FCS2 or Futures Fins? 5 Reasons I Made The Switch! 🏄‍♀️ (Surf Fins)

FCS2 or Futures Fins? 5 Reasons I Made The Switch! 🏄‍♀️ (Surf Fins) | Stoked For Travel

Рет қаралды 19,773

Күн бұрын

When it comes to the best surf fins the FCS v Futures Fins debate is a heated one!
But here are 5 reasons I've made the switch to Futures, and why you should seriously consider it too!
When it comes to FCS v Futures it's a pretty polarised argument - with everyone standing firm on their choice of surf fin!
But after riding the FCS2 system for a few years now why have I made the switch to Futures fins on my new quiver? Well from fin box design, to fin safety and even the range of fins available - I run through why you should consider making the switch too!
*Grab 15% OFF Project Blank Futures Fins*
Use code STOKEDFORTRAVEL at checkout ➡️ www.projectblank.com.au/stokedfortravel
✅ Issues with knocking out FCS2 fins
✅ Range of fins available
✅ The differences between FCS2 and Futures fins
✅ Which fin box is the strongest
✅ Fin box design
⬇️ Check out all my surfing guides here ⬇️
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Chapters:
0:00 Surf Fins - FCS2 or Futures Fins?
0:13 Intro
0:40 Key differences
1:35 Fin Security
2:34 Fin Box Design
4:06 Ease Of Install/Removal
6:08 Fin Options
7:03 Fin Box Strength
8:43 Useful Links
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▬ ABOUT ▬
I’m Chris - award winning travel blogger, surfer, photographer and ocean lover originally from Devon in the UK. Since 2009 I've been bouncing around the world sharing my adventures and providing reviews, advice and tips to help you plan your own adventure!
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Пікірлер: 114

@SurfFender Жыл бұрын

I'm a power surfer and I'm big (250-270lbs). I have ripped out 2 boxes doing snaps, and one doing a 360 (futures); I have snapped the tabs off of FCS 1's (plastic fins) twice doing snaps and split FCS plugs in half (fiberglass fins) doing a kick stall in the FCS 1 days. FCS 2's are a great improvement over FCS 1s. I rode "O'Fishels" before the single tab became Futures. Futures have a greater variety of different fins; FCS 2s are safer regarding injuries to the body and or board. I work at Jack's Surfboards, come in for a personal tutorial on which fins might serve you best for your goals

@Lionheart8453 8 ай бұрын

I've had both futures and FCS2... there's just something about FCS performance wise that Futures lacks - my FCS boards feel more lively and responsive. I agree though.. Futures win hands down in terms of strength. Just my 2 cents!

@StokedForTravel 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback! Indeed some fin sets and board combos will feel slightly different, all down to personal preference on that one 🤙

@Layzydayze 3 жыл бұрын

Love your vids bro surprised you don’t have more subs. Bit of a flavour of the month thing but any plans on reviewing the sharp eye inferno 72?

@StokedForTravel 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks buddy! Didn’t have any plans to review the Inferno 72 at the moment, but might be one down the line. To be honest I don’t really ride super performance boards, might rope some buddies in to help me out though!

@simonswiss 2 жыл бұрын

I had ordered a MF Little Marley (from your recommendation + a few others), but ordered the FCS2 model. Watched this video the very next day, freaked out, cancelled my order that had not shipped, and ordered the Futures model instead 🙏 Looks like you saved me a lot of anxiety from losing expensive fins and damaging fin boxes!

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Haha good call Simon, I’ve recently updated my blog review about this board due to damaging the board because of the FCS2 fin removal! Glad you managed to make the switch in time 🤙

@simonswiss 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel hah yes, just in time before it left the warehouse. Thank you so much - pumped to receive my Futures version soon!

@scottyknowsurf 2 жыл бұрын

Put a screw in it. FCS 2 leave more flex in the tail for a lively feel to the board. Futures make the tail so stiff. The wider plug the stronger the plug. I just made the transition away from futures. Let's see how it goes.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

the main issue is - if you're putting in a screw you might as well have Futures and get the stronger fins and fin box. Essentially FCS have simply tweaked a small part of the design (badly I might as) to get back the patent and charge extra for a sub par product.

@sunovadistributionn.z.693 2 жыл бұрын

totally agree

@foxgd9117 Жыл бұрын

Doubt you would notice at your level. Mainly for big waves

@paulbaker7675 Жыл бұрын

I don't ever want to have to rely on having a fin key with me every time I surf, so for me it's FCS 2 all day.

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Fair enough, not for everyone but for me the other advantages far outweigh the need to add a fin key to my keychain

@antoinegodin4229 8 ай бұрын

same I never damaged my boards or fin boxes with fcs 2, I dont understand all this comments below, in comparaison i had few issues with futures cracking fin boxes only by doing by carves on point break

@radumi5394 4 ай бұрын

Don't you really have a fin key in your backpack whenever you go surfing? If you try fins I'd worry more about carrying the fins with me, the time to swap than of having the key available.

@mrwardy7 2 жыл бұрын

I bought my 1st decent board with fcs 2....regret it so much, lost about 4 or 5 fins so far. Got fin box damage aswell. Bought my next two boards with futures.... Not a single fin related incident on those two boards .

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry to hear that Sean, glad you’ve made the switch to Futures and are stoked with them though 🤙

@mrwardy7 2 жыл бұрын

Futures all the way now mate.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

@@mrwardy7 for the win!

@theseb1979 Жыл бұрын

Got my first board with futures a few weeks ago. In the first session I managed to lose one of my fins. Aren’t anecdotal evidence stories great?

@inigosebastiangaray1498 3 жыл бұрын

Do you know if there is a patent for the Future systems box? What I mean is, can you get a board with a future-compatible box that is not made by them? I've seen that with FCS2: fin boxes that are compatible with FCS2 fins, and they are made by third parties (the boxes). Thank you in advance.

@StokedForTravel 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Inigo - I’m not 100% sure on that one to be honest, but I would assume that given the timeline on development the patent on the box would be over now and third parties would be able to produce them as well 🤙

@rickden8362 Жыл бұрын

The Futures box patent has expired, and may not have valid to begin with. In 1983 a patent was granted for a fin box almost identical to the Futures but the inventor didn't know how to market it and had no compatible fins available for it, so it went nowhere.

@techguy8571 3 жыл бұрын

Had one board with futures. Center fin had play side to side and couldn’t be corrected. That put me off. I have never had a problem with FCS 2 and you can use the grub screws if you want to. Had anyone else had side to side play in their futures?

@StokedForTravel 3 жыл бұрын

good to hear your feedback Giovanni - was it a new board or second hand? Sometimes the fin boxes can wear (something that can happen to both fin systems) but both FCS and Futures also sell inserts to help correct that issues. I get what you're saying about the screws on FCS2 - but I feel that if you're going to do that then you might as well be using Futures and the extra benefits of them!

@palmbaybali6138 3 жыл бұрын

Quick tip for that nasty box/fin play with futures. Use clear plastic tape (the sort we use to wrap gift paper) on the fin box both sides, that does the trick. You moved to FCS2, grub screws are epic, we feel fcs2 system is more secure to the board , I surf loads of twin fins and never had a fin box blow out in fcs2 with my twins, futures I have blown a few boxes doing turns. I have noticed shapers have started to beef up the glass or carbon fibre in the fin box area of the future system. Adds grams of weight only. As a fin shaper, I can tell you one thing epic about future fins is the fact that I can change the Cant/fin-angle of the fin. FCS2 Cant is build into the fin box, i think its about 6.5 degrees. Yew

@skeres01 3 жыл бұрын

@@palmbaybali6138 Great info!

@SurfFender Жыл бұрын

I use tape on the fin when I get that play in the box - different tapes have different thickness, and tape location placement serve different roles

@Dicko301 Жыл бұрын

Some after market future boxes are wider and shorter than the originals so you might have to put a bit of tape on the base nothing major though , theyre the copies of the original futures, made in china.

@ernestoescudero1524 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video but the base of Fcs has way more surface area if you know your engineering . Not to mention a wider base too. Also futures goes straight into your board if hit from the front.....that is way more likely than hit from behind! I've snapped a few fish 1 in my day but never an fcs2.

@StokedForTravel 5 ай бұрын

I was more referring to the base of the actual fin - as in how much of the fin connects into the actual box itself. In theory the Future front tab is supposed to snap out in the event of a front impact, doesn't always work in real life though I guess!haha! Having worked in a surf shop for the last 5 years I can certainly say I deal with people who have snapped or lost FSC2 fins daily though, but very few issues with futures. Personal preference at the end of the day though so if you're happy with FCS2 that's all good with me!

@ronaldcachoo 2 жыл бұрын

Hey which fcs2 fins would you recommend for the Pyzelien 2 for 2-5ft reef break. Looking for fins that are gonna be great for radical turns. I have the shaper series carver fin which has a lot of rake and not sure if its the right fin set...

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Spoke to my buddy who loves his Pyzelien and he suggested going for something a bit more upright. Either the Performers or the Pyzel signature fins 🤙

@ronaldcachoo 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel ohh ok! Thank you so much man🙌🏼

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

@@ronaldcachoo no worries, let me know how it goes!

@mauricegourmet 2 жыл бұрын

Wish I had watched this before I bought my Sunday in fcs. I’ve never used this fin system in 10 years of surfing. And instantly regretted it. First fin insertion pushed the fin box in an 1/8 of inch.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Oh no Maurice, sorry to hear that! Hopefully you can get it repaired ASAP and go enjoy your Sunday! Which size did you go for in the end?

@mauricegourmet 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel I got the 6’4. It’s been a blast. I had it repaired once and it happens again immediately. So I’m working with FCS and FireWire to get this handled. Meanwhile I just got another one in Futures. Thanks for the single fin beta in your other video.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

@@mauricegourmet Oh damn! Hopefully they'll get it sorted soon, but glad you've got a Futures option now too! Sticking with the single fin approach?

@mauricegourmet 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel thanks. Twin is my favorite set up so far. So much hold and drive. I’ve not purchased a single fin for it yet. But hopefully this weekend I’ll try the single.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

@@mauricegourmet Let me know how you get on with it - but twinny was my fave!

@nor_easterly Жыл бұрын

Good reasoning!!

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Totally happy with the decision to switch!

@josephtube24 2 жыл бұрын

Man great points for futures! By the way, where can I get that yeew shirt?

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Stoked you like the video bro! hahaha well that tee design is a custom one - but I've released a few limited editions versions of it here: srf.teemill.com/product/yew-mens-tee/

@josephtube24 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel thank you for sharing, will check it out! 🤙🏼

@josephtube24 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel I wished you shipped to USA 😔

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

@@josephtube24 I think that's possible?

@josephtube24 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel if it is, let me know, I would buy!

@edcruz11 2 жыл бұрын

What is the volume in liters of an FCS fin box vs. a Futures fin box? Weight?

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Hmmmm good question on that front, I’ll have to find out. I wouldn’t say there’s a huge difference between the two to be honest

@rctrix9063 Жыл бұрын

Very informative review. 👍 However there are other systems. Fantastic windsurfing have a system that is adjustable.

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately it’s not available in mainstream surfboards though, so it’s very much a FCS or Futures decision unless you go custom

@rctrix9063 Жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel Fare enough 👍

@kaipo8489 Жыл бұрын

I swap fcs2 fins in the water all the time. wouldnt try that w futures. Once a board is dialed in i dont think one is better than the other

@iampetrunin 9 ай бұрын

I lost my brand new FCS fin today: it was placed as required and was screwed for extra hold. It didn’t help. I used the set only three times and it breaks my heart. Buy a board with FCS boxes? Never again.

@StokedForTravel 9 ай бұрын

So sorry to hear that! 😩

@iampetrunin 9 ай бұрын

@@StokedForTravel How do you manage answering every single comment on your videos? I haven't seen a person more in touch with followers than you! P.S. I hope you don't manage it via ChatGPT-bots 😅

@stephenbrown7167 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Best decision I've made for a long time!

@brendanbecker1658 2 жыл бұрын

great content but pls equalise volume levels between the talking parts and the musical interludes. I'll turn up so I can hear your voice and then the music comes and blows my head off.

@AlbanCoville 2 жыл бұрын

It blows my head off too. Thks for the video.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry guys - seems my headphones auto equalise so I didn’t notice the difference! All fixed on the latest videos 😊

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry guys - seems my headphones auto equalise so I didn’t notice the difference! All fixed on the latest videos 😊

@brendanbecker1658 2 жыл бұрын

@@StokedForTravel Cheers! :)

@bellpaleale 2 жыл бұрын

8:26 looks like three of my five boxes.

@maptheworld7400 2 жыл бұрын

I talked to a shaper and he told me he doesn’t like that Futures boxes take more foam out of the board

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

yeah shapers seem to be very pro/con one way or the other - a lot of shapers I've spoken to also love the fact it's easier to insert a Futures box

@jaywilldoit 2 жыл бұрын

That’s why we haven’t heard of that shaper I guess

@theoverstoker3430 3 жыл бұрын

Fcs2 sucks major arse! $150 just to constantly lose fins hate fcs. Futures are the go

@StokedForTravel 3 жыл бұрын

How many fins have you lost?

@DanVal4 2 жыл бұрын

Yeh I agree. Have lost 3 FCS2 fins. I'm effectively out $300 AUD. Have also had 2 FCS2 finboxes damaged, 0 futures. FCS customer service sucks in my experience as well. Definitely a big Futures convert and have loved them ever since I've had them.

@AlleyTrashBoards Жыл бұрын

Undoing one screw per fin is not enough of a waste of time to need to make it quicker. Futures for life.

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Agreed! Too many advantages to riding futures!

@IndonesianCall 6 ай бұрын

Hahaha 😂 25 years later? 🎉🤙🏽🙏🏽

@StokedForTravel 6 ай бұрын

Better late than never 🤣🤣

@theoverstoker3430 3 жыл бұрын

The fcs2 fin flipped out of the box and stuck in the bottom of my board! Same scenario happened to me. I really dislike fcs

@StokedForTravel 3 жыл бұрын

It’s such a horrible feeling too! 😫

@WhiteGhost21 Жыл бұрын

i hate fc2. feels super terrible for the board swapping them in and out.

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

yeah there's a lot of unnecessary pressure being applied!

@jeffn1384 2 жыл бұрын

Hmmmm. So FCS 2 getting hit from the front might damage your board but futures hit from the back and nothing happens and you can keep surfing.... Sounding like advertisement logic.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

It’s more about the speed at which you’d impact something than anything else. If you’re moving forward the chances are you’re surfing and are carrying some speed, therefore a high likelihood of damaging the fin box. Backward moving impact, chances are it’s a much slower movement (not up surfing) and therefore in theory wouldn’t have as much potential to damage the box. Would be the same no matter which fin box - but futures is designed to give out with a forward moving impact, but FCS isn’t. I hope that makes sense?

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

@sb5265 because the small part of the tab is designed to break off with less pressure than is needed to rip out the box and then pivot over the back part of the box.. That's the design theory, obviously this isn't always the case. FCS 2 is designed to only be released with pressure from the nose end only, so the full force is on the box with any forward moving collision. Does that make sense?

@SurfKwonDo1 2 жыл бұрын

Prefer futures because they are a better design. The base is stronger. Less screws. More practical. I won’t even look at fcs boards when buying a new board.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Good decision! Wish I’d swapped over sooner!

@richg916 2 жыл бұрын

Great videos, however the sound level of your transitions is far too loud (IMHO) in all of your videos compared to you talking, too jarring.

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers for the feedback Rich! This is something I overlooked and should be all good in my latest videos 🤙

@bonsummers2657 6 ай бұрын

ƒutures looks better. All white is the goal.

@StokedForTravel 6 ай бұрын

nice clean lines - few good all white fins available in their range

@77pebble Жыл бұрын

I find it odd you mention there is potential to rip out FCS 3:23 moving forward. Yet, when it comes to Futures you don’t mention potential of ripping out and claim that they will just stay there….hmm ok I have seen futures been ripped out. Something seems fishy…I know that FireWire are no longer making boards with FCS now, they gonna loose loads of customers as fins are not cheap

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

In theory the design of the Futures box should mean a forward moving impact rips out the fin before the box, but yes it can still happen for sure - but is certainly not as common and the box itself is definitely stronger overall. This guy did some really interesting tests with both boxes which is well worth a watch: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/p5l_g7yBrp22c2w.html In terms of “something fishy” not sure what you’re trying to get at there. I’m not affiliated with Futures or Firewire, just like reviewing their boards and base everything off my own personal experience, so no agenda behind any of these videos 🤙

@Hayden-sp1ol Жыл бұрын

No FCS in my Future.......

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣

@chrisinflight5298 Жыл бұрын

Futures everyday

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

For the win! 🙌

@chrishoops9538 2 жыл бұрын

The volume issue is making your videos unbearable to watch. I have to turn it way up to hear you then get fucking blasted when you unnecessarily cut to a lame music break. Please fix!

@StokedForTravel 2 жыл бұрын

Should all be fixed on the most recent edits - totally overlooked it, thanks for the feedback!

@quicksno 2 жыл бұрын

I had the same comment

@oneRella Ай бұрын

Your music is way louder than your dialogue.

@StokedForTravel Ай бұрын

Yeah ive fixed this in more recent videos! Thanks for the feedback though 😊

@orestearroyo 4 ай бұрын

FCS since 1997!! I don’t know but Future fins look sow generic and cheap

@StokedForTravel 4 ай бұрын

If it works for you, happy days 😊 what’s your go to fin set?

@samuraigracie9587 3 ай бұрын

FCS is much better

@StokedForTravel 3 ай бұрын

All a matter of personal preference - if FCS works for you, happy days 😊

@RavenAndrew1 2 жыл бұрын

Future box is better for kook shapers who can't follow Fcs installation instructions.

@IIIxwaveIII Жыл бұрын

sponsored by Future fins 🤣 dude, there is absolutly no area that is relevant where futures is better then FCS II... if fin security is that important to you (which I dont believe because you just reffer to others) you can put 2 screws in the FCS II system. learn the facts first... I have been surfing with FCS II since they came out. never had any issues inserting ot taking them out and its a lot easier then screws... FCS has a pattent and when it expires other manufactures can start making 3rd party ones. but thats for every fin system out there. future was the same back in the day and FCS I also. anyway, all you say is false and I would suggest fact checking by anyone that has a head on top of their shoulders also, you say you switched... so you have, around 5+ pairs of FCS II already that you put your money on, and now you want to ivest in a whole new echo system and build from the start. fins costs a lot of money, so either you didnt switch because you never had FCS II or you are full of BS the only thing I think is correct in what you say is that the future box needs more power to be ripped form the board as oposed to FCS II but.... 99.999% of cases you dont get anywhere near that power generation on the box

@StokedForTravel Жыл бұрын

Hi Guy, First off, as I've mentioned in a few comments, nope this video wasn't sponsored by Futures and I've got no affiliation with them at all. Perhaps maybe you're sponsored or working on behalf by FCS though?! All of the info in the video is based on personal experience, friends experience and chat with quite a few people within the surf industry. So nope, not false, it's all backed up with real life examples and information. I personally decided to swap from FCS2 to Futures because of all this and decided to share why to help other make a balanced decision. I had about 3 sets when I decided to switch across (i was changing up boards anyway, so that didn't really come into the decision making process budget wise) but I'm very comfortable with the decision I've made. I sold my old FCS2 sets to put towards the new Futures one, so really it wasn't a massive impact on the wallet. No more than I've seen people having to fork out when replacing fin sets of FCS2 fins that have been accidentally knocked out. Some of my friends still froth on FCS2, and many people are happy with FCS2, but I've certainly met, worked with and know more people who aren't than are. Personal preference at the end of the day - if you're happy with FCS2, then that's totally fine, you do you. But for those who either haven't decided or are thinking about switching - the info included in the video might be handy to consider. Either way I don't really care what people end up surfing, it doesn't really bother me what anyone else chooses to load into their boards. As for the fin box force side of things - that's more to do with impact than force generated by surfing. Although a few of my friends who work in ding repair would quite happily back up the fact that they've seen far more FCS2 boxes blow out than Futures, especially when it comes to twin fins.