Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

I've read a few of the threads around which fins people suggest changing to, but I was wondering just how much of a difference a change makes (something the other threads don't seem to address as much)?

My Friar Tuck has a set of MR-TX (FCS) fins, and the idea of trying something different appeals (simply because I like messing with stuff), but am I really going to notice a significant change in the board's performance? I realise it is a subjective thing, and perhaps there's even a fair degree of psychological effect in it (eg, you want your board to be "better" with different fins so therefore it will be!).

While I'm happy with how my board goes now, maybe it could be better and I'll only know if I try!

So, anyone have any thoughts? What kind of a difference can different fins really make?

Enormous difference, definitely not in your head. Your board can change its feel with a 3mm movement of a rear centre fin. Go to a surf shop which has an FCS test centre, experiment and play. You might find out a bit about your board and your surfing.

Have used MR fins and are awesome, however then tried Occy and Sunny and finally TC in the FCS. Tried Kellys too however didnt work for me.


Going from MR's to others is somewhat of a metamorphisis, the amount of +ve slide, out of control, controlledness.

Does that make sense?

You go from driving pushing hard fins with limited slip to well, +ve slide out of control controlledness. In other words, loose yet in control, sliding yet in control, speed with drive and drive with speed.

This is how it is done.

Pick another size fin eg: Occys. Put the sides and middle fin in and surf it in as many wave conditions as possible. Then move the centre fin back or forward depending on where your intuition dictates. If it doesnt work go the opposite.

Simple.

I did this then finally settled on TC redlines and they worked great and I HAD A LOT OF FUN.

I then changed my whole fin positoning back and then changed to entirely different fins, but that is another story.


Quote from Bruce Lee


Ever since I was a child I have had this instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential.

Have fun in finding YOUR potential

I agree Budgie, Ive tried a set of Soar TFK fins which are very similar to the MR fins, but I found the same result. I like a bit of controled slide,so I have opted for a GAM with a much smaller GS centre fin set 26 cm from the tail.
I also think that rails need to added into your fin calculation, my newer boards have sharper rails giving more hold in wallier waves thus smaller side fins can be used compared with my older style boards with more curve in the rail had larger side fins like the MR 2's

yes, as the other guys have said
there can be a huge difference

the MR-tx is near to the biggest fin FCS have
big surface area and quite upright
the stinger is very small so even a change to the center will make this tighter

find someone with a collection of FCS and start testing
shapers have some cheap fins and are good for experimenting

popular FCS for kneeboards include
GAM, Occys, M7, G7000, KS 2.5

I currently have the Shapers S6 concave/double concave
longer board with a sharper rail (yes smaller fins)

and on a Vee I have LM-T with GAM or G7000 center
soft rail (the larger fins)
LM-T may be the second largest FCS behind the MR
GAM and G7000 ... medium to large

M7 has the inside foil
can't make up my mind if this is a good thing
close to the same surface area of the GAM
but does seem to work better in a Quad configuration

Thanks heaps to all of you - great feedback and can't wait to have a crack (was talking earlier today to a mate who has quite a selection of FCS fins, so it looks like he may become my personal FCS test centre!). Will let you know how I go.

Again, thanks for the excellent advice.

Basswombat wrote:Thanks heaps to all of you - great feedback and can't wait to have a crack (was talking earlier today to a mate who has quite a selection of FCS fins, so it looks like he may become my personal FCS test centre!). Will let you know how I go.

Again, thanks for the excellent advice.

Its true that fins can change the whole dynamics of a board, meaning the size , tip width etc.but for a change that can dictate the looseness and the position you can turn on the wave with good control, install full foiled fins , not the sorta full foil with a concave, but the same foil as the back fins of some of the afore mentioned fin types. full foiled fins carry thru turns better and faster than fins with a flat inside. later ,bal

...now move to the next stage - adjusting all fins forward back and adjusting toe-in. I'm fitting such an adjustable system to all my boards and really enjoy the versatility it provides. You can ride the same board and fin set 2'-10', explore your theories and learn a lot about the interaction of outline, rocker and fins.

hi basswombat, the fin system i have available now is a twin fin system with finlets that removes the need for the third or trailer fin. this can be used with many different types of tail and tail rail designs. you can view these fins in the board forum or i would like to send you a link i have with some more worthy photos. these are a primary steering system and they work great. its my joy to share my design with the wave riding world. stay tubed. stonefish.

red wrote:...now move to the next stage - adjusting all fins forward back and adjusting toe-in. I'm fitting such an adjustable system to all my boards and really enjoy the versatility it provides. You can ride the same board and fin set 2'-10', explore your theories and learn a lot about the interaction of outline, rocker and fins.

these systems are really cool but be aware that even slight movements can and will change the dynamics of your board greatly, its good to mark the position of the fins when you find a good working location before trying a new one. too much toe toward the nose decreases forward drive,try them with no toe at all toward the nose but a good amount of cant outward maybe7-1/2 or 8 degrees

Been talking with the MAN (Mr Hart) to you guys LOL regarding a new board. So of course the topic of fins came up.

It is just coincidence that he recommends FCS AM-2s for almost all of his boards!!!!!!!

I thought that bigger and stiffer fins were the way to go as I am.....well....fat!! (at a fighting 118kg) but treid a few combos and gues what Mr Hart was right.

If in doubt talk to the shaper! Seems to fix 99.9% of issues!!!!