Thrusters and Quads - A Guide to Surf Fin Setups

Aug 17, 2023 · 1 comment

Choosing the right surf fin setup—whether thrusters or quads—can significantly impact your surfing experience. But how do you know which setup is right for you? This guide answers common questions like, "What’s the difference between thrusters and quads?" and "Which fin setup works best in small waves or big waves?"

Let’s dive into the history of fins, the pros and cons of each setup, and how to make the right choice for your surfing style and wave conditions.

What’s the History of Surfboard Fins?

1945: Tom Blake attaches an aluminum speedboat keel to the bottom tail of his hollow paddleboard. Photo: Surfing Heritage and Culture Center

Surfboard fins have evolved significantly since the 1930s. Here’s a quick timeline:

Pre-1930s: Surfboards had no fins. Surfers steered by using their feet like rudders.
1935: Tom Blake added the first fin to a surfboard, changing the sport forever.
1970s: The twin-fin design became popular, offering speed but less stability.
1981: Simon Anderson introduced the thruster setup, revolutionizing surfing with a balance of speed and control.
2010s: Quads, a four-fin setup, gained popularity for their increased speed and versatility.

Surf fin from the 1940’s on a Hawaiian wood paipo surfboard Photo: usvsa.com

What’s the Difference Between Thruster and Quad Fin Setups?

Thrusters (three-fin setup) are known for:

Control and stability: Great for carving sharp turns and handling big waves.
Better for bottom turns: Thrusters allow surfers to dig deep into the wave, making quick, aggressive maneuvers.
Cons: They create more drag, reducing speed compared to quads.

Quads (four-fin setup) offer:

Increased speed: Quads eliminate the center fin, reducing drag and creating faster rides.
Smoother carves: They excel at flowing turns and lateral projection, especially in small, hollow waves.
Cons: Less control during sharp bottom turns, making them slightly more "skatey."

How Do You Choose Between Thrusters and Quads?

Here’s how to decide based on your surfing style and wave conditions:

Small, mushy waves: Quads are faster and perform better, allowing surfers to drive down the line.
Big, powerful waves: Thrusters provide the control needed for precise turns and late drops.
Barrel riding: Quads give extra speed for getting out of barrels, while thrusters offer more control when stalling in the pocket.
Aerial maneuvers: Quads are more suitable for big airs and long lateral carves, while thrusters handle vertical projection better.

Pros and Cons of Thrusters vs. Quads

Aspect	Thrusters	Quads
Speed	Moderate, due to center fin drag	Faster, no center fin
Stability	High, excellent control	Moderate, skatey feel
Bottom Turns	Sharp, controlled	Less stable, more lateral
Barrel Riding	Better control in critical sections	Faster exit from barrels
Big Wave Performance	Handles chop well, stable on drops	Extra speed for long sections

Which Fin Setup Is Better for You?

For control and precision: Go with thrusters, especially in big waves or critical sections.
For speed and flow: Opt for quads, particularly in smaller waves or when seeking more fluid carves.
For versatility: Many modern surfboards come with five fin boxes, allowing you to switch between thrusters and quads based on the day's conditions.

Surf Fin Placement Guide: How Does It Affect Performance?

The positioning of your surfboard fins directly influences how your board handles, turns, and generates speed. Here’s a breakdown of how fin placement affects performance:

Spread vs. Compact Fin Clusters:

A spread-out fin cluster (with fins placed farther apart) promotes stability and longer, drawn-out turns. This is ideal for bigger waves and longer boards.
A compact fin cluster (fins placed closer together) makes the board more maneuverable, enabling tighter turns and sharper direction changes, which works best in smaller waves and on shortboards

Forward vs. Back Placement:

Placing fins further back on the board increases hold and stability, which is crucial in larger surf and for maintaining control during turns.
Forward-placed fins offer a looser, quicker-turning feel, which is better suited for smaller waves and more playful conditions.

Cant and Toe Angles:

Cant refers to the angle of the fins in relation to the bottom of the board. Fins with more cant provide greater control during turns but at the expense of speed.
Toe refers to how much the fins point inward toward the stringer. More toe-in increases drag but enhances turning ability, while less toe gives better speed but less agility

Pro Tips for Installing and Adjusting Fins

Installing and adjusting your fins can be a simple process, but there are ways to optimize their performance:

Check Compatibility: Before installing fins, ensure your surfboard uses the correct fin system, such as FCS or Futures, as these are the two most common types.

Fin Positioning Tips:

For more hold: Move the center fin further back. This is great for riding barrels or when you need more control.
For a looser feel: Move the center fin slightly forward, which helps increase maneuverability, especially in small or weak waves.

Adjusting Fins for Different Conditions:

On smaller days, consider moving your fins slightly forward to loosen the board for sharper, quicker turns.
In bigger waves, place your fins further back to increase stability and keep the board under control during powerful turns

Experiment with Different Setups: If your board has a five-fin system, experiment with different setups (thruster, quad, or twin) based on wave conditions to find the setup that feels best for your style

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the main difference between thrusters and quads?

Thrusters provide more stability and control, especially during bottom turns, while quads offer more speed and lateral projection due to reduced drag.

2. Can I switch between thrusters and quads on the same board?

Yes! Many modern surfboards come with five fin boxes, allowing surfers to experiment with both setups.

3. Are quads better for beginners?

Thrusters tend to be more forgiving for beginners, as they offer more control. Quads may feel too loose for someone just learning how to carve and control their board.

4. What fin setup should I use in big waves?

Thrusters are often preferred for big waves due to their superior stability and ability to handle late drops. However, many pro surfers use quads for extra speed in large, hollow barrels.

5. How do I know if my board is compatible with quads or thrusters?

Check if your board has five fin boxes. If it does, you can switch between a thruster or quad setup based on conditions.

Final Thoughts: The Choice Is Yours

Ultimately, choosing between thrusters and quads depends on your personal style, the type of waves you're surfing, and what feels best under your feet. The flexibility to switch between the two setups, thanks to removable fin systems, gives you the freedom to adapt to various conditions.