Maybe just a little less cushioned than the OG Vaporfly but again as I said, I personally wouldnt hesistate to use it for the full. Everyone's gait and feel is a little different, but since the TC has suited you well, I think the RC Elite will be what you're looking for. If you're on the site first thing 9/1, I think you'll have a good chance of securing yourself a pair!
Connor
RW Staff
The 1400 had always been a solid Racer and as of now it will continue in the line. Many athletes have been using it for years because its light, nimble, simple, and it works. But now with the addition of the RC Elite, I think you're going to see many more athletes making the transition on race/ workout day. The new foam that works with the carbon fiber plate has been shown to have efficiency benefits and many athletes especially like the recovery benefits as well. We talked with Kim Conley and she mentioned that she's loves the responsiveness of the RC Elites and after a really hard workout she doesnt feel nearly as beat up as she would in a more minimally cushioned flat. She did mention she will continue to use the 1400 for some specific workout days but the RC Elite would be the shoe she will most likely lean to on race day.
Connor
RW Staff
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carljackson04
Newbie
Thanks for the update! I will be excited to try them!
I ordered the RC and can’t wait to give it a go. I am wondering though as I haven’t heard anything about a rocker, such as Saucony’s speedroll, or Hoka’s meta rocker, etc. Do you have any information if there is rocker tech in this shoe? It doesn’t seem like there is in the TC or if so it isn’t very pronounced like in other shoes. Thank you
npurdy1112
Runner
road trail run has a really good initial review. text and video.