FCS

FCS builds both the TP1 and TP2 fins in the Glass Flex material. Glass Flex is FCS's replacement for the old black composite fins from a few years back. The new fins are white and have favorable flex characteristic. Our premiere fin from FCS is the Performance Glass TP1. We're super excited about this fin, and it's a favorite of many team riders (our shop guys really love them as well). The Performance Glass construction creates essentially a modern glass-on fin equivalent for the FCS fin system. The two plug FCS system also maintains the natural flex charistics of the board, especially on thinner boards.

FUTURE

The FTP1 is available in three types of construction, black composite, four colors of fiber glass, and also RTM Honeycomb. We're extremely pleased with the Futures models, especially the fiber glass and RTM models. The Futures box system offers a firm connection to the board with the base of the entire fin imbedded in the board. There is no gap between the fin and the deck resulting in more drive and a positive feel, especially for larger riders.

O'FISH'L

Both models are available in either white or black nylon, or in carbon fiber. O'Fish'l's mounting-tool free system makes it easy to swap fins on the beach mid-session.

TRUE AMES

We offer two models in True Ames construction, both in the RTM Honeycomb construction, and available for the FCS, Futures mounting systems. True Ames is also manufacturers all of our glass-on fins. The True Ames RTM fins are arguably the best fins on the market.

INSIDE FOIL VS. FLAT FOIL

People have asked us countless times why we haven't done an inside foil fin yet. The answer is simple... we haven't found one yet that we like better than our flat foil fins. When buying fins, keep in mind that both flat foil fins and inside foil fins have their merits. Inside foil fins tend to hold the water better, meaning that they create considerable speed in your bottom turn. However, that extra stiction can also make inside foil fins harder to release off the top, and they can be harder to turn, essentially feeling like they are tracking off in their own direction across the face of the wave.

Comparitavely, flat sided fins turn very quickly, release more easily off the top, and in some ways may be more suitable for throwing the tail and airs. But the bottom line is that each has it's own feel, and neither solution is right or wrong per se. It simply comes down to which fins you think work best on your board. Our recommendation is to start with a pair of T.Patterson fins. They are extremely high performance and well balanced. Then, if the fins aren't giving you performance attributes you desire, go to a FCS or Futures test drive center and try different fins.

Just keep in mind that T.Patterson Surfboards using T.Patterson fins will ride as Timmy had intended it to ride when he built the board for you, and that the majority of our pros use TP1 fins, either glassed-on or in a fin system.