Four Way Fin System

I was watching an interview with Daniel Ross this afternoon and I noticed the board he was holding had an unusual fin system on it.  A search of the internet and I found it.  Its called the Four Way Fin System.  Here is their website.  http://www.4wfs.com/home

Seems like a very interesting idea.  They claim you can adjust your fin set up on four different axis.  Anybody used them?  Seems like they have a very limited distrobution which would be a downside if you ever broke one or needed fins.  Neat idea though.  They get an A+ for innovation.

 

they post here on Swaylocks... http://www2.swaylocks.com/forums/4-way-fin-system-all-new-nano-box-under-glass-relase

interesting stuff for sure. i'm happy with my Probox's but 4wfs looks pretty cool.

Yea, they have been on here a while, and I agree they seem really cool and I would love to try a board with them to really play around with fins to understand them better.

Daniel Ross did a good job of holding his board so the fin system was clearly visable for a beach interview during the Portugal comp also. Pity the interviewer didn’t have the smarts to ask about about it.

As to distribution surely that is a non issue. OK my local surf shop is unlikely to stock them but you can probably get them in the post in a few days in most parts of the world.

If I had the choice I would have them in all my boards.

Thanks for posting this up.  Had seen them on sways before, but didn't pay much attention.  But took a second look, including the video - seems like a very smart idea.  I'd love to have all that adjustability in all my fin installs!  Will definitely plan to give 'em a go on a future board.  Anyone know what prices are like (fins and boxes)?

I noticed the 4WFS plugs on Daniel Ross’s board yesterday as well.  (Didn’t notice them at the Portugal comp.)

I don’t think DR was pushing them into the camera from a sponsorship point of view - he’s not listed as a team rider on the 4WFS website.  Anyway, if he is, I’m sure Deano will pop up and explain :slight_smile:

I think its a great system, and have put 4 Ways plugs in each of the shortboards I’ve made.  (I’ve also just ordered a board from Dean with them - when’s it gonna be ready Dean?! :wink:

As for distribution, it’s easy for me, 'cause they’re based in Cape Town.  Having said that, I regularly buy longboard fins from the US, and shaping supplies from the US and Oz, so I don’t know if that’s such a big issue these days.  It’s a global village!

In the interview I saw Daniel Ross simply stood with his board nose down ( fins up and facing outwards) which I thought was unusual as the surfers usually make sure their sponsors logo is facing towards the camera. Generally the beach interviews are appalling anyway with only GT stopping (and getting the interviewee to call the wave ) when a wave is ridden. Still it must be a thankless task as the majority surfers don’t usually come over as fountains of wisdom being rather too well drilled in the same lame phrases.

As regarding 4wfs and any other surfboard related improvement has anyone else noticed how  surfers  always come up with excuses why not to go with improvements rather than seeing potential.

hmmm Daniel Ross, many of you guys surf like him? I dont think I coluld even ride the boards he does, let alone “like him.”

But I have been building and riding quads with 4-Way’s System  for over 3 years now.

Just returned from 3 weeks in  Fiji a month ago; usually I’d bring a 4 board quiver.

This time, one 6’-4" quad and one back up set of fins and discs: that’s it.

Two out of three weeks of CloudBreak, anywhere from 4’-12’ faces solid…one board.

When  4’, compress and tow the cluster, when 12’ spread and straighten the cluster,

didnt even bother to change the cant,

and most times just the tow, in the water, no tools,

just leave the discs’ screws a tad loose and adjust on the fly.

Likewise, adjust your mind, dont get plugged or boxed into stagnation

Unless one’s willing to “change” you’ll never realize  full potential,… you or your board’s

 

Hi Mako224

Been using the system for a number of years in all my boards.  Initially it was so I could perfect the fin settings, but I got to like the ability to change settings, so I use it in all my boards.  I tend to tune a board and then mark the settings so I can return to them if I adjust for very small or “just for a change”.  I’ve become addicted to the fin range.  Some of the best foiling in the business and none of that floppy plastic stuff.  Good connection of fins to the board.

I have snaped a few fins.  Always RHS (the inside fin for right bottom turns). Some definitely from bumps against rocks and things.  One maybe just from an amped bottom turn.  Maybe not so, but I like to claim the power move!

Dean was kind enough to donate a 4 way system for the Swaylocks fund raising raffle at the Big Sur camp out a couple of years ago.   It looked like a solid well designed and well made system.  I'm always ready to mention that we should patronize the generous sponsors of events like that.

BUMP

hi Tim,

well actually we are meeting on wed so u can witness your board's creation... should be fun hey!

 

Guys, thanx for the positive feedback, really appreciate it....

 

The whole 4 way team have worked really hard to get our product up to world standard, and it's been through the support of you guys and surfers like Dan R that have seen the potential for what it is...

 

so when things like this happen, it makes this whole journey seem worth while...

 

thanx again,

 

Regards

Deano

 

 

thanks - so the best way in so. cal. is to purchase from the website direct, and pay by pay-pal?  I have to say I have been very happy with probox, but would definitely like to try your system out and see how it works.  Are the fins proprietary?  Seems like they would have to be.  Does anyone sell your fins in so. cal., or is that the same deal, buy from the website?

Hi Huckleberry,

yes, at present, it's best to order via email and pay via Pay Pal...

the fins are not proprietary, but they are trickier than most to copy as they all have 6 deg splay built in, and if u don't get the fit right, then it's going to sacrifice fin performance.

 

Fins are sold via usa@4wfs.com and a few select retailers that Adam may be servicing over there in So-cal.

 

As the range is pretty big these days, just check out the web-site for your preffered fin choice ok:

http://www.4wfs.com/products/foil-selections

 

let us know when u need anything ok.

 

Best regards

Deano

 

 

 

Regarding the variety of foils available:  Adjustability lets you get more variety from fewer fin shapes.  

I reckon that, with non-adjustable systems, much of the effect of changing fins arises from moving the centre of resistance - so, for example, a heavily raked fin with the base positioned in the same place will move the centre of resistance further back, whereas a more upright fin will move it forward.  With an adjustable system, you get much of the same effect by moving the same fin forward or backward.

Obviously different foils and profiles do make a difference, but 90% of what the average surfer will notice can be accomplished by moving the same fin forward or backward.

Tim

WWMark............ well said.

Bill..... not sure what you mean by "Bump"?

BT has always been a heady designer, but I bet he will attest to how few really proressive surfers would immediately jump on a system like this, as WWMark cites surfers being slow to explore potential.

A case in point is tri vs. quad....... yes, there are more McKee influenced five fin setups starting to appear in the mainstream.......... Rusty, C.I., Lost.......... the big boys, and this acceptance allows others to follow suit. Forget that it was smaller manufacturers that more readily explore things such as what is being discussed here. The truth of the matter is until it gets exposed with the 'big boys' with their corporate advertising budgets and paid pro surfers, nothing moves into widespread acceptance much less use.

Distribution is a huge challenge for anyone trying to promote a heady, well conceived idea. I've asked for this system more than once, emailed, got a response about being contacted by their rep out of So. Cal........ then nothing.

Quite honestly, the ability to vary your toe in, cant, etc. is HUGE. BT will tell you that. The good shaper designers have very specific toe ins and cants that they adhere to for various designs they make. With quads this is even more readily apparent than tri fins as the choice of flat, eliptical or two side foils makes a significant difference in how they perform.

Now add the ability to do more from a system like this and you can explore and produce anything that could range from magic to catastrophic.

But going back to WWM's remark...... most surfers by and large do not, and will not experiment with a system like this even when their shaper tells them that it is a great feature worth trying.

The main problems are:

Lack of Distribution & Marketing

Lack of production set up to offer them... (new stuff can represent new tooling... not good in soft economies)

Unwillingness to subject one's self to peer pressure........... tried and true is s--a-f-e (can also be stagnant).

Swaylockians often seek adventure & sometimes are a bit crazy while the rest of the surfing world just shuffles along.

 

gee dead thats a bit tough.   i have used deans system for prbly 3yrs   and you are right about the sheep.

 

  i have had brilliant service from  his agent here much beter than any of the other mob?

when i asked  a question about certain fin characteristics  which was a very sensible idea      ( shapers need to know?

**who went to the trble"      ( only dean) **

**      where were all the suits[img_assist|nid=1047866|title=pet|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=640|height=480]                                                                                                                           **

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

havent done  any lately    been hulling      how about a sngle fin box  dean        haaa’’

 

**              cheers huie
**

**
**

Hi Deadshaper,

I can only apologize up-front... for our usa distributor not getting back to you!

 

i will get Adam to call u asap...

 

i am not sure why he never returned your call or followed up on your request...

maybe he was swamped at the trade shows at the time... not sure... but that's not an excuse...

 

Now that i know, i will make sure he calls u asap ok... i still have your email and contact details on my side...

 

We would be stoked to get you involved and to get your feedback using 4wfs ok.

 

if u don't get a reply from Adam within 24 hours, please bring it to our attention and we will follow up asap.

 

Best regards

Deano

 

 

thanx Huie,

about the single fin box,

we thought about this a while back,

top be honest, what would we be achieving in releasing a longboard box,

there's a good enough selection of longboard boxes out there... and what would we be offering

that would be different to what's already out in the market place???... same a a leash plug etc..

 

i mean we could add nifty little features etc... but the longboard single fin box technology is limited

 

or am i missing possibly,  something very unique???

 

let me know ok,

 

Regards

Deano

 

 

 

Is there a pricelist available to help make choices?

I’ve seen there was a distributor in the UK, what about France? Do we have to ask for a quote and order from the UK? That’s not very straightforward if you don’t have the pricelist easily available on the website. I’ve been interested for several years but never actually ordered fin plugs / fins yet. If I could easily order online, this might already have been done.