Carbon fins

[quickrig1]

If I replace a G-10 freeride fin with a carbon of similar shape, can I expect to be able to plane up in lower winds?

[outcast]

Yeah... because your wallet will be lighter

[LeeD]

Nothing in windsurfing is as clear cut as that...
Maybe, maybe not, prolly cant tell the difference, and prolly cant get the same shape fin in G-10 and then in carbon.

[coachg]

I dont think you will have much success finding a freeride fin made off carbon. Most carbon fins are race/pointer or early planing blade fins. So if you want a carbon fin to help you plane earlier, it wont be a freeride.

Coachg

[quickrig1]

O.K., the fins that Ive been offered dont have the same freeride shape as the one I own. The seller states that they are the same area as it. One is a G-10 50cm race fin and the other 46 cm and carbon. Ive seen a photo of the race fin. Im looking for something in the minimal wind situations I face often when I rig my biggest sail and have trouble getting on a plane. Believe me the price is right on these fins so I can overlook any minor discrepencies. Is a freeride shape that important?

[loonie2]

If I got the question right, you want to get another fin for earlier planning. Im trying this now. Im also looking to be more powered up in lighter wind, rather than working to maintain a plane. For my lightest wind set-up, Ive got a big, more pointer style fin (50cm). My other freeride fin is 40cm. I hope to use the 50cm in lightest wind & can switch to the 40cm if its a bit too much. I hope to put it to the test soon. I ended up talking to gsport on this & found them helpful as fins is all they do.

[coachg]

What size is your biggest sail? If you are looking at a 46 cm fin I would guess around 7 to 8 meters? For earlier planing a larger fin is better up to a point. Your board will determine how large a fin you can use.

For me, it is the other way around. My 45 is G-10 and my 55 is carbon. The G-10 has more flex so it gives a smoother ride in chop and I use it with smaller sails. My 55 is stiffer and I use it for flat water, light wind planing.

Coachg

[LeeD]

You might mention your board, your weight, your sail sized used, for some specificity on fin sizing.

[quickrig1]

Im using an 8.4 with the 46 cm G-10.

[coachg]

If your board size is 130 liters or larger, that is too small a fin. 50-56 cm with an 8.4 sail.

Coachg