G10 fins typically suffer from the problem that to make a thin and fast foil shape the fin can become too flexy. This may not be apparent on common fin sizes, say up to 36cm but I have found it very obvious on fins for large slalom boards i.e. fins 44cm long. Not only is the fin generally flexier but where it flexes or twists is directly affected by the shape of the foil. Conversely to make a fin more powerful makes it thicker and slower.
nZ Fins new range of Carbon slalom fins overcome these flex issues with their controlled layup for flex and twist characteristics. Carbon fins have the advantage of being able to create the specific flex or twist completely independent of the foil shape. From trialling these fins they instantly drive up on to the plane yet have a slippery shape for maximum top end. Typically a fin with great bottom end power will hit a limit and not wind out to the maximum top speed we are looking for in slalom. I was very impressed on trying these fins and the guys I were sailing with were shocked at the improvement in performance they gave me. The fin is a weapon!
For more info on the nZ fins and photos of comparative flex testing etc see Composites at BigWorld on Facebook
