By
Surfhardware International
Designed in
Australia
Description
FCS II is the latest advancement in detachable surfboard fin technology and is the first high performance fin system to be removable by hand. The product is a set of fin boxes that are installed into a surfboard during manufacture. Each fin box contains a mechanism which allows for fins to be removed and replaced from the board without the need for specialised tools. The FCS II system is designed for surfers of all ability and maintains a secure mechanical bond to the board when pushed by elite surfers, while remaining removable by hand.
Key Features
and/or Benefits
A titanium tension bar and self lubricating polymer barrel interact with a detail in each fin to mechanically lock the fin to the fin box with a combination of downward and lateral force. This design feature removes the need for a specialized tool, required by current fin systems, to secure the fin to the board. By eliminating the tool, the surfer can rapidly adapt their equipment to the conditions (on land and in water) and easily prepare boards for transport. This equates to better surfing performance and board longevity.
The system’s construction has been designed to operate as an integral part of the surfboard. The hybrid structure includes a perforated polymer skeleton, over-molded with polyurethane foam. This creates a lightweight composite, whilst giving it structural integrity in high stress areas. The extension of the foam through to the top surface allows for a strong mechanical and chemical bond to the surrounding fiberglass surfboard laminate. This increases strength, offers resistance to fracture during impact, and most importantly transfers, rather than absorbs, energy from the surfer to the fin.
The non-linear form of FCS II is designed to eliminate fracture focal points in the fiberglass skin of the surfboard while giving it a secure and appealing footprint at the base of the fin. The perforated structure of the polymer frame combined with the exposed polyurethane foam communicates the light weight construction of the product to the surfer.
In addition to the FCS II plug, the leading edge of the fin is now seamlessly secured in the plug, and the fins tabs are longer. These features create a solid connection to the board while minimizing water disruption. The best surfers in the world equate this to more speed and response.