So i've had this fin for a while now and discovered today that it's bent.http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Fins+Above+29.9cm/320324/Surf+Sail+Australia+Plastic+U+S+Box
In order to fix it do i just have to bend it the other way till it looks straight or is there easier way to go about this?
I think you mentioned a few questions about getting back in to windsurfing.
I love old gear and am NOT a gear freak, and I'm all for getting old gear out and having a crack at it. However, I reckon you aren't doing yourself any favours with a fin like this. Flexible, inaccurate molding, not very strong etc. Even if it was straightened, it would still be a very mediocre performer and cause you substantial frustration. I'd strongly suggest:http://www.surfsailaustralia.com.au/showProduct/Windsurfing/Fins+Above+29.9cm/progressionUS/Select+Progression+Freeride+Fin+US+Box,
or something similar as a much better option.
Good US box fins (for slalom/raceboards) are quite hard to find, especially with any depth/area that you would want for good performance. Also note that once you get above the mid 30 cm range, they are getting close to their limit in that style of fin box.
If you can't find something local, True-Ames probably has the widest range of US box fins of any manufacturer, it is just hard to find a shop that sells to Australia. The best dealer I've found for international orders of their products is windance board shop in Oregon, eg:
www.windance.com/True-Ames-Slalom-Pointer-34cm-WSWF374934AB/
Clarence
^^^ agreed
At any shop for $50 you can find a secondhand glass fin that just needs a good sand back into shape and will outperform the plastic thing anyway. That would have been the nicer thing to do, rather than sell you that thing IMHO
So there will be a very noticeable increase in performance if i bought myself a decent fibreglass fin? Just out of curiosity how will it increase the performance?
Select to expand quoteMmeyer said..
So there will be a very noticeable increase in performance if i bought myself a decent fibreglass fin? Just out of curiosity how will it increase the performance?
Yep, a very noticeable amount. Just about every aspect of performance will be affected. You will get earlier planning, more speed, be able to go further up wind, and the board will have a more 'locked-in' feel on the water, like it is on rails instead of mushing sideways. Remember, the fin is responsible for translating all that wind force into forward motion; even though it is small, it is one of the most important pieces of kit.
here are some videos showing formula fin flex
can plastic do as good a job ?
think not 
Select to expand quotejoe windsurf said..
here are some videos showing formula fin flex
can plastic do as good a job ?
think not
Wow, knowing how stiff those fins are, there must be some force on the fin box!
Just thinking back to the pathetic fin my Bombora Astro Toy came with. I'm pretty sure it was must have been cut out of an ice cream lid.
