Randy Rarick's Revolutionary Black Tip Fin Design: Superior Performance and Flexibility
What's Inside?
- Introduction to Randy Rarick and the Black Tip Fin
- Inspiration from a Surfing PioneerI
- Collaboration with Futures Fins
- Enhanced Performance in All Surf Conditions
- Rave Reviews from Surfers
- Comparing the Black Tip Fin and the True Ames Greenough 4-A
Legendary Hawaiian shaper Randy Rarick has unveiled his innovative Black Tip Fin design, which has taken the surfing world by storm. After two years of development with Futures Fins, Randy has perfected a technique that allows for maximum flex in the fin tip while maintaining strength through strategic use of carbon fiber.
Inspiration from a Surfing Pioneer
Randy traces his inspiration back to the 60s kneeboarder George Greenough, who pioneered the transition from longboards to shortboards, introducing a new type of performance surfing focused on tight, snappy turns.
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The Influence of George Greenough
George Greenough's innovative approach to surfing has significantly influenced Randy's designs. Randy aimed to capture the sensation of loose, projection off turns by engineering specialized flex into the fins for his Hawaiian shapes, ranging from everyday riders to big wave guns.
Collaboration with Futures Fins
Randy spent two years developing the Black Tip Fin with Futures Fins, combining carbon fiber and fiberglass to create a fin that offers both strength and flexibility.
The Carbon/Fiberglass Composition
The innovative composition places carbon fiber strategically around the center and base for strength while keeping the tip free for flex. This design allows the flex to load up in the tip during a turn and then spring out with explosive drive and snap.
Tailored Sizing for Every Board
Randy has expanded the Black Tip Fin line to offer various sizes that enhance performance across different types of boards.
Key Sizes and Their Uses
- 7.5”: Ideal for small single fins and 2+1 setups
- 8.5”: Perfect for bumping up fin size on bigger boards
- 9”: The go-to for traditional longboards
- 10”: Best for logs and increased nose ride control
Enhanced Performance in All Surf Conditions
The Black Tip Fin's flex pattern allows boards to handle well in various conditions, from carving 2-foot peelers to dropping into 8-foot North Shore waves.
Benefits Across Different Surfing Styles
The tips load up and pop out of turns, giving an energetic snap, while the carbon fiber base and foiled edges provide the drive, speed, and lift needed for total control. Nose riders benefit from extra looseness and performance without losing stability.
Rave Reviews from Surfers
Since its launch, the Black Tip Fin has become Randy's best-selling fin, with surfers immediately noticing the increased speed, drive, and response it adds to any board.
Customer and Team Rider Feedback
Team riders who have swapped them onto older boards are amazed at how much livelier and responsive their boards become. The fins have been flying off the shelves at Hawaiian South Shore as word has spread.
Comparing the Black Tip Fin and the True Ames Greenough 4-A
To help you understand why the Black Tip Fin stands out, let's compare it to the popular True Ames Greenough 4-A.
Material and Construction
- Material: Combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass.
- Construction: Carbon fiber is strategically placed in the tip and bottom two-thirds of the fin, creating a gap in the middle for enhanced flex without compromising strength. This design ensures sustained flex and snap, making the fin light and thin.
- Material: Typically made from high-quality fiberglass.
- Construction: Features a full base with a tapering, moderately flexible tip. The fin has a swept-back rake similar to a dolphin's dorsal fin, providing a balance of drive and responsiveness
Flexibility and Performance
- Flexibility: High tip flex due to the carbon fiber placement, allowing for significant loading during turns and explosive snap on release. This design is particularly beneficial for surfers seeking a lively and responsive feel.
- Performance: Enhanced performance across various surf conditions, from small waves to big wave surfing. The fin's design provides a loose and energetic feel, making it suitable for both 2+1 setups and single fin configurations
- Flexibility: Moderate flex with a balance between stiffness and responsiveness. The fin excels in long, arching turns and provides a solid drive off the bottom while being forgiving in tight maneuvers.
- Performance: Known for its versatility, the Greenough 4-A performs well in both single fin and 2+1 setups. It is particularly favored for its ability to hold during critical sections and release smoothly when needed
Design and Sizes
- Design: Inspired by George Greenough's concept of tip flex, the Black Tip Fin integrates modern carbon fiber technology to achieve desired flex characteristics without compromising durability.
- Sizes: Available in 7.5", 8.5", 9.0", and 10.0", catering to a wide range of board types and surfing styles. The various sizes allow for customization based on board length and desired performance
- Design: Features a classic design with a full base and a tapered, swept-back tip. The fin's shape is reminiscent of a dolphin's dorsal fin, providing a balanced mix of drive and maneuverability.
- Sizes: Typically available in a range of sizes to fit different board lengths and preferences. The fin is versatile and can be used in various setups, including single fin and 2+1 configurations
User Experience and Feedback
- Feedback: Surfers have praised the Black Tip Fin for its increased speed, drive, and responsiveness. It has been noted for making boards feel looser and more lively, with many longboarders experiencing significant improvements in performance.
- Popularity: Quickly becoming a favorite among surfers, especially those looking for a fin that enhances their board's agility and responsiveness in various conditions
- Feedback: Widely regarded as a reliable and versatile fin, the Greenough 4-A is praised for its ability to hold during long turns and provide a smooth release. It is a go-to fin for many surfers due to its consistent performance.
- Popularity: A staple in the surfing community for nearly 40 years, the Greenough 4-A is considered a classic choice for surfers seeking a dependable and well-balanced fin
Randy guarantees that once you try his signature Black Tip Fin design, you'll never want to surf without one!
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