Is this the best all around longboard fin?

[@billytuchscher]

Having more fins as as good as having more boards. Great Video! -- I always encourage people to change up fins often. You can learn alot about your board and your own surfing. It's a great way to expand your style and skills. -- @Longboard Sessions, keep making the great content!

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Billy! You're so right. A fin change makes it feel like you're riding a new board. Also, some fins could work better on one board over the other. On my Bing, the CJ nelson was a no brainer. However the 4A may be a better fit for my new board

[@CyberneticWitchCult]

4 months later and I finally got my hands on a 9.75’ 4a. It just blew my mind. Smashed my best cross step to date and felt like I could fine tune everything. Wow. Thankyou so much for this video / channel dude 🤙🤙

[@LongboardSessions]

Awesome! It's truly an amazing fin.. glad you found it excellent as well haha

[@christiangomez8331]

What is the measurement of your board? I have a 9' 2 and am planning to put a 9.75 4a on it.

[@CyberneticWitchCult]

@@christiangomez8331 mine was a 9’4 noserider (wide tail)

[@ClaudioNLC]

A big thank you for your Vlong! After more than 10 years, I am now rediscovering my passion for longboard. A few months back I bought a very heavy wood longboard (not the best choice, but I didn’t know well enough). Since then I’m following all of your tips and I improved so much technically. Today, I’m visiting a local shaper to get a proper longboard done for me and for my local waves, and I couldn’t be more exited to try out all of your tips in my new board. Again, thanks a bunch, and greetings from Portugal.

[@LongboardSessions]

That is awesome to hear! You're going to LOVE the new board... It's probably going to be half the weight haha! Thanks for the kind words 🤙

[@kenjiwebb1509]

I've done some of my best surfing on heavy wooden boards, even though I was one of the pioneers of super light epoxy/styrofoam high performance longboards. The lightweight boards do nice vertical top turns and even airs, but a heavy wooden board will hold perfect trim and even accelerate though white water sections that would push a lighter board off its line and slow it down.

[@robbeaton]

When I first popped a 4A into my Bing Trimulux, I found that it not only did it energize my turns, but it also made the board suddenly easier to noseride. Kind of weird because it’s not what you would normally think of as a noseriding fin. Excellent fin. Keep up the great content and greetings from Ocean County. 🤙🏻

[@LongboardSessions]

that’s basically my same experience! I looked at the fin and thought that it wouldn’t noseride well. it’s just not the case ….. looks can be deceiving. Maybe I’ll see you out in the water this year 🤙

[@surfineagle6076]

Well done grasshopper! Stoked you took the advice of many and gave the 4A a go. We all know that certain logs excel with different fins especially in regards to size and shape. Also, the type of wave has a lot of influence on what fin will work best. And then there’s talent, some people can ride anything. But in my experience if I could only choose 1 LB fin it would be the Greenough. Thankfully we can experiment with all different kinds of fins and board design. Keep the videos coming, fun to watch.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks! So glad I tried it because it seems to be the best fin for our waves! Makes sense on beach breaks. But yes, I love trying all different types of fins to see what they do haha

[@mohammadlevy9668]

Future used to make a pretty nice all-around fin called the Albacore Flex. A little tougher to nose ride with, but turned real nice and you'd get good pop from the flex.

[@LongboardSessions]

Nice! I'll check it out.. wonder if it's anything like the alex knost

[@marvistadutch]

Every fin+fin position + board combo will have its day. Some combos more than others tho. Wave speed, Type of break, board bottom contours, rails, rocker. It all comes into play. Keep experimenting, keep logging results! I personally like glass ins to avoid these questions. That way I only have to pick the board and focus on riding that board without second guessing fin setup (yes, i tend to over think).

[@LongboardSessions]

Exactly. Lol yes a glass in takes all of the guess work out... and you would hope the shaper picked the perfect fin shape for the board

[@kevinrauen]

George Greenough is a genius and integral part of surfboard design. Try the 4A in a volan version. Also check out Marc Andreini's designs, fins, and edge boards (made from George Greenough's concepts).

[@LongboardSessions]

Well he definitely got this fin spot on. I'll check those other ones out!

[@ScottTaylorteam]

Andreini boards are awesome but not best noseriders out there. Edge/rail riders. Ryan Lovelace, Jacob Ells, good crew of creative board makers out of Santa Barbara along the Greg Liddle / displacement hull school but with a modern twist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2i6e3yro7uZqKM

[@doug5372]

How the Volan version, more juice? more drive and speed?

[@benoitdemuth4568]

I definitely love your videos, analysis and advice :-). Regarding your last video on fins comparison, I bought a CJ nelson Cali 10.0 (the CJ noserider fin was not available in france 😞) for my 9.1 log and your right, I feel the difference ! Your vlog enjoyed my friday 🙂 continue !

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks! Yea it makes a huge difference.. I never would have believed that till i tried different fins haha

[@christianyoung4533]

I got a Robert august board my dad rode in the 80s looks just like your blue and white board im getting the 9.75 4A for it

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh sweet! Can't go wrong with a 4a

[@troynichols9788]

new subscriber. Loving the content. Very cool drone perspective as well. Any chance you could give us a cost comparison as well? Would be interesting to see if your favorite fan is actually more affordable as well?

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Troy! The cost of longboard fins seems to be similar across the board. Anywhere from 70 to 90 bucks. Maybe there are a few that are cheap? I haven't seen any

[@EddyTeetree]

Plus you get the best logo on the Greenough and George is a total legend! The knost is a copy of an earlier Greenough by the way. It was called a stage something or other. George was inspired by a fish fin. They were on late ‘60s v bottoms. Long and flexible.

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh very interesting! I gotta give the alex knost a few more sessions. I only took it out once or twice... I liked it but it feels wayyy loose

[@TheHappyHaole]

it's said he copied the bluefin tuna caudal fin

[@haydonhill4198]

great video man, id love to see you come down to cocoa beach sometime there’s a huge logging culture down hwre

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh sweet! We we're thinking of taking a trip to FL in a few months.. not exactly sure where tho hehe

[@rxamusic]

You should try the Kanoa Dahlin miss lucy fin. great all arounder!

[@LongboardSessions]

nice, i'll check it out! Although my fin collection is starting to pile up😂

[@mandybloomfield5520]

Hi - I love your videos! Most helpful longboardimg vids out there. Thank you 🙏 I was lucky enough to come by a greenough A4 in a second hand board I bought some years ago. I ended up selling the board on but kept the fin, and find myself using it more than any other. I surf in the cold too (uk) but have to remove my fin after every surf due to storage issues. I recently found something called a fin jak which allows you to pop the fin in and out really easily. I can’t say whether it will stand the test of time, and I really hope it will never allow my beloved A4 to pop out mid surf, but so far so good… 😀

[@lintonpassmore8162]

Hi Mandy, thanks for the heads up about the fin jak looks like you can change fins during a session which is really handy. I have surfed around Cornwall & Penzance (Newquay?) and you guys have some great surf!!✌👀

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh sweet I'll have to look into that! Yea un screwing a fin when your hands are freezing is no fun haha. I had one of those FCS click in fins and that seemed to hold up fine... we will have to see how the fin jak does

[@garybate4699]

I never knew about this finjak, just looked into it and ordered one for myself 😃

[@filmed_byry]

You make surfing in booties look so easy! I live in Cali and it’s always so hard for me to get used to my booties. Any tips, if there are any?

[@LongboardSessions]

haha! I guess it's something you just have to get used to. The only tip I can give is to make sure you find ones that fit very well. There shouldn't be much room left after you get your foot in

[@ninerminer370]

How do you think the Greenough would work in a 2+1 setup? I see TrueAmes sells a combo package with side bytes.

[@LongboardSessions]

I think it would be perfect. But Iv'e never tried it

[@lintonpassmore8162]

Well I must admit Im lazy as I have had the same fin on my board for a long time. So now I'll try changing fins thanks for the vid & advice, maybe next time your doing a fin comparison try surfing without a fin. Last time that happened to me everyone got out of the water and coast guard turned up mentioning something about a vessel in distress!!! Keep up the great work.

[@LongboardSessions]

Haha finless seems nuts! Yes you gotta try different fins... even if you end up liking the original fin. It helps with understanding your board better

[@scotts5916]

Thanks for the videos. Any suggestions on sizing the 4a? Seems like its a great all round fin. Ive also got a 9’6 Bing Beacon and surf similar south Florida small waves. Usually punchy and windy! Thanks again for the help! Scott

[@LongboardSessions]

I'd go slightly bigger than you think. Probably a 10.5 on your board. I think that size gives you plenty of turning ability, but gives some extra stablilty on the noseride

[@scotts5916]

@@LongboardSessionsThanks for the info, would you agree for east coast beach break ths is the fin to go to compared to a pivot? Thanks again!

[@aqualung1466]

How do you compare the 4A with the California Classic?

[@LongboardSessions]

You know i've never tried the california classic. From looking at the two, the 4a seems to have a wider base, but thinner at the top. The 4a might have slightly more hold on noserides? Maybe someone can comment that has used both

[@aqualung1466]

@@LongboardSessions I have a Cali Classic and I like it. just picked up the Farberow Flex - which is the theoretical offspring of the Cali Classic and Greenough 4-A. Excited to try that out.

[@jellyoder]

I am looking to get this fin! I have a 9'2 longboard. Any suggestions on size? Is there any discount code? Plus any recommendations on a pivot fin? haha thanks!

[@LongboardSessions]

It's a must have fin for the arsenal! Personally , i'd go with the 10" for a 9'2" board. Also, check out the pivot fin by Solo Fins. I did a video on that fin as well, well worth it.

[@jbarba1975]

I’m curious where in the fin box you positioned that fin. I was riding a 9” Greenough 4A in my 9’2 Byzak board. The shaper himself told me this week he’s recommend even bigger. I wanted to experiment and just bought the same fin, but as. 9.75”. Rode it this morning for the first time with the fin towards the middle of the fin box, just like the 9”. Couldn’t really see how it does for noseriding since the surf was crap, but it does feel stiffer to turn. I don’t want to give up on it, so I’m going to move it a bit forward in the fin box.

[@LongboardSessions]

Currently I have this fin in the middle of the fin box. Mine is a 10.5" on a 9'6" board. I find this fin to best turning fin iv'e ever used. I'd give it a few more shots on better days. If you're having trouble turning with the 9.75 it's more likely due to technique rather than the fin. Your current setup should turn excellent with either size fin I imagine

[@owentseng7596]

Thanks for your sharing. This vedio helps me alot. I have 9'1 CJ nelson Havnen all round board and want to try 4A. What size of 4A do you recommend? 9 or 9'75 :=)

[@LongboardSessions]

You got it bro! Yea I'd go with the longer one as we discussed, but if anyone here can answer what the downside could be to a longer fin, that would be great

[@Cif74]

Hello, which fim do you suggest for a walden mega magic 7.2, size and model, please.

[@LongboardSessions]

I don't know much about mid lengths, but I do know the 4a is great for them. I'd go with a 7.5" 4a and see how it feels!

[@Cif74]

@LongboardSessions thank you so much for your reply. How about a greenough 4a 8'? Taking into account your experience, would it be too big for the board or almost the same feeling? The board has 67 liters

[@LongboardSessions]

I think it's worth a shot for sure. But experimenting with both would be ideal hehe

[@Cif74]

@LongboardSessions thanks again for the reply. The greenoughs were sold out, and the store owner recommended the flying diamonds TJ signature 8. And I am really enjoying it ☺️

[@billfrigo7602]

I'm getting a 9'3" x 22-3/4" x 3-1/8" made right now... what size Greenough 4-A is best? 9", 9.75", 10", or 10.5"?

[@LongboardSessions]

I'd go with a 9.75. I think it's completely fine having a slightly larger 4a than you need

[@nikosskouroliakos5816]

Hey Brian. I really love your videos!! One quick question. I have the Alex Knost and love it. I want to give the Greenough a shot. My home break is a busy, rough and fast beach break so looseness is everything. A 10 CJ Nelson pivot fin (fore pintails) that I bought made the board tracky , plus it was slipping on bigger waves. If I get the 10' Greenough , will it be too similar to the Alex Knost? I tried to see how much bigger the 10'5' is but the top part was outside the shot. Because I don't want to compromise nimbleness, I would prefer the 10' , but I'm afraid I will have two very similar (or indistinguishable) fins. Many thanks for your help :)

[@LongboardSessions]

First of all, thanks for the coffee 😉. I think it would be wise to try the 4a. It won’t replace the Alex knost, but I garuntee it will throw a wrench into your fin decisions. I’d like to say the 4a is somewhere in between the Cj Nelson and the Alex knost. However, the 4a makes the board feel pretty loose and yet so stable at the same time . It’s so hard to explain, but I’d give it a try if I were you

[@nikosskouroliakos5816]

@@LongboardSessions many thanks Brian!! Shall I go for the 10-inch or the 10,5? I have a 9"6' pintail 75lts.

[@LongboardSessions]

I think the 10" should be fine.

[@thomasedison2806]

Why did you choose the size 10.5?

[@LongboardSessions]

I just figured that since this fin was a little thinner than most of my fins, I may want to go a little longer. With this fin I don't think there is much downside to going a little bigger

[@thomasedison2806]

@@LongboardSessions that’s a good insight, thanks

[@jorgeguerrero2494]

What ever happened to your FCS II Hatch fin? Do you not use it no more? Also greeting from Southern California🤙🏾

[@LongboardSessions]

Ahh you get to surf the best longboard waves.. can't wait to try socal one of these days. I sold that fin along with the Bing. However, I have another one in a 10". Havent tried it on the new board yet

[@jorgeguerrero2494]

@@LongboardSessions You should come out sometime, it would be awesome to catch a session with you! Also you should definitely try it out again sometime, since you have improved so much. It would be interesting to see if you get a different feel for the now!

[@LongboardSessions]

@@jorgeguerrero2494 Yes for sure! I'm going to try and plan atleast a 3 day trip this year. I'm very curious how the hatchet will work on my new board, so I'll make a video on that soon!

[@CyberneticWitchCult]

Please try a greenough stage 6 sometime (or similar extreme hatchet shape)

[@LongboardSessions]

Will do! I have a hatchet in the linup for review. Maybe I'll compare that with the 4a

[@CyberneticWitchCult]

@@LongboardSessions yay! Ive basically always ridden my log with the hatchet it came with (second hand) and found i can do some crazy tight turns and still noseride, so wondering if i lucked onto the perfect fin or if i should buy myself a 4a and some more 'traditional' fins!

[@LongboardSessions]

@@CyberneticWitchCult I think hatchet fins are one of the quickest turning fins because they're so upright. In a pivot style turn, you can really whip them. BUT on a driving turn with more speed, they fall short. That's where the 4A or the alex knost is king. It's going to come down to personal preference, but you should try all sorts of fins to see how they feel

[@CyberneticWitchCult]

@@LongboardSessions ooooh I see! So with the 4A you can generate more down the line speed? I’ll have to try!! I like the idea of a fin for noseride days and a separate fin for cruisy down the line speed days! Love the channel btw, have picked up some great tips from you! ❤️

[@paulsmith4220]

Add my vote for the Stage 6 and the Stage 4a Volan. Also check out Finjack from Pelican Surfcraft. Snowy day fin changes made easy. Cheers from NZ.

[@michaelburk9171]

Maybe not the primary reason. But it's occured to me that the huge number of fin options is to sell fins. Both of my surf SUPs have 5 fin boxes. Confusing and potentially expensive to experiment. Handy if you have buddies with compatible fin system to mix n match with.

[@LongboardSessions]

Yea that's part of it for sure. But minor differences in a fin can make a big difference on a wave. It's good to atleast try all the very popular ones to get a feel for what you're looking for

[@Deathshredder]

What length board are you using the 10.5 on?

[@LongboardSessions]

9'6 COS Chingona. I think you can get away with a bigger 4a than you would think. I don't see any downside at this point to running this as oppose to a 9.5

[@sherrychang2551]

Hey there, how big is that board you ride?

[@LongboardSessions]

Hey Sherry, it's a 9'6" COS Chingona

[@sherrychang2551]

@@LongboardSessions awesome! Thanks so much!

[@EmilyLongboards]

I have this fin but 4C, kinda a rare fin. It's great

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh sweet! I'll check it out

[@TromboneAl]

The ex-scientist in me is very skeptical and wants to see a blind test. When you hold them up together the differences are less than 10%. But you've got me thinking that maybe I need to try the 4A for myself. Thanks for all the great vids, Brian! [PS Just ordered one.]

[@LongboardSessions]

Well I'm with you on this, I need to do a direct comparison between the alex knost at the 4A. I'm basing this on two sessions I had that were 4 months apart. However, I remember the alex knost feeling EXTREMELY loose compared to the 4A. I'll also say that even though the fins might look similar on camera, in person they are way different.

[@LongboardSessions]

You can't go wrong with this purchase btw. It's one of the most popular fins in the longboarding world and for good reason.

[@michaelburk9171]

Surfers can discuss/argue/debate fins and aspects of fins for hours. Or until the beers gone.

[@ahunter3148]

I’ve got both also and agree the knost feels very tracky with the sharper leading edge/foil, 4A is a great all round fin.

[@stevenzych2105]

How did you decide on fin size? Did you match board length? Do you think 1/2" up or down in side makes a big difference?

[@LongboardSessions]

I honestly don’t know the answer to this yet. I basically went 1” longer than the standard for no particular reason. However, this is a video I will be making soon. I have a 7.5 4a now and a 10.5. I think I’ll buy a 9” and compare the three to see what the difference in size makes

[@LongboardSessions]

My board is 9’6” btw

[@stevenzych2105]

@@LongboardSessions I'll be looking out for that comparison as I have a 8' Mega Magic Walden and I have been a running the Harley Ingleby XL 2+1 setup that is basically an XL Thruster config. On steeper days I like it a lot but I want to try something for mellow days and practicing turning. Trying to decide between 7.5", 8" or 8.5" 4-A.

[@antomacias6448]

El tema de las quillas es muy confuso, y la posicion en la caja tambien. Un saludo desde Malaga, España!!

[@LongboardSessions]

Si! No hablo mucho espanol, pero mirar este video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKDJn32na7toa6M . Habla de fin posicion

[@antomacias6448]

@@LongboardSessions si, lo he visto, necesito hacer pruebas y asi comprobar las reacciones. Por ahora pongo la quilla siempre en el centro. Es muy intetesante el tema.

[@duffymcclelland9682]

Great stuff as always. How did you decide on a 10.5" length? I'm hoping to try an 4A someday as well.

[@LongboardSessions]

Thanks Duffy! Just kind of a random selection. I also have an 8.5" 4A I'm going to try. It will be interesting to feel the difference. The rule of thumb is match the feet with inches. So if you're board is 9' you'll typically want a 9" fin

[@lintonpassmore8162]

@@LongboardSessions That's interesting rule of thumb never heard that down under so its a great way to start, many thanks

[@smi5649]

Where do you surf in jersey?

[@LongboardSessions]

I typically stick to the monmouth county beaches

[@smi5649]

@@LongboardSessions looks like some good waves that way. I’m usually cape may or stone harbor.

[@smi5649]

Also awesome videos. Thanks!

[@LongboardSessions]

@@smi5649 oh nice! There are a couple spots down south I'd like to try

[@smi5649]

I surfing nuns beach wed/thurs. You should go down.

[@RodClark]

Check out the Dale Dobson from Fins Unlimited. It's a great all around fin.

[@LongboardSessions]

Oh sweet! Will do

[@braien25980]

Love this fin🍻

[@LongboardSessions]

Me too.. haven't taken it off my board since this video!

[@braien25980]

@@LongboardSessions ,next step, try a longboard with the wide point back, it just makes you a better surfer. Maybe a board by Thomas Bexon, High Pro Log, no concave in the nose🙌🏻

[@LongboardSessions]

@@braien25980 actually, I really want a pig shape! Apparently they’re a little harder to cross step on , but can really nose ride well in extra steep sections. Could be a good board for the east coast

[@braien25980]

@@LongboardSessions , i'm not an expert in surfing, if the waves give me time i can do a nosride or a hang 5. when i had my pig shape in the water for the first time i wanted to sell it again. It took me a while to get used to the shape. But now it's more like I'm wondering how I've managed without it for the last 15 years. When I swapped boards with someone on the water, square tail and straight rails, I felt like I had gotten better at this shape. Or better yet, he did the work for me. Nice channel, enjoy watching your videos.🤙🏻

[@LongboardSessions]

@@braien25980 That's awesome! Yea my next board is going to be pig shaped for sure. Bing, Almond, or COS have some decent pig shapes

[@ScottTaylorteam]

The greenough fin is my favorite.

[@LongboardSessions]

I'm loving it so far. Can't wait to give it another shot. The benefits seem to outway the SLIGHTLY less stability.

[@AlexRogersproteinfactory]

where do you surf?

[@LongboardSessions]

In the central NJ area

[@AlexRogersproteinfactory]

@@LongboardSessions awesome, Im in Belmar. good videos keep it up.

[@LongboardSessions]

@@AlexRogersproteinfactory awesome! I love belmar. I surf there and the surrounding towns

[@Thestripper1]

But dude. Please, please try the Greenough stage 6. It looks so cool you will pick up so many chicks at the parking lot AND some say it's by far the best for noseriders. And we all know that noserides impress the chicks as well so... Stage 6!

[@LongboardSessions]

haha! Well I already have a chick, but if it noserides well I'll have to give it a shot haha

[@Thestripper1]

@@LongboardSessions Well.. does she know that you Don't have a Stage 6? You better hurry up and get one before the neighbor does...

[@vincentromutap7883]

👏👏👏👏😲

[@LongboardSessions]

🤙

[@jamesmegill]

Greenough 4-A best all around fin. IMHO

[@LongboardSessions]

It's a great fin, no denying it !

[@gilliancremona]

Try A squirrel fin from longboard house...Mas mejor way better bra.trust me

[@LongboardSessions]

Nice i'll have to give it a shot!

[@glenndredge8681]

No the cj doesn’t slide that you Trying to cheater turn and almost being tossed off the side

[@glenndredge8681]

You should practice without fin. Then you will upgrade

[@lylecarlsonsurfboard]

For me I never liked it. Sorry.

[@LongboardSessions]

What's your favorite fin?