Quads VS Thrusters

word up

You present an interesting topic. I learned to surf on a thruster and when I finally rode a qaud I never went back. I have a couple of them now ranging from 5'8" to 6'8". To me its all about speed and fluidity through lines. My main issue with thrusters is when I am dropping in, I feel like I am hanging up on the lip. Also when I am airing out. Its the same problem. I feel like that back fin is holding on to long. I have found with qauds the drops are much looser allowing me set my line quicker on steep faces. When airing out I feel like the qauds allow more of a treking motion, launching and rotating faster, as well as a noticable difference the feasibility to grab on to a rail. When I am airborne the board is already under me... Thrusters are more stable, qauds are looser and thickness = speed. They both have there advantages and disadvantages. Its all about your style, and I am with you on this one. Peace.

 

I've surfed twin fins thrusters and single fins, and I've had a 5'10 quad for the past year and I must say it's the most fun board I've owned. It's fast and responsive. I have found though (one of the little treasures) that this board will hold higher up in a barrel. I'd like to get a 5'8 quad if I can find one...

 

quads are faster in smaller waves than thrusters due to lesser drag. but if you surfing bigger more powerful waves the quad will slip on your bottom turns and feel out of control if you dont approach the wave correctly. i enjoy the quad setup but have stuck to the thruster so that back fin can hold the board in place on bottom turns and in the barrel for those obx shackalacks and travels abroad. smaller/mushier waves-go with the quad. bigger/steeper waves- stick with the thruster (unless your joe pro)

 

Ditto...I use my quad in smaller waves, it catched waves easier and is much faster than my thruster. I usually run a twin-fin setup in it though. Those 2 large keels help me run even faster and don't ever slip out like when I run the quad setup. Although, some prefer a little slip.

 

That's what I do too.

 

I ride four fins all the time. I use two trailer fins from a longboard for the smaller ones. I like to have the tail a little tighter than a twin but a little more loose than the set up that came with it

 

same heres

 

5'8" Quad

You should check out the firewire dominator. I'm sure you've heard of it, but it's great because you can set it up as a quad or a thruster. Here's a link if you want to check it out (just in case you haven't already).
http://www.firewiresurfboards.com/quiver_boards.php?boardid=dominator

 

The dominator is a cool concept but IMO more things go into how a board rides than just its fin setup. So one board with multiple fin setups isn't going to be an all purpose board. You still have to add in rocker concave, board thickness...etc. Most likely you'll find that the board performs best in just one fin setup and the rest are for novelty.

 

Dominator

Actually,
The Dominator is exactly made to be kind of an all purpose board man. I owned one and loved it.....I think that it rode equally well with both a quad set up and as a thruster. I did like the quad set up in small waves for the speed however. It is really a fun board with both fin set ups. The design of the Dom is sick in my opinion and is a pretty good all around board. It has more float than your standard short board, but feels much closer to one that many small wave fish designs. Especially when count in the flat rocker that becomes more curved when you get it going....especially out of turns and coming of of bottom turns it kind of springs you. It ride much much better that one would think by just looking at one alone. I have gone custom these past two boards since I had mine, but do miss the feeling of that board. Check out the forum on Firewire's site....Really in depth break downs of alot of things Dominator...Sorry, I know this kind of went on.....

 

I just don't like the idea of being stuck with one size of board it just doesn't seem practical, but to each his own. My quad is a 5' 9" and its prefect for small waves but hate it on anything over head high. And my thrusters range from 6' to 6' 2" and I prefer each one for different size and types of waves. One board for all purpose may suit you but it just doesn't make sense to me. If all you can afford is one board maybe so, but its still a high ticket board,and you could score 2 or 3 used boards for the same price. If you got one board and its in the shop getting fixed then you got nothing to ride.

 

Exactly...Having boards to choose from is ideal to suit different waves. I cannot afford going through PU boards so quickly, so my last two customs have been through Jimmy Keith. His epoxy is stronger and lasts way longer, plus, they carry good flex characteristics. Nothing like going custom.......

 

I switched to a firewire quadraflex (performance quad) about 3 years ago and i wont go back. its faster and looser. Perfect for waves in MB.

 

Has anyone tried a quad longboard? I love how my quad shortboard works but I've made the transition to only longboard for more days on the water. I've seen Modern Longboards and Ricky Carrolls in a quad set up be never heard from anyone that surfed them.

 

I'd say that that it could offer possibilities only if you're interested in a more maneuverable short board like feel; for nose riding and more classic style 1 fin is the way to go. With so little fin depth with the quad setup those fins'll be sliding as soon as you get anywhere near the nose.

 

ive been riding two custom 5'8 surf culture boards this year with the five fin setup and must say i have fallen in love with the quad. i had never ridden a quad untill this year, i will always have at least one in the quiver from here on out. i also agree with running a thruster in bigger stuff tho. j.m.o

 

have a dom. its sick

 

I have a longboard that you can set it up for any combination. I'm amazed at how fast and responsive it is when ridden as a quad. I ridden it as a single fin, 2 + 1, Twin, and a Quad. Never tried 5 fins - don't think you could turn it.

 

Recycled Surfer,

What kind of board do you have? I'm looking for the speed and responsiveness you're talking about. I'm on a 9'0" single fin Hunt Custom and I love it but I'm looking for something a little looser and faster. I've seen some Ricky Carrolls and on from Modern Longboards but I want to know what else is out there. Thanks for the feedback.