Flex Quad Fin

Flex Quad Fin

How to Choose the Best Surfboard Fins

There are many types of surfboard fin systems to choose from. Choosing the one that you want is an important part of choosing your surfboard. Fin characteristics as well as the brand of fin system are to be considered.

Most surfboards today come with the removable, as opposed to glassed-in, type of fin. Most brands do not have cross compatible boxes. Boxes are the devices that hold the fin on the surfboard. This makes it important to choose the system you want, as it affects all your future fin choices for that surfboard.

First, consider these fin characteristics:

• Depth - The maximum height of a fin as measured from the bottom surface of the board. This shows how far the fin goes in the water. The hold of the surfboard increases with more depth but generally makes it harder to turn as well. 3-4 inch depth is standard on tri-fins and longboard single fins typically have a depth of nine inches.
• Template - The fin outline.
• Base - The length of the fin where it joins the surfboard. Increasing length adds forward drive, but makes it harder to turn. Shortboard tri-fins usually have a 3.5-4.5 inch base, longboard single fins are about 6 inches.
• Foil - The horizontal curve of the fin, measured from the front edge to trailing edge.
• Rake - The distance between the trailing edge of the fin base and the fin tip. This is the swept back characteristic of the fin. Increasing rake increases traction.
• Tip - The top third of the fin. More tip means more hold.
• Flex - Stiff fins are faster but flexible fins are easier to turn.

Second, consider the brands of surfboard fins available:

• FCS - These fins are the most widely used surfboard fins in the world. The great things about FCS fins are the huge variety and the availability. You can almost always find a replacement at the nearest surf shop. Since FCS is the most common fin system, most surfboards come with that type of fin box. FCS makes a huge selection of fins. For fins with a softer edge try Pro-Tech. The are compatible with the FCS boxes. Installation is with a simple allen (hex) key.
• Future - Probably the second most popular fin system in the US. They have some of the lightest fin boxes around, weighing in at about 26 grams/box. There are fins system for just about any type of surfboard out there. In particular, Future fins has an excellent selection of of Quad fins. There are also plenty of foils to choose from such as Vector, Vector 2, and the Scimitar. Future fins also install with a simple allen key.
• Lokbox - These surfboard fins have one significant advantage over most other fin systems; they are adjustable. You can slide them forward and back to find the sweet spot for you. They are easily adjusted with a slotted screwdriver.
• O'Fish'L - This is a snap in fin system. For those that love to experiment, this might be the fin system for you. You could even slap some fins in your boardshorts and change them in the water.
• 4WFS - The "Four Way Fin System". Four ways as in forward/back, cant/flair, toe-in/toe-out, or an entire fin replacement. The only problem with this system is there are so many choices you might go crazy tweaking just one set of fins.

If your having a surfboard custom shaped for you, another consideration is the type of fin system the shaper has worked with before. It might be better to go with one he or she knows well rather than risk an incorrect installation of an unfamiliar one.

With so many choices of fins/companies available, you shouldn't have a problem finding something close to what you want. Study the different brands. They should have descriptions of the type of surf particular fins work best in. They usually have charts available for recommended weights of riders as well.

Once you have a system you like, it's nice if all your surfboards use those types of fins. It makes it easier and cheaper to build a decent collection of fins that you can swap around and enjoy. Visit Surfing-Gear.net to learn more about surfboard fins and find great deals on your next set.

About the Author

Chris runs Surfing Gear, an online surf guide and surf shop. Also visit California Surfing, a website dedicated to all things related to surfing California.

FCS Q-7XC Quad Fin Set (Glass) $56 FCS Q-7XC Quad fin set is made with Glass Flex construction delivering the flex and memory properties of traditional hand laid fiberglass. Its advantages include stiffness, a more positive flex pattern (nice tip flex, little base flex) and remarkable flex memory. It features the M-7 fins in the side and the G-X centres in the rear. Large optimum weight range: 165 - 198 lbs (75kg - 90kg) Drive (less to more): 3 out of 6 Pivot (tight arc to long): 3 out of 6 Hold (less to more): 3 out of 6 Dimensions: Front Base: 4.52, 115mm Depth: 4.67, 119mm Area: 15.71², 10137mm² Sweep: 33° Foil: IFT Dimensions: Rear Base: 3.86, 98mm Depth: 3.93, 100mm Area: 11.07², 7140mm² Sweep: 33.2° Foil: 50/50

FCS Q-5XC Quad Fin Set (Glass) $56 FCS Q-5XC Quad fin set is made with Glass Flex construction delivering the flex and memory properties of tradtional hand laid fiberglass. Its advantages include stiffness, a more positive flex pattern (nice tip flex, little base flex) and remarkable flex memory. It features the M-5 fins in the side and the G-X centres in the rear. Medium optimum weight range: 143 - 176 lbs (65kg- 80kg). Drive (less to more): 3 out of 6 Pivot (tight arc to long): 3 out of 6 Hold (less to more): 3 out of 6 Dimensions: Front Base: 4.37,111mm Depth: 4.55, 115mm Area: 14.76², 9525mm² Sweep: 33° Foil: IFT Dimensions: Rear Base: 3.86, 98mm Depth: 3.93, 100mm Area: 11.07², 7140mm² Sweep: 33.2° Foil: 50/50

FCS Q-PC3 Quad Fin Set (Red/Clear) $88 FCS Q-PC3 Quad fin set is made with Performance Core material and construction. They are made to deliver the feeling of a traditional fiberglass fin with the added performance of reduced weight. The Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process produces a lightweight fin with remarkable flex, a smooth feel and an impressive aesthetic. Featuring PC-3 in the side and GX-Q in the rear. Superior all around performance. Small optimum weight range: 121 - 154 lbs (55kg - 70kg) Drive (less to more): 4 out of 6 Pivot (tight arc to long): 3 out of 6 Hold (less to more): 4 out of 6 Dimensions: Front Base: 4.28, 109mm Depth: 4.41, 112mm Area: 14.22² , 9172mm² Sweep: 31° Foil: IFT Dimensions: Rear Base: 3.86, 98mm Depth: 3.93, 100mm Area: 11.07², 7140mm² Sweep: 33.2° Foil: 80/20

FCS K2.1 PC Quad Fin Set (Silk) $92 Kelly Slater's signature FCS Performance Core (PC) quad set. K2.1 PC in the side and Q-1000 in the rear, exceptional performance in all conditions. Duh, Winning The Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) process produces a lightweight fin with remarkable flex, a smooth feel and an impressive aesthetic. Medium optimum weight range: 143 - 176 lbs (65kg - 80kg). Drive (less to more): 4 out of 6 Pivot (tight arc to long): 2 out of 6 Hold (less to more): 4 out of 6 Dimensions: Center Base: 4.33, 110mm Depth: 4.53, 115mm Area: 15.23², 9824mm² Sweep: 32.0° Foil: Flat Dimensions: Rear Base: 4.10, 104mm Depth: 4.26, 108mm Area: 12.64², 8158mm² Sweep: 32.4° Foil: Flat

Fin $10 Fin

Doublesight Displays / QUAD MONITOR FLEX STAND UP TO / DS-424STA $308.4 Doublesight Displays - QUAD MONITOR FLEX STAND UP TO - DS-424STA

Becker Rocket Quad (Color) $560 Rocket Quad: The traditional fish goes quad. This is our traditional quad fin fish. It's a great choice for surfers looking for the benefits of a fish design without sacrificing maneuverability. The outline is similar to a traditional twin fin fish, which means the board performs excellent in small surf. The quad fin set up creates more speed, drive, and maneuverability than a traditional twin fin fish. Now with future fin system

FCS GX Natural Glass Flex Side Fin Set (Glass) $26 The gx is the i fin design for grommets or surfers who want to loosen the tail of their boards. It's the smallest side fin set in the fcs range and is i for shorter boards with lightweight surfers. The side fins can be used on a longboard to add drive and improve nose-riding. Specs: -base:3 7/8 -depth:3 15/16 -area:112 -sweep:33o -flex:very high(21.50)

Future Fins Cutaway 6.5 Fin (Clear) $46 Future fins cutaway 6.5 in fin...A great compliment to any 2+1 set up...Works well as a single fin in larger sizes...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is clear.

Future Fins Cutaway 8.5 Fin (Clear) $54 Future fins Cutaway 8.5 in fin...A great compliment to any 2+1 set up...Works well as a single fin in larger sizes...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is clear.

Future Fins Cutaway 7.5 Fin (Clear) $50 Future fins cutaway 7.5 in fin...A great compliment to any 2+1 set up...Works well as a single fin in larger sizes...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is clear.

FCS DHD-2 PC Tri Set Fin (Assorted) $74 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.

DoubleSight Displays Quad Flex Display Stand $533.01 The unique Flex Design of the DS-424STA makes this the best Quad Monitor Mounting Solution for your large screen LCD Monitors. DoubleSights Flex Design offers the user complete flexibility when adjusting their monitors on the desktop. Each Monitor adjusts independently of the other Monitor for Height, Tilt, Swivel and Pivot for a truly custom view. In addition to height, users can also move monitors forward or backward on the stand for a better ergonomic fit. Manufacturer: DoubleSight Displays, LLC Manufacturer Part Number: DS-424STA Manufacturer Website Address: www.doublesight.com Brand Name: DoubleSight Displays Product Name: Quad Flex Display Stand Product Type: Display Stand

FCS M7 Glass Flex Tri Fin Set (Glass) $46 The m7 marks the beginning of a new era of fcs injection molded composite production fins. By combining the new glass flex material with proven foil technology and templates the m7 is a high performance fin that will be: -smoother -faster -have better hold -and more control based on the proven outline of the g7000. Specs: -Base:4.52 115 mm -Depth: 4.67 119 mm -Area: 15.71 10137 mm -Sweep: 33

FCS GL Glass Flex Side Fin Set (Glass) $26 The Gl side fins are for any 2 plus 1 setup, typically a long board but also an egg or fun board. These small side fins add drive to the single fin setup along with control and stability through turns and improved nose riding. The gl fins are a good starting point for anyone looking to add side fins to their modern longboard setup. base:3 7/16 depth:3 5/8 area:9 1/42 sweep:31o flex:very high(27.00)

Velo Replica Flex Fin Long Sleeve T-Shirt by CafePress $32.5 From the hands of master craftsman Paul Gross, this is a replica of the Greenough flex fin which was originally made in 1966, and utilized on his famous flexible spoon kneeboard velo. Long Sleeve T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The most comfortable t-shirt ever Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton . Standard fit. Ribbed sleeve cuffs.

Memoire de Fin DEtudes Application Flex Java/J2ee $86.03 Le framework utilise pour developper lapplication Flex sappelle Cairngorm. Cest un framework ecrit en ActionScript 3. Il suit le motif de conception ModeleVueControleur. Cairngorm facilite la tache de developpement dune application Flex en offrant un squelette de lapplication, une sorte de guide qui permet au developpeur de suivre une logique lors de la realisation de lapplication. Dautre part, pour lapplication J2EE, la migration dune classe metier est dite realisee si la classe action fait appel au service dans la nouvelle architecture. Ce service correspond en effet a la classe metier de lapplication Argumentaires actuelle. Autrement dit, si dans une classe action on remplace lappel de lancienne methode par lappel de la methode de service correspondante et que le resultat de lappel reste identique alors la migration de la classe metier a reussi. De plus, a un instant donne, les deux architectures ont coexiste notamment a cause des classes metier qui ne netaient pas encore migrees. Mais ceci etait totalement transparent pour tester et utiliser application sur le serveur dapplication WebLogic. Author: Thiam, Cheikh Amala Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/10/08 Language: French Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.20 inches

DoubleSight Displays Quad Monitor Stand DS-424STA(R) Refurbished $504.45 REFURB FLEX STAND ASSEMBLED FORSTNDDS-424STA QUAD MONITOR

Doublesight Displays DS-424STA Quad Flex Display Stand. Each $327.44 Manufacturer: Doublesight Displays. Each. The unique flex design of the DS-424STA makes this the best quad monitor mounting solution for your large screen LCD monitors. DoubleSight's flex design offers the user complete flexibility when adjusting their mo

Doublesight Displays Quad Flex Display Stand Up To 88lb Up To 24" LCD Monitor DS424STA DS-424STA $307.11 Doublesight Displays Quad Flex Display Stand Up To 88lb Up To 24" LCD Monitor DS424STA DS-424STA

Future Fins Albacore 7.5 Fin (Smoke) $50 Future fins albacore 7.5 in fin...Flex fins originally brought to provenance by Skip Frye in the early 70's...It works well on both 2+1, and retro single fins...These fins give you incredible snap out of the turns...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is smoke.

Future Fins Albacore 8.5 Fin (Smoke) $54 Future fins albacore 8.5 in fin...Flex fins originally brought to provenance by Skip Frye in the early 70's...It works well on both 2+1, and retro single fins...These fins give you incredible snap out of the turns...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is smoke.

pediped Flex Fin Sneaker (Toddler/Little Kid) $48 Machine Washable Flexible, lightweigh sole Velcro strap of superior adjustability Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development Endorsed by researchers associated with Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School

Future Fins Performance 7.0 Fin (Blue) $48 Future fins performance 7 in fin...Future Fins is the name and performance is their game...This series contains a variety of fins to be ridden either as a 2+1 or as single fins...These fins allow good release for turning, but with just enough tip for those long nose rides.Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is blue. 17.78 cm.

Future Fins Performance 9.0 Fin (Clear) $56 Future fins performance 9 in fin...Future Fins is the name and performance is their game...This series contains a variety of fins to be ridden either as a 2+1 or as single fins...These fins allow good release for turning, but with just enough tip for those long nose rides. Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is clear.

Future Fins Classic 9 in Fin (Smoke) $56 Future fins classic 9 in fin...Templates that have truly stood the test of time...Classic outlines with the advanced foils that you've come to expect from future fins...Nice and stable, but still enough release for the performance factor...Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is smoke.

Future Fins Performance 6.0 Fin (Smoke) $44 Future fins performance 6.0 in fin...Future Fins is the name and performance is their game...This series contains a variety of fins to be ridden either as a 2+1 or as single fins...These fins allow good release for turning, but with just enough tip for those long nose rides.Fiberglass...Similar to a glass-on feel...It can have a lot of flex (its flex is directly related to thickness)...Generally a stiff fin unless it is very thin...Actual color is smoke. 15.24 cm.

FCS M-5 Tri Fin Set (Glass) $46 FCS M-5 is a moulded composite fin with engineered flex pattern and superior tip response. It features Glass Flex construction, giving you a stiff, more positive flex pattern in the tip and little flex through the base with remarkable flex memory. Mediuml optimum weight range: 143 - 176 lbs (65kg - 80kg). Drive (less to more): 2 out of 5 Pivot (tight arc to long): 3 out of 5 Hold (less to more): 3 out of 5 Dimensions: Thruster Base: 4.37, 111mm Depth: 4.55, 115mm Area: 14.76², 9525mm² Sweep: 33° Foil: IFT

Vertical fin $2.6 Vertical fin

Horizontal fin $2.45 Horizontal fin

Mask - Fin $35.99 Mask - Fin

C'est fin $6 C'est fin

Al Fin $11.99 Al Fin

FCS M3 Tri Fin Set (Glass) $46 The Fcs m3 tri fin set have a new glassflex construction, evolved flex & performance. By combining the new glass flex material w/ proven foil technology & templates the m-series are high performance fins that now come standard w/ fcs. Specs: -Base: 4.28 109 mm -Depth: 4.41 112 mm -Area: 14.22 9172 mm -Sweep: 33

Flex $12.99 Flex