Fin Systems

What works & what doesn't and in what type of conditions. Got a "secret" only you and your shaper know???? Post it here... we can keep it quiet ;-)

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Cripple Crusader
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Post by Cripple Crusader »

Has anybody tried Speeedfins yet? Designed with input from George Greenough - taking the flex priciples. I've got them in a tri-fin and love the drive they produce.

www.speeedfins.com
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C J Gagner
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Post by C J Gagner »

The Fcs fins are still relitively new to me. So far though I have no complaints. The one big plus is that I broke one in shallow water at the boat harbor in santa cruz. I only had to replace the fin not the board! 8)
Birdie
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Speedfins

Post by Birdie »

Looks like they are working up some carbon fiber speeedfins, which are lighter and better than the ones out now. Worth keeping an eye on.

Birdie
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kneelo_44
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Post by kneelo_44 »

Folks

I take slowly to change when it comes to surfing, I like the safety of sticking to what I know best. It took me years to go from a single to a twin fin. The change from twin to triple was a short 4 years. Not to mention the change from fixed to fin boxs as well. My last 2 boards prior to my new one (dec 03) were thrusters (82) and my more recent one (95). One had fixed side fins and centre fin in a fin box (82). The other had 3 fin boxs (95). I never moved them one they were set in place. My new board (Island) has FCS and everyone has a different opinion to what I should use. It came with GR side fins and a GYU center fin. They seem fine, no they feel bloodly great. It was recommendend that I try a set of TF1's with a GS trailer so I did. They also great feel great, so is just another means for people to take my money. Or do they really make that bigger difference, I have yet to really notice that greater change. :?: I surf the east coast and PI in VIC and I do like to travel as well I/state and OS. So what is the general opinion.

John
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red
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Post by red »

John,
You can get test sets from most shops so you can try before you buy. Look elsewhere on the site for long threads about fins.
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kneelo_44
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Post by kneelo_44 »

Thanks Red, but my point is there any need to. The shaper set it up with a particular set of fins so am I really going to gain anything by changing.

John
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hart
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Adjustment

Post by hart »

K_44,

Kneeboarding is uniquely specialised in that ALL our turns..short or long, are generated from the one prone-position. This is a point that is (unintentionally) lost to most standups..only cause they've never knelt.

A kneeboard in my opinion has to be totally tuned to that one basic requirement..the surfer's position.

Add to this the fact that we are all different in height and weight. Add also to this that while I'm 6' 2" tall and weigh 200lbs, my physique may also differ from someone who weighs the same over the same height.

Like I have a long torso..but someone like Kyle Bryant has longer legs. So, despite our similarities..we will have a different effect on our boards once we are kneeling in position.

As a shaper, I will never assume that the fin position (and type, for that matter) that I nominate for any given surfer, is in fact, the absolute correct one.

I desire fin adjustment for not only fine tuning but to allow accurate assessment of fin type, dependent on the conditions.

Long walls will generally dictate base and rake in a fin. Wedgey type A-frames will support something more upright for example.

So the one board shape will perform proportionately different, dependent on fin choice AND position.

Viva la difference.
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kneelo_44
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Post by kneelo_44 »

Bruce

Thanks for your info, I think I will stay with the TF1 and the GS trailer

John
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hart
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TF1

Post by hart »

K_44,

No sweat.

The combination you are using sounds good. Terry Fitz always surfed with a heap of power..and that was reflected in his fins.

And now, It's reflected in yours.

Bruce.
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kneelo_44
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Post by kneelo_44 »

Hart

A question I'm giving one of old boards to my youngest daughter. I want to know if it's workable to take out the fin boxs and put in FCS in it place.

John
I would rather be slotted
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hart
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Box removal

Post by hart »

K_44,

It's not something that I'd be looking to do..like, is there a specific reason to do it?

Do you already have box-fins for it?

I've seen guys laminate OVER boxes and then glass on fins..but this is very unprofessional and just looks rooted. Once something like this is done..the board will also have little or no resale value despite the bucks you've just thrown at it.

If It's a matter of getting fins to suit the existing boxes, I can let you know where to go..and given that we are talking about a beginner, the fins could be foiled with really ROUNDED tips and trailing edges..so that they are less likely to lacerate should your daughter get hit by them.

Let me know a little more.
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kneelo_44
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Fin boxes

Post by kneelo_44 »

Bruce

If you know where I get can fins to fit the existing fin boxes that would be good. They are just so difficult to get down here. We've already broken one (alot of Reef breaks) so I've turned it into a twin fin. They're the type that use the forwrad brass pin and the rear screw that fits into a small plate. They are about 8 inches in length the board was nmade in the mid 90's. What else to do you need to know.

John
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doc
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Post by doc »

http://www.finsunlimited.com - dunno who the Australian distributor is, but that shouldn't be too hard to find out.

hope that's of use

doc......
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hart
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Boxfins

Post by hart »

K_44,

You're right..always hard to get nowadays.

But if you can do the phonecalls and be prepared to wait, I think that doing a couple of fins (to learn on) is a better potion than trying to pull the boxes out.

And a Twinnie would be OK to learn on (in the first instance) because it will give you a broader sweet-spot than a Thruster..just make sure they have enough base.

Call Phil Way @ Fluidfoils (Ballina) 02 6686 7858 and he will request a template (which you can fax) and let him know who shaped the board.

Like, if it was Lukey it probably has Dion fin boxes..this is important info for a positive fit..cause you are a long way from Ballina.

I think the guy's an ex kneeboarder, so it all should be good.

If you get them and they don't fit..Neil should be able to tweak them to get them to.

And tell him you want everything 'rounded' for your daughter.

Regards from Sydney
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kneelo_44
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Post by kneelo_44 »

Bruce

Thanks for the help

John
I would rather be slotted
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