I’m always blown away how much difference fins can make in a board. The ability to swap fins is hands down the best thing about fin systems, but I meet people all the time who’ve only ridden one set of fins in their board. If this is you, beg, borrow or steal as many sets as you can. You might find the fins you were riding only realized half of your boards drive, speed or turnability.

I’ve blogged about 101 Fin Co’s bamboo fins tons of times and it’s because they’ve unlocked unbelievable performance in my fish. My set of 101 bamboo CI template are easily the best fins I’ve ridden in my LoxBox-ed twin Gary Hanel.

Sick Photos by Maggie Marsek. Click for larger image.

Here’s a breakdown of the fins I’ve ridden and their characteristics.

GH Lowboys (fiberglass): These are a low profile keel like template. For a tall guy like me, these fins lack drive. Lots of guys lovem though. It’s all relative. Not light, not as heavy as the CI Turbos.

CI Turbos (fiberglass): Big deep profile, with little rake. Turbo foil and I believe an exaggerated cant. Fast fins, good feel through turns as well. Heavyiest set of fins I tried.

CI 101s (bamboo): Same template as my Turbos, but without the super exagerated foil. They seem to have all the drive and speed of the turbos though. These fins have a special twang and deliver a squirt of energy 2/3rds of the way through every turn. Super lightweight. I can’t recommend these fins enough.

I’m always looking for more fins to try, so if you want to have a surf and swap for a ride on these, drop me an email. Be warned though, they don’t leave my sight. HA.

101 Fin Company makes SCHWEEET fins out of everything from bamboo to resin and cloth and has an equally SCHWEEET website. via surfy surfy