Best Thruster Fin Sets of 2024

There are endless possibilities when it comes to fin configurations, whether it be twin, quad, or thrusters. Thruster setups have quickly dominated the industry since they were introduced in the 1980s. Quickly, virtually every competitive surfer had a thruster attached to the bottom of their board. 

Thrusters more or less give you the best of both worlds with the pivoting capability of a single fin and the speed/hold of a twin. In this review, we will go over 11 highly sought-after thruster fin sets for 2024. Hopefully, it will help you make an informed decision about choosing a setup that best complements your riding style.

Best All Around - Balanced Thruster Fin Sets Reviewed

• Futures Fins John John Florence Alpha Tri Fin Set - $75.00
• FCS II Performer PC Tri Fin Set - $110
• Endorfins KS1 Futures and FCS II Compatible Tri Fin Set - $130
• FCS II Performer PC Carbon + Aircore Tri Fin Set - $130
• FCS II Performer Neo Glass Eco Tri Fin Set - $95

Best High-Performance Thruster Fin Sets Reviewed

• FCS II Felipe Toledo PC AirCore Tri Fin Set - $140
• FCS II Al Merrick PC Tri Fin Set - $120
• Futures Fins HS2 Generation Tri Fin Set - $120
• Futures Fins Mayhem 3.0 Honeycomb Tri Fin Set - $130
• FCS II H4 PC Carbon Tri Fin Set - $160
• Futures Fins John John Techflex Tri Fin Set - $130

At Cleanline Surf, we take pride in our vast selection of innovative tri-fin sets that cater to a variety of surf styles, technological preferences, and board sizes. Get ready to discover the latest revolution of game-changing thrusters that will elevate your surfing experience to the next level in 2024.

Brief History of Thrusters

Up until the 1980’s, the surf industry primarily consisted of single and twin fins. Simon Anderson, a pro surfer out of Australia, kickstarted an innovation that would change the surf industry forever. Little did he know that this idea would take over the industry within two years of being introduced.

Occasionally, tri-fin setups were used beforehand; however, Anderson was the first to create an actual thruster setup, including three fins at the same height. The two side fins were flat and directed toward the nose, while the center fin was foiled on both sides. Such a simple concept, right? But, at that time, many surfers were getting pitted on their single-fin shortboards, and they felt no need to change. Gerry Lopez, AKA Mr. Pipeline, was one of these humble single-fin rippers getting barreled like nobody's business (check out his film, The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez).

Once thrusters were introduced and gained popularity, board shapes were reimagined. In fact, many surfers could ride the same waves but on smaller boards that maneuver like Travis Rice’s big mountain snowboarding.

As you’ll see below, many pro surfers now have their own thruster fin set model.

Best All Around - Balanced Thruster Fin Sets

Futures Fins John John Florence Alpha Tri Fin Set

Surf a championship template with the John John Alpha fins. With a neutral template, C6 material, and flat foil, these fins are predictable and lively. I’ve been intrigued by these thrusters ever since I started surfing shorter boards. 

The C6 material is unique to Futures Fins and is a molded carbon that is air-infused. Because of the C6 material, they can add or remove carbon in specific parts of the mold to improve strength and performance. The fins are also textured on the back to eliminate chatter while surfing at higher speeds.

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Futures Fins John John Florence Alpha Tri Fin Set - $75.00

FCS II Performer PC Tri Fin Set

The Performer PC is an all-around fin with a neutral sweep. Its blend of carbon tissue and ultralight AirCore construction allows for fast acceleration and smooth turns from the get-go. 

These fins excel in any condition with a balance of speed, flow, and response. The foil is IFT (Inside Foil Technology): efficient at water flow, adding lift, and maintaining speed through turns. The Performer PCs are a top seller and available in four different sizes.

Endorfins KS1 Futures and FCS II Compatible Tri Fin Set

With a slightly smaller center fin, you can make quick maneuvers with less drag. The fin template is not incredibly stiff, but it offers more hold the harder you push, as well as a bounce-back reaction out of turns. So, if you're looking for a fin setup that acts like a cheat code in the water, these might be your new favorite.

Another key feature is sustainability. With the required fin box screws and floating capability, these fins are less likely to end up at the bottom of the ocean. In today’s day and age, sustainability is key, and Kelly Slater is committed to offering a product that will keep our ecosystems thriving.

Check out our full review of the Endorfins KS1 Fins.

FCS II Performer PC Carbon + Aircore Tri Fin Set

The FCS II Performer PC series is built for all-around performance with a balance of speed and response in a wide variety of conditions. Flow is critical to a good surf session, and the Performer PCs will help you access the flow state no matter what the swell offers.

With the IFT foil on these fins, you can expect lift and hold while reducing drag. The Aircore construction is an added feature that is lightweight and offers a more user-friendly flex. If you need a set of tri-fins to help you increase speed throughout flat sections, this could be a good option for you.

FCS II Performer Neo Glass Eco Tri Fin Set

The Neo Glass fins use the same template as the previous fins: built for all-around performance with a balance of speed and responsiveness. The big difference here is the construction. The Neo Glass fins are manufactured using a mixture of 50% glass and bio-resin. These fins are more sustainable than other fins, have a better price point, and still perform very well.

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FCS II Performer Neo Glass Eco Tri Fin Set - $95

Best High-Performance Thruster Fin Sets

FCS II Filipe Toledo PC AirCore Tri Fin Set

Felipe Toledo’s signature fin was designed by the world’s most progressive surfer. Designed with FCS II’s AirCore technology, these fins are ultra-light for a lightning-fast and responsive feel. They have a template similar to a performer fin; however, they have a bit more rake than other fins in this category. The result is exceptional drive and control off the bottom without sacrificing speed and noticeable release in the lip. 

These work well in a variety of different conditions but really come alive in good waves with some power. We can’t guarantee you’ll surf like Felipe, but you may just do some of your best surfing with this thruster set! Recommended for high-performance shortboards with moderate to extreme rocker.

FCS II Al Merrick PC Tri Fin Set

The AM PC Tri fins are recommended for any surfer wanting something that will perform in any condition. These are based on surfing genius Al Merrick’s original design for Tom Curren on the long walled up waves of Rincon, CA. With a decent amount of rake on the side fins and a smaller center fin, these fins provide unbelievable speed and drive while still being able to turn on a dime. 

These work well in most conditions but really come alive in good surf, whether it’s a steep and hollow beach break or a lined-up point break. These have been my go-to fin for years!

The AM template is also available with honeycomb construction in Futures as well! For surfers on a budget, check out the Thermotech construction.

Futures Fins HS2 Generation Tri Fin Set

The HS2 Generation fins' unique blend of carbon and fiberglass layups targets surfers who want speed while still maintaining control. The thruster fin setup has a V2 foil that supports efficient water flow and enhances overall speed. 

With a wider base and an upright template, you’ll be surprised at how fast these fins are. They also have a snappy feel about them. If you want to smack the lip like Filipe Toledo but hold a line like Dave Rastovich, check out the HS2 Generation fins.

Futures Fins Mayhem 3.0 Honeycomb Tri Fin Set

The famous shaper Matt Biolos of Lost Surfboards designed the Future Mayhem tri fins. If you have ridden a Lost surfboard, then you’ll know that these fins are no joke. With the honeycomb construction, the Mayhem’s are described as an all-round fin that can be used in anything from clean to choppy waves. 

These fins have the perfect balance of base, rake, and tip to take your surfing to the next level. The base has a slightly longer profile to improve stability and drive. Due to their high-performance characteristics, the Mayhems are suited for surfers using performance shortboards.

FCS II H4 PC Carbon Tri Fin Set

The H4 PC thruster is quite possibly the most unique-looking performance fin on the market. These fins are constructed using high-density unidirectional carbon fiber, making them super light and durable. In addition, carbon is more conducive to transferring energy than other traditional materials. The trailing edge and composite actually morph under extreme pressure, allowing the fins to be pushed as hard as possible without sliding out. 

The unique side and center fin outlines create a fin set with unparalleled speed and drive. The base of the fin produces maximum acceleration, while the hatchet-like tip creates stability and control. The raked elliptical outline reduces drag and offers a feeling of predictability when releasing through turns. Welcome to the future!

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FCS II H4 PC Carbon Tri Fin Set - $160

Futures Fins John John Techflex Tri Fin Set

If you're looking for a trusty set of fins to enhance your surfing experience, look no further than the John John Techflex tri fin set. These fins, ridden by the world champion John John Florence himself, come in sizes small, medium, and large. The medium size even helped John John win back-to-back world championships! 

Their stable and predictable feel makes them ideal for high-speed surfing, while their springy and responsive nature is perfect for smaller waves. Personally, I've had great success with these fins on my CI Rocket Wide. Don't hesitate to check out these fins for yourself and find the perfect size to elevate your surfing skills.

Relevant Fin Blogs

• Best Quad Fin Sets of 2024
• Best Twin Fin Sets of 2024
• 8 Best Longboard Single Fins of 2023
• Endorfins KS1 Fin Review

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—the 11 Best Thruster Fin Sets for 2024. From John John’s affordable Alphas to Filipe Toledo’s signature FCS II model, there’s a fin set for all different surfing skills and styles! I hope this review was helpful and informative and that you have a better idea of which fin setup is right for you. 

Why not grab a new thruster set up today and see how it can take your surfing to the next level? After all, getting into the right gear is one of the most important factors in progressing further as a surfer. So go ahead—explore your options and let us know which thruster set stands out to you.

If you have any questions about fins in general, you can always call us at 1-888-546-6176, drop a comment below, or send an email to support@cleanlinesurf.com 

SHOP OUR FULL INVENTORY OF THRUSTER FIN SETS

Spencer

Spencer is a long-time member of the Cleanline family who started out as grom washing wetsuits behind the original Cleanline on 1st Avenue in Seaside. He has worked most positions in the company from managing our Cannon Beach store to providing knowledgeable customer service for our Ecommerce department. These days he works part-time answering the phones and writing blogs while also selling Real Estate locally on the Oregon Coast. When he's not working he's either surfing, traveling, or hanging out with his dog Wyatt.