Fins for a mid-lenght

[cheekobonavista]

I recently bought a 7'6 X 22 mid-length surfboard. It is a mini-longboard with a wide nose, a Bing Collector with 5 fin boxes. I have no fins for the board and I am wondering about size recommendations.

Would the quad set I use on my 5'8 X 19 1/4 X 2 3/8 small wave performance board work?

I am hoping to get a 2 + 1 set-up for performance surfing and a single fin to try my hand at cross stepping and nose riding. I was wondering what size people would recommend for the 2 +1 set and for the single fin? I am probably going to order fins from True Ames. I weight about 170lbs.

Any advise would be appreciated. This is my first time using a non-shortboard/fish.

[dtc]

You could start off with standard cheap M5s as a thruster and see how that feels and then start playing around. I doubt a quad set from a 5'8 will be suitable, but you can always try on a nice small wave day and see what you think - no harm will be done. If you are planning on running it as a thruster/2+1, then obviously the quad set isnt suitable. Most mid lengths are not quads, not that I can say there is a particular reason for it, its just not usual (this may or may not be justified) - although I have seen quads on boards which are used on nice open faced point waves

Often for a mid length, the 2+1 set up doesnt require a very big '1', so it could be an M5/7 centre and 2x M3 or something like that. Or even smaller. I have a 7ft4 that sounds similar to yours and I'm 180lb. I have ended up with a centre fin that is between M5 and M7 (its a 'large M5' - the MF-1) and some side fins that are 4inch longboard side fins (smaller than M3s). But I went through a few different sets of fins and played mix and match with my other fins to get a combination I liked. For example, the full MF-1 set with side fins was terrible and didnt turn at all; I found 3 x M5s was ok but not quite loose enough for me. Pretty much I had to keep reducing fin size to get what I wanted and playing around with the centre fin placement in the fin box

Of course, you might end up with a similar feeling by running a larger centre (like a 6inch) and knubster (2 inch) side fins. I havent tried that

This is not a nose riding fin set up, in which case go with a dedicated single fin as you indicated - others will have a better idea of the shape and size for that and hopefully will chime in (waikikichan?)

[waikikikichan]

Like DTC said, just run the Quad fins you already own. ( unless you're full of money ). You'll learn more about your new board and rails, since one variable, the fins, are the same.

For Single, easy rule is INCH for FOOT. So you got a 7'6", then try about a 7.5" inch fin. But templates vary. Bases and tips designs change the turn in and drive. I like the flexy tip but wide base of Greenough 4-A if your going True Ames. ( but at your weight/size i would try the 8" greenough since the area is minimum )

2+1 means a longer center fin in a center box with side fins in plugs. FCS would be GX and Futures Fins would be SB1 usually. Center fin can be 6" ish.

Lastly, you left out another setup..... Twin-Stabi. Big sides ( think FCS MR sides or Futures T1 ) in plugs and small center fin ( 2.5" - 3.0"ish ) in a box. Those are fun.

[dtc]

I should have been clearer that a 2+1 for that length will either require a slightly larger (5 inch or less) centre and smallish sides (almost a standard thruster set up with all fins the same) or a larger centre (say 6inch) with v small sides (under 4 inch). You can easily over fin if you treat it like a 9ft longboard

[Big H]

Just for 4-A reference:
I have a 7'8" and ride it as a single fin (though it has 2+1 setup available)...I use True Ames greenough 4a 8.5" in it. Like Wkkchan said, fin area is on the smaller side for it's length comparatively speaking so I went a little larger and it's worked well. I'm 87kg and usually ride that board in a minimum of head high waves, often hollow; 8" ought to suit you perfect.

[cheekobonavista]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm thinking an 8 inch single fin. Not sure about the 2+1 but I was thinking a larger center fin. De-baiting between 6, 6.5, or 7 inch fin, and 3.25 or 3.7 inch side bites. I have Futures fin boxes but the center fin is a slide fin.

[jaffa1949]

I'd look at the 7 or 8 inch ( max) and consider the option to use small side bites
Have a read of the fin primer viewtopic.php?f=9&t=16523 for a basic understanding of fin systems and use the centre fin box ability to shift the fin to fine tune its positioning to suit your surfing. Forward = looser back = tight to turn.
Try the side bites too see what you like and play with the length of the base of the fins see what gives there for you.
Why are there no definitive answers? because we all do it a little different