Need suggestion on this tri fin set on these boards.

[PD187]

I currently ride a 5'6" Al Merrick and a 5'8" Locomotion both have stock fins, the Al Merrick has FCS GAM fins and the Locomotion has FCS M-5.








I want to see the big difference between higher performance fins. I'm wanting to get the new H2 fins but wasnt sure what Dimensions shuld be best for me. The waves where I live are 1-3 occy larger. I'm guessing guessing the smallest h2 fins wuld be best since Im not a big person at all. I'm 5'5" and weigh 116 which is about 52kg i think. The dimensions I can get the h2 in as follows-

Dimensions:

Small
Side Fin Base 4
Side fin height 4 7/16
Center fin base 4
Center fin height 4 7/16

Medium
Side Fin Base 4 3/16
Side fin height 4 5/8
Center fin base 4 3/16
Center fin height 4 5/8

Large
Side Fin Base 4 7/16
Side fin height 4 7/8
Center fin base 4 7/16
Center fin height 4 7/8

Any more suggestions on fins feel free to suggest..
I was looking into getting the fcs fg-3 but then saw the h2 fins and heard they are really good fins just really expensive...

[deathfrog]

unless you have 80 bucks your just dying to get rid of
you don't need new fins

[PD187]

You've got a point there. I've been surfing for 5 years now and I'm 17 now... I havent really cared much about fins up until now. Thats because of my curiosity one day. I bought a Locomotion board when I traveled to Hawaii a couple of weeks ago and I decided to change the fins around on my boards to just see what it would feel like on each board. It made a big difference when I went surfing at kewalos. I'm still thinking about it...theres just so many fins to choose from and much money involved, and if you dont like the fins your pretty much stuck with them. But if they would greatly improve the speed and of course the performance of my boards I'd luv it. Just not sure yet.

[Laguna]

Hey, what you should do is ask around for 'fcs test centres'. Some shapers or shops will lend you fcs fins for you to try out and see what you like the best. I was thinking about getting into fin changing as they play a huge part in surfing, so im going to be renting a few out soon to see what suits me better.

Ive never tried out the fcs h2's but I was told that they are over-rated for their price.

[Brent]

Hi.
I use all the fins you mention & have a couple of sets of H-2s.
From your physical dimensions I think your current fins (size 5's) would be quite big, meaning lots of drive down the line but not very loose.

I'm 75kgs and use fcs-fg5's on my performance shortboards & gun, I use h2's on my small wave fish hybrids...along with this combination I also use fcs fg-3's on the outsides, and a really small gs trailer in the middle.

So; the question you have to answer for yourself first -what do you want to achieve?
Do you want fast & carvy at speed, or do you want to loosen up your boards so they surf like a 26" skateboard - what's your goal?

I suggest from looking at your boards you head to your nearest fcs test center & get the following to try out.

1 full set of fcs fg-3 fins (the red ones)
1 middle g1000 or gx fin....and a small gs trailer if they have one available.

Now, stick the full fg-3 set in your short wide board & go for a surf, the board will feel looser cause the fins are smaller with less surface area. Then go in & stick a g1000 or the gx in the middle & paddle back out again - the board will feel looser still, almost like a twin-fin. The gs trailer will be even more noticable. Same but looser still.

Next thing to try is a MEDIUM set of h-2's

These are weird fins, with their delta wing shape and extreme cant & toe in they are quite small fins with little surface area and quite squirrley to ride in a straight line going fast...but when fitted in a narrowish (18.5" or so) high performance & low volume shortboard with good sharp rails around the tail area they carve & turn beautifully- but you've got to be going fast & cranking serious turns for them to work I reckon. At slow speeds they do work - but for different reasons, more because they're quite small in surface area - which is why they are also great in small wave fish hybrid type boards.

So; in my opinion, they're such a high-performance design most surfers never get to experience them in conditions they were designed for.

personally I go with a complete set of fg-3's and buy a smaller middle fin to use as well.

Let us know what you think...

[Brent]

Oh, I forgot to add also; when you experiment with fins, always start with the biggest of your chosen group of test fins first & work downwards in size from there.
And always start with a complete set of fins, then change the middle one first, then when the looseness factor is good, experiment with the outer fins.

I worked this protocol out years ago, you have to do things in a logical order, working by a series of minor changes, one at a time, or otherwise you'll not know what caused what to your board.

[PD187]

Sounds like a great plan to me! Thanks for your help

[Laguna]

Ive been using G5's on my 6'10 funboard and want to start experimenting with fin set ups. Whats the difference between the fg7's, fg5's and fg3's? Is it just the size? So the fg7's will be faster and fg3's will be looser and turn better?

Any tips on what fins would be the best to try out? I might go to my local fcs test centre tomorrow and try some out in the evening.

Im itching to try out the FCS Red Tip.

[Stylemaster]

Best advice is to take out your centre fin!!!!!!Oppps now its a twin fin>>>>>>

[Brent]

The FG series is the same dimensions as the g series...just with an inside foil.
FG7 - big fins for big riders
FG5 - middle size for average riders
FG3 - for small riders (or for dudes who want a loose board)

The red tip is good too, I use one in my mini-gun for wind blown choppy days, they make the board more stable at speed in rough conditions that would otherwise buck you off. The carve & turn amazing too...but they are not a loose fin.

[Laguna]

Thanks for clearing that up Brent, I can see me getting the Red Tip one day, been keen on that for months now. Shame about its price (£50 for 1 fin).
Is it only worth using it as the middle fin on choppy days? I get a lot of choppy messy days so would suit me.
Also what would be a good set a fins to use after the G5's? I would want something with a bit more speed and I tend to put everything into my turns.
And what would be 2 good fins to use with the red tip?