New improved FCS plugs ?.

General Discussion
1

Has anyone out there used or know anything about the the new FCS plugs [new material used on plugs].Are they any stronger than the old ones?

2

Time to make a move. I am go to try an order some of the new plugs and try them. Not that the old ones were that bad, I had seen a few in need of repairs from breakage but that happens to other systems too. Thanks

3

Allegedly stronger - won’t know until some break

Cooler color

Better design of seat

Old or new - It comes down to how well they’re put in

4 
Howzit nicko, I've done installs with the new plugs since they came out with them and they work great,especially since you don't have to wipe them with acetone. One thing I do is rough up the plug bottom with some 50 grit sand paper, but I also did that with the old plugs. Aloha,Kokua
5
Quote:

Has anyone out there used or know anything about the the new FCS plugs [new material used on plugs].Are they any stronger than the old ones?

This good question, I say no they are not, but maybe it deservers an answer from one of the FCS Corporate lurkers who are always watching the site and only come out of hiding when the pressure is applied. that is if there is anyone left in the company you knows anything as technical as this.

Question; why change the material to brittle polycabonate, when the original tougher material was a success for a decade? Could it be an act of desperation because PVC doen’t come in “pretty opaque colors” that look cool and sell product short term but don’t hold up long term leaving the poor surfer stuffed?

Question: How do fancy barbed cutouts on the new plug prevent plugs cracking or bonding any better, they tap air, increase resin volume which in turn creates more heat, thus more shrinkage, thus more problems.

6

I’m happy with mine so far …I have used them with big [fibreglass] homemade twin fins , and three tabbed homemade fibreglass keels , and fibreglass larger thruster fins…

http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=265752;page=1;mh=-1;;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC

cheers !

ben

7

I put in the new plugs and they all cracked around the screw. It was a first for me. I do prefere the old ones. The new ones do look cool though.

8

Hey Chip ,

How much did u pay for the plugs , would like to get a few … thx , Andi .

9

no worries mate !

i am still waiting for you to send me your address from last time , for the 10" finbox i will get ya

[just private message me your address , please , andy …]

cheers !

ben

10

I did a repair a few weeks ago with the new plugs.

the guy went over the falls at a shallow reefbreak and oviously one of the side fins hit bottom

and broke both plugs in half. have never seen this with the old plugs. has anyone seen it happen with the old plugs?

jimmy.

11

"have never seen this with the old plugs. has anyone seen it happen with the old plugs? "

hi jimmy !!

if you mean right down the middle , front edge to back , then …

yes ,

the one I pulled out of the “prawn” broke EXACTLY like that !

cheers

ben

12

Howzit Swifty, Never heard of that happening to FCS plugs. How did it happen, hit something while surfing? We’ve had nothing but good feedback on the new plugs here on Kauai. Aloha,Kokua

13

Thank you everyone for all the great imput. Im going to try the new plugs.