"We believe that refinements to the shape of today's modern surfboard can only produce incremental performance benefits"

"Exponential improvements in performance can only be achieved through new materials and construction methods which in turn will open up new design opportunities"

1. •  
     CommentAuthorwal269
   • CommentTimeOct 14th 2009

    
   I have just submitted a request to the sales department for the kiteboards to be offered with Future Fin systems as i noted the photos of the boards have FCS.
   
   I ve done lots of damage to boards over the past few years ripping out FCS fin boxes and now i will not use a board that doesn't have Future Fin setup.
   
   Kiters are more prone to hitting the bottom, so anyone on the forum please back up my request for the boards to be offered with Future's as well. Purely from a stength perspective.
   
   i really think this will help the brand and sales as i know lots of guys who are sick of getting the damage (and repair time that keeps you out of the water - or worse cancels the use of that board on a trip away).
   
   Please please please.
2. •  
     CommentAuthorFranP
   • CommentTimeOct 15th 2009

    
   As far as I see, kiteboards suffer two different pains:
   - bottom deck pressure ONLY if you ride with straps...no problems riding strapless.
   - very strong pressure over fins.. I've broken several FCS fins just riding (hard) upwind and only one FCS plug because I was riding too close to sand shore break.... not sure if FCS plugs are a real weak point because many kite shapers use them in polyester boards.
   ....FW guys should tell us their point of view
3. •  
     CommentAuthorfelix
   • CommentTimeOct 15th 2009

    
   admin
   Firewire uses a propriety FCS install method to maintain the tail flex and strengthen the overall install – we don’t anchor the plugs to the top deck of the board, but rather we install them inside larger, high density aerospace composite inserts with the FCS plug centered inside of those. That composite has the equivalent strength of +8lb PU foam.
   Never broken a plug out yet.
   
   Felix
4. •  
     CommentAuthormarkp
   • CommentTimeOct 15th 2009

    
   admin
   Guys,
   
   I don't know that Firewire was the inspiration, but the new FCS Fusion system comes with a hi-density collar that fits around the Fusion box and helps anchor it into the board. Basically the same concept we've used for FCS plugs since day one. We're confident on the strength of the Firewire FCS plug install.
5. •  
     CommentAuthornofootbelts
   • CommentTimeNov 15th 2009

    
   All,
   
   I am a huge fan of Future in all kite surfboards because of the durability, but I can assure you the new FCS system has proven better and the reinforcement is second to none. Any rock/reef/back foot in the sand will break a fin box. Enjoy!
6. •  
     CommentAuthorkitesrf
   • CommentTimeDec 29th 2009

    
   ive ridden a board with future set up for about a year and my friend has gone through three boards with fcs set up:0
7. •  
     CommentAuthornofootbelts
   • CommentTimeDec 29th 2009

    
   kitesrf,
   
   I have quite a few hours on the boards now. I understand that FCS is not as strong as the future setup for kiting purposes (I prefer future), but as Mark P has noted, the new FCS system is different and stronger than before.
   
   Kiting has it's issues with blowing out plugs from hitting the bottom in shallow water or even hitting the fins with your body from doing strapless jumps. I am not sure what the future holds at Firewire for future fins, but for now the FCS system in the new kite line works great for it's main function...to destroy lips.
8. •  
     CommentAuthorBrian
   • CommentTimeDec 11th 2010

    
   It's a done deal! The entire late 2010 Firewire kiteboard lineup has been changed to Futures for anyone that is still curious about this thread.
9. •  
     CommentAuthoriggy
   • CommentTimeApr 6th 2011

    
   The Solus are impressive fins!!!,highly recommended!!!