Calling all fin gurus

I like quads and feel the fcs2 quad choices are limited. If you are going thruster only, I think fcs2 works well. I have fcs2 boards but use the old 2 tabs in them. Works fine until I find me a good fcs2 quad setup (the stretch quads look like they may work for me but the dims on the website are wrong which is preventing me from buying)

 

Glass 'em (or it) on and take the guess work out. If you are getting a really respected craftsman to build your cues and they will not get in a board bag a lot then let the shaper decide where to put the fins (& toe, cant, outline & foil). That way they are the board and the board is them. No BS screws, clamps, springs, tools or lost and stripped parts. Leave the complexity somewhere else. Surfing at it's best is therapy from all the other crap I have to deal with. You crave techno weenie stuff then learn OBDII or build a rocket, leave surfing simple as possible.

 

I never did too much extensive experimentation with fins, at least not on SBs that weren't single fins. Until recently and I'm still experimenting/figuring things out. So I'm sure others could give you better advice. but here's my .02

My past two SBs I got with future boxes. Like you said seems to me like a lot more options, and the whole "ride number" thing is kinda useful when your trying to figure things out I believe. Never had a problem with the future boxes. I had all FCS fins/boards as well before I got the last to SBs with futures. I was at a point where I was finally figuring out exactly what I wanted in a board/boards, so I decided to completely move away from FCS since those boards with FCS boxes were basically being replaced. Started fresh with futures. Basiclly what im trying to say is, if your in a similar position id suggest futures for the more options. If you already have lots of FCS fins you like, and your not completely redesigning your quiver like I was, sticking with FCS may be a better choice and more cost effective. Good luck! Figuring these sort of things out is half the fun!

 

All of my boards have FCS fins but my new board that's being shaped as we speak is getting Futures, so this will be my first time I've tried anything other than FCS. Times a changing I suppose. I know some people swear by Futures so looking forward to trying something different for a change.

 

I have a feeling i'm going to dig them, i'm sure you will too. Mike Daniel recommended them to me since I have yet to try them and he hasn't steered me wrong yet, so i'm going to trust him. I think they (Coil) only do FCS II and Future boxes now. I'll report back on how I like them in a few months

 

You'll be able to find the same templates (or really close) in future or FCS. Most 'signature' fins are just minor tweaks to existing templates.Most shaper templates will be available in all systems.A good local shop should have free demos...
... good luck-

 

honeycomb all the way... no comparison, IMO

 

You can still get FCS Fusions and I don't think FCS are phasing them out. Well, if they are phasing them out, they're dumb because I think they'd lose a lot of customer to Futures. I would switch to Futures if that were the case as I have zero interest in FCS 2 and I've always been an FCS guy.

 

I've only blown out one future box compared to about 7 FCS plugs

I only try to buy boards with futures in them now. personal preference.

 

I have settled in with the FCS V-2's. Used to think they were too stiff but I went back to the PC7 quads and those were way too loose.PC7s lacked drive for me.

 

My Lost Rocket I just picked up has FCS (not FCS2) & I'm a Future girl couldn't pass up a deal though. Any suggestions on fins? I like the CM2 but would lean more towards "small" size for this board. I liked the CM2 on my oversized SB.

Totally clueless on FCS..will resort to finatic this summer to find the perfect set.

 

My set ups


Lost V3 - Clay Marzo CM2 quads

CI Dumpster Diver - WCT Techflex

WRV Generator - EA Techflex

All Future

 

The V2's are great. I have the quad set and I like the more upright, fuller tip template with the stiffness. I actually use the V2 sides and a crappy plastic size 3 in the middle for a thruster set up. The stiffness of the sides makes the plastic center fin tolerable IMO. The new CI FRP fins (merrick template) are good for open faced waves but I like the snappy pivot of the V2 for everyday/peaky conditions. Pretty flexy, though for the CI's, but it's more of a designed tip flex.

 

Try the V2. Formerly known as the k2.1. It's a good all around fin for beach break/more vertical surfing.