Fin Control Systems
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Fin Control Systems (FCS) is an Australian company owned by Surf Hardware International, specialising in producing surfboard fins and fin mounts. The FCS system is designed so users can swap fins in and out of a surfboard easily. The advantages of such a system are that the fins can be removed for travel to prevent fin damage during transit, fins can be changed to suit conditions if the user has several different models, they can be upgraded to newer and/or higher end models, and they can be user replaced if damage to the fin does occur. Other systems have been designed for the same purpose, however the FCS system is by far the most commonly used, holding a near monopoly of the detachable fin market.
The mount itself consists of two plugs with slots in the centre, anchored to the board using a strong mix of resin and fiberglass powder called hammer-mill. The fin has two tabs at it's base that are inserted into the mount. Screws are set into the plugs at an angle so that when a fin is inserted into the mount the screws can be tightened to secure it in place. The mount is designed so that in the event of a severe side impact to the fins, the fin snaps off at the tabs. This is to prevent damage to the board and to the object the fin has struck. The mount is available in single fin, twin fin and thruster configurations.
There is a large variety of fins designed for the FCS system, including models developed for several professional surfers and marketed under their name such as Kelly Slater's K2.1. Their current flagship model is called the H-2. The physical appearance of the fin is quite different to that of a conventional fin, and is said to offer a higher level of hydrodynamic efficiency. It was awarded the Australian Design Award for Sport and Leisure in 2005. [1]
