I am looking to use a bigger fin in my Super Lightwind board. I have a 58 that is as big as I usually go. But one of the guys I sail with will often use a 70cm in the lighter winds. And it seems to work well for him.
I also have a couple of older Formula Fins that I am thinking of trying. One is quite stiff and one has a fair bit of flex.
Am I right to think the stiffer one will be better in really light wind and the flexible better as the wind builds get stronger. I assume the extra flex will help to spill off some pressure??
I have done a bit of a search, but not found anything definitive.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Hi Ballast
In general for those size fins the softer / more flexible fins will create more lift and is better in lighter wind.
The stiffer fin make the ride more stable and you can hold it in stronger wind.
That's very basic advise I know,, - as there is lots more involved in fin designs.
But hopefully it helps you in the right direction
How wide is your board by the way?
Cheers
Jesper
I found that a big flexy fin is more fun in light wind, if you push laterally you can feel the board getting unstuck from the water, a nice hovering sensation.
The reason you haven't "found anything definitive", is because there really isn't any, some people swear by flex, some people hate flex in their fins.
One main reason you can find the options on the market.
Hi Ballast, my experience on old RBs n fins. I have a Tectonics raptor 42cm its quite a flexy fin. In winds over 15kt it produces too much lift for my F1 RB. Really lifts the whole board. Very hard to control at speed as it wants to wiggle n buck everywhere.
Over 18kt I then use a MFC H1 40cm. Its a stiff fin in comparison. It behaves well at speed with no overpowering lift. For similar size fins Its amazing just how different they are to sail.
I also use a 50cm JP Supersport for 6-18kts. I think its quite a stiff fin. Gotta say its my favourite fin. Has a neutral feel. Never had it get uncontrollable + it gets the board planing in much lighter wind. But its VERY stiff to turn.
Select to expand quotejoe windsurf said..
how can you tell if a 70 cm is flexy or super riigid ??
how does one tell if a fin is flexy or not ??
Thanks for the replies.
So it seems it is opposite to what I thought?
Obvious answer I know is just to try and see, which I will do eventually. Only issue is one will need a fair bit of sanding to fit the box. Last time I did one it was a bit of a pain of a process.
Jesper, board is the smaller version of the 2012 SLW, so 90cm wide. I usually use a 58 with a 9.5 and the stock 56 with an 8.6. This seems to work well when the breeze is in a bit. The other 3 SLW in our group are the 92cm wide versions. They do all seem to be a bit quicker onto the plane than mine, which makes sense I guess. Other difference is mine is 10 or 12 cm shorter I think.
Just looking to gain a bit back in very light wind.
Joe, I put the tip on the ground and push laterally on these two. One Flexes easily a few centimetres and the other virtually not at all. Couldn't say I notice any difference in my smaller fins, but very noticeable between the two 70cm Formula fins I own.
Thanks again for your help.
Cheers, Brad.
