Hi

I have a Starboard ace 14 from about 3 years ago (the widest model), the guy i bought it off said that a hatchet type fin (gladiator) made it foot steer much better.

I didn't buy the fin at the time as it was pretty xpensive and I only use the board for recreational paddling.
Does any one have experience with improving foot steering on this board or can recommend a fin worth trying?

I am super happy with the board but was thinking a bit better handling might help me on downwind paddles.

Cheers Chris

I love the Gladiator fin and use one in my 12'6" Glide.. But.. they like to go straight and track.. and they make foot steering harder.. If ever I'm surfing my 12'6" I use a dolphin shape fin..

IMO if you want better foot steering you need a slightly smaller fin than a Gladiator type fin.. One with less area in the base of the fin.. and one that's a little more upright (vertical in shape and less rake).. The stock fin that comes on the new Naish Glide/Javelins is one of the best that I've used to improve steering..

You need to borrow and try a few for yourself before you buy if you can.. I'm no Ace expert so maybe others here can give you better Ace fin advice..

Here's a vid for you that I just came across..

Get yourself a 37 VMG fin. The difference is very noticeable when downwinding, they really help the ACE steer.

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murf said...
Get yourself a 37 VMG fin. The difference is very noticeable when downwinding, they really help the ACE steer.

Can you post a pic?

Photos on VMG FB page here www.facebook.com/VMGBlades

Hi

Wow thanks for all the responses...I meant to check the thread today but got caught up with work.

Looks like i have a bit of experimenting to do. It has been a bit windy in a bad way over summer in Tas so have not been riding the ace much but am getting amped as the weather calms down a bit.

We had a wooden boat festival down in Hobart over the weekend and there was a wooden cruising type sup which looked ok and some strip plank kayaks which looked really good. Its got me keen to build a slightly more stable version of the ace for a winter project.

Does VMG stand for Velocity Made Good? I think they used to make sailboard formula fins.

Cheers Chris

Yes Chris that's us, and we've used all of that knowledge and experience, combined with some of the Best paddlers in Aus to develop these fins. Available via retail in most states, but sadly not in Tas.

Pretty sure the photo that hawaiiheke posted is not the one murf was talking about, that's the flat water time trial fin.
Think he was talking about the centre one in Chris Tings photos.

I'm a huge fan of the VMG fins. Top quality and incredibly light!!
When I had my 14 x 24.75" Fanatic it felt sooo much better DW'ing than with the stock fin. So maneuverable and responsive. (I have the 37sq" Mako)
I've now got the same fin in a 2015 14x25" Ace and it feels fantastic.
I think it works best in boards with the fin box further forward. I tried it in a 2015 V2 Bullet 14 but I didn't like it as the fin box in those is almost at the tail. A narrower base, more upright fin felt better. That's just my personal preference.
In a Falcon, Ace, DC NSP though and I know for a fact it's awesome!!!
The time trial fin does its business in any Flatwater board. Awesome tracking and low, low drag. :)

Thanks for the info... looks like the decision is easy.

Just checked out the stockists on their facebook site,
i see they have a stockist in New Caledonia, I might have to go on holiday and buy one over there.

Cheers Chris

Well, personally I think you should listen to DJ's advice. But fin choice is a very personal thing, and what is right for one board might not be for another.

Hi Chris,

I hear the down winding in Noumea is fantastic, but if you need a stockist closer to home

VIC RPS
NSW WindSurfnSnow, SUP Lake Macquarie,2UPSUP
ACT Wetspot Watersports
SA 1SUP1
WA Standup Surf Shop, Standup Paddle Sports

Hey that's my vid!! What's the verdict on that rear mount for those that watched it?
In relation to this thread, I've played allllllloooootttttttt with fins for Downwinding. I use very very small fin but some don't like cause it makes board too unstable. My advice is try everything, all shapes and sizes and put em up the front of ya box. Good luck.

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marcus said..
Hey that's my vid!! What's the verdict on that rear mount for those that watched it?
In relation to this thread, I've played allllllloooootttttttt with fins for Downwinding. I use very very small fin but some don't like cause it makes board too unstable. My advice is try everything, all shapes and sizes and put em up the front of ya box. Good luck.

Hi Marcus

I think the rear mount is a winner. I've seen the one that DJ uses but it would be great if you could share a few snaps on how you have set up the one that your using here.

Cheers Lockie