The speed difference is there (as proven by wind tunnel testing) but you can't feel it. The difference you can feel with firecrest is in the crosswinds. The FC are noticeably better in crosswinds like tjspahr said. My 808 fc's are easier to control than the old 404's. The 303 fc's are easy to handle in major crosswinds. If you live in a windy area, I highly recommend the FC profile but other manufacturers are using something similar, HED for one, not sure who else.