Single Fin or 2+1 Fins?

[thawkwood]

Hey,

I'm considering adding a longboard to my (future) quiver of boards, possibly a 9'0" to 9'6" length board. I'm most likely going to go or the single fin variety of longboard, but I'm curious as to the merits of the two fin systems. (I very well might add a 2+1 finned board to the quiver as well in the far future).

Regards,

Hawkwood

[dougirwin13]

Maximise your possibilities.

Go 2+1 using box/plugs!

-doug

[tomcat360]

I think you should go with a 2+1, because it IS a single fin;

Just with two more options.

It's everything a single fin is, plus more things you can play with to tweak the board.

That is, with FCS bites and a center box. Now if you wanted glass ons, no ocean side choices. So it comes down to what kind of board, what kind of waves, what kind of style, etc.

[dougirwin13]

I was thinkg of more flexible options for the bites than FCS. Like futures or something. A more adjustable system that you can still use FCS in.

That said the 8'6" I am building my wife has a 12" finbox and FCS sidebites so...

-doug

[thawkwood]

I kinda have a warm fuzzy for the classic single fin configuration. I'm more of a soul surfer type.

[dougirwin13]

Better get a volan glass job and a big glass-on D fin then

-doug

[tomcat360]

Yup, I'm doing a 8.5 inch fin box with FCS side bites in my board right now.

I was going to do futures, but were warned against them. Hear too heavy and no flex...

but what's this about them being more versatile?

[rich r]

Well, I'd go with optionality. Some kind of removeable system. I don't have an opinon on any, although I've only used FCS (other than glassed-on) and have had no problems with them.

Right now I'm riding my 8-6 with a single rake wingnut cutout. Took the sidebites out to loosen it up. Though, I'm not above dropping two large sidebites in and taking out the center, or switching up the center with something smaller and flexible and keep the 2" sidebites.

But, see - as long as you have the options. So, I prefer not to get glassed-on fins anymore.

[dougirwin13]

Oops! Shouldn't have typed Futures!

Got a wire crossed in my skull, I guess. Yeah, I have heard they have problem.

What I mean was a more adjustable fin system. With FCS you have to use the plugs and the positioning, angle, cant, etc that they were installed with. I was saying that something more adjustable would be better. But I can't remember the name of the system

Kitey - you remember the ones?

Try searching for fin systems on Swaylocks.

-doug

[tomcat360]

lock boxes?

[dougirwin13]

Yeah! Lokbox fins.

Thanks mate.

-doug

[thawkwood]

What are the options available for a 2 + 1 fin type board versus a single fin? Which would be more suitable to the soul surfer type?

[WooD]

What are the options available for a 2 + 1 fin type board versus a single fin? Which would be more suitable to the soul surfer type?

If your planning on being a soul surfer ya gotta go with a single fin.

[tomcat360]

yeah, but you can go single fin with a 2+1 configuration. I highly doubt that having two little plugs in the bottom is gonna mess up your style, unless it's based on looks, which it never should be. You can experiment with all kinds of center fins, and even make your own if you have some creativity.

And then you have the option of all kinds of sidebites. They range from litte 3 inch ones, to full sized thruster fins. Also, you could take the middle fin out when you get bored and play around with sliding the tail around front on little waves

[dougirwin13]

Lets break it down...

You are image oriented: Go with a big glass-on single.

You are surf quality oriented: Get a finbox and plugs.

You see, with a finbox you can go from a large single to a 2+1 to a thruster cluster configuration.

And you can adjust fin position.

Box+plugs encourages experimentation and ultimately, IMO, better surfing and board awareness.

-doug

[Driftingalong]

A benfit of having a glassed on single fin...

Having a glassed on single fin can allow the fin to be placed further back; rather than having a fin box. You can only place a fin box so far back in the tail due to the amount of foam available.

But, it all depends on what you want.

I myself went with a non-glassed in single fin, and I love it...

[tomcat360]

yeah I see that....but that's really far back....

You could still do a single glassed on with plugs.

[bluesnowcone]

2+1, it gives you more fredom, but you can still cruise

[thawkwood]

Is nose riding easier on a 2 + 1 fin?

[WooD]

Is nose riding easier on a 2 + 1 fin?

Most of your 2 + 1 set ups are more performance boards. Not that you cant nose ride one thou. You mentioned Clay Bennett in another post. Word of advice.....he makes a killer board, and if your leaning that way, and he has one on the rack for sell no worries. If you have him shape you one, he will give you a time frame of 3 to 4 weeks, which will in turn be closer to 3 months. This comes from someone thats been there, and done that.