Author Topic: Fins for touring/racing boards  (Read 3646 times)

tarquin

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Fins for touring/racing boards
« on: November 13, 2019, 09:22:04 AM »
So there was a bit of discussion on here a while back about fins. So I thought I would buy a smaller fin to see what the difference was. There are some expensive fins out there and not really knowing what I wanted bought a cheaper fin. Similar size and shape to some of the expensive ones. Carbon and quite light.
 The difference was huge. A lot less stability and didn't track as well. As soon as the breeze was off to one side of the bow I had to work to keep in a straight ish line.
 I guess that squared tip on the fanatic fin really adds a lot of stability and helps tracking. How much does it slow you down? I know after trying the smaller fin I would take stability and tracking over a little extra speed. Will try and do some flatwater paddles and see the difference in speed.

singingdog

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2019, 04:21:34 AM »
Yep. You can dramatically change the feel of a board with fin changes. I have no doubts about the added stability of a longer, higher surface area fin. What I haven't seen is a really good study of the amount of drag caused by going bigger.

Area 10

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #2 on: November 15, 2019, 09:21:24 AM »
Area low in the water, towards the tip of the fin, increases stability most. Base length promotes tracking most.

Beyond that, what is right for you and will make you fastest and/or happiest, is so personal that all another person can advise is for you to try several fins of different sizes and shapes and find out what works best for you, in your board, and in the conditions you paddle. I have dozens of fins, and change them according to the board and the conditions I’m paddling.  My choices might not be right for someone else though, even if they were on the same board. So, if you buy the same fin that Kai Lenny uses, you had better make sure you can paddle like him too :)

tarquin

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #3 on: November 15, 2019, 10:33:23 AM »
I would have to be pretty serious about racing to give up that stability and tracking. Did I go wow this is fast, no. I will use that fin for calm days for the moment. Maybe once I use it more and get used to it I will go wow.
 I am sure over a long distance it makes a difference. So difficult to get real word drag figures on something like this. As area10 said I think it is a lot of personal preference and board. I have my eye on a K4 fin next. UK company making plastic fins. Great price and difficult to chip. Not a lot heavier than a carbon fin.

DavidJohn

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #4 on: November 15, 2019, 12:39:38 PM »
I like the Kitty Hawk graphics..  8)

Luc Benac

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #5 on: November 15, 2019, 01:23:22 PM »
Is that a Mako 37 painted over or a copy? If an OEM then outside of the garish painting scheme, it is a pretty good price for a Mako 37.
Usually teh Mako 37 is pretty stable but for side chop, a little bit less base can be better.
« Last Edit: November 15, 2019, 01:26:29 PM by Luc Benac »
Sunova Allwater 14'x25.5" 303L Viento 520
Sunova Torpedo 14'x27" 286L Salish 500
Naish Nalu 11'4" x 30" 180L Andaman 520
Sunova Steeze 10' x 31" 150L
Blackfish Paddles

tarquin

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #6 on: November 15, 2019, 10:17:21 PM »
FLYING TIGER RACE FIN

The Flying Tiger race fin is a new addition to the Redwoodpaddle fin family. Made using Carbon Lite material this fin generates exceptional speed and tracking. Ideal for fitness, training, competition or going downwind. The specially designed leading edge also offers easier handling when you're catching bumps or when you want to move into surf mode.

Construction 100% Carbon

Height: 8" (20,32 cm)
Weight: 180g
Fin type: US box


Surface (in2)       = 37
Weight (g)           = 180g
Length (mm)       = 210
Base Width (mm) = 200

 It was 69 euros. I think I need to paddle with it a bit more. It was a bit bumpy and I hadn't paddled for about a while.
Going to try one of these next. Why not at the price.
https://www.k4fins.com/product/sup-race-fin/

gcs

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Re: Fins for touring/racing boards
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2019, 12:22:16 PM »
Larry Allison Thesher does great in my touring boards especially when messy and side chop. Its big so probably drags more in glassy conditions.
Starboard Allstar 2019 14x28
Infinity Wide Aquatic 10 8
Yolo Original 10 6

 


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