What fin brands to consider for Slalom board
I have heard people say Drake = brake
Have not got a lot of money to spend so not chasing top line brands but do not want the opposite either
Select fins are probably best value+performance and are readily available from most shops.
Others to consider are Vector fins-C3 fins-Maui Fins
i just got a 28cm meanline slalom fin from Sam @ WSS. Tried it out today and it rocks. I've also got a 34cm. They seem solid and aren't too pricey.
Select are a great default fin, they will work on alot of boards. The main problem with Select are they don't handle touching the bottom as well as a G10 fin.
Drake had a problem with some of their earlier fins breaking. I had a Drake SR6B style and it suited the board perfectly right up till it snapped. I believe the new Drakes work but have a limited range of use per fin.
Techtonics seems the default fast slalom fins.
MFC I have an RC42 seems pretty nice and fast for a big fin, SL looks really weird.
Meanline suits certain boards, hates others. Like Select may require some cleaning up after purchase. Slippery fin, vs alot of others go 2cm bigger to get similar lift.
Vector fins from what i've seen look very nice and seem to work well.
C3 haven't met anyone that has tried them and doesn't like them yet.
Deboichet... pay for the best 
My fin range consists of about 20 or so mainly Select, Meanline and a few Curtis style. Every fin is performs great in specific conditons apart from the Northshore Mauis which i'm changing slightly to make them better for me.
Since you said price sub $200 limits you to Meanline and base Selects.
Edit I'm told the C3's are $215.
MFC, Vector, & Techtonics all similar price, bad time to buy at moment due to the economy.
C3s are pretty good value at the moment as they are based on the NZ doller rather than US like Techs,MFC ect. As MK said there around $215+25 for del for up to 3 fins then its free the price depends on our dollar so might vary abit. see www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=44732
for a review.
Ive used some of the selects in the past the Bigger fins have been ok but the smaller fins less than 30cm I dont trust much as ive had some massive wipe outs on these.
ta Vando
Never paid more than 30 bucks for a fin, never complained, never got my pitcher in one of dem fancy magazines neither
Old Salty: I recommend Vector Fins in Maui. IF you have a modern day slalom from Vector Fin the Canefire, if it is an old style slalom board meaning 265cm or longer I recommend the EX or Rockit. Not super expensive and very good fins and you dont have to wait for month to get it.
www.vectorfins.com
I think it's well worthwhile splashing out on one or two fins that you're going to use a lot (a used one could be an option). I was amazed at how much of a difference I felt when I bought my Tectonics Falcon. It felt slippery and sharp (proved to be by the GPS) and you can allways feel what the fin is doing and where the limits are.
There was no way I would have spent over $200 on a fin before that, but now I'm a convert. Maybe you can borrow one to try, then you'll know if it's worth the $$$.
I think it's well worthwhile splashing out on one or two hookers that you're going to use a lot (a used one could be an option). I was amazed at how much of a difference I felt when I bought my favourite hooker. It felt slippery and sharp (proved to be by the GPS) and you can allways feel what the hooker is doing and where the limits are.
There was no way I would have spent over $200 on a hooker before that, but now I'm a convert. Maybe you can borrow one to try, then you'll know if it's worth the $$$.
testing, 1,2,3
