my next couple projects will all be singles for some friends and myself. im not really sure which fins i should chose for them because my experience is very limited when it comes to different fins. so any input will be greatly appreciated.
the boards:
6`3 x 21 x 2 3/4 round tail single, pretty similar to the CI MSF but WP a bit further up. low rocker,single con. to a little vee out the tail, pretty down rails, flat deck.
rider is between 150-160. intermediate, basic turns, etc.
same as 1) but only 6`5
74 x 22 x 2 3/4 Glider kind of thing. its a stretched singlefin template. WP 3" front of center. 79H blank, so pretty malibuish (is this a word?) rocker (that rocker looks so smooth on this blank)
pretty down rails too, should be easily turnable (maybe even from a more forward position) but the priority for this is to trim and glide.
all of those boards will be surfed at mellow beachies and reef breaks with the occasional better day in between.
i can get my hands on pretty much everything from true ames.
what about the skip frye flex for the singles ? which size 7.5 or 8.5?
(has anyone tried the new FCS lonboard fins yet? the soul flex looks pretty cool IMHO.)
On the first two singlefins you might try one of the norm flex fins from Ture Ames. I’ve ridden it in a handful of different singlefins over the years including the CI MSF. I found it to work better for me than the standard fin that comes in those boards. I think the one I’ve been using is 8". Or even a smaller Greenough 4a or 4c.
This may be a given, but if you go with a standard fin box, you’ve got plenty of options to try out.
the fry fin is nice, but no flex, the greenoughs have a tad in tip.of all of them made by true ames i find the standard 9" l-flex best , especially if you can get a volan one.
Regarding fins… obviously everyone has a distinct take on what is appropriate for their own board, style and wave.
I was looking on the True Ames website and noticed several different types, any of which might work for you and the boards you describe.
The Liddle and Frye fins (nearly identical IMO) are vertically oriented narrow tipped fins that are pretty loose in small waves. Rail to rail transitions are easier with this type of fin as you have less blade surface and rake to fight. They are also less stable and can be pushed sideways to the point of spinning out when the going gets bigger and steeper. They are designed for a thin railed board on which the rider utilizes the foil to maintain control.
The Wayne Rich Classic and Norm Flex are similar fins but different from the Liddle/Frye fins in that they have more rake and more tip area. The WR is somewhere between the Liddle/Frye and Norm Flex template.
I have the Norm Flex in a board I ride and it has a nice feel coming out of turns. Not as much flex as a Harbour flex fin (which seem to wash out on me.) The Norm Flex has a solid feel with a bit of twang in it. If viewed from above, the raked tip flexes in such a way as to approximate a rudder. It would also be an easy cut down if it feels too big.
I’ll stick my neck out and make a specific recommendation… try the 8" Norm Flex.