Just picked up a new JS custom to find it has come with the FCS 2 system instead of standard FCS which is what I thought I was getting. No big deal in the sense I can still run the standard twin tab style FCS fins but wondering on peoples thoughts on this new system.

Apparently JS are only running with the new system now (unless you order custom) and I'm pretty sure Mayhem are doing the same so they must think they are ok. They cost the shaper an extra $25 which I don't know if they are absorbing or it will be past down to us.

I haven't seen any after market fin sets yet and the new FCS 2 system has been around over a year now so I don't know if there's a patent on them preventing that or not enough confidence in them to put money into new molds. In theory they tick a lot of boxes with a bigger base area to prevent base flex like the Futures, easy fin instalation and they may prevent a serious fin gash if you come down backwards on the fin as they should pop out.

As i have boards with both Future and standard FCS and now FCS 2 I'm wondering where do I go heading forwards. Should I be looking at only getting this system in my new boards

Peoples thoughts would be appreciated

Pretty sure that standard twin tabs are gonna sit back further in the box than FCS2 which will affect your boards performance. And you can bet on a ten year patent which'll shaft you on fin cost too. Phuck 'em I say.

Gorilla make aftermarket fcs2 but are only marginally cheaper

Sorry can't gel you with the FCS 2 vs. other systems.
However, after years of using FCS I am now only using futures on new boards. Better feel all-round in my opinion.
They did have issues with tearing the box out when they first came out but I haven't seen that happen for years.

Ive had a look at the FCS 2 and I seriously don't get what all the fuss is about, its pretty similar to the futures setup.

I dare say the shapers that are only "exclusively" using FCS2 are getting paid to do so (or Kickbacks), which is fine by me but I'll stick with futures thanks. I also received a new mayhem 2 months ago with Futures.

DJMWA regarding feel why do you find Futures better? I've only ever had FCS in my boards so would bee keen to get your thoughts...... might even convince me to try something new.

They feel waaaaaaay stronger, better fit (always flush to the deck) and I am yet to bust a box out.
Realistically at our pleb level there would be no discernible performance difference.
I have also snapped a FCS fin off doing a bottom turn once too, no way a futures fin would have that happen.

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DJMWA said..
They feel waaaaaaay stronger, better fit (always flush to the deck) and I am yet to bust a box out.
Realistically at our pleb level there would be no discernible performance difference.
I have also snapped a FCS fin off doing a bottom turn once too, no way a futures fin would have that happen.

Jeez just reread my post.
I think Futures should employ me as there sales rep/online troll

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smicko said..
Pretty sure that standard twin tabs are gonna sit back further in the box than FCS2 which will affect your boards performance. And you can bet on a ten year patent which'll shaft you on fin cost too. Phuck 'em I say.

Standard FCS fins will sit further back in the FCS2 fin boxes but the boxes are set further up the board to compensate this. The new FCS2 fins have an extended foot out of the front of the fin which gives it a larger base and puts the fin back in the same position as the standard FCS fin. This should keep everything as always been from what I can see but I'll do a check out of interest as the new JS is a copy of an older one which I still have.

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DJMWA said..
They feel waaaaaaay stronger, better fit (always flush to the deck) and I am yet to bust a box out.
Realistically at our pleb level there would be no discernible performance difference.
I have also snapped a FCS fin off doing a bottom turn once too, no way a futures fin would have that happen.

I also run Futures on other boards and agree with you on a stronger system but I've had a sloppy box (nothing worse than a sloppy box) which you need to replace of try and pack and I have knocked a Future fin box over and they make a mess. Your looking at major works if you do this. This is one of the things I like about the old FCS system where you can be anywhere in Indo knock a FCS plug out and either fix it yourself or have it done easily at a dodgy board repairer with out any issues. Not so easy with Futures but saying that I think they are a good system and proven.

Fcs2 has this kit that takes up the gaps when using old fcs in New boxes, which should locate them in the same position

Personally, after having used FCS2 on two different boards for the past 6 months, I wouldn't use anything else.

Similar to Futures, there is an increased feeling of solidity/drive (more base connection to the board), and fins sit nice and flush to the underside of the board.
It feels and looks much more refined than the previous offerings from FCS.

As someone who fiddles with fins a fair bit, and always seems to misplace my fin keys, the one click in and one click out is pretty awesome. They are a bit sticky the first couple of times, but then sweet as.

Sure, they are little more expensive than other fins out there, but on a surf by surf basis that cost is pretty negligible, and out weighed by the benefits.

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MickCam said..
Personally, after having used FCS2 on two different boards for the past 6 months, I wouldn't use anything else.

Similar to Futures, there is an increased feeling of solidity/drive (more base connection to the board), and fins sit nice and flush to the underside of the board.
It feels and looks much more refined than the previous offerings from FCS.

As someone who fiddles with fins a fair bit, and always seems to misplace my fin keys, the one click in and one click out is pretty awesome. They are a bit sticky the first couple of times, but then sweet as.

Sure, they are little more expensive than other fins out there, but on a surf by surf basis that cost is pretty negligible, and out weighed by the benefits.

So what would you prefer Mick, FCS 2 vs Futures? Just curious as I haven't used the FCS 2.

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DJMWA said..

So what would you prefer Mick, FCS 2 vs Futures? Just curious as I haven't used the FCS 2.

MickCam said..
Personally, after having used FCS2 on two different boards for the past 6 months, I wouldn't use anything else.



I think that sums up his thoughts

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Ted the Kiwi said..

DJMWA said..

So what would you prefer Mick, FCS 2 vs Futures? Just curious as I haven't used the FCS 2.

MickCam said..
Personally, after having used FCS2 on two different boards for the past 6 months, I wouldn't use anything else.



I think that sums up his thoughts

I really need to learn to read post properly don't I.

haha yep, as much as I do like the Futures system, FCS 2 for me.

I think their one weakness though, may be front or side meetings with reef or other boards!! Haven't had the pleasure, yet!

Hope not to anytime soon.

Mickcam, Good to see your happy with FCS2, gives me a bit of confidence. I have heard a bit of negative feed back with the fin boxes rolling but looking at them they look like they have plenty of surface area and depth so can't see why they would be any worse than other systems.

As I said before JS definitely, Mayhem and DHD I think all using this FCS2 system now so unless you want to order custom in those brands it's probally going to be FCS2 or Future.

Mickcam what FCS2 fins have you been using, do you know if any of the shops are loaning them out.

thanks for the input

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remarc said..
They cost the shaper an extra $25 which I don't know if they are absorbing or it will be past down to us.

Not that I would mind the expected $100 increase (assuming three plugs and "value adding") The consumer will ALWAYS be paying for the extra cost - On any product, anywhere! Irks me when companies try and tell us that it does not!

they surf great but not enough flange front and rear to give a great seal on EPS core boards .back to the FCS fusions

I like them, nice and quick to change and no more stripping threads!!

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Loz79 said..
I like them, nice and quick to change and no more stripping threads!!

stripping threads…..pffft going to hard.

Easy to cross thread the plastic IMO...esp boards where thread is deep and screw only grabs last couple of threads like my SUP... In the process of fitting helicoils to it to fix... Ok if you never experiment with fins I guess...

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Loz79 said..
Easy to cross thread the plastic IMO...esp boards where thread is deep and screw only grabs last couple of threads like my SUP... In the process of fitting helicoils to it to fix... Ok if you never experiment with fins I guess...

Interested to know how you go with the helicoils. I wasn't aware you could get them that small a thread. I have also got a couple of dodgy screw threads in old boards that i didn't want to change the whole plug for.

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remarc said...

Loz79 said..
Easy to cross thread the plastic IMO...esp boards where thread is deep and screw only grabs last couple of threads like my SUP... In the process of fitting helicoils to it to fix... Ok if you never experiment with fins I guess...

Interested to know how you go with the helicoils. I wasn't aware you could get them that small a thread. I have also got a couple of dodgy screw threads in old boards that i didn't want to change the whole plug for.

Pretty sure they come in 3/16 which I'm sure is std fin size.... If not I'm gonna tap out to next size up... Going to source parts tomorrow, I'll post my result

Chucked a set of Medium Performer's and quad performer rear in the board on the weekend. Impressed with how easy they click in and out. The fins feel really solid at the base so looking forward to giving them a go later in the week.

I went with the Performer mediums in the front fins because they are almost identical to the old PC 5's and the performer quads as they are the same as the old G 1000's except with a 80/20 foil instead of 50/50. This is the set up I found best in the old board so I've stuck with it.

Fin choices for me so far-

JW's in smaller beach breaks.

Accellerators as an all rounder.

Large Performers for the juice.

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remarc said..

Loz79 said..
Easy to cross thread the plastic IMO...esp boards where thread is deep and screw only grabs last couple of threads like my SUP... In the process of fitting helicoils to it to fix... Ok if you never experiment with fins I guess...

Interested to know how you go with the helicoils. I wasn't aware you could get them that small a thread. I have also got a couple of dodgy screw threads in old boards that i didn't want to change the whole plug for.

Just finished and was a success, got talked out of helicoils so went with a part epoxy part powder solution, filled up hole, drilled out and re-tapped, just like new:)

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LordKuz said..

remarc said..
They cost the shaper an extra $25 which I don't know if they are absorbing or it will be past down to us.

Not that I would mind the expected $100 increase (assuming three plugs and "value adding") The consumer will ALWAYS be paying for the extra cost - On any product, anywhere! Irks me when companies try and tell us that it does not!

they cost $4 more not $25 if your buying bulk and the big guys would be on the same price structure so the pricing shouldn't go up at all only on fins

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dtm said..

LordKuz said..

remarc said..
They cost the shaper an extra $25 which I don't know if they are absorbing or it will be past down to us.

Not that I would mind the expected $100 increase (assuming three plugs and "value adding") The consumer will ALWAYS be paying for the extra cost - On any product, anywhere! Irks me when companies try and tell us that it does not!

they cost $4 more not $25 if your buying bulk and the big guys would be on the same price structure so the pricing shouldn't go up at all only on fins

$4 retail or $4 to the shaper?

the shaper /glasser .... what retail would be buying board plugs?

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dtm said..
the shaper /glasser .... what retail would be buying board plugs?

When you by the board, the cost will be past on. If it isn't, the business plan isn't that great

yeah but bugger all price rise on plugs and nothing for the big guys so bugger all price rise on new boards