FCS Red tip Fin

Reviewed by Sak@ eastcoastsurfer.com

FCS 3D Red Tip (fin)
 
I recently rode a FCS 3D Red Tip in place of my usual center fin. The surf was pretty weak, lots of flat spots in the waves that required long connections that are usually not a problem on the particular board I was riding (see the 50/50 Waveskate review). But, it did not quite do what I expected or hoped. Instead of creating a lifty, speedy feeling in the tail as I expected, it actually anchored it down a bit more. Felt a bit draggy on the takeoff and I felt like I lost the ability to skate or pop over the gutless sections and into the next desirable section down the line.  
 
BUT when the odd wall did come up, the harder I pushed down with my back foot, the more the board accelerated.  It kind of reminds me of a turbocharger on a car engine- not necessarily faster instantaneously out of the gate, but when it kicks in you get slammed back into your seat.  Through turns the fin also did seem to create a pretty bite-y feeling when I finally found a few sections that bowled up for carving- the harder I pushed against the fin, the more it lifted and maintained, or possibly created, speed coming out of the turn.
A friend of mine did try this fin in his standard shortie and described similar results (that turbocharger-like lag, but lots of lift and thrust once the board was up and driving).

I think this fin would be more appropriate for more walled and/or wedging-up waves. I actually want to try it in a bit bigger and more hollow surf (thinking chest-head high barrels) in a standard performance shortboard to see if that anchored-down feeling results in more control in the steep sections/barrels.  I will report back when I get a chance to do this.

 

Reviewed by Sak