FCS Fin Basics

FCS: Performance Characteristics
Posted on October 21, 2010 by FCS fins
DRIVE
Drive provides forward acceleration and helps maintain speed through turns. The amount of drive
produced by a fin is directly influenced by the base length, material and the to tal surface area.
Put simply; a larger fin with a longer base will offer. (more drive / less drive / more drive)
PIVOT
Pivot refers to the length of the turning arc. Pivot is influenced by the sweep angle or rake,
the foil and the depth of the fin. Fins with less sweep angle will turn in a tighter arc; fins with more
sweep angle will turn in a longer arc. (tight arc / long arc)
HOLD
Hold is defined as the binding of the board to the wave. Hold is determined by flex and the overall fin
template. Fins with more hold prevent the board sliding through turns, less hold allows the board to
easily break free from the wave during turns; this is often referred to as release.
FCS: Fin Characteristics

BASE is the length between the leading and trailing edge where the fin meets the board. Base is
primarily linked to drive. Fins with a longer base will offer substantially more drive and acceleration.
DEPTH is the distance the fin penetrates into the water. Depth directly relates to hold. The greater
the depth the more hold, the shorter the depth the more a board will slide and release.
SWEEP is the angle measuring how far the outline of the fin is curved backwards; also referred to as
rake. Sweep has a direct influence on pivot. Fins with more sweep producea longer turning arc, less
sweep offers a tighter turning arc.
FLEX refers to the he distortion of the fin from its original shape caused by lateral pressure during a
manoeuvre. Flex influences the response characteristics of a fin. Fins with little flex (stiff) produce
instant response, speed and drive. Fins with more flex (flexy) are more forgiving and offer a whipping
sensation.
CANT refers to the angle of the side fins measured from a vertical line perpendicular to the flat
bottom surface of the board. Cant has a direct effect on acceleration and manoeuvrability. Less cant
produces faster acceleration and a stiffer feel. More cant will increase manoeuvrability and gives the
board a loose feel.
FCS: Thruster Foils

Refers to the shape and geometry of the inside and outside faces of the fin. Foils directly affect the
flow of water over the surface of the fin. Different foils create variations in water flow and have a
direct link to the overall performance of the fin and the board. (See diagrams below)
FLAT: A flat inside face combined with a convex outside face. The traditional flat sided foil offers an
even combination of drive, pivot and hold and provides a very consistent, reliab le feel over a wide
variety of conditions.
INSIDE: A sophisticated hydrodynamic foil consisting of a convex outside face, a rounded leading
edge and a concaved inside face. Inside foil increases the efficiency of water flow over the surface of
the fin adding lift and reducing drag. The result is a fin with more options through increased hold and
speed.
50/50: A symmetrical foil used on all centre fins where both sides are convex. Even water flow on
both sides creates stability and control.
FCS: Choosing a Quad Set

FCS gives you the freedom to choose from our extensive range of quad sets, or you can add rear
fins to your existing thruster side fins and customize your own quad set up.
Use the following information to narrow your search and help determine which quad set or rear fin
will ultimately work for you and your board.
STEP 1: REAR FIN POSITION

Checking your rear fin position allows you to pick the correct quad set or rear fin that will suit your
board.
STEP 2: REAR FIN SIZE
The size of the rear fin will have a major influence on

the pivot and hold characteristic of your board.
STEP 3: REAR FIN FOILS

Choose a foil that best suits your rear fin position and the desired performance you want to achieve.
Flat: Mimics the performance of a regular side fin, offering fast transitions between turns, quick
release and added hold on rail. (Ideal for boards with a wider tail; performance shortboards; and
boards with rear fins positioned close to the rail)
70/30 or 80/20: Combines the performance of a centre and side fin, offering increased speed,
smooth rail-to-rail transitions and a consistent feel in a variety of conditions. (Ideal fo r all board types
and rear fin placements)
50/50: Mimics the performance of a regular centre fin offering increased pivot with the added
advantage of stability and control. (Ideal for all board types and rear fins positioned closer to the
stringer)

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FCS: Performance Characteristics

Posted on October 21, 2010 by FCS fins

FCS: Fin Characteristics

FCS: Thruster Foils

FCS: Choosing a Quad Set

STEP 1: REAR FIN POSITION

STEP 2: REAR FIN SIZE

The size of the rear fin will have a major influence on

STEP 3: REAR FIN FOILS

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