Thruster Or Quad Fins?

When it comes to radical, fast, high performance surfing, the thruster and the quad are far and above the best. In spite of their similarities, such as tremendous control, quick turning, and ability handle powerful turns, many become polarized between these two fin options. We often heard misconceptions and stories of some in the die hard thruster crowd who sway others away from quads and vice versa. 

This goal of this blog is to clear up any confusion about these fin types, and to help you find the best fin for you. 

Thruster Fins 

After years of only two fin designs, single fins and twin fins, legend surfboard builder Simon Anderson designed the first thruster fin set in the early 80's. The goal then was the same goal as it today, to allow the surfer to turn as quick as a twin fin, while retaining the control and hold of a single fin. The outside fins grip the wave and offer "thrust" and hold, while the center fin provides control, precision, and a pivot point to turn off of. Because of this design, the thruster is has been considered the best fin for competitive surfing, and any type of surfing that is "radical." 

For many, their first experience riding a thruster as opposed to any bigger longboard fin is eye opening. Your turning will become a lot quicker and you will be able to make more precise adjustments on the wave face. 

Some who are not used to this level of responsiveness might find it difficult to ride before understanding that not as much weight needs to be put in your turns as opposed to a single or 2 plus one fin set - this is especially true is you are riding a smaller board with a thruster. 

Quad Fins 

If a thruster fin would sit right in between a single fin and a twin fin, the quad fin would be a little bit closer to the twin fin. Like the twin fin, a quad fin set up brings a loose feel and tremendous speed because there is no center fin that would create drag. Yet unlike a twin fin, more hold on the wave face is created by the smaller rear fins. Furthermore, when the board is on rail, the surfer has the ability to push hard with a much smaller chance at sliding out on the wave because two fins are gripping the wave. 

Because of these characteristics, the quad is the most drivey fin there is. You can pump for speed with ease and accelerate in your turns like no other. This also makes the board great for airs as you need tons of speed.

One reason why a surfer might not enjoy riding a quad is they might find it sliding out when the board is places flat over the water. Unless the board is very wide, this sliding out at the tail can be counter acted by keeping the board on rail. Think is a snowboard... when the snowboard is on rail, the rail can hold onto the surface with control, but when you are riding straight without a rail engaged, the board can track or drift. This is a similar sensation that you may feel on the quad if you are not keeping the rail activated. 

What kind of boards for each? 

Thrusters are well suited for the most high performance shortboard and midlengths. For reference, check out our ATV, which is thruster squash tail shortboard, along with our Poacher, which is an egg shape midlength with shortboard-like qualities. Quads will not only work well on high performance shortboards, like our Rocket Fish, but also on fishes, midlengths, grovelers, and even big wave guns and some longboards. For a quad fish, and quad long fish, check out our Retro Fish and Easy Rider. For quad grovelers, designed for speed and fun in small waves, check out our Cloud and Bullet.  While there is overlap between board types offering quad or thruster fin set ups, a quad arguably has more range. Last, narrower tail boards will feel more like a thruster even as a quad, and wider tail boards will feel more like a twin fin with a quad set up. 

Which is the best for you? 

Two types of surfing on generally done on each board type. If you value precision, pivot, and the ability to perform more "snappy" turns, a thruster is a great option. Furthermore, if you are riding short, fast waves that require you to turn up the wave face quickly, go with a thruster. But if you value carving, longer drawn out turns, and increased speed, go with the thruster. Furthermore, because turning is a bit more drawn on a quad, more lateral surfing is required (unless you have perfect technique and can turn a quad vertically), longer, drawn out waves are better for the quad. 

Last

Finding the best fin option for you takes time and experience. We recommend having both types of fins and board in your quiver for different ocean conditions. If you would like assistance finding the best board for you, give us a call at (800) 920-2363 or email us at surf@degree33.com and we'd love to assist!