Fin Material
The Comp.Core-Lite Series s construction, combining highly accurate moulding with Polyester Resin, Fibreglass and a Super Light Hex Foam Core. The result is ultra light weight, pure performance fins that surf’s like traditional fibreglass fins but with the benefit of a lively progressive flex pattern and a kinetic flex memory. This unique flex pattern provides additional projection, speed and control.
The Dual-Comp.Core-Lite Series utilises the benefits of Dual Foam Core Cell structure. The smaller Hex Core Foal Cell foam is used in the base of the fin to create optimal drive and acceleration, while the large Hex Foam Core Cells creates a superior flex memory.
Fibre-Flex Series is proudly an Australian Made product, utilising advance and precision injection engineering that guarantees the highest possible mould of fibreglass and composite blend. The result is one of Australian progressive performance composite fins on the market. Shapers Fibre-Flex Series maintains a high level of stiffness (unlike less expensive composite fins) this results in progressive flex pattern, high memory retention and a incredibly strong, durable fin. The Fibre-Flex Series is designed to emulate the natural feel of fibreglass fin; therefore Shapers unique composite blend creates a stiff base and a positive tip flex pattern.
Carbon Stealth Series The Stealth Series is at the forefront of fin design and development utilising the latest in Compression Resin Transfer Moulding Technology to combine the benefits of Carbon Fibre & Comp Core-Lite® Foam Core. The result is an ultra light-weight fin with a precision flex pattern that maximises acceleration, speed, drive and control. The Carbon Fibre leading edge combined with large Comp Core-Lite® Foam Core controls the rate of flex whilst optimising a kinetic flex memory. Stealth Series amasses energy and then releases it, delivering extra acceleration and drive. Shapers Carbon Stealth Series Fins utilise an Inner Performance Foil with a slick matt finish.
Drive is the amount of forward acceleration that provides speed and stability through turns. Drive is determined by the length of the base, height of the fin & the materials used. (e.g. the MOJO has a larger base and will offer more drive than S-3. The Carbon Stealth S5 will provide more drive to the S5 due to Carbon been a stiffer composite).
Pivot refers to the length of the turning arc. The rake angle and foil of a fin influences the pivot and fins turning arc. A fin with more rake (SMF-M) will allow the board to sustain long turns (good for point breaks), where a fin with less sweep (SKS-5) will allow for more tight and pivotal turns.
Release is determined by the materials and overall template of a fin. A fin with a larger area (SMF-L) will offer more hold, which prevents the board from sliding through turns. A fin with a smaller fin area (MGXI) or a smaller centre fin (SYU-4) will allow the board to release (ease of turning and option for sliding the tail) through turns.
Fin Characteristics
Base
The base is the area between the front and the back of the fin. The amount of base determines the amount of drive and acceleration. The longer the base the more drive, acceleration and hold a fin will provide.
Depth
Depth refers to how much a fin penetrates the water and determines a board’s directional control. More drive and hold through turns is achieved through greater fin depth whilst shorter depth will accentuate speed and release.
Rake
Sweep is also referred to as “Rake”; it is the measuring of how far the lead edge (Front) of the fin is curved backwards. The amount of rake influences the length (or arc) of a turn, where less sweep allows for tight pivotal turns and an increased sweep allows the board to sustain longer turns.
Flex
Flex refers to the amount of fin that is distorted from its original position, which occurs during a manoeuvre. Flex is influenced by the characteristic of the stiffness; a stiffer fin will creates drive and allows for a progressive flex pattern which alters acceleration, speed and release.
Fin Foil
A Flat Foil refers to an even levelled surface on the inner side of the fin. The use of a traditional flat foiled fin when formulated with the convex shape of the outer side of the fin provides a well balanced combination of acceleration, pivot, drive, quick release and hold. The flat foil suits the majority of surf conditions and the most common preference between surfboard shapers and pro surfers.
A inside foil refers to the curvature of the inside face of a fin and the leading rounded tip of the fin. An inside foil increase the dynamics of water flow over the fin surface, in doing so creates a tighter turn arc and fast transition between turns.
A 50/50 Foil is most commonly used in rear quads and centre thruster fins. A 50/50 foil is a symmetrical curve on both sides of the fin, the foil evenly distributes the flow of water that creates smooth feely ride, add stability and control.
An 80/20 or 70/30 foils are generally used in side fins (2+1 set ups) in longboards or quad rear fins. The foils offer a smooth transition between turns and rail-to-rail transition that suit a variety of surf conditions.
