Just bought a used board with Futures fins rated for 185lbs+. I weigh 150lbs. What's the disadvantage of using these larger fins? Any help thanks! Thruster setup. Futures are AM2. The yellow and black ones.
Are you just learning to surf? I have been surfing since I was 14 but I am still relatively new to using different fin sizes and shapes. My favorite I have found are size medium Future WCT’s. I can really feel a difference in my turns and being able to move the board around. I did try a set of large fins one time (can’t remember what model) but I really felt like I had a hard time moving the board around, I guess they had too much bite. Another one of my favorites is a set of medium Future CM2’s in a quad. They feel really fast and I can put the board where I want it. oh yeah, I weigh about 186. Not sure if I helped with anything but, there ya go
One time I replaced the small fins on my fish with medium size fins of the same shape. The board stopped turning. It just went straight. If you're noticing that, put smaller fins on, your board will feel really loose and fun. Size and shape of the fin has much more to do with the feel of your board than material of the fin. For example and crappy set of G5's could make a board much more responsive than a $120 set of honeycombs, if the honeycombs are not the right size for you and the board.
love the orange and black AM2's, but i'm 205lbs. They give me extra drive on my smaller short boards. I've seen smaller surfers like Machado use them in powerful surf. You may want to keep them just for when it's pumping, otherwise they may be stiff, to much fin.
I suppose they would add unnecessary drag, but it's better to be over finned than under finned. Fins that are too small will slide out on turns, so it makes sense that fins too large will hold more...maybe too much. Also keep in mind that AM2 are for better waves. They're kinda swept back and not as pivoty as the WCTs or any other more upright fin. If I were in your situation, I'd put the AM2 up for sale and buy some fins within my weight range....but now I'm wondering if you bought a board that's too big for you since it had the bigger fins in it(?)
AM2 will be fine...I'm about 160-165lbs...and found they're a versatile fin for my weight. The great thing about the FAMs is the rear fins...smaller than the side fins. You shouldn't have a problem...maybe a bit sticky at times, but just weight that rear foot... Also, machado's signature fins are larger than the FAMs and he looks like he weighs in the 150lbs...if not less. You really shouldn't have a problem. Try them out for a month and then through in something like the F4s...y
board design can often dictate fin size, more so then weight. wide tail boards, should probably use a large drivey fin, especially quads...and boards with less tail flip you could always get away with a little less fin. sometimes, it is just personal preference and what feels good under your feet...iam 175 and use the am2...have been messing around with blackstix ea...really like those, maybe its the foil or just in my head...in fact been using those on almost everything now...unless your a ripper, am2 should be fine
I'm a big guy and I have a few sets of smaller fins that don't get used. PM me if you want to trade for a set of Future YU thrusters or F4 Quads, both in hexcore/honeycomb. I also have a set of Future Hadenshape small thruster in hex that are loaned out at the moment but I'd be willing to trade as well. I've been trying to get my hands on some AM2's but they're pricey new
Have you ever tried the CM2's in a thruster setup? I was taking a look at these even though I'm on the smaller size @ 125
I fluctuate my weight from 170 - 180ish, when I'm lean I'm using my small or medium fins, right now with a little more weight I'm using a large fin. Both work great when used at the proper weight. At 150lbs go small or medium.
too large a fin for your weight will have too much hold and make the board difficult to turn. Conversely, too small a fin will cause the fins to break free and the board to slide out, making it difficult to complete a turn. I doubt this will be too much of an issue for you with your weight and what the fins are rated for. It would be noticeable for someone who is say 125 lbs and using an extra large fin template, or vice versa.
