OK, have been thinking about this for a while, before I drop $200+ on a replacement fin, will I actually see any benefit from upgrading?
Board is 2014 Carbon Falcon, 14 x 27.25 with standard 'ONE' 9.75" curved fin.
I have been paddling for just over 3 years, and have been on the 14 footer for 12-18 months. Am downwinding in bay chop type conditions and am reasonably comfortable on the board - so not really looking to correct anything in particular, but I am definitely wondering if I could be doing it better.
I have no doubt that the elite paddlers will see benefit from fin upgrades, but does this apply to the lower level ranks also?
Thanks,
Scott.
It's all about the fin size and shape IMO..
The $60 FCS Tool-less 9" long board fin is the best fin that I've used for downwinding and flat water paddling.
I would suggest demo'ing first before laying down some big bucks on these fancy and expensive DW and race fins.. and remember there's such a thing as a placebo effect.. 
I assume this is the one?
www.surffcs.com.au/products/fcs-ii-connect-gf-longboard-fin
I am not really in a position to demo the fin I was considering, but I may be able to get a look at the FCS locally, and hopefully even try it. I remember now you did a bit of a review on it some time ago, I will find that for a look also.
If it saves me 200 beans it would be remiss of me to not put it towards a new paddle....
Thanks,
ive seen a lot of different fins on that board so one would assume its weather you want more stability or a looser feel. no to many running the one fin and from memory its a bit big and dull.
9 inch fins are all ways a good starting point.
I always seem to go back to the dw jm fin. its a good mix of speed and stability.
shapers make them now.
dany ching fin I see in them a bi too,t if you want to tighten things up a bit.
eric terrine fin is a favourite for the crew that like looser
I use one of these 9'' FCS fins for DWing great for Moreton bay conditions, and the jellies just slide off them too....
Was thinking of trying a 10" next and at $70 delivered not a biggie to give a try.
I've spent ****loads on fins over the years and honestly, I think they've made about as much difference as a haircut or shave. Some of the more exotic fins have actually been much worse than the original that came with the board. Back in the early days of downwind boards, the big board companies were providing throw-away garbage fins, but they are much better now. But I concur with DJ, that FCS click-in is a classic shape to go along with the convenience of click-in and no screw driver.
I recently bought a VMG Blade size 44 after talking to a few of the Sydney downwind guys. Its a quality fin and expensive but I think the larger size has added quite a bit of stability to my board.. I demod it at Wind Surf N Snow at dee Why 1st.
Select to expand quotePTWoody said...
I've spent ****loads on fins over the years and honestly, I think they've made about as much difference as a haircut or shave. Some of the more exotic fins have actually been much worse than the original that came with the board. Back in the early days of downwind boards, the big board companies were providing throw-away garbage fins, but they are much better now. But I concur with DJ, that FCS click-in is a classic shape to go along with the convenience of click-in and no screw driver.
They pt. Have you tried the new terminator fin.
The fin to end all fins
Select to expand quote2222222 said...
I recently bought a VMG Blade size 44 after talking to a few of the Sydney downwind guys. Its a quality fin and expensive but I think the larger size has added quite a bit of stability to my board.. I demod it at Wind Surf N Snow at dee Why 1st.
What is the board you are using it on?
Select to expand quoteDavidJohn said..
It's all about the fin size and shape IMO..
The $60 FCS Tool-less 9" long board fin is the best fin that I've used for downwinding and flat water paddling.
I would suggest demo'ing first before laying down some big bucks on these fancy and expensive DW and race fins.. and remember there's such a thing as a placebo effect..
For big units (tall and/or heavy) and balance-challenged a bigger fin, especially one with good a bit of area at the tip, will help with stability but many of those also have a lot of base length (helps with tracking but can make a board stiff on a DW), they can also feel a bit draggy. Like PT I've dropped quite a few bucks on fancy fins but for the rare downwinders i do I prefer a big old True Ames log fin that cost me about sixty or seventy bucks (the old 'heritage' shape, I think they still make it)
Thanks everyone, for $60 I will give the FCS a try.
222222 - the VMG is what I had in mind, possibly the 37 though as I am not really chasing more stability. Not really looking to lose any either though....
Kikaha - what board are you using in Moreton Bay?
Thanks,
I ended up going for the FCS, for the price, it is worth a try.
A couple of comparison photos below for anyone thinking of doing the same. They are actually more similar in shape than what I was expecting, but I am thinking the overall reduction in area and the thinner tip will make a difference, still need to try it to see if it is an improvement or not.
Scott.
Finally got out for a paddle with the new fin, it has definitely made a difference.
Overall the board feels more nimble, it does feel a bit faster but not really in a position to say whether it is actually faster or it just feels faster, without doing some timed runs anyway. I did notice some loss of stability but not really enough to be a concern.
Overall, $60 well spent.
Scott.
Agree 100% Scott. My experience is almost the same.
Bought the FCS toolless fin after a DJ review. Hard to beat the convenience.
Was all going fine, mostly on flat water, then for a recent downwind race thought I better go back to the "official" fin.
What a disaster. Best conditions, worst run, fell in about 10 times.
Back to the FCS. Same run a few days later, similar conditions and only one swim.
Probable not all due to the fin (might have also been the J Riggs pep talk) but I'm sticking with it now for the rest of the downwind season.
May even try a 8 or 7" version. Can afford to experiment for $60.
