Grip 76 l in thruster setup

Patrick69

Hi, I've just bought a Fanatic Grip TE 76 l from 2019. I've tested it in quad configuration. But now, I would like to test it in thruster setup, to be able to go easier up wind.
What size of the central fin would you recommend to me if I use the 2 Choco fins of 9.5 cm delivered within the original pack ?
I'm 71 kg, surfing on-shore with sails from 3.2 to 4.2, no big waves (max 1.5 meters).
Regards,
Patrick

Kurtvr7

Patrick69
I am your weight and have a grip 76. I sail in fresh water mostly. At first I experimented with thrusters, but now am back to quad set up in that board.
For thruster I used a 17/10. K4 Scorcher/ Ezzy 10 with 2 degree toe.Worked great.
The quad set that comes with that board work pretty well. You may want to experiment with fin position.At the end of last season I tried K4 scorcher 14/ sharkII 8’s up front. I was on a 4.5 and it flew upwind. That's the biggest sail I put on the 76 as have a 86 too for 4.7 up.
If you are sailing 3.2-4.2 I think my 14/8 set up would be magic for you

craig

Hi Patrik,

Normally those Choco fins are pretty small to use as Thruster front fins - but if you do use them, then you need a quite big centre fin, just guessing here but probably around 18cm at least, if not bigger (you are pretty light, so could work).

Other option you can check out our MFC recommendations or check the forum on K4 fin options, which Adam Lewis has advised on recently:

https://www.fanatic.com/fileadmin/user_upload/MFC_Grip_recommendations_2020.png

https://forum.fanatic.com/d/26804-grip-89-foot-strap-positions

Patrick69

Thanks Craig.
Yes, that was also my guess. Most of your competitors use small side fins (e.g. Goya Custom Pro Surfwave 78: side 10.0cm, center 17.0cm; RRD Hardcorewave 78: side 10.0cm, center 16cm; Tabou Da Curve 76: side: 10cm, center 16cm), so, for the Choco 9.5cm, center 18.0cm seems consistant.
2 more questions:
-Regarding the shape of the Choco 9.5 (top flattened), is it appropriate to use them as side fins in thruster mode or should I expect something strange?
-On MFC website, there are many option for Wave fins (TF Thruster; VR Trifin thruster) and Freewave fins (TF/FW Trifin Freewave). I'm lost!
My regular practice with this Grip will be bump and jump in strong wind but small and short waves (max 1.5m). What to choose for the best for me?
Best regards,
Patrick

craig

Hi Patrick, well as mentioned, the Choice 9.5´s are not made as Thrusters, so I have never tried that combined with a thruster fin, I could imagine it does not work nearly as well as a full thruster set. On MFC, we really like the TF Thruster, this is what we used during testing and these are also the fins which are standard on our FreeWave TE models. So I would take those and use the same sizes from the guide posted above? good luck!

craig

Thanks Kurt! to be honest, whilst we also tested the Grips with Tri Fins, they were pretty much better in every aspect with Quads -but for flat water/upwind, could imagine some people like the "feel" of the Trifins - they make the board ride more upwind and with the nose higher, so you feel like the board is maybe looser. allows for short sharp turns. But the Quad setup is actually faster, has better control and better "Grip" through the turns...but it's also nice to play around and see what suits each best, keeps it interesting!

Kurtvr7

craig
Totally agree. My 76 Grip was my first Quad. I played with Thusters for a few weeks then went back to quads. Doing the same now with my 2020 86. Initially thought the thruster was better. I was wrong.

craig

Interesting Kurt as I know you were a big Thruster fan....we still have some clients or even riders who swear by them and for certain conditions interesting, the only things I find is that the trim of the board is too high in the nose/radius in turns is a bit harder to change at speed/control overpowered in bigger or choppier waves...but I can also see why some people like them as thrusters, so it's good to have the extra boxes..:-)

Kurtvr7

craig
I have evolved! I’ll keep the other fins and maybe try them on the Oregon Coast. Overpowered in the Gorge quads work great.

craig

😀

thruster75

Hi ,could someone post some photos where you can see your fin adjustment preferences (distances on the fin boxes) in thruster configuration? I'd like to see your preferences.