News

February 25, 2021

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Fin Systems Set Ups

With some of our twin fin small wave models like  the High Flyer , we recommend a two plus one fin set up. 

Its a twin fin with the option of riding as:

A twin fin only.
A twin fin with a small rear stabiliser.
A twin fin with a larger stabiliser for bigger surf .

Most of the bottom contours are a single concave with a pronounced V off the tail in the small wave range of boards.

That is the reason we only use the original FCS plugs (dual tabs) in the rear fin plug , and not  FCS 2 or Futures because those systems are bigger with there wider bases that would affect the bottom shape  "V" and take away from the true shape of the surfboard , flattening out the "V".

Also with the rear stabiliser fins , there are plenty of after market options , a huge range of sizes and templates in FCS  original dual tabs available .

Go a small rear fin for looseness and easy turning ..

Larger rear fin for a little extra hold and drive ,to help draw out your turns .

And if you need any advice , hit us up and check out our online store for the latest fins and accessories in stock . 

Here are some good Twin Fins that are available online at our store CLICK HERE

Coffee

 

 

 

We love coffee and enjoy our coffee breaks down at the factory . Often the finer points on surfboard design are discussed on these breaks, as well as many other worldly matters !

This artwork is inspired by coffee, its called the EXPRESSO RESIN TINT design and its on a smoking little 5'8 DCD DEMON . You can check out the whole range of Resin Tint art here .... Customized colours and designs are available  !

The Demon is the ultimate small wave fun surfboard , with plenty of foam in all the right places . Lets you glide over fat sections with ease and paddle like a little devil .

Want a real short board with lots of foam ,well the Demon is the answer .

"Life is too short to drink Instant Coffee" 

 

Alien Shooter

USC Alien Step up 6'6 by 19 3/4 by 2 9/16th ( 34 litres ), custom for Tony ,heading for the "Coal Coast" in Southern NSW.

 The purple colour on the deck on this Alien Step Up surfboard is actually an organic hemp material thats combined with recycled plastic bottles . The plastics have been broken down into small pellets , it goes by the name Hemp/ PET material . 

Its a great alternate way to make a surfboard more durable, especially for heavy footed surfers who tend to crush / damage there decks, but it still retains those performance aspects of a modern surfboard.

Hemp is way more environmentally friendly than our traditional cotton .
For example you require about half the amount of water to produce hemp as you would if producing cotton. Hemp is a strong and reliable plant that grows very quickly. Not only that, hemp produces about 200% – 250% more fibre in the same amount of land compared to cotton.

Read more about the way we apply the hemp deck to the Formula Energy range of surfboards, here

FCS vs Futures Bases

FCS or Futures , Which system is best ? Both systems including the new FCS 2 have there pros and cons. 

All the fin systems work great  and removeable fins add so many benefits for travelling surfer and altering the performance of your surfboards with different fin sizes , templates etc .

 It really is up to the surfer to find out what works best for them...

FCS original dual tab system are more readily available worldwide , so if you are a travelling surfer then FCS may suit. If you hit or damage the fin the original FCS tend to cause minor damage to the surfboard.

The FCS 2 with a re-designed dual tab is the latest design  (pictured above) , with no grub screw required . The fins just simply click in and out .

And of course Futures have been around for a while and are a proven quality product with a good range of fins.

The Futures has a single base , which has two advantages, the first being there is more fin connected to the surfboard, that results in less flex through the base of the fin, this mimics the feel of a glassed on fin and is very strong and hard to break at the base.The solid connection to the base of the surfboard gives a more responsive feel, but if they are smashed out they tend to take half the surfboard rail with them and are hard to repair. 

 

 Try both see if you can feel the difference !

 

Channel Bottoms

Here are two models from the  Formula Energy collection , on the left the Performance V and on the right the DCD Hi Flyer , both Channel bottoms but very different set ups designed for very different types of waves.

Lets get a rundown on theses designs and what conditions suit each model ....

On the left is a modern performance shortboard or commonly referred to as a step up or semi gun . We call it the Performance V and its made for really good waves !

In fact its made for epic waves. The six channel bottom is made to generate extra speed , hold and drive in solid waves .

This type of surfboard really comes to life when its barreling and you are looking to hit top speed . Wave destinations like Indonesia , Tahiti and beyond , anywhere where you are surfing hollow fast waves, this is the model that will do the job . 

If you like solid down the line surf or looking to add a step up /semi gun to the quiver then the Performance V or in the USC range go the Performance Plus model .

On the right  the DCD series is the top of the range Hi Flyer .This surfboard is designed for smaller surf with single flyers leading into a swalllow tail .

The Single flyers act like a break point allowing the the board to pivot through turns .

Fins are Two plus One set up, you can ride it with standard twin fins, like these Scarfini Twins with the added rear box adding a rear stabilizer, ideally a smallish type fin, which will give your twin fin a little extra hold coming  out of turns . 

Twin fins are very fast , loose and highly responsive to subtle transitions or weight shifts. By adding the channel  bottom you get  extra speed, hold and of course extra drive with bight which often twins lack .

Overall its a good combination if you like surfing fast and free. 

The rear stabiliser is very popular these days with surfers adding a small rear fin option , which acts as a break point  allowing the surfboard to pivot out of turns and reducing unwanted drift .

Kelly Slater popularised  new designs like the FCS  Knubster or Futures Fins Middle Finger these smaller rear fins would increase drive and provide directional control through turns without sacrificing speed and flow

Its a matter of trial and error finding out what works for you in different conditions . Overall this is a really fun board , order 3 to 5 inches shorter than your normal short-board and add an extra couple of litres. 

 

 

Purple Rail Custom Alien

A custom USC Alien for Graham , on his way back from overseas to collect this Easter present !

Dimensions are 6'0 by 19 3/4 by 2 7/16th 

Litres : 29.80

Its hard to make out on the web but the rail spray is a custom deep purple which in the flesh looks really impressive along the carbon rails . 

Fin Set up is a FCS Quad Fin 

BIG BLUE BLEND

Made for Mark from Vicco

Its a USC Blend 6'4 by 21 by 2 3/4 ( 37 litres ). 

With Oceanic Flower of Life deck art from the Oceanic series. 

This custom is smoking and a great addition to the quiver !

SMART OPTION

Want to ride a quad but unsure ? Well turn your favourite thruster set into a quad with these Scarfini Rears .

A real smart option if you want to ride a quad but haven't found a full quad set that you dig . 

This set is available in quad rears only , well priced and perfect way to build on the fin quiver without breaking the bank. 

Available in standard FCS dual tab or single tab Futures set up . 

 

Go to our online store for the full range of accessories