A guide for 4 different FCS options
Which Twin Fins Should You Use?
We looked at 4 FCS options
There are a ridiculous amount of surfboard fins out there. First, you’re making the choice between FCS or Futures. Then, you’re running through a whole swathe of options each brand has on offer, including different templates, composites, signature models, thrusters, quads, twin fins and more. It’s enough to make you just go finless and start your board spinning faster than your head.
Here’s a guide for the Twin Fin lovers out there to help you figure out what’s best for you. We looked at 4 FCS options, which cover just about any type of Twinny you’re likely to run with. Each of these are a little different for different reasons. So, here you go.
FCS II Power Twin Fin
Who will like it most?
This standard upright-style twin fin is ideal for those who aren’t especially fussed about having anything signature and just want something that goes. They’ll also save you a few bucks, because FCS aren’t paying out royalties to any surfers/shapers who helped develop them. You’ve got four basic colour options and they come in performance fibreglass.
What type of twin fin will it go best in?
The Power Twin is best suited to a performance twin fin, kind of like the Album Twinsman, Pyzel Wildcat or the Sharpeye Modern 2.
Any extra tips?
These will also go okay in mid length boards, because they’ve got a decent surface area (the biggest in the standard fin range, according to FCS). However, if you’re riding something that’s more about trimming than shredding, like a Long Phish, you’d probably prefer a keel.
FCS II Mick Fanning Twin Fin
Who will like it most?
The Mick Fanning Twin Fin is for those who want more drive out of their fins, without sacrificing too much agility. They fuse fancy H4 tech and a hatchet style tip that allows greater acceleration while still allowing you to push hard through turns with less chance you’ll skip out. Another excellent all rounder, but a bit more expensive at $200AUD.
What type of twin fin will it go best in?
These will be great in most performance twins and also a decent range of mid lengths. I ran them in a 6’4’’ Christenson Osprey and the DHD Mick Fanning Twin and they were my number one favourite option in both of those boards out of all four fin styles featured in this guide. Lincoln's also ran them in a Christenson Lane Splitter when it was bigger, and he said they held in well.
Any extra tips?
These also come with a trailer fin, for those who want more of a thruster feel while riding their twin fins. I don’t know why you’d actually want that. Just ride a thruster, you philistine, but hey, it takes all kinds of fish to populate the sea.
FCS II Christenson Twin Fin
Who will like it most?
They’re actually an epic all rounder that works in both performance and mid-length boards. If you’re more about sharp turns with a bit of release and down-the-line speed, they’ll suit your surfing. If you prefer rounded turns, or are more heavy footed, then look at the keel fin instead.
What type of twin fin will it go best in?
The Christenson Twin will go best in shapes like the Christenson Osprey, Lane Splitter and Nautilus models. As you get into longer, more volume mid-lengths (like the Long Phish 2.0) you might want something with a wider base.
Any extra tips?
I ran these in a Mick Fanning Twin and they went great too. A versatile fin. If you’re full OCD and can’t run different shaper’s fins in different boards, it might send you on a trip to the loony bin though. They do look extra great in the Christenson models, with the little logo match.
FCS II Brit Merrick Keel Twin Fin
Who will like it most?
Heavier footed surfers who like to push harder through their turns will love this fin. It’s more of a hybrid between a true keel and upright, balancing the best of both worlds. The thing provides plenty of drive without feeling sluggish. Something that will add some more confidence to your surfing, if you’re often hitting ‘the skids’ on your twinny during transitions.
What type of twin fin will it go best in?
Brit recommends this for CI Twin Pin and CI Mid, so you’re looking at slightly longer boards that still allow for performance in the right conditions. This ended up being my fin of choice Christenson Long Phish II when I tested things. It loves long, drawn out turns and allows you to stomp that back foot without stressing you’ll get the wobbles.
Any extra tips?
If you like bigger fins in your thruster performance boards, there’s every chance you’ll prefer something like this when jumping onto a twin fin. You get to have your cake and eat it too, with speed, drive and enough release to keep your performance turning heads. If you like twins for their skatey, loosey, goosey feel, you’re probably better off with an upright template instead.
A Final Note
This obviously isn’t an exhaustive guide. More a look at a handful of fins that will suit the modern twin fin surfer. For those who like tradition, an MR upright twin fin continues to be the gold standard. There’s also the tried and tested FCS keel, if you’re a ‘Skip Frye’ style lord too.
However, the above four cover a lot of ground, from base price with strong performance, to a hybrid twin fin that bridges the performance/style gap. Don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s most of the fun.
