Surfboard Fin Review FCSII "Mick Fanning Fins" by Noel Salas Ep. 28
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- čas přidán 7. 05. 2017
- This review is about the FCSII Mick Fanning signature fin. I have tested these fins in all different kinds of waves. This is my go to fin for board testing as a thruster set up and I have tried them in various board types and sizes.
In this review I ride them in my Rocket 9, JS Monsta Box, CI Fever, and the Rusty Heckler. These fins get their drive from the wide base, and their degree of sweep.
Sit back and enjoy this review as I go into the details on why these fins are so unique.
Here is what the FCS website has to say about the Mick Fanning fin.
OVERVIEW
Mick's fin has a dynamic flex pattern offering bursts of speed. Ideal for power surfers who like to snap hard off the top and carve long roundhouse cutbacks, this fin provides maximum drive.
IDEAL CONDITIONS
Open face, down-the-line waves, particularly good in point and reef breaks.
BOARD TYPES
Performance boards with deep concaves and moderate-to-extreme rocker. - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Absolutely shredding! Great review Noel. I'll have to pick some up!
Geoff Koop Yea Geoff you gotta get some of these MF fins. Epic!!!
Loving the fin reviews!
Right on..!! Thanks for your speedy reply...keep up the great vids..!?
kingsofmayhem Cheers glad you like the show!!!!
Thank´s for the review, I'm gonna buy a set for me
Hey from Aotearoa New Zealand. The AM2 are my go to fins-all conditions. What are these like compared? Ngā mihi Thankyou!
G’day Noel ! Could u use these fins in a quad set up ,if so what small fins would u use ? Cheers
Interesting that the inside foil is at leading edge - will have to check the MF find out. Noel's surfing is looking super snappy! Epic!!
hsp-sandiego Epic thanks!
Great review as usual Noel...question is; which fin are you riding more often, this one or the CI Tech 1..?! Also, which fin would you ride in beach breaks like Newport/HB...thanks. I'm leaning towards the CI fin but would appreciate your opinion.
kingsofmayhem I have been riding the RTM Tech 1 for while now but the MF fins are sick too. I would ride both at any beach break. They are both epic fins. If my board has FCSII plugs then I am going with the MF fins. Futures plugs I am going RTM Tech 1. Cheers!!!
This helped a lot. I feel I get stuck in my head the whole “how much you weigh to what size fin to use”. I have always been on medium and only recent experimenting with the larges and for some reason I’m frothing out on the added speed and drive in the smaller surf. Though I’d struggle to turn them being 5’9 and 76kg but yeah frothing out on the different feel. Yewww thanks
Stoked to hear you are trying new things. Check out my signature fins here. My fins have a large fin base and medium fin depth. The best of both… maximum drive but your board stays fast and loose with less drag. We make them in three different templates. Raked, Neutral, and Pivot. There insane….
www.shopsurfnshow.com/collections/fins
I'm completely lost in the fin jungle.. trying to decide which fin quiver to bring to Bali now in October. I have the MF in neo carbon, the accelerator in PCC the performer in neo glass and the firewire in PCC. All in Large.
I'm 190 lbs and going to ride the skx 6.1.
What I'm thinking of is to switch out the performer in neo glass for a Carver in PC or a mf in PC. Or some other fin. Any suggestions?
What would I gain from making the change or changing out something else compare to keeping the fins I have? 🙂
Andreas Bryngel Just get the MF in PC for good waves that range in 4’-10’. Keep your MF Neo Carbon for 1-4’ surf. Get rid of the Carvers...
Good review. Suggestion, how about Aarron get some close up shots of the fin. When you mentioned the unique bevel front edge I was hoping for a close up shot of it. I think it would add to your review. Any ways keep on surfing and doing reviews, you're good at both!
gulfsurfco Great suggestion... we will implement that moving forward. Cheers!!!
Hi Joel! Could you give me an oppinion? I'm starting to use the fcs2 and I don t know if I should use the medium or large fins... I have 154 pounds and I am 5'7
Rui Miguel Cruz You could use a Large fin on your Groveler boards. Boards that have a wide tail with a Large fin will maximize drive. Neo Glass Performer in Large is what I recommend.
Thanksss!!!
First another great review, but wich is the surfboard your surfing on, when the the review video starts?
Regards Hugo
That is a Rocket 9 in a new construction that I cannot talk about yet. I think CI will be releasing it this Summer. I will have the full review when they are ready to launch this new construction. It feels really good and so did the Rocket 9 I was riding.
Actually I do have another question.. so you like the MF and you like the futures am2 or what ever that last review was.. how do you find the fcs2 merricks compared to the futures?
Craig Steven They feel the same to me.
It's amazing how much difference of opinion goes into surfing gear. What's great about it. So many great fin and board options these days. You love these fins, and I think they are WAY to stiff and only good for big powerful open face waves. Otherwise to stiff of a fin for beach breaks for me. I would never use mine in my local spots, but I will be taking them to Fiji this week and bet they will be great there.
....You liking that MonstaBox HyFi? Or is that review coming soon 😉. Thanks for the reviews!
bushkey Glad you liked the review and I wish I was going to Fiji....
Interesting these fins are to stiff for you. I think the Performance Core construction has a Medium flex feel and they feel solid under my feet. I think the Gabriel Medina fin is really stiff and I would ride those when it gets bigger.
But in the end you are right.... it's all about feel for each of us and what wave types we surf.
I really like the Monsta Box in the HYFI and that review is nearly done. Maybe in a week or two. Stay tuned!!!! Cheers
Surf n Show Reviews I think since you are riding smaller more pockety style boards and you surf more off the tail, makes since the MF's are more fitting to you to balance out the equation. I ride a little bigger boards and I don't ride off the back end of the tail, so I go for a little looser fin to balance out my style. Seems like the Pros love the MF's a lot and my friends and I think it's too stiff. Just means your a Pro Noel! I can't wait for your HyFi review. It's my go too these days.
bushkey Great comments and thanks for the compliment. I think the MF's could be loosened up a bit if use the Medium center Fin and the Large Side fins. I bet that goes mental. Cheers!!!
Hey Noel! I was wondering if you've had a chance to try out the new Pyzel Tri fins? I was thinking the MFs, but dont know if itll suit the beachys i mostly surf. Im tossing up a new set up fins for my new pyzalien 2. Im 180 pounds. Trying to figure out what to go for. At the moment I ride mediums, and I only ever have, but im wondering if a large will give me the drive ive been missing? I surf mostly beach breaks.
Cheers legend
Anthony The Pyzel fins are epic... they are a bit more upright compared to MF fins. I think you will love the L Pyzel fins for your beach breaks. The MF Large might be a bit tight and slow to pivot for you in the Beachies
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks man, going to go grab them now
Hi Noel, what is the JS model that you’ve been riding at this video?
Thanks
The OG Monsta Box in HYFI
Hi Noel, are you still in the same position with these fins? What about the new version in Neo Carbon? Thanks
Ed Souto The new MF in NEO Carbon are sick in smaller surf. They have a bit more pop and make surfing smaller waves more fun compared to the PC MF’s.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 and compared to the reactors?
Hey Noel,
First I wanted to say that I love your reviews thanks. I am a french guy and I weight 160lbs. I have a fresh fever in round tail and I dont know what fins using. What would be your thought about a medium or a large fcs2MF ? Or maybe you have other idea.
Thanks for your work and great surfing by the way 🤘
Antoine Loubet For good Pivot and Carving go with the Performers size Large. If you want more drive the go AM size Medium
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks for your answer I think I ll go with the AM I prefer speed and big turns than pivot. have a nice day !
@@surfnshowreviews7777 just because Im curious why according you don't advise me the MF? Thanks again for your help, cheers from Oleron Island!!!
Antoine Loubet The MF fins have a lot of hold and don’t offer too much release. The AM’s have a smaller center fin keeping the board loose and a thinner tip compared to the MF’s... so they offer more release too. I like the MF’s in 5-8’+ surf.
This guy kills it.
Paul D Cheers!!! What fins are your favorite right now?
Noel, any template of Future Fins comparable to FCS 2 Micks?
Thiago Marciel The AM2 is probably the closest that I know of but the center Fin on the AM2's is smaller than the side fins and the Mick center Fin is the same size.
Try Carvers ! almost same template :)
The amount of reviews you pump out and the amount of nice waves you surf has me thinking it's never flat where you are. Unlikely, but your wave count is just on.
Classic but we do have flat spells.... over the weekend we had bad weather with South wind and today too so I haven't surfed in 4 days. I missed it yesterday.... I heard it was fun. I hope your digging the reviews. I am trying to put out valuable content once a week now. Cheers!!!
I don't mind waiting for quality reviews. Yours are the best I've seen so far. Especially enjoy you riding the craft with footage showing the sensations and situations the equipment puts you in. Also like that your presentations aren't rehashed product descriptions from the board websites. Keep it up, don't rush golden content. Cheers.
bodhi tree Thanks glad you like the show!!!
Any thoughts on the Mick Fannings PC vs Al merricks PC template ?
Mosbys MF fin has more hold... all 3 fins are same size and the tips are a bit wider. The AM set has a smaller center fin (looser) and a narrower tip for more release. I like the AM’s better for 2-7’ surf... if I need more hold on bigger waves then I go MF
Mate thanks so much for your insightful reviews. I'm loving the Pyzalian which I bought after watching your feedback. Question - how is the FCS II Mick Fanning Neo Carbon set different to the one you reviewed here? Thanks again
The MF Neo Carbon offers more pop n projection in smaller waves due to the construction offering more flex
Hey, im heading to bali in a couple weeks but i dont know what board to pick from fever or rook 15? thanks :)
James Kelsall Sounds so fun... I wish I was going too.
I think the Fever shreds in 6 foot and under but will struggle on bigger stuff.
James Kelsall What boards are you taking right now?
DHD Sweet Spot :)
James Kelsall The DHD Sweet Spot looks like a great all a rounder! If you plan on charging surf bigger than 6+ then I would go Rook 15.
Hello Noel ... I have JW, FT and AM in AirCore construction. Would this MF model add anything different?
Thanks!
Henrique K. All the fins you have a lot of Rake... I say add a fin like the Performers or Reactors to your fin quiver. The Performers are neutral offering more pivot compared to the fins you own already... the Reactors even more pivot.... these two options will help you get more verticals the MF have a good amount of Rake and offer more hold compared to the other sets you have.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Many thanks for the reply. That's a question I have ... the fins on this model (JW, FT, MF) at medium size ... would not have higher pivot (with more drive) than the large size Performer?
Henrique K. They will make the board feel a little looser or easier turn and offer less hold due too less fin area and less fin depth.
I spy a monstabox hifi! Fanning fins feel good! I find them very smooth. I have the MF and merricks in fcs which are both performance core! Wish fcs had more XL fins beside performers! I'm 240 pounds (110kg). Only fins I have that I'm not overly keen on is the carvers in performance core carbon. So stiff! Looking forward to the monstabox review.. already have some thoughts.. 😉 This is Kreeg by the way..
Craig Steven Yea Kreeg!!! The Monsta Box feels so good. Super fun board and the HYFI construction feels good too. Have you tried the Gabriel Medina fin? Stiff but they feel good too!
Nah haven't tried the medina.. from what I know it's the same as the performer with s differebt flex pattern.. but I've always liked the mayhems.. which is funny because it has very low area for my size..
Craig Steven That is s but strange. Must be a good template shape for your surfing.
Hey Noel
What are the benefits of have all 3 fins same size ? Have you tried to use the large set but put the middle fin from the medium set ?
Bless
All 3 fins the same size offer more hold and tighten up the board a bit... I like all 3 fins the same size in 5-8’+ surf. Yes, the Al Merrick fins I ride most of the time are Larges and they come with a smaller center fin. This will keep the board loose and more responsive...I like a smaller center fin in smaller waves. In certain boards I like a smaller center fin in bigger waves too
If you were to pick one fin system for all your boards, would you choose futures or fcs2? And why?
bnavarre85 Tough question.... right now I know the Futures fin system better so I lean towards that system on your question, but as I get to know the FCSII system I have new favorites there too. My favorite fin across the board right now is the Mick Fanning Large. Something very special about it that I cannot put my finger on. I have not ridden a board that I didn't like with those fins in it. That's the best answer I have for you right now.
bnavarre85 , I personally think there's little between the fins themselves, but in my experience, the fcs2 fin boxes leave a lot to be desired. They seem to damage rather easily (no idea why) I've had slightest bumps to the fin, sink the whole box into the board, where similar bumps to futures have done nothing. Maybe jus bad luck... but Futures is the go for me b
Waxfoot Bummer you had problems with you FCS boxes.... I have no issues with mine and I have had 8 boards with the FCSII plugs in them. Most of my friends use FCSII and they don't problems either. I think you said it best.... maybe just a bit of bad luck.
Regardless the Futures fin system is solid too and they both make great fins. Cheers!!!
Thanks for both replies. I have 3 boards, all Futures fin boxes. Their fin guide is easier for me to understand, compared to fcs2, and it seems like Futures fins are not as expensive as fcs2. It's nice that the consumer has options, and that fcs2 has a large selection. I was wondering if you stick with a certain fin system for your boards that are geared towards knee to chest (Futures) and chest high and above (FCS2), something like that. Right now, my go-to fin is the large AM2 honeycombs. Before this, I was riding medium JohnJohn Florence fins, which is recommended for my weight. After riding the large AM2, I feel like large fins are better for me.
bnavarre85 I think your AM2's are a better all around Fin compared to the John John's. I like the JJ fins in waves with some power, to stiff in the small stuff for my likings.
I switch off with both Fin systems in all of my boards and I am trying both FCSII and Futures in all board types. I want to be well educated in both for myself and others. I don't really have a favorite.... Cheers!!!
Hey again noel! Great surfing and review again:) i got shapers am1(medium) in corelite. Do you know thia material? I think it maybe too flexible and not stiff enough . Would liks to heae your comment.
Stoked you liked the review!! I do have a couple of sets of these fins and I like them. I find them to be similar to the Honeycomb series by Futures Fins or the Performance Core by FCS. I like them in waves from 2-6 feet and when it gets bigger than that I like a full fiberglass fins or a fin with some carbon in them to stiffen them up. I think the Shapers Corelite fin is a good all around fin. Here is what I found on the Shapers Corelite construction. CORELITE: A durable, lightweight fin construction with a progressive flex pattern and overall medium level of responsiveness. A good fin choice for surfers starting on fibreglass fins as the flex pattern is more forgiving, or for surfers wanting a more dynamic feel. The construction consist of Hex-Core Foam insert, Fibreglass and Polyester Resin.
Mick Fanning's or new'ish AM'S in the Aircore? both carver family. I can't deciade!! Any one? Noel? So grateful!!
Peace Soup The AM fins offer more release with a thinner tip and they are a bit looser due to a smaller center fin.
The MF fins offer more hold... I like the MF fins in bigger heavy surf.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Thanks Noel
I just picked up a Monsta Box Hi Fi sqush tail, re-checked your review and see you liked the KA fins on that board, now thinking I might grab a set of those over the AM 2's for every day conditons. what ya wreakon? Many thanks
Peace Soup The KA and AM fins are epic. What fins do u currently have.... this will help me with your new fin pick.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 Hi Noel thanks mate, I just have the Reactors for when it's small and kinda rubbish which my UK beach break is most of the time. Then I have some Mick Fannings old style FCS 's for when it gets good or trips although I was thinking of upgrading those to the FCS 2 tap for ease of use. looking for a everyday fin for a Monsta Box and was thinking beween the KA's, AM's, Perfromer PC's or FT'S or I guess there is the JS fin also. Thanks for the help Noel.
When does the Monsta 6 review come out? Next Swell?
zshaw23 I need one more day of shooting. Could be next week. We need some waves
yeah I have had a couple and absolutely love it. I was curious if you feel the same way and what CI board you would compare it to
zshaw23 I must say the Monsta Box is legit. Right now I would say it feels a bit like the Fever. Hard to compare because this Monsta Box is in the HYFI construction. I am really impressed with the Monsta Box.
zshaw23 I don't know what's next from the folks at JS but that Monsta 6 looks good....
zshaw23 I don't have the Monsta 6 in my quiver right now....
Hi, I have a question unrelated to the video. I am currently looking into the new Cis Fever but am concerned if it fits into my quiver. Currently I have a peregrine and wierdo ripper. Would the fever have a spot? Or can my current boards work. Thanks
jetskisurfer2 I would say that your Peregrine, WR, and Fever all fit in the same wave category, 2-6 foot surf. The Fever might have the most rocker and would be the most high performance though. I like all 3 boards but the Fever blows the other two away for me. Maybe get the Fever and sell one of the other two if you like the Fever better. That's what I would do... cheers!!!
Surf n Show Reviews thank you for the quick response, I'm likely going to buy the fever and just sell my Becker shortboard. Thanks for the info and keep up the great reviews!
jetskisurfer2 Sounds good. Let me know how you like the Fever
Surf n Show Reviews just pulled the trigger, so stoked to ride it this week. Maybe I'll see you at lowers one day. Thanks for the help!
jetskisurfer2 Dang that was quick... you don't mess around. I will be out there all week starting Tuesday. Cheers!!!
Hi Noel, in 2 to 4 ft waves, will medium mf have more pivot than large mf?
Yes, because the medium fin is shorter (less fin in the water) compared to the large MF’s you will be able to turn the board quicker and your board will be looser. However the MF fins have a lot of rake so they will not pivot as fast as the Performers or the Reactors.
@@surfnshowreviews7777 thanks! And medium size Carver fins (MF, Carver, JW) do they have more drive than the Large Performer fins?
@@henriquevert Yes, they will offer more driver
Would you recomand me to try large mf ? I am 147 pounds . Riding fever 25 volume
DJ Pipe Official The MF might offer too much hold. Try the Large Al Merrick fins. They have a smaller center fin and it will keep it loose underfoot
Surf n Show Reviews i also bought (thanx to your recomandation) the kolohe medium , i got’em for some time now . Can i stay with the fanning large and change the center fin to the kolohe’s ?
DJ Pipe Official Yes
Surf n Show Reviews traded the mf large with medium . Hope it goes well for me !
Homeboy shreds
Wyatt Jeffers Cheers!!!