Commercial Fin Systems that suit Kneeboards

jamie · Post by **jamie** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:18 pm

Hey Bruce,
I have been using Red X for a couple of years. They work fine for me.
I tend to use smaller fins than a lot of guys so find the stand up fins go pretty good - dont know which ones I am using.
The screw in system suits me better than allen keys.
catch up soon

ScottMac · Post by **ScottMac** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:13 pm

SFKneelo · Post by **SFKneelo** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:21 pm

Hart,
This is confusing. On previous boards, my FCS plugs were as you described... two separate plugs for each fin.

On my most recent board, the plugs are different. Instead of two separate plugs, this is one box that has the outward appearance of three circles that look like FCS plugs. That box broke and heaved upward.

Anyhow, I'm more a visual guy, and not great at describing stuff with words. If this doesn't make immediate sense, I'll snoop around until I find out the exact style.

I'm 0-for-2 on that style. I had less problems with the traditional style, but still had problems.

Thanks!

hart · Post by **hart** » Sun Mar 20, 2005 5:48 pm

SF

Kind of as I thought..

I think you have the immitation..

FCS went to court but couldn't prevent this system from being marketed as it was designed to suit the lugs on the FCS range of fins..its just that the new system changed a couple of things that meant copyright wasn't breached.

Now, I have no idea who makes it, but no-one in Sydney (that I know of) uses it.

The original FCS plugs rely on the rout for the plugs scribing thru the blank and having a direct connection with the glass on the deck..and this leaves the 'donut' rings you can sometimes see on your deck, which get covered up with those stupid round decals.

If the scribe doesn't reach the deck..the plugs can rotate and lead to problems.

Now, the UNoriginal system (as I understand it) sits in its own little trench and as a result is susceptible to cracking, rotation and all sorts of other things.

But as you say..you're still 0 for 2 regardless!!

Jamie

Are you surfing with 3 fins of equal size or are you downsizing the centre fin?

Thanks

hart

Steeno · Post by **Steeno** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:47 am

Howdy
Bob...I ran a set of those imitation plugs to try them out and split the box in half on a bottom turn...never used them again. Albert tried a set also and also broke one in half.

But to be honest, the only thing I dont like about real FCS is using a little allen key if I have misplaced the real key. I have had over 40 boards with FCS and never had a problem with the plugs at all. I run fiberglass custom fins in FCS plugs no drama's either. I have a board with redex plugs and fins aswell.....but I use fin options alot. Also have a board with glass fins....and I the only problem I had with that was running over a mal one day, and his repair was worse than mine.

Also tried OAM setup, again my fin option dilema walked me away from them

K-man · Post by **K-man** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:14 am

mornin,

After years of aggravation with stripped screws and rounded key tips found an alternative method.There are screws that are a bit longer[same screw size]and have a deeper socket,the key sits deeper and there's more surface area to grab.Haven't stripped one yet.
Check the automotive-hardware stores,stainless is best.That little key is handy..kind of useless over a period of time.I use an allen wrench with a handle.All fits neatly in a small pack.Cannot remember the screw name-happy hunting!

ps. steel screws will work just fine,but may slighty rust over time,and need to be loosened periodically to keep the threads clean.

SFKneelo · Post by **SFKneelo** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:07 am

Hart, Coach, et al,

I think you're right. I went online and couldn't find info on FCS about them (their site is pretty limited, and showcases fins, not plugs.)

I was about to take a digital pic of the board showing the two styles. When I read your reply, Hart, I remembered you bringing up the lawsuit, etc. surrounding FCS. I think that IS what I have.

OK, so I know I have an acute problem. The traditional FCS should get another chance. Time to swap out...

Going forward, I'd still like to hear from the crew about how options are working for them.

Thanks for all the info!

Jack Beresford · Post by **Jack Beresford** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:54 am

I've used RedX fiberglass fins in my last two boards with no problems. James (K58) will shave down the fins if I need something other that what they offer.

red · Post by **red** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 2:38 pm

I've a collection of short FCS keys. Periodically I take an angle grinder to them and cut off 1/8" or so to get rid of the rounding.
Steen, I have a similar problem with losing keys. Now I keep one in my leash, on my key ring, in my car ashtray, in my fin bag.....and still have to borrow one at the beach!

Took me and Neil about 1/2 an hour to actually get a fin into the OAM system the first time. Had to get the fin in place then give it a healthy smack to get the pin to locate in the track. Still havn't got the knack of only moving the fin one click at a time, and have sore palm after trying.

I've used FCS for about 10 years. They are a blessing for travel, mostly. But I think it's a system that is dated and really prefer what I've seen of RedX and what I've experienced of OAMs.

waka · Post by **waka** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:07 pm

red
i know what you mean by not having the correct fcs key to get your fins out.
got caught out in Samoa, got the fins in nice and tight, and when we went to leave the camp, and were packing the boards away, the allen key just kept spinning
starting cursing loudly, and luckly Slats found a nice new fcs key.
with the red-x fin systems, they can be a bit of a struggle, getting the screw thru the deck, and then lineing them up to the plug!
but they seem to be the strongest system.
hit the reef surfing wreck bay(pipe) , clean broke the fin off, but no damage at all to the box or surrounding glass. all that was attached was the brass plate that is moulded into the fin!
still kept surfing with 2 fins though- couldnt go right, just pull in left and get tubed!
the oam fin systems- do they have that really long, allen key setup?

MTBarrels · Post by **MTBarrels** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 1:34 pm

K-man wrote:mornin,

...<snipped>...Check the automotive-hardware stores,stainless is best...<snipped>...

Most stainless screws sold in automotive and hardware stores are Type 18-8 stainless (also some Type 321). If the board (/screw) is rinsed with fresh water, most stainless machine screws should work fine--although they may show some surface rust staining. If you want the best alloy for sea water, you should look for Type 316 stainless. One online source is McMaster-Carr. I think that their URL is:

http://www.mcmaster.com/

FWIW, they have a huge inventory of often difficult to find items (e.g. nuts and bolts of all types, sizes, alloys, etc.) and tools (special drill bits, reamers, etc.), as well as more common items. However, they tend to be a bit pricey (watch the shipping charges--fast delivery, but you pay for it), and often there is a minimum purchase.

K-man · Post by **K-man** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 2:38 pm

MT,

now that's a good site,plenty of stuff.On the hunt for 316.Price almost doesn't matter[to a point]when it comes to not having to hassle with those stinking little screws.Is there more to life than this screw bickering...?
Probably not

Cheers.

W.G. Facenda · Post by **W.G. Facenda** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 4:01 pm

Yes, glass-ons no more holes in your board and feel better,look better.

K-man · Post by **K-man** » Tue Mar 22, 2005 4:45 pm

You're probably right....but..I love mucking around with fins,and bitching about all this equipment stuff.
bet your one of those folks,buys a board,and is happy with that setup.Or else you've got a room full of boards,all glass ons,no doubt,different setups,and is happier than a pig in shite

cheers

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