Author Topic: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?  (Read 4901 times)

Bulky

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Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« on: June 17, 2019, 02:00:32 PM »
Among a stack of board repairs, I've got a few that need sidebite boxes replaced.  From the looks of it, I'm going to have to invest in templates and specialized bits so I'd love some input as far as which system to go with (FCS, Futures, ?).  Are there any major differences as far as cost of tools and materials?  Is one quicker/easier to install?  Any differences in durability?

Love to know what others are using.
Santa Barbara, CA

SIC RS 14x24.5
Infinity Blackfish 14'
Naish Glide 14' (2012)
SupSports Hammer 8'11
Starboard WidePoint 10'5
Ke Nalu Mana, Konihi, Maliko

TallDude

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #1 on: June 17, 2019, 03:41:40 PM »
You can easily make a jig for the Futures boxes. That's what I did, so I just go with Futures fins. You can make a jig (or buy one) for the FCS as well, but not as easy to make. If you look at most of the longboard or SUP surf boards out there (just look on CL), they are using Futures. They'll build you a custom board with FCS, but Futures is usually the default choice. A lot of short boards have FCS.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2019, 03:45:14 PM by TallDude »
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surfcowboy

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #2 on: June 17, 2019, 06:59:43 PM »
Man I tried to post a template for making a Futures jig. Need to get back on that.

Jrandy was helping a bit too. Hmmm...

surfcowboy

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #3 on: June 17, 2019, 07:00:54 PM »
You can also half-ass FCS with a hole saw bit and a paper template but I’m not a fan.

Night Wing

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #4 on: June 17, 2019, 08:54:08 PM »
My two Hammer sups have Futures sidebites and my new Blue Planet sup (which is in the process of being shipped to me as I type this), has Futures sidebites as well.

I prefer Futures over FCS if given the choice.
Blue Planet Duke: 10'5" x 32" x 4.5" @ 190 Liters (2 Dukes)
Sup Sports Hammer: 8'11" x 31" x 4" @ 140 Liters
SUP Sports One World: 11'1" x 30" x 4.5" @ 173 Liters
CJ Nelson Parallax: 9'3" x 23 1/2" x 3 3/16" @ 78.8 Liters (prone surfing longboard; Thunderbolt Technologies build in Red construction)

Bulky

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #5 on: June 18, 2019, 09:26:35 AM »
Man I tried to post a template for making a Futures jig. Need to get back on that.

Jrandy was helping a bit too. Hmmm...

Yeah, I uncovered that thread last night.  Was going to reach out to you on that.  I guess I can work on my own, but let me know if yours materializes.
Santa Barbara, CA

SIC RS 14x24.5
Infinity Blackfish 14'
Naish Glide 14' (2012)
SupSports Hammer 8'11
Starboard WidePoint 10'5
Ke Nalu Mana, Konihi, Maliko

Sup-position

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Re: Recommendation for Sidebite fins--FCS or Futures?
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2019, 02:05:06 PM »
Futures have 2 fin box depths
3/8" and 1/2" You cannot get all fins in all depths.
So I would go 1/2" and put the rasta shim (1/8") under if need be for a 3/8" or none with the 1/2"

FCS Does not have this issue
Ralph
Sup-position
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