FCS Vs Futures: Does the Eternal Fin Fight Ever End?

It's one of surfing's most nuanced debates – which fin system do you go for? For decades the market's been dominated by two key fin-titans; FCS and Futures. Both have a legion of followers, both have evolved over time. And both are vying for your attention.

The answer is usually more about feel and emotion than anything technical. Me? Depends on the board, I love the keel fin range of Futures, specifically the Britt Merrick twin fins, in an emerald green hue wrapped in black trim (aesthetics is a key stakeholder in the decision-making process). But I love the versatility and snap-in, snap-out nature of FCS II fins for a shorter board. Those decisions are nuance, experimentation and feel, all at once. 

Others will be die hard fans, one way or the other. If we had to blow this out into the mainstream, it's more Apple Vs Samsung, Jobs Vs Gates, City Vs United (though with less mob-rule). But what makes these two fin systems work? And should you be loyal to one or the other? Let's have a look.

The Differences

The biggest differences between FCS and Futures fin systems is how they attach to your board. FCS use their no-screw method of click-in fins, where you have the option to screw them in if you like. Futures use a stick the end in, push the opposite down to slot into place then screw in.

Both systems have their pros and cons. With FCS, if you don't pop grub screws in, they could knock loose. Futures, if you're ripping a fin box out, that whole thing is coming out with it – which is a massive amount of damage to put right. Futures use a longer fin box too as opposed to the shorter, more compact FCS box.

Generally, one is not easier to put in than the other. I've had equal difficulty with Futures and FCS, especially when taking those FCS II fins out.

Some surfers prefer Futures fins as the longer fin box and fin template feels a bit more connected and able to distribute force over a wider area.

Others prefer FCS for convenience, enabling you to change fins easily post-surf, ready for a different set. The shorter fin box can make the board feel a bit livelier, though to most, you might not even notice the difference as fin template has more an impact than the box.

On the left, the Futures system. And the right, FCS. Note the notch in the back of the Futures one? You jam that into the back of the fin box and push down, then pop in a grub screw to lock it in place.

What About the Pros?

Eh, it's divided. Futures has a stable roster, as does FCS, with many surfers having their own custom models of fins. The design and template means something. But don't go buying Mason Ho fins and expect to surf like the Hawaiian. There's obviously far more to it than that – like absolute raw talent.

What About Performance?

The reality is, the everyday surfer isn't going to notice the difference in performance between the two fin systems. For the pro looking to maximise their surfing ability by 1% or so, then yes, absolutely. Every percentage point up will be an advantage. Nobody suddenly starts ripping because they've changed from FCS and Futures, unless you're surfing fins too big or too small for you, that's where change comes in. It was Joel Parkinson who attributed his early career success to surfing larger fins, while the rest of the groms were surfing small fins. If that's not an endorsement for experimentation, we don't know what is.

See these? Mason Ho's signature FCS II fins. They may not make you surf like Mason -- but they're built based on the affable Hawaiian's feedback. Does that mean they're the closest thing you can get to attempting to surf like Mason? Maybe! Experimentation is key when picking which fins work for you. Click the pic to buy now.

Which Should You Choose?

The answer is; whichever you prefer. Think about the type of surfing you want to do first, then see which set of fins really fit that remit. IE, you want to do long, drawn-out turns on a mid-length? Futures have a neat pair of keel fins specifically designed for mid-lengths. You want to put the board on rail and feel through a powerful carve? FCS have their specific Carver range for exactly that.

Then there's the fact you may be buying a second hand board that uses the opposite fin system you're used to. Or the shaper you've ordered from hasn't got any of your preferred boxes in stock and you're forced to go the other way.

***

At 10 Over Surf Shop, we've got a whole range of different fins for you. Shop them all, here.