It seems that every single time I make a board, I think to myself “okay, that’s nice, but I wish the fins were 1/4” back (or a little more forward, or anywhere but where I stuck them)".
So, I’ve resolved to use an adjustable system like ProBox or LokBox next time around. I’ve read everything in the archives on these two and I’m still left wondering which to use. Obviously, ProBox has an added element of adjustability (cant), but I was struck by one post from a few months ago when a user wrote that he wouldn’t use it on a personal board of his (it’s in the “an old fashioned swaylocks tech discussion of fin systems” thread). By the way, these are fins for an old-school-new-school-skipped-school 5’10" round pin quad.
Seems like there are subtle differences in how secure of a fit there is and how well the box fits under the glass? I’m not too concerned about choices of fins to use, since I know I’ll order way too many choices and eventually give up on those and make my own. I’d rather put the best boxes on the board.
Seems like there are subtle differences in how secure of a fit there is and how well the box fits under the glass? I’m not too concerned about choices of fins to use, since I know I’ll order way too many choices and eventually give up on those and make my own. I’d rather put the best boxes on the board.
So…What do you all prefer and why?
Thanks!!!
The old fashion thread has alot of information. Discount the guy who said he would not use probox because he does not use probox. .He is tied to another fin system via business association. Do your own research and you can even contact the owners of these companies via their websites.
I’ve thoroughly devoured the appropriate websites, so I was just fishing for anyone who had a strong personal belief one way or the other, maybe a few personal experiences, etc. Also, I see far more “high-end” boards in shops w/ lokbox already installed, so I was wondering if there is some reason why that is.
Overall, they both look like great systems, although I am way too tempted by the ability to mess with cant.
My landlord is shutting down my shaping operation, so this may be the last board I make for a while No good! So, I want to make sure I make the best decision I can…
Anyway, thanks for shedding light on why one person had such a strong reaction…
you see more high end boards with lokbox because they’re more established than probox. probox is a new player to the scene. both systems are solid, but from the backyard boardbuilder’s perspective, i really like probox for its ease of install. it’s easy…like, REALLY easy…and there’s no big up-front expense on getting an install kit with jigs and whatnot. you can get a promo pack with jigs and a router bit and everything for something like $40. lokbox install kit is a whole lot more $$$. you can rig up your own jigs for lokbox…but why? probox installs like buttah! and the ability to tweak the fins fore and aft, and mess with the cant however you please…priceless.
lokbox and probox are both great systems – the best, IMHO. which one to go with on your next board? – that decision is yours, and yours alone. you know what you want out of your fin system…pick whichever one best reaches that end.
Hi Trucker, I agree with Soulstice that Probox is a cool system. Here are two pics showing the same board as a Quad then Twinzer. Take a close look at the fin placements in each photo.
<span style="font-size:6px">I'll say that I have been disappointed many times after picking new boards up from the glass shop, waiting for the 2 weeks cure time, and finally putting the fins in to go surf, only to find out that the finner put the boxes in at the wrong angle, mostly due to a pronounced vee panel. Now, when picking up boards, I bring the fins to the glass shop and install them there so they can see if they are f---ked up or not. At least w/ the PB system there is an element of correction for those errors. </span>
Just my .02 cents…I like both systems, but you gotta dig a little deeper. ProBox is easy for the backyard builder, all you need is a router, and the initial $$ outlay is low ($50 or there abouts)
With Lokbox, the cost of the Set-up is on the higher,($200ish) for the jig, and if you dont have a compressor thats more $$, but its money well worth the cost if you are going to do a lot of boards.
You just cant beat the strength of Lokbox, and with a little creativity,its easy to figure out how to change the angle of the fins.
I personally use both PB and Lokbox as well as Futures and FCS.
I use PB if I have a new design that I think needs some tweaking,
Lokbox on twinnies and fish boards for the strength
Lokbox. Probox is as rickety as my dad’s ill fitting false teeth, but it takes FCS fins. Lokbox selection is OK, but somewhat limited. But then again, I make my own fins, so pffft.
Howzit bammbamm - what do you mean rickety? I’ve been using probox on all my boards for at least a year and a half, maybe 2 years, and haven’t had a single failure on any of personal boards or any I’ve made for other people… and I treat my boards pretty rough too… worst problem I ever had was when I put a rail box in center position, but that was pure operator error (and lucky for me they had just started making 0 degree inserts, so even that mistake was an easy (if dumb looking) recovery). Am curious what problems others might have encountered…
…but you gotta dig a little deeper. ProBox is easy for the backyard builder, all you need is a router, and the initial $$ outlay is low ($50 or there abouts)
With Lokbox, the cost of the Set-up is on the higher,($200ish) for the jig, and if you dont have a compressor thats more $$, but its money well worth the cost if you are going to do a lot of boards.
The install systems are optional eq, great tools if youre installing lots of fins in production. When I install LB, I simply mark my placements with a pencil, trace the ovalized box on the blank surface with a sharp pencil, then freehand cut along that outline with a sharp blade, about as deep as the flange thickness. Then with a trim router, freehand route just inside the blade cut, as I do this, the blade cut slivers just fly off, leaving a clean cut box outline. As they say, many ways to skin a cat, although Ive never skinned a cat.
No good! So, I want to make sure I make the best decision I can…
