Proteck vs Sanding fins...

[baldbull]

For some reason over the last few years I have cut myself a few times on the fins of my SUP. This usually happens on days when the surf is a bit heavier, closing out, fast, etc. You know, the not calm waist high glassy days. So, before I get a serious injury, I am considering either sanding my fins or just getting proteck stiff fins. Any thoughts? Would there be a difference in cuts/injury between sanding my fins down and the proteck rubber? I don't mind spending $100 on the proteck fin set but if sanding is just as good I will go that route.

*and just a note, I have tried proteck before. About 10 yrs ago I was given a pair to demo on my thruster for a season. They were the carbon version and I couldn't tell a difference between them and my regular fins.

[robcasey]

I've been surfing, racing, downwinding and paddling tidal rapids with the Proteck superflex fins for years. No injuries to date, and I don't find any difference between the super flex fins and stiffer fins. Providing i'm not surfing really big waves and/or am an elite racer, but nonetheless all is good with superflex.  The flex fins also allow to paddle through thick kelp beds without any issues and have prevented a few wipeouts from hitting rocks etc whereas stiff fins would've resulted in a face plant. 

We also use the super flex fins for our student boards as beginners tend to hit things on occasion, drop a board, etc. 

Look around for proteck fin deals, I know Salamander in Idaho is a distributor. Advertised on this site, Blue Planet also stocks them. 

[baldbull]

Figured I would update the thread as I now have the proteck fins on my board. I got the 7'' stiff and 4.5'' power flex on the sides. Total was around $80 by buying them separately on amazon...the whole set was like $105 when bought together or more if buying from other sites. Anyway, I had them out yesterday in chest+ surf and today in knee-waist high surf and they feel just like any other fins I have ever had. They seem pretty cool and I am going to get a 9'' one for my longboard next. Not sure why the rubber edge design isn't sold to other fin makers as it seems like a no brainer. I've only had a handful of cuts in my life from surfing but they all have been on longboards/sups, beachbreak, closeouts so its worth it for me.

[surfcowboy]

Thx for the update man. I need to get a longboard version for the rock reefs out here. I hit a fin every month or so and there no need to break a box if these work alright.