So a Fin's a Fin is it? Hmm maybe not..
The main protagonists in the fin battle are Futures and FCS. Both fin systems have slightly different ways of inserting and securing the fins into place on your board.
There are a bewildering array of different types of fins out there. For the most part, your average surfer would likely take a 'balanced' thruster set for most conditions.
But for those amongst us who are in the know, there are so many other ways to enhance your boards performance in different conditions. As a basic guide, here's how thing work..
Fin Guide
Area
The more area, the more hold the fin will have. The size of the fin is critical based on the weight of the surfer. The area is the most important number to look at to determine the size of the fin. See fin size chart above.
Base
The larger the base the more drive the fin will have in bottom turns. Base is an important aspect of area. Increasing the base will make a dramatic difference in the drive you feel out of your bottom turns. If the board feels stiff or hard to turn, putting in a fin with a smaller base.
Rake
The more rake a fin has the longer and more drawn out turns become. The more upright a fin is, the more pivoty the fin feels. Fins with a larger rake (overhang) will be more stable and fins with less rake are better suited to pocket surfing.
Foils
V2 Foil
Drive in bottom turns, but breaks free in the lip like a flat fin. A V2 Foil is a V. Foil and Flat Foil blend. It takes the best speed generating attributes of the V. (at the base) and transitions into a flat foil in the tip for a controlled release in critical turns. V. foils feel fluid and drivey, and generate more speed during bottom turns.
V. Foil
Great for getting speed if you are having trouble finding it. Fluid rail to rail transitions. V. Foils are designed to maximize lift with a minimal amount of drag. Fins with this V. Foils will find speed that you did not know was there, or help you get that extra gear to really find drive in your bottom turns. The leading edge of the fin is more rounded accepting more water flow at all angles of attack, and making the fin feel very fluid rail to rail.
Flat Foil
Flat foiled fins break free sooner, and are better at controlling speed. Often surfers prefer them in fast powerful surf where they do not need to create additional speed
