2+1 setup: What kind of sidebiter fins do you use?

Archive 1999-2004
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I ridden all sorts of fin setups longboards- including various single-fins, various thruster fins (mostly different models of fcs shortboard fins), and 2+1s. I found that 2+1s are the most versatile and perform in almost all conditions. I also found that positioning is more important than size or model of center fin. I usually have a 6.5-7.5 traditional style center fin (ie. kanoa pro model)… But my question is whether any of you out there have tried experimenting with different sized sidebiters? I know FCS makes a GX and GL model- the GL is not only smaller, but designed so that it sits towards the tail about 1cm more than the GX. I’ve also seen a few pros on the world tour use normal fcs shortboard fins as sidebiters together with a 7 inch center fin. Does anyone know how the different size and positioning of the sidebiters affect performance. Curious to know what size fins you use in different conditions.

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Fourtosixfeet, So What kind of a board are you surfing? What kind of conditions? Some specks would help. It’s pretty hard to talk in generalities when it comes to fins because when you put a given board and surfer together the fin set-up that works the best in one set of conditions may not be so hot in another. Broad generalities leave everyone at sea. If you want answers be specific. Mahalo, Rich

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I use a 7in center fin and put in two Al Merrick FCS templates as side bites on my 7 foot egg and they work great. At first it looked like I had too much fin, but the board really came alive compared to riding it as a single fin. I plan on trying out some smaller sidebites, like a G-1000 to see what happens.

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Longboards do have a large range of adjustability , A longboard will ride like a longboard with any third fin over 6.5" but that same longboard with a 5.5" give or take will ride like a thruster ! Now side bites are better tested if you can adjust them ? Having the ability to adjust both sidebites and center fin will totally open up a wider range of ridable waves !! CK Out edgefins.kauaistyle.com Aloha, Have a great surf ! Clyde Rodgers