FCS2 or Futures Fins? 5 Reasons I Made The Switch! 🏄‍♀️ (Surf Fins) | Stoked For Travel

[@SurfFender]

I'm a power surfer and I'm big (250-270lbs). I have ripped out 2 boxes doing snaps, and one doing a 360 (futures); I have snapped the tabs off of FCS 1's (plastic fins) twice doing snaps and split FCS plugs in half (fiberglass fins) doing a kick stall in the FCS 1 days. FCS 2's are a great improvement over FCS 1s. I rode "O'Fishels" before the single tab became Futures. Futures have a greater variety of different fins; FCS 2s are safer regarding injuries to the body and or board. I work at Jack's Surfboards, come in for a personal tutorial on which fins might serve you best for your goals

[@scottyknowsurf]

Put a screw in it. FCS 2 leave more flex in the tail for a lively feel to the board. Futures make the tail so stiff. The wider plug the stronger the plug. I just made the transition away from futures. Let's see how it goes.

[@StokedForTravel]

the main issue is - if you're putting in a screw you might as well have Futures and get the stronger fins and fin box. Essentially FCS have simply tweaked a small part of the design (badly I might as) to get back the patent and charge extra for a sub par product.

[@sunovadistributionn.z.693]

totally agree

[@foxgd88]

Doubt you would notice at your level. Mainly for big waves

[@cosmoganic]

Spot on ma' bro! it took me a long time to realise this

[@StokedForTravel]

Me too, but better late than never right?!

[@paulbaker7675]

I don't ever want to have to rely on having a fin key with me every time I surf, so for me it's FCS 2 all day.

[@StokedForTravel]

Fair enough, not for everyone but for me the other advantages far outweigh the need to add a fin key to my keychain

[@antoinegodin4229]

same I never damaged my boards or fin boxes with fcs 2, I dont understand all this comments below, in comparaison i had few issues with futures cracking fin boxes only by doing by carves on point break

[@radumi5394]

Don't you really have a fin key in your backpack whenever you go surfing? If you try fins I'd worry more about carrying the fins with me, the time to swap than of having the key available.

[@Lionheart8453]

I've had both futures and FCS2... there's just something about FCS performance wise that Futures lacks - my FCS boards feel more lively and responsive. I agree though.. Futures win hands down in terms of strength. Just my 2 cents!

[@StokedForTravel]

Thanks for the feedback! Indeed some fin sets and board combos will feel slightly different, all down to personal preference on that one 🤙

[@techguy8571]

Had one board with futures. Center fin had play side to side and couldn’t be corrected. That put me off. I have never had a problem with FCS 2 and you can use the grub screws if you want to. Had anyone else had side to side play in their futures?

[@StokedForTravel]

good to hear your feedback Giovanni - was it a new board or second hand? Sometimes the fin boxes can wear (something that can happen to both fin systems) but both FCS and Futures also sell inserts to help correct that issues. I get what you're saying about the screws on FCS2 - but I feel that if you're going to do that then you might as well be using Futures and the extra benefits of them!

[@palmbaybali6138]

Quick tip for that nasty box/fin play with futures. Use clear plastic tape (the sort we use to wrap gift paper) on the fin box both sides, that does the trick. You moved to FCS2, grub screws are epic, we feel fcs2 system is more secure to the board , I surf loads of twin fins and never had a fin box blow out in fcs2 with my twins, futures I have blown a few boxes doing turns. I have noticed shapers have started to beef up the glass or carbon fibre in the fin box area of the future system. Adds grams of weight only. As a fin shaper, I can tell you one thing epic about future fins is the fact that I can change the Cant/fin-angle of the fin. FCS2 Cant is build into the fin box, i think its about 6.5 degrees. Yew

[@skeres01]

@@palmbaybali6138 Great info!

[@SurfFender]

I use tape on the fin when I get that play in the box - different tapes have different thickness, and tape location placement serve different roles

[@Dicko301]

Some after market future boxes are wider and shorter than the originals so you might have to put a bit of tape on the base nothing major though , theyre the copies of the original futures, made in china.

[@shanebaird543]

I will give you one more reason. If you are a heavier surfer I feel like the fact that the whole base is locked into the tab improves the flex characteristics.

[@StokedForTravel]

For sure! 🤙

[@mauricegourmet]

Wish I had watched this before I bought my Sunday in fcs. I’ve never used this fin system in 10 years of surfing. And instantly regretted it. First fin insertion pushed the fin box in an 1/8 of inch.

[@StokedForTravel]

Oh no Maurice, sorry to hear that! Hopefully you can get it repaired ASAP and go enjoy your Sunday! Which size did you go for in the end?

[@mauricegourmet]

@@StokedForTravel I got the 6’4. It’s been a blast. I had it repaired once and it happens again immediately. So I’m working with FCS and FireWire to get this handled. Meanwhile I just got another one in Futures. Thanks for the single fin beta in your other video.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@mauricegourmet Oh damn! Hopefully they'll get it sorted soon, but glad you've got a Futures option now too! Sticking with the single fin approach?

[@mauricegourmet]

@@StokedForTravel thanks. Twin is my favorite set up so far. So much hold and drive. I’ve not purchased a single fin for it yet. But hopefully this weekend I’ll try the single.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@mauricegourmet Let me know how you get on with it - but twinny was my fave!

[@mrwardy7]

I bought my 1st decent board with fcs 2....regret it so much, lost about 4 or 5 fins so far. Got fin box damage aswell. Bought my next two boards with futures.... Not a single fin related incident on those two boards .

[@StokedForTravel]

Sorry to hear that Sean, glad you’ve made the switch to Futures and are stoked with them though 🤙

[@mrwardy7]

Futures all the way now mate.

[@StokedForTravel]

@@mrwardy7 for the win!

[@theseb1979]

Got my first board with futures a few weeks ago. In the first session I managed to lose one of my fins. Aren’t anecdotal evidence stories great?

[@MichaelHeil-kc8lm]

Maybe the fcs2 helps prevent getting gashed by your fin thus allowing it to come out with back pressure

[@StokedForTravel]

In theory yes I guess this would be an option, but I've definitely gashed myself on some FCS2s as well!

[@simonswiss]

I had ordered a MF Little Marley (from your recommendation + a few others), but ordered the FCS2 model. Watched this video the very next day, freaked out, cancelled my order that had not shipped, and ordered the Futures model instead 🙏 Looks like you saved me a lot of anxiety from losing expensive fins and damaging fin boxes!

[@StokedForTravel]

Haha good call Simon, I’ve recently updated my blog review about this board due to damaging the board because of the FCS2 fin removal! Glad you managed to make the switch in time 🤙

[@simonswiss]

@@StokedForTravel hah yes, just in time before it left the warehouse. Thank you so much - pumped to receive my Futures version soon!

[@Layzydayze]

Love your vids bro surprised you don’t have more subs. Bit of a flavour of the month thing but any plans on reviewing the sharp eye inferno 72?

[@StokedForTravel]

Thanks buddy! Didn’t have any plans to review the Inferno 72 at the moment, but might be one down the line. To be honest I don’t really ride super performance boards, might rope some buddies in to help me out though!

[@TahjmaRahj]

Hey great video I currently ride FCs Toledos in medium what do you think is the futures equivalent

[@edcruz11]

What is the volume in liters of an FCS fin box vs. a Futures fin box? Weight?

[@StokedForTravel]

Hmmmm good question on that front, I’ll have to find out. I wouldn’t say there’s a huge difference between the two to be honest

[@iampetrunin]

I lost my brand new FCS fin today: it was placed as required and was screwed for extra hold. It didn’t help. I used the set only three times and it breaks my heart. Buy a board with FCS boxes? Never again.

[@StokedForTravel]

So sorry to hear that! 😩

[@iampetrunin]

@@StokedForTravel How do you manage answering every single comment on your videos? I haven't seen a person more in touch with followers than you! P.S. I hope you don't manage it via ChatGPT-bots 😅

[@ernestoescudero1524]

Thanks for the video but the base of Fcs has way more surface area if you know your engineering . Not to mention a wider base too. Also futures goes straight into your board if hit from the front.....that is way more likely than hit from behind! I've snapped a few fish 1 in my day but never an fcs2.

[@StokedForTravel]

I was more referring to the base of the actual fin - as in how much of the fin connects into the actual box itself. In theory the Future front tab is supposed to snap out in the event of a front impact, doesn't always work in real life though I guess!haha! Having worked in a surf shop for the last 5 years I can certainly say I deal with people who have snapped or lost FSC2 fins daily though, but very few issues with futures. Personal preference at the end of the day though so if you're happy with FCS2 that's all good with me!

[@josephtube24]

Man great points for futures! By the way, where can I get that yeew shirt?

[@StokedForTravel]

Stoked you like the video bro! hahaha well that tee design is a custom one - but I've released a few limited editions versions of it here: srf.teemill.com/product/yew-mens-tee/

[@josephtube24]

@@StokedForTravel thank you for sharing, will check it out! 🤙🏼

[@josephtube24]

@@StokedForTravel I wished you shipped to USA 😔

[@StokedForTravel]

@@josephtube24 I think that's possible?

[@josephtube24]

@@StokedForTravel if it is, let me know, I would buy!

[@stephenbrown7167]

Totally agree

[@StokedForTravel]

Best decision I've made for a long time!

[@nor_easterly]

Good reasoning!!

[@StokedForTravel]

Totally happy with the decision to switch!

[@inigosebastiangaray1498]

Do you know if there is a patent for the Future systems box? What I mean is, can you get a board with a future-compatible box that is not made by them? I've seen that with FCS2: fin boxes that are compatible with FCS2 fins, and they are made by third parties (the boxes). Thank you in advance.

[@StokedForTravel]

Hey Inigo - I’m not 100% sure on that one to be honest, but I would assume that given the timeline on development the patent on the box would be over now and third parties would be able to produce them as well 🤙

[@rickden8362]

The Futures box patent has expired, and may not have valid to begin with. In 1983 a patent was granted for a fin box almost identical to the Futures but the inventor didn't know how to market it and had no compatible fins available for it, so it went nowhere.

[@WhiteGhost21]

i hate fc2. feels super terrible for the board swapping them in and out.

[@StokedForTravel]

yeah there's a lot of unnecessary pressure being applied!

[@ronaldcachoo]

Hey which fcs2 fins would you recommend for the Pyzelien 2 for 2-5ft reef break. Looking for fins that are gonna be great for radical turns. I have the shaper series carver fin which has a lot of rake and not sure if its the right fin set...

[@StokedForTravel]

Spoke to my buddy who loves his Pyzelien and he suggested going for something a bit more upright. Either the Performers or the Pyzel signature fins 🤙

[@ronaldcachoo]

@@StokedForTravel ohh ok! Thank you so much man🙌🏼

[@StokedForTravel]

@@ronaldcachoo no worries, let me know how it goes!

[@kaipo8489]

I swap fcs2 fins in the water all the time. wouldnt try that w futures. Once a board is dialed in i dont think one is better than the other

[@bellpaleale]

8:26 looks like three of my five boxes.

[@77pebble]

I find it odd you mention there is potential to rip out FCS 3:23 moving forward. Yet, when it comes to Futures you don’t mention potential of ripping out and claim that they will just stay there….hmm ok I have seen futures been ripped out. Something seems fishy…I know that FireWire are no longer making boards with FCS now, they gonna loose loads of customers as fins are not cheap

[@StokedForTravel]

In theory the design of the Futures box should mean a forward moving impact rips out the fin before the box, but yes it can still happen for sure - but is certainly not as common and the box itself is definitely stronger overall. This guy did some really interesting tests with both boxes which is well worth a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2SygYyGfpyFeZo In terms of “something fishy” not sure what you’re trying to get at there. I’m not affiliated with Futures or Firewire, just like reviewing their boards and base everything off my own personal experience, so no agenda behind any of these videos 🤙

[@theoverstoker3430]

Fcs2 sucks major arse! $150 just to constantly lose fins hate fcs. Futures are the go

[@StokedForTravel]

How many fins have you lost?

[@CupiDany]

Yeh I agree. Have lost 3 FCS2 fins. I'm effectively out $300 AUD. Have also had 2 FCS2 finboxes damaged, 0 futures. FCS customer service sucks in my experience as well. Definitely a big Futures convert and have loved them ever since I've had them.

[@AlleyTrashBoards]

Undoing one screw per fin is not enough of a waste of time to need to make it quicker. Futures for life.

[@StokedForTravel]

Agreed! Too many advantages to riding futures!

[@rctrix9063]

Very informative review. 👍 However there are other systems. Fantastic windsurfing have a system that is adjustable.

[@StokedForTravel]

Unfortunately it’s not available in mainstream surfboards though, so it’s very much a FCS or Futures decision unless you go custom

[@rctrix9063]

@@StokedForTravel Fare enough 👍

[@maptheworld7400]

I talked to a shaper and he told me he doesn’t like that Futures boxes take more foam out of the board

[@StokedForTravel]

yeah shapers seem to be very pro/con one way or the other - a lot of shapers I've spoken to also love the fact it's easier to insert a Futures box

[@jaywilldoit]

That’s why we haven’t heard of that shaper I guess

[@IndonesianCall]

Hahaha 😂 25 years later? 🎉🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@StokedForTravel]

Better late than never 🤣🤣

[@brendanbecker1658]

great content but pls equalise volume levels between the talking parts and the musical interludes. I'll turn up so I can hear your voice and then the music comes and blows my head off.

[@AlbanCoville]

It blows my head off too. Thks for the video.

[@StokedForTravel]

Sorry guys - seems my headphones auto equalise so I didn’t notice the difference! All fixed on the latest videos 😊

[@StokedForTravel]

Sorry guys - seems my headphones auto equalise so I didn’t notice the difference! All fixed on the latest videos 😊

[@brendanbecker1658]

@@StokedForTravel Cheers! :)

[@jeffn1384]

Hmmmm. So FCS 2 getting hit from the front might damage your board but futures hit from the back and nothing happens and you can keep surfing.... Sounding like advertisement logic.

[@StokedForTravel]

It’s more about the speed at which you’d impact something than anything else. If you’re moving forward the chances are you’re surfing and are carrying some speed, therefore a high likelihood of damaging the fin box. Backward moving impact, chances are it’s a much slower movement (not up surfing) and therefore in theory wouldn’t have as much potential to damage the box. Would be the same no matter which fin box - but futures is designed to give out with a forward moving impact, but FCS isn’t. I hope that makes sense?

[@StokedForTravel]

@sb5265 because the small part of the tab is designed to break off with less pressure than is needed to rip out the box and then pivot over the back part of the box.. That's the design theory, obviously this isn't always the case. FCS 2 is designed to only be released with pressure from the nose end only, so the full force is on the box with any forward moving collision. Does that make sense?

[@bonsummers2657]

ƒutures looks better. All white is the goal.

[@StokedForTravel]

nice clean lines - few good all white fins available in their range

[@theoverstoker3430]

The fcs2 fin flipped out of the box and stuck in the bottom of my board! Same scenario happened to me. I really dislike fcs

[@StokedForTravel]

It’s such a horrible feeling too! 😫

[@richg916]

Great videos, however the sound level of your transitions is far too loud (IMHO) in all of your videos compared to you talking, too jarring.

[@StokedForTravel]

Cheers for the feedback Rich! This is something I overlooked and should be all good in my latest videos 🤙

[@Hayden-sp1ol]

No FCS in my Future.......

[@StokedForTravel]

🤣🤣

[@SurfKwonDo1]

Prefer futures because they are a better design. The base is stronger. Less screws. More practical. I won’t even look at fcs boards when buying a new board.

[@StokedForTravel]

Good decision! Wish I’d swapped over sooner!

[@chrisinflight5298]

Futures everyday

[@StokedForTravel]

For the win! 🙌

[@oneRella]

Your music is way louder than your dialogue.

[@StokedForTravel]

Yeah ive fixed this in more recent videos! Thanks for the feedback though 😊

[@orestearroyo]

FCS since 1997!! I don’t know but Future fins look sow generic and cheap

[@StokedForTravel]

If it works for you, happy days 😊 what’s your go to fin set?

[@chrishoops9538]

The volume issue is making your videos unbearable to watch. I have to turn it way up to hear you then get fucking blasted when you unnecessarily cut to a lame music break. Please fix!

[@StokedForTravel]

Should all be fixed on the most recent edits - totally overlooked it, thanks for the feedback!

[@quicksno]

I had the same comment

[@samuraigracie9587]

FCS is much better

[@StokedForTravel]

All a matter of personal preference - if FCS works for you, happy days 😊

[@RavenAndrew1]

Future box is better for kook shapers who can't follow Fcs installation instructions.

[@IIIxwaveIII]

sponsored by Future fins 🤣 dude, there is absolutly no area that is relevant where futures is better then FCS II... if fin security is that important to you (which I dont believe because you just reffer to others) you can put 2 screws in the FCS II system. learn the facts first... I have been surfing with FCS II since they came out. never had any issues inserting ot taking them out and its a lot easier then screws... FCS has a pattent and when it expires other manufactures can start making 3rd party ones. but thats for every fin system out there. future was the same back in the day and FCS I also. anyway, all you say is false and I would suggest fact checking by anyone that has a head on top of their shoulders also, you say you switched... so you have, around 5+ pairs of FCS II already that you put your money on, and now you want to ivest in a whole new echo system and build from the start. fins costs a lot of money, so either you didnt switch because you never had FCS II or you are full of BS the only thing I think is correct in what you say is that the future box needs more power to be ripped form the board as oposed to FCS II but.... 99.999% of cases you dont get anywhere near that power generation on the box

[@StokedForTravel]

Hi Guy, First off, as I've mentioned in a few comments, nope this video wasn't sponsored by Futures and I've got no affiliation with them at all. Perhaps maybe you're sponsored or working on behalf by FCS though?! All of the info in the video is based on personal experience, friends experience and chat with quite a few people within the surf industry. So nope, not false, it's all backed up with real life examples and information. I personally decided to swap from FCS2 to Futures because of all this and decided to share why to help other make a balanced decision. I had about 3 sets when I decided to switch across (i was changing up boards anyway, so that didn't really come into the decision making process budget wise) but I'm very comfortable with the decision I've made. I sold my old FCS2 sets to put towards the new Futures one, so really it wasn't a massive impact on the wallet. No more than I've seen people having to fork out when replacing fin sets of FCS2 fins that have been accidentally knocked out. Some of my friends still froth on FCS2, and many people are happy with FCS2, but I've certainly met, worked with and know more people who aren't than are. Personal preference at the end of the day - if you're happy with FCS2, then that's totally fine, you do you. But for those who either haven't decided or are thinking about switching - the info included in the video might be handy to consider. Either way I don't really care what people end up surfing, it doesn't really bother me what anyone else chooses to load into their boards. As for the fin box force side of things - that's more to do with impact than force generated by surfing. Although a few of my friends who work in ding repair would quite happily back up the fact that they've seen far more FCS2 boxes blow out than Futures, especially when it comes to twin fins.