Quad thruster fin setup

The four-fin set-up gets a little bit of both the characteristics of the twin fin and the thruster set-up. Quads can be great in small surf, especially if the rear fins are further up on the surfboard and closer to the rails.

This helps surfers generate speed, even in weak waves, and helps to do quick turns, a bit like with a twin fin would, but with extra control. Surfers also use quads in big hollow waves, with the back fins placed further back on the board, for extra hold in steep waves. Advanced surfers enjoy the extra speed gained from not having a centre fin, and the additional hold on higher lines, due to having 2 fins near the rails.

At its best in clean, powerful and good surf. When choosing fins, other aspects need to be considered, here are a few:. Fin Size : Bigger fins equal more hold, as more surface area is in contact with the water. Fin Base: This is the length of the fin at the part where it meets the board. Longer bases provide more drive.

When surfers turn, they put pressure against them, creating acceleration. A small fin base will generate less drive but will provide quick and short turn arcs. Fin Rake or Sweep: Fin rake means how far the fin goes backwards the way it tilts to the back. Generally, more sweep or rake is enjoyable on big, playful shoulders. These are just a few of the many different fin characteristics. We will answer them in our next videos! We regularly get questions about fin setups on a kite surfboard.

Our Malus Domestica , for example, has a five fin setup. But do you have to use all five fin boxes to get the best out of your board? And what exactly is the difference between a quad setup and a thruster fin setup? Check out the video to get your questions answered! Below the video is a summary of what is told in the video. In these videos we answer your questions about the technical aspects of our surfboards. That being said, the amount of foam in this board combined with the quad fin setup will leave those that ride it with plenty of speed to zip across the water with ease.

In summation; when trying to decide which surfboard is right for you, and more importantly which fin setup between quad fins vs thruster, you need to evaluate which type of waves you'll be surfing most often; and how you wish to surf overall. When it comes to which board to ride, the thruster vs quad. We know that thrusters offer more control while quads tend to be much faster.

So what are you looking for and which is right for you? Personally, based on my own experience, I trend more often towards thrusters but I do have a couple of quads; and then again, I've been riding a twinnie configuration nearly all year so what do I know.

Milano Walker. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Post comment. Skip to content. Quad vs Thruster Surfboard Fins.

Come dive in with us as we explore the difference between these two popular fin setups. Contents 1 Quad vs Thruster Surfboard Fins 1. Click Here To View Price. This loose configuration is fun to ride and will adapt well to waist-to-head-high waves. In bigger waves, and because it lacks a center fin, it may spin out in bottom turns and rounded cutbacks. The thruster is the most popular surfboard fin setup in the world.

It was introduced by Simon Anderson in In a thruster setup, the surfboard gets two lateral fins and a center fin. It's an all-around configuration that will adapt to a wide variety of boards and waves.

Nevertheless, a thruster is your go-to option in predictable or high-quality waves, where the surfer needs to find a balance between stability, speed, and control. The side fins - with a single foil on the outside - generate lift; the center fin - with double foils - provides direction stabilization.

The quad is an evolution of the twin-fin setup. It is the perfect fin setup for both small days and hollow waves that require extra speed down the line.

With two lateral and two centered fins, the quad will excel in freight train conditions or small mushy summer rollers when drag is your worst enemy.