Surfing Waves

How do you feel about glass on fins, good, bad, ect?

i don't like the idea of glass on fins, since i like to change them out depending on the conditions. i'll usually put some larger fins when the waves pick up and it's a slower break, so i won't be doing much turning. and if one of the fins break then it's just that much more trouble to get fixed. come to think of it i've only seen fins break on boards that they were glassed onto. i say keep the option open as to what size fin you want to use.

I'm having a 6.10 shaped right now with glass ons. Shaper dude told me glass ons are a lot more work for him, but the ride is much better, and the fins are stronger. He uses glass ons, on all his team riders boards.

Found this short article.


Although manufacturers of fin systems will argue against the strength of glass-ons, pointing out their work on removable systems for tow-boards, Bahne admits that the strongest system is still the tried and true laminated fin. Regardless of where the fins of the future take us, he states, the system of yesteryear is here to stay: “I can tell you from a lot of experience, if it’s done right, they {glass-ons} are one strong puppy.”

While he uses both removable and glass-on fins, legendary shaper Al Merrick believes that the flex pattern and base stability of glass-ons continue to keep their performance level a step ahead of removable-fin systems.

i had glass on fins they never broke once lol in 6 years i reckommend em if u never want to change ure fins

yeah are fine if you want to stick with the same set of fins. Personally I think that its good to try a range of fin systems and see what works best for you.

At the moment i'm using the FCS H2s- on loan from my mates, I don't have enough money to buy a new fin setup every few weeks -and they absolutely fly, get you thru flat sections with loads of drive.

i have glassed-on fins and fcs on different boards, for most people it will make no difference as most never change their fins anyway, although fcs have the advantage of being able to remove them if you need to fit a couple of boards in one bag for travelling etc.

@surfer16 do you find the h2s really make that much difference? ive been thinking of getting some to test drive but been reluctant cos i cant afford the massive price tag even if i like them at the mo. they do look mental tho.

Glass on fins only break if you hit them on something. I can't use fcs fins on the custom wave kiteboards i make as the extra loadings that put onto the fins can literally rip the whole fin and plug from the board.

KS

GowerCharger - definitely have a test drive, I really notice the difference. more drive and sharper thru turns.

if your glass on breaks can you have them sanded off and have removable fin boxes put in?

I like glass on fins because they feel more solid and drivey when you ride them but now im riding futures and one of my fins just snapped in half today so that really sucks.