What are the advantages of G10 fins?

[rgruber]

Wondering what the purported advantages are of commercial G10 fins like those made by NVS (not concerned as much with custom ones like some shapers on here make).

From what I gather they are stiffer but not sure in what situations that is an advantage as there are some fins (like Futures Blackstix) that tout their flexibility. Is it mostly for bigger surf? Or is it more of a feel thing where someone might like less flex in all conditions while others might prefer flex?

 

[need 4 speed]

I think stiff fins are better when you want to turn.
I like G10

 

[laidback]

I think stiff fins are better when you want to turn.
I like G10

 

[griffinsurfboard]

Wondering what the purported advantages are of commercial G10 fins like those made by NVS (not concerned as much with custom ones like some shapers on here make).

From what I gather they are stiffer but not sure in what situations that is an advantage as there are some fins (like Futures Blackstix) that tout their flexibility. Is it mostly for bigger surf? Or is it more of a feel thing where someone might like less flex in all conditions while others might prefer flex?

The rigidity keeps the pressure - energy- on the fin
A well designed template controls that constant pressure enabling it to release properly and more , as the fin designer intends.
No such template exists in your favored brand

 

[sushipop]

GG, can you post some examples of templates that allow for proper release while using G-10?

 

[teeroi]

I have NVS G10 fins in the AM template. A set in medium and a newly arrived set in large. I use the fcs2 system in my board but those fins are available in single and double tab only. So just needed to put a spacer in and screws.

The G10 material is rigid but the fins are on the thinner side compared to foam core fins from FCS and Futures. So there is some flex.

I normally ride large fins in my hpsb under 6’0 but I tried using the medium G10 instead. Since there should be more drive because of the fins rigidity. Pretty much what I felt. Same drive in the smaller fins compared to the larger pro core ones but because the fins were a little smaller quicker turning and release.

I ordered the large fins to see if I would like them. Mostly cause NVS sent me a discount coupon. I’m a sucker for smart marketing. Fins have been working great. I got a little inside wave today that walled up all the way to the Ala Wai channel and I just kept pumping to generate speed thru some soft sections. I rode to the rocks by the channel. Was pretty winded after that and the paddle back out was far. But I could feel the drive off the fins. It’s a board I’ve ridden all summer that I thought was losing its pop but it felt pretty lively with the new fins. Your mileage may vary. Haha

 

[grg]

I use the NVS fins for my Surf and Kiteboards and happy with them. Mine have super sharp edges but ok with that.

The guy running it has great CS without the mumbo jumbo

 

[Havoc]

gregs fins worked well. wish i kept them. may have to get another set

 

[Brsnstein]

I really like the feel of G10 fins and have been pretty happy with my NVS fins (JL medium and peregrine medium). I'd also contribute to the Griffin with futures base fund

 

[griffinsurfboard]

I have NVS G10 fins in the AM template. A set in medium and a newly arrived set in large. I use the fcs2 system in my board but those fins are available in single and double tab only. So just needed to put a spacer in and screws.

The G10 material is rigid but the fins are on the thinner side compared to foam core fins from FCS and Futures. So there is some flex.

I normally ride large fins in my hpsb under 6’0 but I tried using the medium G10 instead. Since there should be more drive because of the fins rigidity. Pretty much what I felt. Same drive in the smaller fins compared to the larger pro core ones but because the fins were a little smaller quicker turning and release.

I ordered the large fins to see if I would like them. Mostly cause NVS sent me a discount coupon. I’m a sucker for smart marketing. Fins have been working great. I got a little inside wave today that walled up all the way to the Ala Wai channel and I just kept pumping to generate speed thru some soft sections. I rode to the rocks by the channel. Was pretty winded after that and the paddle back out was far. But I could feel the drive off the fins. It’s a board I’ve ridden all summer that I thought was losing its pop but it felt pretty lively with the new fins. Your mileage may vary. Haha

A slightly less thinned out foil will increase the drive and low end performance , twin tabs allow for some movement too.

If you want you can thin the tabs a little - no harm - and use pinstripe or other narrow tape to adjust the angle - you will feel this .

These twin tabs in G-10 are way stiffer at the base compared to Glass ons .

 

[GromsDad]

The real advantage of G10 is that the person making the fins doesn't have to make a fin panel. G10 is resin and glass with a really good ratio of resin to glass.

 

[need 4 speed]

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I get mine from here. I've been luck and got rems from them

 

[griffinsurfboard]

The real advantage of G10 is that the person making the fins doesn't have to make a fin panel. G10 is resin and glass with a really good ratio of resin to glass.

Good Info Grom , both correct !
Almost a direct copy of what JJR posted many years ago .

 

[GromsDad]

Good Info Grom , both correct !
Almost a direct copy of what JJR posted many years ago .

Half the fun of making fins is making the fin panel. That's why I've never used it for fins. I have used it for boat projects though.

I'll add one other benefit......that being that with G10 you can order whatever thickness you need which is nice.

 

[griffinsurfboard]

You can't do what I said you can with G-10 laying up your own fin panel

G-10 is made under heat and pressure

My fun is in how they work

 

[CCKeith]

griffinsurf u make fins?

 

[griffinsurfboard]

 

[GromsDad]

You still regularly using FCS plugs?

 

[griffinsurfboard]

You still regularly using FCS plugs?

This pic is from 11 years ago
I use fusions mostly

 

[VonMeister]

The fin companies sold surfers on the notion that fin flex increases drive and also increases release in turns.....it's like they invented perpetual motion.

Drive comes from a solid undistorted fin that transfers that energy into propulsion. Any flex or change in shape is lost drive.

Release comes from the template and how it allows water to release at different angles of attack.

Fin flex was sold as an enhancement because the fin companies were using cheaper materials. g10 is more expensive and more difficult to manufacturer....but it is also most like glass ons.