Surf Fin performance

[adamrod]

So, I'm probably a beginner or intermediate in the SUP surf world. Ride my 8'5"x30 starboard 2011 Pocket Rocket in mostly head high stuff. Can do bottom turns, top turns, floaters, and cutbacks...nothing fancy.

that said, I'm using the stock plastic fins as a Quad.

all the really hard core guys seem to be very particular about their fins, but I have trouble understanding what exactly the difference will be if I try a new more expensive set. People talk about drive and control...what does that mean?

so, can someone explain to me why I should buy expensive fins? I have trouble imagining I'll be able to tell the difference.

[AJR]

I'm sure others will chime in and directly answer your question but I recommend finding a shop that has the Futures loaner tree so you can feel the difference. That way if you don't notice a drastic difference you're not out the $$.

[Cardiff Sweeper]

After much trial and error, I absolutely love the FCS 3DS fin setup on the Pocket Rocket.  This board likes to be ridden off the back, or on the tail.  These fins are about $80 and totally worth it.  

The board has more bite and yet remains loose when I need it to be.  The rear fins are a bit big, but this is the best configuration I've come up with.

[adamrod]

I guess what's not clear to me is, what can I not do, or what will I be able to do better, if I upgrade my fins?

[Cardiff Sweeper]

That is completely dependent on your surfing ability.
For me, I couldn't get the Pocket Rocket up the face of the wave then pivot off the top.  Now, I can.  
Fly down the line, then a hard cutback with a nice slide..yep.  It's in the fins, from my experimentation.  
We all surf in our own style and at various skill levels.  

Fin out of the water on a small day...


Lots of local surf shops let you demo fins.  So, go get some and see what you can or cannot do with a pricey set in your board.