There are many things that can be done to achieve an ideal surfing performance. Paying attention to several crucial factors is a must, including fins – a decisive component that’s often overlooked. Fins are the most important part of any setup as it will give you stability, control, and direction on the board. Furthermore, it will also help to keep up your speed and slice all those waves nimbly. So, are you ready to get a significant pace boost for your next surf session? Ride along with us, as we’ll unveil some of the best surfboard fins for speed available on the market!
How to Choose the Best Surfboard Fins for Speed
Using the best surfboard fins for speed will indeed improve stability, control, and keep pace. But please note that this is only half true. The rest will depend on how you choose fins that match the size, riding style, and fin box of your speed-egg. You also have to consider the weight factor and the tail shape. For more details, here are some points that you should assess before choosing the best surfboard fins for speed.
Size
Fins are available in various sizes. Depending on your riding style, choose the one that suits you the most. Smaller fins will create a more vague feel, perfect for those who prefer a lot of maneuverability. On the other hand, bigger fins will guarantee more hold. That’s logical because it means you’ll get more surface area in direct contact with water.
Flexibility
Elite surfers will probably prefer stiffer fins. Besides being ideal for quick turns, it also allows for quick responses. But on the other hand, this type of fins is less forgiving, making it not ideal for beginners. So if you’re considering yourself as a newbie, stay away from stiff fins and look for those that offer higher flexibility.
Base
The base is the long side of the fin that will meet the board. The longer it is, the more drives it gets. Meanwhile, the shorter base does result in less drive, but it provides faster-curved turns. Again, choose according to your needs and style. Make sure you only use gear that is completely parallel to your characteristics and the conditions of your favorite surf spot.
Rake
In brief, a rake can be described as how far a fin goes backward. The less rake, the easier it is for surfers to pivot. Conversely, extra rakes or sweeps will make it easier to make longer, drawn-out turns. The latter type will be more suitable if you’re a surfer with big, playful shoulders.
Goosehill ISUP Fin
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Goosehill ISUP Fin is a surf good that represents protection and excellent product. This accessory is very easy to install, just press the base of the fin, then push the clip to lock it, and you’re good to go. Do the opposite and you’ll get it removed. In case you feel a little stuck, then that means you put the fin upside down! Furthermore, it attaches securely and performs very well to keep your blade above water.
The Goosehill ISUP Fin design is also smooth and really gives a significant boost to board performance. They are also very concerned about build-quality since this accessory is quite sturdy and maybe even close to perfection! According to the official release, Goosehill uses SCE material which is made with strength-enhancing technology. Meanwhile, the Nylon body will give you the right stiffness, without sacrificing any flexibility.
One more thing that we like about Goosehill ISUP Fin is their warranty policy. It states that if you encounter any issues while using this stuff, feel free to contact their customer service. If your problem isn’t resolved within 12 hours, they’ll be ready to make a 100 percent refund! So if you’re looking for the best surfboard fins for speed on the market, this one is worth considering.
What We Love
A surf fin that’s tough and flexible at the same time. Easy to install and remove.
Pros:
- SCE Material
- Nylon body
- Better maneuverability
- Improved tracking
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with any printed installation wizard
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Surf Squared Futures
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If you’re looking for a thruster that works great in beach break conditions, Surf Squared Futures will be an exemplary choice. Its flexibility feels snappy and predictable. We’re not going to categorize this as speed generating fin, but it does definitely enhance your pace when riding the waves. Furthermore, this surf good is also very light and dynamic. You can slap right on your main thruster and have a surfing session that feels more solid and enjoyable.
Surf Squared provides four different template sets based on your needs and surfing style. Lightweight will be great for professionals as well as surf enthusiasts who prefer all-around ripping. For greater flexibility, Balanced is preferable as it’s suitable for most planks and conditions. Furthermore, Best Flex promises a quality ride with excellent drive. Finally, there’s the Pro Tested set which has been tested live by sponsored surfers, guaranteeing an unparalleled wave riding session!
Just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, Surf Squared is also easy to install. You can use it for both triple and quad setups. Push it into the slot on the bottom of your blade and you’ll be fine. This accessory is also compatible with an array of boards, from regular surfboards to wakeboards. Furthermore, in case you need assistance, their customer care will be ready to provide you with a step by step guide.
What We Love
Come with the complete package. Cater for almost all needs and surf styles.
Pros:
- Ultralight honeycomb construction
- Designed by professional surfers
- 10/10 flex for maximum drive
- Large thrusters
Cons:
- Manual not included
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Santa Barbara Surfing SBS
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Santa Barbara Surfing SBS would make a great replacement fin. This product is not exactly made of hard plastic but has the consistency between it and soft rubber. They didn’t say what material the accessory was made of, but we were quite satisfied with the build quality. If you prefer great flex, it can be used safely and still able to give some drives. Another thing that worth mentioning is the screws they use. They appear to be bigger than screws in similar products, but of much higher quality. We’re also confident that they’re more durable and less prone to stretching.
This product comes in a triple pack, which should be great news for the triple setup aficionado. Santa Barbara also promises a universal fit, making it suitable for variations of speed boards. We haven’t had the chance to actually try it out ourselves, but some surfer reviews have suggested that this accessory is perfect for a BZ soft surfboard, Greco soft board, or even a wakeboard. However, please note that this product is not recommended for younger surfers, despite being used by thousands of pros from around the world.
Just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, Santa Barbara Surfing SBS also comes with an excellent refund policy. A purchase means you’ll get a 12 months warranty. If anything happens during that time, contact their hotline and you’ll get a replacement unit in no time. But we thought this would rarely happen since Santa Barbara Surfing is one of the most trusted names in the industry and has been in business since 2001.
What We Love
Surf fin with great flexibility. Universal fit makes it a great choice for most speed boards.
Pros:
- Come with three packs
- Universal fit
- Larger and durable screws
- Effortless installation
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with any freebies
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Ho Stevie! Thruster Surfboard Fins
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Ho Stevie! Thruster Surfboard Fins are an excellent alternative to sets that will cost you 100 bucks more. Price-wise, this product is probably one of the best in its class. When it comes to form-factor, this surfing accessory falls into the medium category. This is something you would describe as somewhere between the FCS G3000 and G5. Furthermore, the performance didn’t disappoint at all. Ho Stevie! manage provides great flexibility and responsiveness. Its dimensions make these fins terrific for reducing drag.
Since it’s snappy, little, and snappy, Ho Stevie! Thruster Surfboard Fins will also make for a superb summer fin. You won’t get a significant speed boost with this, but we believe it’ll provide an outstanding surfing experience – for average to good surfers. Additionally, this surf good is suitable for knee-high waves to head range. If you want to ride a massive bombora, it’s highly recommended to get bigger fins.
Just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, Ho Stevie! The thruster uses FRP material, aka Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer. It promises great flexibility without much performance loss. This product will be loose enough to be fun, but also provide a sufficient amount of drive for the faster sections. If you plan on visiting some of the 10 most unique beaches on earth in the near future, be sure to get one of these. Make all your surfing sessions a world-class experience!
What We Love
The surf fin is incredible, providing terrific flexibility without compromising much performance.
Pros:
- Responsive
- FRP material
- Lightweight
- Includes wax comb, travel case, and screws
Cons:
- Probably not suitable for bigger waves
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BPS Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins
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BPS Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins will be great for beginners. The build is very firm and provides great steadiness on the board. We also love the fact that it comes with a wax scraper to help screw fins onto the speed egg body. However, this accessory might not be a terrific option if you consider yourself a pro rider. That’s because BPS isn’t flexible enough and tends to be more sturdy. It’s specifically designed to provide a greater balance, which exactly makes it perfect for rookie surfers.
Coming in three sets, BPS Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins are made using a stable and secure Nylon construction. The design is inspired by the iconic FCS G-5 fins, making them suitable for almost any speed board – including surfboards, shortboards, funboards, and longboards. Apart from the wax comb that we mentioned earlier, this fantastic accessory is also shipped with other freebies such as a bottle opener and hex key. If you’re looking for the best surfboard fins for speed at great value for money, this will be an exceptional choice.
When it comes to warranty, BPS also deserves credit. They have a 12-month policy to make sure you make purchases with no hesitation at all. In case you encounter a problem during this period, just contact them directly and you’ll immediately get a full refund or a replacement unit – your call!
What We Love
Great accessory for rookie surfers. Come with lots of valuable freebies.
Pros:
- Nylon construction
- Inspired by the iconic FCS G-5 fins
- Includes wax combs, screws, and bottle opener
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Some may find these fins flex too much
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Own the wave Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins
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Perfect fit, awesome flexibility, and great shape are three qualities you’ll find in Own the Wave Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins. Its snappy character makes this flipper suitable for surfers of all ages. Priced for around 16 bucks, this will be an excellent option for affordable fins. Plus they provide more flex than other low-cost alternatives, such as the one from Shapers and FCS.
Form-wise, Own the Wave manage to deliver solid fins in a sturdy body. However, we do admit that the edges are quite sharp, enough to make a cut in your leg. So you may want to sand it down a bit before taking it out into open water. We don’t know if this only happens in a particular case or a general problem, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. Make sure everything is completely safe before you start to start your wave riding session.
On top of all that, Own the Wave Fiberglass Reinforced Surfboard Fins looks just fine. It’s very easy to install and remove. They also come with sets of screws, locks, and combs – providing amazing value for the price. In terms of performance, you’ll feel a decent amount of performance improvement. And since the design is inspired by the FCS G-5 fins, this accessory will be compatible with all blades that use FCS style fins. If you’re looking for the best surfboard for fins, make sure to check this out if you can.
What We Love
A complete surf fin suitable for all ages.
Pros:
- FCS-inspired
- Includes free wax comb, screws, and a key
- Fiberglass reinforced nylon construction
- 12-month money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Many say the body is too plasticky
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HOABLORN Marlin Wish Surfing Fin (WP)
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HOABLORN Marlin Wish Surfing Fin is a new product that promises additional stability and balance in surfboards and canoes. Thanks to its clever streamlined design, you’ll also get the extra potential to slice all that water seamlessly. Form-wise, this fresh surf item has dimensions of 9×9.5 inches – making it super easy to carry around while traveling.
We also want to highlight the fact that HOABLORN doesn’t take much time to install. You can insert it easily into the slot on your blade, as well as the buckle. Furthermore, this product does indeed use plastic material. However, it’s claimed to be quite sturdy and durable in facing medium waves. In addition, the surface is also quite smooth and delicate, guaranteeing an enjoyable experience.
Unfortunately, unlike other best surfboard fins for speed available on the market, HOABLORN doesn’t mention anything about the warranty policy. For many, this will probably be a massive deal-breaker. Especially considering that their product is relatively new. But if you want to be adventurous and don’t mind spending 20 bucks, then don’t hesitate to buy this item for your next wave riding session.
What We Love
An affordable product with great potential and functionality.
Pros:
- Surfboard and canoe compatible
- Easy installation
- Made of sturdy and durable plastic
- Highly affordable
Cons:
- A product that is relatively new and rarely gets reviews
Anntu Marine SUP Surf Fins (404)
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Anntu Marine SUP Surf Fins come with a unique premise. It promises fast-blazing installation with a practical no-tool concept. Simply place it in the appropriate slot, tighten the screws, and you’re good to go. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll be ready to get an excellent performance boost for your surfing or paddling sessions!
Anntu claims their product is compatible with almost all types of fun boards. You won’t have any trouble attaching this to most surfboards. They even call this suitable with some inflatable paddleboards. Furthermore, Anntu also provides slide-in variation for planks that don’t feature any screw holes. So if you’re looking for the best surfboards fins for speed that deliver great versatility, this one is quite a ponder.
When it comes to performance, Anntu promises a crucial boost to your wave riding spell. Thanks to the body made of fiberglass reinforced nylon, you’ll feel greater balance and control. In addition, this surf item also assures significant improvements in tracking. Unfortunately, the package is quite economical. You won’t find anything other than a single fin SUP premium inside the box. There are also no freebies such as wax combs, keys, or sets of screws.
What We Love
A no-tool concept that promises quick and seamless installation.
Pros:
- No-tool installation
- Better balance and control
- Compatible with inflatable paddleboard
- Durable and detachable
Cons:
- There’s no explanation whatsoever regarding the warranty policy
Topways Fiberglass Reinforced Fins
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Topways Fiberglass Reinforced Fins will please all economical fins seekers. This is a durable accessory made with fiberglass and carries a honeycomb design. Furthermore, they promise high compatibility with most fun boards. As long as they’re using the FCS style, you won’t have any trouble attaching these fins to any surfboard, wakeboard, or paddleboard.
On the form factor, Topways offered fins that were covered completely with fiberglass. This will ensure the fins remain robust and flexible, even when catching bigger waves. Those who prefer high maneuverability will also love this, as it will allow fast turns and more defined curves. Additionally, these fins come in a triple configuration, perfect for providing stability between speed and control. Whether it’s massive waves or small, this little fella will devour it without any problem.
Just like most of the best surfboards fins for speed on the market, Topways Fiberglass Reinforced Fins are also available in a variety of colors. We ourselves prefer the black one, but if you’re into a brighter alternative, there are yellow, green, orange, and blue variants to choose from. Unfortunately, Topways doesn’t mention anything about the refund or warranty policy. We couldn’t find any explanation for quality control or solutions for worst-case scenarios. But if you’re a little bit gutsy, this product is quite recommended.
What We Love
Affordable fins with a stylish and ergonomic design.
Pros:
- Fiberglass case
- Honeycomb design
- Lightweight and durable
- Triple-fin configuration
Cons:
- Some say the delivery process took a while
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UPSURF Surf Fins
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Transform all of your wave riding sessions into a world-class experience with UPSURF Suf Fins! For only about 30 bucks, you’ll get crucial enhancements in drive, balance, and control. Furthermore, this accessory is covered with fiberglass material. It promises exceptional durability and sturdiness. You’ll have no trouble chopping all of that kahunas, making quick turns, and doing all the tricks in the book!
UPSURF itself is not a trifle name in the surf industry. This China-based brand has more than 10 years of experience providing surf goods for professionals and elite riders. Their design is claimed to be durable enough to withstand even the largest ripple. That’s because UPSURF collaborates with a number of master figures in extreme sports, to ensure their fins are truly tough in all types of conditions and setups.
Just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, UPSURF also promises high compatibility. Its iconic shape allows this surf item to be attached to any board using the FCS2 style fin box. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any statements regarding whether fin is suitable for paddleboard or wakeboard. We also have trouble finding information regarding the warranty and refund policies So before making your purchase, we highly suggested contacting their representative for further information.
What We Love
Durable surf fin marketed at a fairly competitive price.
Pros:
- Compatible with any FCS2 fin box
- Fiberglass plus honeycomb material
- Great durability and flexibility
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Lack of information about warranty and refund
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AQUBONA FCS II (404)
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As the name suggests, the AQUBONA FCS II is the fins that come with all the conveniences of a Fin Control System aka FCS. This system, which originated in Australia, really took off and was accepted worldwide thanks to its ease of use. By using the FCS system, especially FCS II, you don’t need any screws for the installation process. This keyless technology will allow you to fit fins into the box, simply by snapping them in the appropriate spot. Talk about convenience!
Setup-wise, the AQUBONA FCS II comes in a tri-fin style, also known as a thruster. This is the most commonly used configuration and can be found on most boards of all shapes and sizes. In other words, you won’t have a compatibility problem here. Furthermore, the tri-fin setup will also provide extra control and stability – a welcome feature for any pro or amateur surfer.
Like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, AQUBONA has a base section of about 100 meters. This will be considered moderate by most surfers. If you prefer a more manageable steer, AQUBONA offers just the right length. The dimensions of this product will allow water to propel quickly, but not fast enough to create a speedy ride. Overall, this will be perfect for those who have just discovered surfing or considering themself as a rookie.
What We Love
It comes with easy installation and promises a significant boost to balance and control.
Pros:
- Glass flex material
- Stylish design
- Quite affordable
- Come with the popular tri-fin setup
Cons
- There’s no explanation regarding the refund or warranty policy
Naked Viking GL Thruster Surfboard Fin (CU)
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Naked Viking GL Thruster Surfboard Fin is ideal for those looking for a larger template. It’s available in two base versions; FCS and Futures. Many consider this as more advanced than the previous model – the NV-5.0. With a newer design, Naked Viking hopes to further optimize the line projection and drive through bottom turns. They also promise a faster pace and more seamless control. This is means that even on smaller waves, you’re expected to get constant and enjoyable speed.
Just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, the Naked Viking GL Thruster Surfboard Fin is made from a durable material. The main construction uses G10, layers of compressed fiberglass backed with epoxy resin. On top of that, they added a carbon fiber shield – allowing for a significant increase in strength without compromising the board’s responsiveness. Lastly, Naked Viking also makes its design with minimal environmental impact. They use bamboo material, which isn’t only eco-friendly but also offers exceptional flexibility for your surfing leisure.
For foiling, Naked Viking utilizes NACA to reduce turbulent flow. This feature will also allow for faster acceleration and a wider angle of attack. You should be able to maintain momentum without any uncomfortable sensations of vibrations or stalling. In addition, they claim that there isn’t a single surf fin out there packed with such advanced technology. So if you haven’t found the best fins for you, consider trying this out.
What We Love
Surfing fins made with advanced technology and minimum environmental impact in mind.
Pros:
- Solid G10 Fiberglass
- NACA Foiling
- Tri-fin setup
- FCS compatible
Cons:
- Some reported that these fins couldn’t withstand the bigger waves
Prosea-Surfboard Fin FCS II Base G5 (404)
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If you’re looking for a rigid and well-made surfboard fin, this is it. Prosea-Surfboard Fin FCS II Base G5 will be an excellent upgrade for those who are used to using glass flex fins. It’s made of stiff material and fits just fine in the bottom slot of the board. They use real carbon, not just a coat of paint. Apart from that, the construction also deserves a thumbs up. It’s very firm and not easily bendable.
Prosea markets these fins as versatile products. This means you can use it in almost any water condition, be it beach breaks or point breaks. They also claim this surfing accessory is suitable for almost any type of board, assuming they use the FCS II system. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any statements about whether this fantastic product works with inflatable paddleboards or wakeboards.
Design-wise, just like most of the best surfboard fins for speed, the Prosea-Surfboard Fin FCS II Base G5 also comes with a cool variation. You can choose between green, white, and black base colors. Furthermore, this product will also be ideal to take with you on weekend trips or long vacations. Not only light, but its dimensions are also relatively small. You’ll have no trouble putting this in almost any travel bag or luggage. Finally, priced at around 50 bucks, this is a steal deal. Especially when compared to other FCS II type fins on the market. So if you haven’t decided yet, you may want to consider buying this one.
What We Love
A well-constructed surfboard fin made of rigid material.
Pros:
- Suitable for wide range of conditions
- Stylish design
- Lightweight
- Great flexibility
- Compatible with most boards
Cons:
- Some reported it was harder to insert than the original from FCS
