FCS II Longboard Fin fell out

[Shakujin]

Bought the FCS II connect longboard fin. It was working very well. I would describe it as whippy, great for quick pivots but also nice while cruising. I had it out three sessions then it fell out. Best I can figure, the last hit it and then it got pushed around in a closeout. As these are normal situations while I surf, I certainly will never buy the FCS II system again. Going with the trusting screw so I don't get stuck out back without a fin. Honestly, I figured they would test that sort of basic thing before putting their name on it. Quite disappointing.

[waikikikichan]

Wait until one day that bolted-in fin rips the center box out, who are you going to blame then ?

[Oldie]

Loosing FCS II Fins seems to be a common problem. I lost two already and my shop told me it happens very often. I think it happens with the leash pulling them out during a wipeout. I screw them in now and have no problems anymore, also not with ripped out Fin Boxes.

[waikikikichan]

also not with ripped out Fin Boxes.

The OP is talking about the large FCS II Center fins that fit into a longboard center box, not the smaller thruster type.

FCS-Connect-1.jpg (29.42 KiB) Viewed 3466 times

[Oldie]

Yes I know. But the principle is similar, as is the risk of losing. If you nosedive/fall forward with the leash hooked behind the fin, it can be pulled out.

[waikikikichan]

Wait until one day that bolted-in fin rips the center box out

also not with ripped out Fin Boxes.

Understood the possibility of FCSII fins "popping out" for both thruster and center fin. But having the center box ripped up after the center fin makes a hard contact is a common repair i see. That's why I recommend the brass screw and plastic plate instead of the stainless versions. Sure you might lose a fin, but it's cheaper than a box replacement/repair. What is common for FCS plugs is "Push-ins" or "Push-downs" where the plugs drops below the glass layer. Rip outs are not that common.

[Shakujin]

Seems reasonable

[RinkyDink]

I've read about FCS 2 fins falling out enough that I know I don't want to be an FCS 2 guinea pig for their new fin design which, as far as a I can tell, isn't working out that well. My last fin cost me about $80. That's a painful expense for me. I've looked at the fin design for the FCS 2 fins and I'm not convinced by their advertising. The fins seem to be falling out and they don't seem to be locking in place like they're supposed to. Water will work things loose unless you have a reliable way to tighten things down. I don't have the budget to wait for FCS to improve their design. I'd rather stick with the traditional bolt-on fin till new designs prove themselves. Take my word with a grain of salt though, I'm still running with a back zip wetsuit and a single fin longboard. Full Disclosure: I've never owned an FCS 2 fin or installed one.

[RinkyDink]

Understood the possibility of FCSII fins "popping out" for both thruster and center fin. But having the center box ripped up after the center fin makes a hard contact is a common repair i see.

I've read about some FCS 2 people ripping their fin boxes out just trying to install their FCS 2's to ensure they're locked down tight like they're supposed to be.

[waikikikichan]

Water will work things loose unless you have a reliable way to tighten things down.

I have been using the FCSII system for about a year now. Used 3 different types fins and put them on and take them off each time I go surf. No problems. BUT ...... if i did have problems, I could go back to my box full of the "original" FCS fins and install them right into the FCSII box.

Screenshot 2017-12-12 at 4.47.33 PM.png (234.76 KiB) Viewed 3409 times

The photo shows the fill in tabs, but I've seen guys just screw them in without those.
If you are worried about the FCSII fins coming out, you can always "lock them down" with the grub screws.

[benjl]

I had my first fcs2 close call last weekend on my starboard 8'5 sup. The centre fin was locked in with a screw but the side fins were fcs2. Don't know how it happens but
Just somehow I went to flip the board over and felt that one of the fins was about to fall
Out after a bail. Would've been disasterous in overhead missing one of the side fins!
Not convinced either.. I feel like the boxes don't work as well with traditional fcs1 fins so it's hard using a board with those fin plugs.
Futures also have their draw backs if the fin screws aren't correctly drilled or don't quite align with the tab slots. Had a new sup recently that felt lose as while being fully screwed in. Luckily I had a seperate set of fins which luckily seemed to fit a lot better!

[RinkyDink]

I have been using the FCSII system for about a year now. Used 3 different types fins and put them on and take them off each time I go surf. No problems. BUT ...... if i did have problems, I could go back to my box full of the "original" FCS fins and install them right into the FCSII box.
The photo shows the fill in tabs, but I've seen guys just screw them in without those.
If you are worried about the FCSII fins coming out, you can always "lock them down" with the grub screws.

I stand corrected. I think the grub screws would give me peace of mind, but that would also negate the whole concept of the fin design (get them in and out on the fly). I've never used the fins or even examined them in a fin box. I'm only going by the refrain of "FCS2 fins fall out" that I read on the forums. You can google "fcs2 fins fall out" and see that it's a subject of conversation. I don't really know whether there's a serious problem or not. It could be user error or a flaw in a particular fin box or a design flaw in the fin. I don't know. My only point was that it might be one of those buyer beware products that you need to spend some time making sure you install right.

[waikikikichan]

You can google "fcs2 fins fall out" and see that it's a subject of conversation. I don't really know whether there's a serious problem or not. It could be user error or a flaw in a particular fin box or a design flaw in the fin.

Try searching for an image of a ripped out FCS II plug. I haven't been able to find a single photo, but there's rumors that they do, right ? The older FCS plugs when installed after glassing. The newer FCS II plugs are installed under the glass ( like Futures fins are ), so I don't see them ripping out anymore or less than Futures fins which is really rare.
It usually comes down to user error. Board softracks, Nutri bullet blender, Dyson vacuums. When something goes wrong the forums are full of complaints. I'm the type that reads through the "Owners Manual" fully. Then there are those that "just figure it out as it goes". Tell me, when's the last time you cleaned out the secondary filter on your Dyson vacuum, which you're suppose to do at least once every 3 months. " What secondary filter ?? "

[Oldie]

I think the issue has nothing to do with ripped out boxes. I believe that the fins are not ripped out front to back like in situations when you run the board in the ground. I think they are lost the same way they are supposed to be removed - pulling them out with a movement from back to front. And I think this is happening with the leash during a wipeout. At least I know that I lost my fins during wipeouts, not while running into the ground.

[waikikikichan]

I think the issue has nothing to do with ripped out boxes. I believe that the fins are not ripped out front to back like in situations when you run the board in the ground. I think they are lost the same way they are supposed to be removed /quote]
Agreed, but my response was to put in to question rumors that FCS II boxes rip out during manual fin removal.

I've read about some FCS 2 people ripping their fin boxes out just trying to install their FCS 2's to ensure they're locked down tight like they're supposed to be.

[RinkyDink]

You can google "fcs2 fins fall out" and see that it's a subject of conversation. I don't really know whether there's a serious problem or not. It could be user error or a flaw in a particular fin box or a design flaw in the fin.

Try searching for an image of a ripped out FCS II plug. I haven't been able to find a single photo, but there's rumors that they do, right ? The older FCS plugs when installed after glassing. The newer FCS II plugs are installed under the glass ( like Futures fins are ), so I don't see them ripping out anymore or less than Futures fins which is really rare.
It usually comes down to user error. Board softracks, Nutri bullet blender, Dyson vacuums. When something goes wrong the forums are full of complaints. I'm the type that reads through the "Owners Manual" fully. Then there are those that "just figure it out as it goes". Tell me, when's the last time you cleaned out the secondary filter on your Dyson vacuum, which you're suppose to do at least once every 3 months. " What secondary filter ?? "

It could be user error. I'm going to wait and see how things play out with the FCS2 fins. If the fin really has design flaws, then we'll probably see it tank in terms of sales.

[paddlingwaves]

Hello , Shakujin i lost mine to, actually twice now, thanks for bringing this up, i am gonna keep looking for a solution if i find one ill post it back here.

[gtmeredith]

I just tried out the FCS 2 system for the first time on a new board. The second time out surfing, my side fin just fell out mid session. Maybe my leash hit it. It was a very tame session. AVOID FCS2 or if you have to use them, make sure you use the grub screws! I didn't have my grub screws in, and I regret it. This system is an expensive joke

[Oldie]

Now again…This time I lost a FCS2 Longboard Center Fin during a wipeout - another 70€ Drowned in the Atlantic. Local Shops now only carry FCS2 Longboard fins…Now i wonder how to secure them better - hesitant to pay for a fin I may lose anytime.

[jaffa1949]

What size fin I will mail you one! + Plate and bolt!