Surfboard fins buying guide
Fins are one of the most important variables in how a surfboard feels. The right fin setup and template can transform the same board — this page covers fin setups, fin systems, sizing, and which fins suit which boards.
Fin setups — which one does your board use?
Thruster (3 fins) — control, drive, and a pivot point. Standard for performance shortboards. Browse thruster fins.
5-fin box (thruster or quad) — five boxes letting you ride thruster or quad by swapping the center fin. Browse 5-fin sets.
Quad (4 fins) — no center fin, more speed and drive. Browse quad fins.
Twin fin (2 fins) — loose, fast, surfy. Classic fish and retro setup. Browse twin fins.
Single fin — the longboard standard. One large center fin. Sizes 4.5" to 10.5". FCS II and Futures single fins fit any standard US longboard box. Browse single fins.
2+1 (single with side bites) — single center fin plus two small side fins. Most common midlength and longboard setup. Browse single fins and side bite fins.
Fin systems — Futures vs FCS II
Futures — single-tab fin locking with a screw. Most common system across our shortboard inventory. Browse Futures fins.
FCS II — snap-in fins, no tools required (screws recommended for hard surfing). FCS II single fins fit any standard US longboard box. Browse FCS and FCS II fins.
Fin size guide
For thruster and quad fins: Small (~55–70 kg), Medium (~65–80 kg), Large (~75–90 kg), XL (over 85 kg). For single fins: 7"–10.5" for longboards; 5.5"–8" for midlengths.
Fins by board type
Shortboards → thruster or 5-fin box. See thrusters and 5-fin sets.
Fish surfboards → twin, quad, thruster, or 5-fin. See twins, quads, thrusters.
Midlengths → thruster, 2+1, twin, or 5-fin. See singles, side bites, thrusters.
Longboards → single fin or 2+1. FCS II and Futures fit any US box. See single fins, True Ames, Flying Diamonds.
Read Surfboard Fins Explained for templates, flex, and foil detail.
