Choosing Fins for Your Surfboard -

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surfboards, fins

The latest fins from FCS - FCS II - what's it all about?

The FCS II system has been designed to perform at the highest level by seamlessly connecting the 3 essential elements in surfing; the surfer, the surfboard and the fins. When paired with fins from the FCS II fin range, it's now possible to install and remove your fins in seconds without the need for any screws or tools, so you'll be in the line up faster.

What you’ll find when you ride boards fitted with FCS II is more speed & drive, quicker acceleration, and most importantly, more response from your board, and that equates to better surfing.

Countless victories have been achieved by World Championship Tour competitors riding the FCS II system and fins, which is validation from the best surfers on the planet.

The FCS II Longboard Fins System

Incorporating the same patented technology as the FCS II Fin System, FCS II longboard fins can be secured into a fin box without the need for a screw and plate.

Furthermore, it takes just seconds to insert and remove the fins, or make subtle adjustments mid surfing session.

It’s simple to use, adaptable to most fin boxes on the market, yet effective in maintaining the fins position in the board.

Finding The Right Size Fin

FCS thruster and quad sets are categorised by size. Each size category has an optimum weight range that can be used as a guide when choosing a fin:

	Optimum Weight Range under 120lbs / under 55kg
	Optimum Weight Range 120-155lbs / 55-70kg
	Optimum Weight Range 140-175lbs / 65-80kg
	Optimum Weight Range 165-200lbs / 75-90kg
	Optimum Weight Range over 190lbs / over 85kg
	For specific surfboard designs or as specialised fins

How Fin Material Can Improve your Surfing

Most FCS fins are constructed of either Ultra Light, Performance Core, Performance Glass or Glass Flex material.

	Ultra Light Ultra light was developed by FCS to create the lightest possible fin with suprerior flex properties while ensuring strength and foil accuracy. By minimising weight without sacrificing response of flex and strength. Ultra-Light Epoxy is our lead construction process delivering the ultimate in performance.
	Performance Core Performance Core material and construction is designed to deliver the feeling of a traditional fibreglass fin with the added performance of reduced weight. The RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) process produces a lightweight fin with remarkable flex, a smooth feel and an impressive aesthetic.
	Performance Glass Performance Glass material characteristics and flex pattern are identical to traditional fibreglass fins offering a stiff base with subtle responsive tip flex, amazing aesthetics and proven durability. PG fins are the perfect transition fin for surfers moving from fixed fins to the convenience, accuracy and performance of FCS.
	Glass Flex Glass Flex has been formulated to replicate the flex and memory properties of hand layed fibreglass. It's advantages over other composite fin materials include stiffness, a more positive flex pattern (nice tip flex, little base flex) and remarkable flex memory. The precision of the injection moulding process ensures the highest accuracy in geometry in each fin produced.

The Impact Of Fin Technologies On Your Surfing

	Tricoil Technology Multi-directional flex pattern harnesses energy and de-coils through turns, giving back to the surfer in the form of speed and acceleration.
	Bamboo Core Technology Lightweight bamboo core foiled to mimic the actual foil of the fin producing a unified flex between materials. As bamboo is bias towards the grain, the natural flex of this wood further enhances the directional flex of the fin.
	Snap-Back Technology Carbon inside face produces a high tension ‘snap back’ flex pattern through the top of the fin. Highly responsive and very popular among the world’s best surfers.
	Compound Glass Tehnology Multiple fiberglass layers are set under pressure to produce an extremely stiff, high-strength material. The machine cutting process delivers a fin with highly accurate foils.

Understanding FCS Fin Characteristics

All FCS fins are classified by the following characteristics; Base, Depth, Area, Sweep and Foil.

Understanding how these fin characteristics can change the performance of your surfboard is an important consideration when working out which FCS fins are best for you. Each of the following fin characteristics are clearly listed on each each fin page, allowing you to evaluate the impact that a fin design would have on your surfing.

	BASE Base is the length between the leading and trailing edge where the fin meets the board. Base is primarily linked to drive. Fins with a longer base will offer substantially more drive and acceleration.
	DEPTH Depth is the distance the fin penetrates into the water. Depth directly relates to hold. The greater the depth the more hold, the shorter the depth the more a board will slide and release.
	AREA Area is the total surface area of the fin.
	SWEEP Sweep is the angle measuring how far the outline of the fin is curved backwards; also referred to as rake. Sweep has a direct influence on pivot. Fins with more sweep produce a longer turning arc, less sweep offers a tighter turning arc.
	FOIL Foil refers to the shape and geometry of the inside and outside faces of the fin. Foils directly affect the flow of water over the surface of the fin. Different foils create variations in water flow and have a direct link to the overall performance of the fin and the board.

FLAT FOIL: A flat inside face combined with a convex outside face. The traditional flat sided foil offers an even combination of drive, pivot and hold and provides a very consistent, reliable feel over a wide variety of conditions.

INSIDE FOIL: A sophisticated hydrodynamic foil consisting of a convex outside face, a rounded leading edge and a concaved inside face. Inside foil increases the efficiency of water flow over the surface of the fin adding lift and reducing drag. The result is a fin with more options through increased hold and speed.

50/50 FOIL: A symmetrical foil used on all centre fins where both sides are convex. Even water flow on both sides creates stability and control.

70/30 or 80/20 FOIL: Combines the performance of a centre and side fin offering increased speed, smooth rail-to-rail transitions and a consistent feel in a variety of conditions. (Ideal for all board types and rear fin placements)