You wrote: “And the performance of a tabbed system is lacking in comparison to a full base system as well.” I’m truly interested in your explaination on this. First off, let me say the best boards I have ridden have had glassed-on fiberglass Aerocore fins. I also have extensive use of FCS fins, and have had recent use of Futures Fins, which also are quite good. But can you explain why you say a tabbed fin such as FCS would be any difference performace-wise? I don’t see them flexing any differently at their tabs, especially the carbon fins which seem just as stiff as glass-ons. What about the tabs would affect performance?
In my experience, tabbed systems are inferior to full base systems. But instead of my opinion let me tell you about my recent discussion on the subject with Rusty. Rusty said, “With FCS, our team rider’s surfing had become recovery based. We didn’t even recognize this until we had switched to Futures. Initially our team had problems adjusting to this, but once they did, we realized the advantages. Their surfing became much more positive.” This is the same thing I found with the different systems. The secure attachment at the base is very important. Futures, Red X, O’Fish’L’, Lockbox and the Edge system are all very secure bases. Having said this, I do think that this matters only at the leading edge of high performance.