i’m thinking about changing to Future’s fin system. mainly for cost, and the amount of templates they have. is this the system which is installed after shaping, before glassing??? anyone have opinions on their system?
Teddy, There are many fin box systems to choose from. This system ranks near the top of the list for ease of installation, stength, durability, & fin selection . It can be installed before the board is glassed – the preferred method, or it can be retrofitted to a board in its completed state. It has a very clean look about it and doesn’t show on the deck of the board. There are as many opinions about fin systems as there are kinds of surfcraft but this is a fairly objective look the system. Naturally if you go to the various fin web sites each one will be pitched as the best. I’ll stay away of the arguments becaise each one has its advantages. Read up on fin systems and go with what you think will serve your needs the best. Mahalo, Rich
Hey Teddy, heres my 2cents, I am far from a craftsman, and very far from being a detail type of guy. I bought the futures install kit, and have been really happy with it. Even a kook like me can get it done and it looks good. Install before glassing. I see tons of extra work if you put them in after. The kit comes with a vid. Its cake. ed
ed, thats good to hear. ill be buying the kit sometime this month and be putting it on my next board. im happy to hear its easy, videos are always great to! dj
Futures system is the best option available. Foremost, every fin in their system has a high quality foil. They have a high degree of laminar flow, and are designed to “vector” the flow of energy from the loaded fin into the rail of the surfboard. Simply the best conceived - highest quality foils available ! Additionally, the boxes are an excellent interface between fin and surfboard, are engineered to distribute energy loads (to avoid box failure) when installed properly, and install with relative ease at a point in the production schedule of the surfboard that simplifies glassing the surfboard.
ok well the battle that keeps coming up which is better? Its whatever you prefer. FCS has the K2.1 which I think is the only good fin they made until last week. Now they do a vector fin like future. Future does tons of fins and templates like carbons with flex, composit fins, and fiberglass fins. Who would think of a flex carbon? Well futures did and it kicks ass! Futures ride the best due to the fins sitting low to the board with no gaps. The box is also sturdy as hell. I have only had a few boxes crack but with FCS I have had a bunch. With the futures if you get the box in the early stage you can repair it and never know about it while the FCS must break to repair. I have also had fins blow out on turns which isn’t fun while riding the FCS. Futures I have only had a fin or 2 break through a turn. And no I didn’t hit any reef or sandbars. When it comes down to it all fin systems are good to some degree. The only one I have to say sucks is Red X. Red X you either blow out a rail or a tail if you break a fin which basically ruins your board. My vote for the top is Future, FCS, Lock Box, and Speed Fins.
Your talking about fins breaking under normal surfing conditions?, and this acceptable? Well, they break less than FCS? How about something that only breaks when it gets impacted? The best thing I have found is lokbox. Rocker built into the box to help maintain the shapers desired curvature, as well as the plate that bends (when impacted) to release the fin, and save the box. No effect to the deck, and adjustable fins. Add in ANY custom template/foil your heart desires, and an FCS adapter to allow those fins to fit the systemm as well, and you have something TRULY futuristic.