Cutaway fin?

[Hoolio]

Following a previous post I've been looking at the whole fin thing...so many options and opinions I am now totally baffled! Have a 9'1" Fireball 2+1. Moved centre fin forward for better turning but can really feel the lack of drive. So - do I go for a cutaway fin and move it to the back of the box? I understand the cutaway is good for turning so would having it placed at the back give me the drive as well? Or do I just get a bigger 'standard' fin and keep it forward? Any suggestions welcomed.

[benw]

Hey,
Fins
DEPTH: The depth is the length of the fin from base to tip, or the distance it protrudes into the water. It affects the hold the fin has in a turn and the greater the depth the more control a board will have.

BASE LENGTH: Base length affects the amount of drive and speed the board has. The greater the base length, the greater the drive.

RAKE: The rake is the angle that the fin top's trailing edge sweeps back beyond the fin's rear point. Fins with plenty of rake cut through the water well and are good for big turns. Less rake means tighter turning arcs.

FLEX: Stiff fins with a small amount of flex have more speed and feel. Heavy flex fins are more forgiving and are better for novice surfers.

therefore, a cutaway is designed to give you hold but not too much drive. better for bigger stuff. fin position depends on if you are a heavy front or rear foot. you just want the fin under where you are planting youre weight. cutaway is a bit forgiving on this i think

if you were to get a hatchet you get lots of hold and drive in the small stuff, but not so good for turns in big surf. it will give you drive and let you turn on a dime as long as it is under your rear foot. if you move it too far back the board will get rigid and not want to turn.

a dolphin fin or traditional fin is an all rounder. get one with a nice long base, and a good depth, with a bit of rake, and it'll be pretty forgiving in all conditions.

also get rid of your side fins(stabilizers) in small surf. they are only there to help the board hold in big carving turns where the centre fin might not be doing anything (just scratching the waters surface)

hope this is of help
Ben