I need a good slalom fin to use in my Kode 86 with 5.8 Koncept for fast bumpy slalom. The board has a US box, and I can't find any decent slalom fins in that fin box configuration.

I have a couple of wave / bump fins for no cam sails with this board, but just want to find a fast slalom fin to try in it too.

Any advice?

Gsport freespeed maybe?

comes in US box at least.

Tough one. Try a weed fin from JP or Maui fins maybe? Or look for a second hand oldie?

I've got the same dilemma, and decided to rebox a Drake slalom fin into a US box fitting... Using a fin saver for the front, and some epoxy/glass for the head. Shouldn't be too hard I'd think.

Will let you know how it goes.

this is not as easy as it sounds nebs as the tab that sticks out and has the screw through it tend to break off with reboxed fins.

you can get aluminium fin tabs that rivet onto the base to form the tab. they work ok and are sold as us box tab repair kit or somehting like that. you would just need to grind down the old base so that it looks like a us base without the tab part then rivet on the new tab.

i've done a couple and it require some patience getting the new tab to sleeve over the fin ok.

Select to expand quote

Chris Dimond said...

I need a good slalom fin to use in my Kode 86 with 5.8 Koncept for fast bumpy slalom. The board has a US box, and I can't find any decent slalom fins in that fin box configuration.

I have a couple of wave / bump fins for no cam sails with this board, but just want to find a fast slalom fin to try in it too.

Any advice?

re box the Kode so you can put a decient in in it .Pm Spotty

Select to expand quote

Gestalt said...

this is not as easy as it sounds nebs as the tab that sticks out and has the screw through it tend to break off with reboxed fins.

you can get aluminium fin tabs that rivet onto the base to form the tab. they work ok and are sold as us box tab repair kit or somehting like that. you would just need to grind down the old base so that it looks like a us base without the tab part then rivet on the new tab.

i've done a couple and it require some patience getting the new tab to sleeve over the fin ok.

Errr... Gestalt... That aluminium (actually steel) fin tab is called a "Fin Saver", which is what I'm planning on using.

And I put one on a select fin last week, so yes I do know how to attach them...

The fin isn't thick enough near the tail to just slot into the box, so I need to build up the head with epoxy/glass.

A problem with the US box is it's lack of thickness, so a bigger slalom fin will need to be sanded to fit, if re-boxing.
As Elmo pointed out in another thread, if you sand through the outer carbon layer of a moulded fin, it will almost certainly snap.
But solid carbon or glass should be OK. You can tell by the outside weave, if it's one continuous layer of carbon, it's moulded, if it's several layers that have been sanded thru, it's solid.

I'd build the front tab up with glass, but that's just because I've plenty of scrap glass, and I'd have to buy the fin saver. (done this several times with broken tabs, and they've lasted well)

yes stainless steel not sure why i wrote aluminium.

There may be a few nice Torquay Fins ones around in the used market. May even be one or two new ones left?
The first fin I cracked 39 knots with GPS was in 2004 speed week on a 11" Torquay freeride fin. Immediately after that I jumped on a 14" needle and went a little faster at just over 40 knots with a 10" SOS slalom fin, also a US box fin.

i've got a couple of torquay fins that i do like very much. the world cup slalom with the wider tip is a favourite.

We have got new Gsport Freespeed 32 fins for sale in US Box, if you are interested.

Select to expand quote

Gestalt said...

i've got a couple of torquay fins that i do like very much. the world cup slalom with the wider tip is a favourite.

heres a couple of torquay g10 carbon laminated

Interesting comments and thanks for the feedback. I'm still undecided....

I'm concerned about the strength of a US box fin. When it is fully loaded, is it not as strong as a bolt thru type?

I have also considered changing the fin box on the board to a tuttle - more expensive option, but I need to be realistic about when and how I will use this board. I suspect it will be (as yet unridden) 15 - 22 knots with KA Kult 5.8, 22 - 35+ knots with KA Kult 4.7.

The idea of running a Koncept on this board is driven by my enjoyment of speed and ramps and I figure I need a fast fin to suit the sail type. I guess a Koncept won't work with a wave / swept design? So I need a slalom fin around 28cm that will still let the board turn, but have enough power to balance against the Koncept.

Also in my mind are Spotty's 40+ knot efforts on his larger Kode, so the board is obviously capable of some nice top end speed.

The successful fin will give me good bottom end, balance against the board and sail type, and good upwind (yes, all on a bump board). For outright speed, and light air sailing I have other gear covered, so it's not as though I want this board/fin combo to cover everything.

Kimba showed me this one: http://www.sunshinecoastsailboards.com.au/Components/Board-Components/Fins/Select/Select-Proam-Freeride-S.html

Anyone know much about it?

Just stick a wave fin in it...

Chris , Spotties done 40 knots with a freewave fin.

I have stuck a Koncept 5.0 and 5.8 on my Wave board with a 26cm clapped out old Curtis wave fine ( The one that broke the other week and left me stranded 1.5kn offshore, Doh)
The only problem I have found is the board goes too fast with the Koncept and I get the sh.t shaken out of me on the Bay Chop!!!