I posted a thread earlier in the month about a new custom ill be getting. Well, I pulled the trigger and it's in the works now. Short stubby mini sims type of shape. 5'2x22x2.5 This board is allot of firsts for me. First eps/epoxy, first short stubby shape, first quad (I have the 5 fin options on my dd and step up, go thruster 99% of the time). Being my first quad I thought it'd be nice to get some discussion about fin set ups. For my size, I'm looking at the stretch or the Dave rasta set. Futures, medium (weigh 150). I'll choose on of those but wanted to ask. I hear allot of quad guys mix and match sets. Diffrent rears with diffrent fronts. What's the thought process behind doing this? And as a side note, what are your guys opinions on fin size? I weigh 150, so I ride medium fins. But according to the futures website I'm could ride smalls to. I'm on the higher end of that range. Got me thinking maybe I should try some small fins, even on the thrusters. So discuss your guys thought process when mix and matching quads. With thrusters it's just pick a fin you like and go, so I'm in the dark about this topic.
Now, you see, I have had just 2 boards with quads. I look at it this way: On bigger days surf wise, larger fins; on smaller days, smaller fins. Making it any more complicated than that is kinda silly. just opinion...and this does work for me, btw.
Thanks gaff, just checked them out. Still seem a little big for me but it's another option. And there deffinitly is more to thrusters than just picking a set, I just meant you don't see guys mixing and matching thruster sets. And Barry, I'm with you on that. That's why I'm in the dark about the topic. Seemed to complicated for me to ever care. But now that I have a dedicated quad being made and I'm looking at fins. Most of the templates I like are bigger templates for my size. And this is a small wave board so I'm worried about going to big. The smaller controllers gaff mentioned are an option though. I'll have to experiment since it's my first board with a wide tail and quad. But fins are too expensive to just wing it. Hence why I'm asking opinions. If this was a more traditional style board it wouldn't even be a question.
Sorry no advise on fins etc. I just ride them how I get them and have never had an issue other than a bing I had once but that one I am convinced the kid at the shop gav me the wrong set. I ride only quads and twins and love them. Never been a thruster guy, maybe because I tend to steer away from heavy steep barreling waves.
Dudes have been running Rasta Sea Shepherds and von sol nubsters on fat ass boards now with some Really wild success. Ask your shaper what they think, and if any dudes have gotten them from him what they're running in your local waters. I'll canvas my end and get back to you brother.
I'm 175 lbs and still ride medium Futures. On my quad, I like very upright fins for their pivoty turns...so of the two you're considering, I'd choose the Stretch. After some trial & error, I settled on Future WCT sides and QD2 4.0 trailers (I already had the WCT set and the QD2 pair was cheaper).
The only advise I have for you is to go with the smaller fins on a board with a super wide tail, especially if it's designed for smaller surf... I agree with Barry on that. Depending on some other factors, I think super wide-tailed boards can be a little stiff feeling, and smaller fins will help make it feel loose. You might also want to look at the toe-in on the fins. Depending on how much toe they have, you might want to consider fins with the inside foil.
That was my thoughts LBCrew. That's why I'm not sure about the controllers. And thanks waterbaby. I like the stretch template better also. Since I'm in the upper range of smalls, but still in range I think I'm going to look at some smaller fins also, especially since it's a small wave board. Luckily I have about 3 weeks to decide what I want. Might even just ride it with the stock fins and see what I want out of it and go from there. And kpd73, long time no see! I was actually looking at those sea shepards also. Thanks for the input. I might have to try that out some time down the line. And by the way, that bonzer is still treating me good. Iv gotten that thing dialed now. What a blast. Can't thank you enough.
