Yeah bro you definitely opened up my mind , I am going to try the large ones , nice point of view !! I love it !!!

This is the best explanation on fins on KZfaq! For years i always thought smaller fins are better. Even though id lose speed in turns and could rarely connect roundhouses. I started riding large fins a month ago and im surfing so much better now!

Amazing video Noel, thanks so much for the info.

Your channels is so awesome! Thanks for all the great info Noel

I found this very educational. Would love to see more equipment breakdowns like this.

Thanks man, rad stuff! I love your explanation of fins the effects of small changes and the knowledge of what our icons are riding and why + the key takeaway, how can it help the everyday surfer progress and get over speed bumps along the way. peace out

Great info, fins are complex. It would be interesting to hear about people of different weight classes as well .

Saying this was helpful is an understatement, you're videos have been of extreme help. Keep it up! Also I'm 5'8 155 lbs so it's great to see a perspective of someone my size, even though you're far better than me haha

This was an excellent video. Thank you!!

Your suggestion is EXACTLY what I do. I'm 5"10 and 180lbs. I surf a 6"1 small wave performance short, with Mick Fanning Large Outers and the spare centre fin (Medium) from a tri-quad set of Matt Mayhem's. On my big wave 6"6 I run Medina Large Performers, but honestly, I think the Fannings would be better suited here, too, perhaps utilising the full set incl centre fin. I really like the tight feeling, as I'm not a good enough surfer yet to get the best out of a twitchy, loose feeling 'pivoty' type of fin setup. I feel actually that the neutral Medina Performers tend to lean towards the twitchy side, rather than the tight drawn-out turn side. And the Fannings just have so much speed. Catch waves so easily without the drag of the Larger centre fin, too.

Thanks Noel, you're the man.

Perfect break down mate Cheers

Exactly the same height and weight as me...thanks for the tips. I'm playing with new quad fins for my baked potato and got a new single fin for my vernor. I've neglected to dig into fin combinations for a long time.

Finding the right set of fins can be very expensive. especially when the fins don't work?? OUCH!!! Mahalo for this video now I can experiment with what I already have and save me some cash!!!

Awosme as always Noel!! Great review on fins!! Helps me a lot!! 🤘🤘🤙

I really love this channel these informational videos allow me to just listen while I work

Your channel is so awesome and helpful! This has inspired me to do some experimenting. Thanks heaps!

Excellently explained. That was a knowledgeable video.

Some fcs2 sets come standard with smaller rears: Sally, Super, Rusty, Firewire, Merrick, pyzel.

conviced Noel, i will try large sides fins, and medium center fin, great review !!!

*Good stuff as always* 👍

I am one of the converts from our discussions on KZfaq, at 5'10 170lbs the move from medium to large has been such an improvement with my turning and drive. Again thank you for all of your information and expertise! ...oh, and using my old medium center fin really turned the grovel board on!

Loving the backdrop! You turned me on to large fins and it’s been great!

Very well done!

Super helpful mate 👍🏽

Glad to have this high level instructions about fins here. Thanks mate! Quick question: I am exactly your size and oftentimes surf small beach breaks. To try this point of view, Can I use two large carver glass flex side fins with a medium performer core in the middle?

Well done man!

I tried out larger fins for a while but I don't shred quite like you. Seems like larger fins made it harder to cut back, let the tail slide out, wasn't having as much fun? Switched back to medium and I've been loving it.

Liking your show Noel! Really fun to ride along and see all the boards and gear you guys are testing out. This is a cool vid as I've been playing with fins for the last year and I'm so surprised at how much fins can change how your board rides. I'm also surprised how much the "right" fins for you or your board is personal preference (like you're saying about riding large fins). I've played around and gone through a lot of different styles, dimensions, materials and feel pretty confident about what fins to choose depending on the board, conditions, or how I'm feeling for the day. Also wanted to leave the other readers with something Stretch pointed out about fins in an interview. He was saying that fins make up to 50% of the wetted surface of a board when it's on plane. So fins are a much bigger consideration than I think most of us think. Looking back, I really wish I'd experimented with fins a long time ago. I mean, I'm kinda pissed at myself for how many waves I must have caught and kinda wasted because I was riding crap/wrong fins. Like Noel said, have fun and try all kinds of fins!

Hi Noel & thanks for helping me pick my new set of FCS II FINS = ''The Performer carbon'' and after I got them I got to spot Gabriel Medina take the world Title shredding the Performers carbon model at pipe !! ha ,ha . Best Amigo

epic video as always Noel! Gunna try out some large fins!

Great video just got MF fin in neo carbon in large i am 78 kg like the sound of getting a medium center fin for the small soft days was looking at getting the AM2 should save $100 😁😁👍

excellent as always. can you do a video on choosing the right amount of volume in a surfboard?

Hey Noel, I've got a 5'11 Pyzel Shadow and was wondering which fins would be the best for it. I mainly surf 1-3 foot waves with the occasional 4 footers and rare 5-6 footers. I'm 5'8 and 143 lbs. I'm contemplating mainly between medium John John Florence Tech Flex Future fins and Craig Anderson Black Stix. Which fin do you think would be better? Are there any other fin models you would recommend that would be better than these 2?

Gracias Amigo !

Epic Noel, thanks

Hey Noel, i just got my brand new board and im looking for the perfect fcs2 fins for me. Im 150lbs, and ride 2-7ft waves, but my go to surf spot has a fast really short punchy wave which might play into the fins now that i see the video? I also would like to progress on those sharp turns, (im intermediate level). I bought a set of mick fanning carvers in Medium, not sure if theyre the ones i shouldve gone with now that i saw the vid. Thank you

Hi Noel, I'm a big fan of the Kolohe Andino fins. What futures fin would you say is most similar?

This guys videos rule !

Hi Noel, thank you for all the video's on boards, glad I found this one as I did not know much about fins. I'm 5'7, 142 lbs, what future fins would you recommend? I think I'm intermediate, can carve down the line, but want to improve my top/bottom turns and cut backs. Can do these turns but are slower, and not strong or placing right weight. I'm thinking medium, but not sure what ride number to go towards or which model? Would be great to hear your advice, thank you.

I'm running R6's on my 6'0 Proformance Driver in good surf but looking for a step down fin that's fast yet loose in 2-5ft average surf. Would you recommend AM2 Alphas, HS2 Generations, F8 Blackstix or P8 Legacy's? I'm 170lbs by the way

Thanks mate

Hard to beat a honeycomb AM2. I have one that's 5 years old. It's still in heavy rotation.

Hi Noel... Great Video!

Hey Noel this video is so helpful thanks so much !!.... Just a question what do you think of the thermotech construction?? I couldn't afford better fins so I went for the T1 thermotech for my Rocket 9. Keep It up 🤙🏼🏄

Noel, thanks for a greaaaat video! Hope you receive all those good vibes back, I bet you will. And I also think you would really like using Jordy Smiths Larges in the sides, and a medium of his in the center. A little more base than the AMs. And a little more flex, almost a straight 5 in the ride number and rakey as you like them. So a great mid point. Think it could work?

Hey Noel- What's the closest Futures twin 2+1 set to the MR twin fins? Thx you for your time!

hello ccan u please review volume in surfboard construction when ordering a custom board for a 5'7" 145lb experienced old man who loves beach breaks!!!!

Damn Noel, you just sent my fin OCD into overdrive haha...thanks for the vids brutha..!!

hi Noel your tha man! i love how well u know your stuff! Can u tell me why my Large Julian Wilson fins feel stiff and slow? I cant work it out ive tried them on a few boards now, but the Klohe Andino Mediums work awsome. Thanks Legend

Noel, thanks for the video! I am interested in jumping up to a large fin especially for weaker waves, but I am only 150-155 lbs. Any recommendations from Futures? I am looking at the Ando and the Freestone generation. Thanks!

Currently using Futures Stamps on my CI Hoglet, great board and love the Stamps, can really feel the drive/spring on my turns. Just picked up the Waterhog (7' 10") which so far is really sweet, for its size you can feel that it has drive. Any thoughts on fin size there, using the standard Thermotech AM1, but thoughts on some added "secret sauce" for the Waterhog; I am same size as you Noel.

Great!

@surfnshowreviews Always great info Noel. I have a Pyzalien 2 running the H4 fins in medium. It’s a step up board and those fins have been great with it. However I love the board but it’s a little big with too much volume for medium sized days. So I picked up another Pyzalien 2 with less volume but it’s in the futures fin system. Now I’m wondering what fins to run with it since the H4’s are FCS only. I was looking at a pivot fin like the P6 but am thinking maybe the John John Florence Alphas would be a good balance. I’m 5’5” and 160lbs what say ye?

This is really helpful Noel, i weigh rough 6foot 1 and 180 and ride both medium and large, should what large fins would you recommend for small waves.

Thanks Noel - love the show! Quick question: Intermediate/Advanced surfer. Mainly surf performance type boards with quite a bit of rocker. What future fin will help in fatter waves? At the moment I just use AM2 honeycomb for all conditions, but it feels a bit stiff in fatter waves...

Greetings from Panama, by the way.

I’m currently riding the first FCS II PERFORMER PC fin set and am not sure if I should get the FCS II KA fin set that you have shown. I’m starting to progress and get turns down, but really don’t know if it’s worth it to switch to the FCS II KA set on my JS Monsta box HyFi..would love your advice

Hey Noel, great review! Do you think it would be possible to use 2 neo Carvers medium sides with the trailing fin a Kolohe medium? I find the 3 Carvers have a little too much hold and are a bit sticky out of turns.

Hey Noel, I have the F8 blackstix for small and mushier days, if u had to choose just 1 other set to keep in your quiver what would u get in futures? Maybe AM2 honeycomb for bigger faster days? What if you could get 2 more sets? Eventually I’ll add 2 new sets.. I’m intermediate, weigh about 195, and will be surfing mostly punchy beach break 3-5 ft, but will need something for 4-8’ + point break playa negra. Thanks so much for your help

Awesome explanation Noel! to clarify about Futures, I am 77kg 5'7 riding a dominator. Should I rely only on the ride number and get ALL large stiff fins for smaller surf? or to get a medium/smaller center fin like for FCS?

Hi Noel, Great info. What do you suggest for a 190lb surfer? There are very few options for XL fins

Hey, I just got a happy 6.0 Pu, 29L as a step up from my daily og flyer 5.8. I'm 65kgs(1.76m) which means I'm on the verge between a S and M size fins. Plan for the step up is 4 to 6 foot Uluwatu style, down the line and barrels, carves type Indonesian surf. Do you recommend an M(I have some S AM3but might be too small for the waves. So in case S doesn't work , M would be enough or better L with a middle fin M for instance or just full M or L... Thanks. Joao

Good video. As you know, sometimes we have different sets of fins that we bought before having all the information and don't always match the ideal setup. But we'd still like to use them so I wanted to ask if it's ok to mix fins of the same shape but different flex. For instance, to have more speed on smaller and less powerful waves, I'd like to increase the size of my fins from M to L and from FCS Performance Core construction (mid flex) to FCS Neo Glass construction (highest flex) even though I'm 150 lbs. However, I'd still like to use a size M center fin with the new L more flexible side fins as recommended in the video, but to do that I'd have to mix the new high flex L Neo Glass side fins with the mid flex Performance Core M center fin. Do you think that works or do the fins have to have the same flex?

Nice work, Noel! Let me ask you this.... how can you determine the rake of the fin? Is it the total area of the fin? FCS and Futures don't seem to list their rake. Using the naked eye just doesn't seem reliable enough. There has to be a better way. Any suggestions?

Hey Noel, Good to see more on fins rather than just boards. I've been looking into switching fins up on my Hypto Krypto to make it loose on smaller waves but without sacrificing drive and speed. Do you have any suggests for me? I'm 5'6 138lbs and board uses FCS. I currently have Medium Reactors but not happy with those. Hypto has pinney tail so was thinking of going smaller to loosen board? would that be bad move? Any help much appreciated! Thanks!

Surf n Show Reviews, First off i wanted to thank you for always uploading such helpful content for us gear fiends :) I was also hoping you could help me - I just had a new board shaped/picked up and this time around i had him throw a wide-round tail on the usual shortboard shape that i order (5'11x19 1/4x2 3/8) The board goes good, love the shape but the back end is noticably stiff and feels kind of neutral or dead compared to the normal lively feeling of my typical squash tail thruster. I use the Kolohe mediums on all my boards. Any suggestions? Do you think a different set of fins might put some spark in her? thank you for your time!

Noel we met at the OG Flyer release part! You gave me the Trace.

Thanks for the info on fin characteristics. On another subject, can you tell me about the board stand that your board is on? If it is a commercial product, where can I buy one? Or did you make it yourself? Thanks so much.

Looking to get a new fin setup and was wondering what would be best for reef breaks like trestles or tstreet. I have the FCS accelerators. But I feel like I could get on to them easier and quicker. I'm getting a pyzalien 2. It would be awesome if you could reply! Anyways love the videos man! I learn so much from you!

I'm a little stuck with fins, I've been riding futures up to the point and pretty comfortable with the ride number system and love the blackstix fins in small stuff, I normally go custom but just bought a Chilli Churro off the rack for summer beach break kinda waves but it has Fc 2 plugs, what fin would you recommend similar to the blackstix for speed generation ?

Hi Noel, I’m a bit confused by the term drive. I always thought it describes the ability of carrying speed through turns and the stability, since I’ve mostly seen it in descriptions for good wave fins and step ups. You seem to be using drive in terms of generating speed through pumping? Cheers

Hey Noel, thanks for all the videos. Of the FCS2 series: “reactor”, “performer”, “accelerator”, and “carver”, which would you recommend for slabs?

Hi Noel, a wee while ago you gave me some great advice, to swap out my quads for thrusters in my super wide tailed groveller to get more pivot (and already it has made a big difference) . You also said I should go a 'large very upright pivot fin'.... Just wondering if 32 degrees ought to be upright enough? I was looking at FCS2 reactors (a bit out of my budget) but found a ML Shaper fin at 118 mil deep and 32 degrees which I thought would be good. Does that roundabout right? Anyways, many thanks in advance if you have the time and space to answer this. Cheers Noel! C

In essence he uses a large upright fin on his rail with a thin tip for release combined with a smaller back fin...its basically the same fin area but he is transferring the mass to the side for acceleration, power and hold when he engages his rail. This depends on how thick the rail is at 18 “ .The mass of the back fin is decreased to free up the tail. . In other words.He is using a moderate version of the twin fin -stabilizer concept . The problem here is so and so Joe pro is doing this, but neither you nor myself surf like said pro. You have to choose what works best for you.Dialing fins is a lot of work and can be incredibly frustrating and time consuming.BUT its rewarding. I would recommend trying a ton of different fins first ,taking mental notes as you go. before sticking with just this. The plan shape , rocker ,contours and mass displacement on each board varies .With the price of fins these days ,its best to experiment with cheap used plastic ,templates first off E bay . Also never sell or get rid of your fins.You never know when you will need them.

Hi Noel, First of all, Thank you for the great work you do for simple people like us. You gave me advise a while ago and all I have to say is.... you Rule/Rock I would like to get feedback, I already have the AM2 Techflex 5-Fin 5 FIN SPEED CONTROL RIDE NUMBER 4. I do love this fins And I am looking/interested at the JJF John John (L) Techflex THRUSTER SPEED CONTROL RIDE NUMBER 4. What is the major difference on those two fins? other than the middle fin. would I feel the difference? how? I have been surfing for 20 yrs and not until now I am able to feel the difference between the fins. I am from Costa Rica so there is no chance to do test drive down here. Any advice would be appreciate it. I also own the speed generation Jack Freestone (your recommendation, they work) and I love then; and will buy the AM2 honeycomb (thoughts?). I am heavy, 180 pds so i like using large fins. Thanks!

I'm looking for some fins for the Pyzel Gremlin Swallow tail. I'm 5'5" and 135lbs and surf punchy beach breaks/softer beach breaks in the Bay Area in the 1-5 foot range. The board came with the Pyzel Paddillac fins, but these feel slow and not very lively. I'm looking for more speed and looseness and was wondering if you had any recommendations? I was thinking the EA Blacksticks potentially. Thanks!!

Great video mate, could you recommend a large thruster setup for a 5'4 super brand fling please?

According to this video, for larger surfer (90 kilos) , usually surf on small surf, would you recommend to take an XL fins?

I’m 72kg and looking to change up my size fins. I ride the AM medium fins in both future and fcs. When stepping up to a large fin what would you recommend in a quad set up? Could I use a large AM and then a medium carver fin? Cheers love your work.

Hi Noel, I am 140lbs riding a 5’8 x 20.75 x 2.50 with 33.26L. I was advised to ride my board in a quad setup from a surfer who owns the same board and is the same weight as I am. What fin size/model would you recommend?

I’m confused at 0:54 because I thought you were saying that the bigger fin would make it less maneuverable but then right after it sounded like you said the opposite?

Top 3 favorite surfers

Hey Noel . So I bought a fever ! 5.9 .very happy it went so fast the only session i had so far . I am 145 pounds and they offered me at the shop on a good price the fcs2 fw fin medium fin . Wanted to ask your take on that fin if you maybe heard/ tried. Thanks !

hey noel . i know you prefer large . i am 143 lbs. the safe way to go is medium / large ? and wanted to ask your input on toledo fins vs kolohe . thanks master

Hey coach ! Patreon member here :) I recently got the Untitled V2 board, but it seems to be kinda sluggish some times, especially when I place my foot near the tail pad. I still can't figure out if it's a fin problem ? or due to the aggressive tail rocker ? I weigh 140 lbs and ride it with the jjf alpha fins medium size (neutral template ). I know you recommend on going on a Large size, but what fin type should I go for or try out ?

Hi Noel. What’s the best fin box in your opinion? Getting a ci sampler soon and need to inform the shop manager which one it is that I want. Thank you.

Hey Noel, great video was actually just about to order some large fins in but will now use the smaller centre fin combined with the large outer for sure 🤙🏼 also is that a Ghost you've got under the fins, if so are you doing a review on it?

Hi Noel! i weight 175lbs and i have a pyzel phantom (bought it after your review. but i have a doubt about fins. I have FCS2 Matt Biolos on Medium (reactor family and PCC) carver on large (NeoGlass) and soon kolohe andino on large. Which of this fins you recommend me to use for small waves and which ones in big ones? thanks for all the info, i have learned a lot from you!

Hi Noel !! I loved your video, just as good as the rest !! I have a question in the wake of seeing your video. I've been surfing for 20 years and I weigh 165lb. I usually surf waves between 1 to 4 feet in the area where I live. I just bought a Dominator 2 in 5´8 ". I have Matt Biolos thruster fins in M. Should I think about buying L size fins? Which ones would you recommend? Thanks in advance

Im 5'7 and weight about 145. I ony have one fin, a jordy smal. It feels good when it gets bigger, but in small surf I feel that it lacks some of that tracktion and speed. I was thinking on buying a HS2 future fin medium size, for the smaller waves. Do you think its a good idea?

Noel loving the advice, but I want to clarify: if you ride bigger fins in smaller waves should you ride smaller fins in bigger waves? Or does it mostly come down to fin template and stiffness? I’m only 120lbs so I’ve been riding smalls.

What s your opinion on bigger surfer like 185 190 who prefers to surf medium fins over large in smaller waves. I hear different things, you like to ride large fins for more drive but those guys consider that in small surf medium fins feel more lively, causing less drag and better release also saying that if you have carbon fins for example, stiffer, large fins dont feel good and they go medium. Does it has to do with the wave type ? Also hearing that in bigger wave you need less fin area if you use a round tail / longer board when other think that in bigger wave you need bigger fins for more hold.

Some good tips Noel. I just replaced my old 5'7 Slater Sci-Fi with a new one and on my first surf I noticed the new board didn't have as much drive as the old one and felt a bit looser in the turns, when I put the two side by side I noticed the new board had slightly more nose and tail rocker and the rails were a touch softer. I definitively prefer how the old board felt but the old girls is starting to fall apart on me, so I am thinking of getting a slightly larger fin to compensate. I am about the same weight as you and ride the medium FCS2 Julian Wilson fins, just wondering if you can recommend what type of fin I should get.

Yo Noel nice video! What would FCs Toledos be in futures you reckon?

Now how does the tail shape of your board works with different sizes of fins? I can put raked large fins on a step up but that thing just wants to go down the line anyway... not to mention the speed I would have from bigger waves, so riding large fins on a step up would be not very helpful.. Then I visualise how it would be impractical as well to put larger fins on round pins in boards for small to medium surf. You do want the sensitivity with the round pin but large fins would counteract that. So from my understanding larger fins make sense in boards with squash tails and wider tails... Can you comment on that and put some feedback you had using different boards and fins?

Hi Noel, my weight is 65kg I surf in a wetsuit 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit and ride shortboards with roughly 24 liters, i currently use the fcs2 kolohe fins in small but i'm looking for more drive in weaker surf should i get a set of mediums or go up to large? thanks

Hi Noel, great stuff! Seeing if you could please do me a favor and help answer this question. I will be receiving my OG superbrand fling very soon dims: 5'8" x 20 1/2 x 2 5/8" 34.5L. I am 195, and will be surfing HB waves. I have future boxes, but stuck between what size and models? I heard because grovelers like the fling have low rocker that it already helps generate speed so a medium size will work well, however I am not sure if its best to get large? Also read blackstix are a good fin, but there are different models. Any help will be greatly appreciated, and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

Hi Noel. In relation to the fins you discussed in the vlog where does the Dion Agius fall in to the picture? Thanks

Hi noel, i am 179lb, 180lb, i am looking for speed because i usually dont surf big waves, but i want a set of fins that i could use them also if there is big waves, the am1 homeycomb, or the f6 alpha? Or i should go for larger fins? In that case what do u recommend? Thank you. (I am from argentina so when i refer to big waves i am talking about 7ft , 8ft )