Which fin on your DW board?

[Eagle]

The big heavy glass JL Tracker fin works well in confused adverse conditions to dampen roll DW.  Other fins we have used for stability are the Gladiator Elite and Hybrid.

[dingfix]

The more I used the Tracker I felt it overpowered the board and caused drag, to the point I wouldn't want to use it again.    Admittedly it does add a lot of stability. 

I liked that it does not pick up weed and tracks straight, so I trimmed off some of the excess and it looks more in proportion now, a bit like the JL Blade.   Gave it a quick test on a near-Flat day and it feels better, but still tracks well and plenty of stability.  Need to try it a few more times before I hot coat and polish it.

[Eagle]

Yeah thought about that also when we first got the M-14.  But since we have a bunch of other specific purpose fins that are mid-sized - thought it best to keep that one full size for stability.

Actually used the JL Tracker on the Bullet 14V2 yesterday and it was perfect.  Dampened roll and the board was still quick up and down in slop and cross chop.  But if our fin quiver was not so diverse - would probs trim it down as well like you.

So far the SIC fins have been the best we have used for AW and DW.  The 8.3 for enough stability and decent tracking - and the 7.0 for quick maneuvering and low drag to catch bumps.  Excellent fins for sure.

Asked a manufacturer for a couple of demo fins to try.  And then post a couple of independent unbiased reviews here.  But am still waiting to see if that will happen.  Some fin manufacturers are open to that - but not others.

[coldsup]

The tracker has amazing stability and I find it great fir just touring about .....but on a wave I kept losing balance as I couldn't turn it as fast as I wanted.

My favourite longboard fin of all time is a 10 inch MDt3 .....going to shove it in the M14 next time. It has a huge base but goes into a small tip.

[Eagle]

For sure the JL Tracker is slow to turn and has too much tracking on steeper waves.  And that dolphin looks like a very classic shape that should do what you want.

Interestingly just got back from a quick up down on the AS23 and used the big Elite stability tracker.  Not designed as a DW fin - but does work ok.  Just requires a bit more attention and is more technical is all.  Upwind in about 6 kts it did fantastic dampening roll in the slop and chop.  And DB did surprisingly well - so long as you stayed ahead of the bumps.  Board turned slowly - but did not broach at all in the little stuff.  The AS23 slammed over the little bumps with good stability.

My wife was on the Bullet with the SIC 8.3 and was a mile behind both up and down.  But is getting really confident now in the ocean.  We paddle out all the time at least a couple of miles from shore.  And it does get a bit rough - but she is doing excellent now.  She still has never fallen in yet.

The AS23 is crazy fast - tracks well - and is plenty stable with the Elite.  And comparatively is crazy fast - turns on a dime - but can be tippy with the SIC 7.0.  Really enjoy how that board has different modes simply by changing fins.

[Kieranrsup]

I love the VMG Blade Mako 37 in my 14 x 25" Ace. (and previously in a Falcon 24.75")
Haven't tried the Mako 35" yet but I reckon it will go great in the new Aces which have the fin box even further forward than previous versions.
I also use a custom VMG rudder fin in my unlimited Bullet.

[coldsup]

Does seem to be two trains of thought on DW fins........some like the small base vertical types and others opt for a longer base more traditional dolphinesque shapes.

[iDownwind]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I may look for a big dolphin style fin. I am really hoping to find a "click" in fin because I frequently need to take the fin out for transporting multiple boards. I am also going to look in to some of Larry's Fins too.

[mrbig]

Heard it through the grapevine. CNC fins are going to be in all of the NSP race boards this year. Perhaps there is a reason for it...    

[Luc Benac]

Does seem to be two trains of thought on DW fins........some like the small base vertical types and others opt for a longer base more traditional dolphinesque shapes.

others opt for a longer base more traditional dolphinesque shapes

[mrbig]

These three work for me. The MFC with the narrow base is my favorite in crazy down breeze chop. It is HUGE! 32 cm. Got it a while back to try and tame my Marlin in voodoo chop..

Open ocean as well as Pleasant Bay..In the winter. Ugly!!

[Eagle]

Does seem to be two trains of thought on DW fins........some like the small base vertical types and others opt for a longer base more traditional dolphinesque shapes.

The traditional longer base dolphins are probably predictable and release when you want.  Whereas the small base modern shapes provide quicker turning and lower drag.

The difference between the dolphin Race 23 and modern SIC 8.3 and 7.0 is noticeable.  And which is better - really depends on which board we use - and conditions on the water that day.  We always pick which fin - based on what type of ride we want.  Sometimes lazy and relaxed -> sometimes full-on action planing.