Postby CaptainArgh » Thu Oct 31, 2013 9:29 pm
I replaced my fins with some higher quality FCS fiberglass fins as well. I never rode it back to back before/after the fin swap, but I feel like it drives better. Could be all in my head.
However, I have now experimented several times riding with and without the rear fins installed. From the get-go I rode it once, then took off the rears and declared it a superior more fun board. Reading some conflicting opinions here and from a local with the same board I did some experimenting & determined the following;
*2 front fins installed
With only the front fins the board is fun and snappy! You can turn it on a dime and really tear up a small wave. Heck, it makes a good size ripple fun! If you want it to track more solidly, put your rear foot over the two front fins. If you want to to loosen up, but your rear foot farther back.
The board is a bit less stable with only the front fins installed and you are definitely more likely to lose it out from underneath you on transitions or in high winds / bigger waves. BUT, having said that it is still much more stable than a skim board. Upwind performance is excellent. This is the fin configuration for light to medium conditions.
*all 4 fins installed
With all four fins installed the board is solid! The transitions that were easy to begin with, on only two fins, are easier in this mode. You feel like you can put your two feet just about anywhere you want on the board and it'll still drive nicely without sliding out from under you.
For me, this mode feels more like a surf board (solid tracking) and less like the fun nuggety wakesurfer that I had in mind. For larger surf or heavier wind I'll put all the fins on the board. It still goes upwind great in either setup! I'll use this mode for moderate to heavy wind. For light wind, 4 fins takes the fun out of this board.
For wakeboarding, it is fine either way. If you already are accustomed to riding it, 2 fins is fun. If you are new to the board, 4 fins will keep it less slippery behind the boat.
I have yet to try the board with the rear fins on, and the front fins off. This is another "mode" mentioned in one of the board write-ups.