Best Thruster Fin Sets for 2025

The thruster fin setup revolutionized surfing in the early 1980s, allowing surfers to perform tighter turns, more aggressive maneuvers, and better control in various surf conditions. Since then, the thruster has become the most widely used fin configuration, favored for its versatility and consistency. Thrusters combine the speed and maneuverability of twin fins with the control and pivot of a single fin.  

Since the center fin in a thruster is much smaller than that of a classic single fin, there is less drag, allowing the board to get up to speed faster and change direction at this higher speed. Whether in small or big waves, the thruster provides the ideal combination of stability, control, and responsiveness, making it a great choice for beginners and pros alike.

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. In this review, we will go over the best thruster fin sets for 2025. Get ready to discover the latest revolution of game-changing thrusters that will elevate your surfing experience to the next level in 2025.

Best All-Around Thruster Sets Reviewed

Best affordable thruster: Futures Fins John John Florence Alpha Tri Fin Set - $75.00

Best balanced thruster: FCS II Performer PC Tri Fin Set - $110.00

Best speed and drive thruster: Futures Fins AM2 Honeycomb Tri Fin Set - $130.00

Best sustainable thruster: FCS II Performer Neo Glass Eco Tri Fin Set - $95.00

Best High-Performance Thruster Sets Reviewed

Best versatile thruster: Endorfins KS1 Futures and FCS II Compatible Tri Fin Set - $130.00

Best high-performance thruster: Futures Fins John John Florence Techflex Tri Fin Set - $150.00

Best responsive thruster: FCS II Mick Fanning PC Tri Fin Set - $140.00

Best powerful turning thruster: FCS II Kolohe Andino PC Tri Fin Set - $140.00

Best drive and hold thruster: Channel Islands Dane DD2 Futures Compatible Tri Fin Set - $130.00

Best rail-to-rail thruster: Futures Fins Ando Blackstix Tri Fin Set - $150.00

Brief History of Thrusters

Up until the early 1980s, twin fins dominated the professional surfing landscape. Legends such as Mark Richards were winning multiple World Titles on what we today would consider “fishes.” Before that, professional surfers were tackling some of the gnarliest waves on the planet, such as Pipeline, on classic single fin shapes. 

It wasn’t until 1981 when Simon Anderson, an Australian pro surfer from Sydney, won the iconic Bells Beach Classic on a unique square tailed board with a brand new fin configuration on the bottom. He pioneered the use of three similarly sized fins—a setup now known as the 'thruster'—which quickly rose to prominence in the surfing world. This was the moment in history when surfing took its biggest turn since the introduction of polyurethane foam in surfboards.

Best All-Around Thrusters

When it comes to finding the best all-around thruster fin set that balances performance and affordability, there are plenty of options to consider. Whether you're looking for a reliable setup for everyday surf conditions or a budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on speed, drive, and maneuverability, we've got you covered. In this section, we’ll break down the top thruster fin sets that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.

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

"Best affordable thruster"

Our Take: 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—unique to Futures Fins—is air-infused molded carbon. Because of the C6 material, carbon can be added or removed 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. Some larger surfers might find the stiffness limits their ability to generate speed in slower waves.

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FCS II Performer PC Tri Fin Set - $110.00

"Best balanced thruster"

Our Take: 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.

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Futures Fins AM2 Honeycomb Tri Fin Set - $130.00

"Best speed and drive thruster"

Our Take: The AM Honeycomb 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. 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!

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FCS II Performer Neo Glass Eco Tri Fin Set - $95.00

"Best sustainable thruster"

Our Take: 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. If you like a very stiff fin for maximum control in critical waves, the Neo Glass may not provide the level of rigidity you're looking for. These fins are more sustainable than other fins, have a better price point, and still perform very well.

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Best High-Performance Thrusters

For surfers pushing the limits of speed, control, and responsiveness, a high-performance thruster fin set is essential. Designed for precision turns, powerful drive, and maximum hold in critical sections, these fins are built for those who demand the best from their gear. In this section, we’ll explore the top high-performance thrusters that can take your surfing to the next level.

Endorfins KS1 Futures and FCS II Compatible Tri Fin Set - $130.00

"Best versatile thruster"

Our Take: Designed by 11-time world champion Kelly Slater, the Endorfins are unique in that they float in water. If you’ve had a fin fall off during a session, you understand why a floating fin is useful. The fins are built with carbon inlays and a recycled P.E.T. core. The P.E.T. material, along with 90% of the core being injected with air, makes this fin set incredibly lightweight. 

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.

Read our full review here: Endorfins KS1 Surfboard Fin Review.

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Futures Fins John John Techflex Tri Fin Set - $150.00

"Best high-performance thruster"

Our Take: If you're looking for a trusty set of fins to enhance your surfing experience, look no further than the John John Techflex thrusters. 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.

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FCS II Mick Fanning PC Tri Fin Set - $140.00

"Best responsive thruster"

Our Take: The FCS Mick Fanning PC Tri Fin Set is the signature fin of 3x World Champion Mick Fanning. Known for his lightning-quick and precise surfing, this performance-oriented fin set stands out for its combination of speed, control, and versatility. That said, it's an excellent choice for a wide range of surfers, particularly those looking to enhance their maneuverability and power in the water. Intermediate to advanced surfers will benefit most, as beginners may not fully leverage the set’s capabilities.

Mick Fanning retired from professional surfing in 2018, but the FCS II Mick Fanning PC Tri Fin remains one of the most widely used fins on the Championship Tour.

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FCS II Kolohe Andino PC Tri Fin Set - $140.00

"Best powerful turning thruster"

Our Take: The FCS Kolohe Andino PC Tri Fin Set is a high-performance fin set designed to elevate your surfing experience with a unique balance of speed, control, and maneuverability. Developed with the input of top surfer Kolohe Andino, this fin set is tailored to surfers looking for maximum responsiveness, quick transitions, and powerful turns in a variety of conditions.

While they are excellent for maneuverability, they may not provide as much stability or drive in extremely powerful or hollow waves as more rigid setups.

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Channel Islands Dane DD2 Futures Compatible Tri Fin Set - $130.00

"Best drive and hold thruster"

Our Take: The Channel Islands DD2 tri fin set is a fiberglass fin designed for the Channel Islands Dumpster Diver 2 surfboard but works equally well in any small-wave board or conditions where you need both drive and hold, along with the ability to pivot tightly in the pocket. 

The side fins are larger and more raked, while the center fin is smaller and more upright. This setup provides plenty of drive and hold from rail to rail, while the upright center fin adds a looser, more freed-up feel. It's a thruster configuration with a slight nod to your favorite 2+1 setup.

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Futures Fins Ando Blackstix Tri Fin Set - $150.00

"Best rail-to-rail thruster"

Our Take: The Futures Fins Ando Blackstix Tri fin set is a speed-generating fin designed by the ultra-stylish Craig Anderson. The fin has a neutral template, allowing it to work well in a wide range of different conditions. The fin features a V2 Foil, which allows the board to effortlessly go from rail to rail and allows you to maximize speed even when the waves themselves lack power and shape. This is the ultimate small-wave high-performance fin.

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Relevant Blogs We've Written

• Best Quad Fin Sets
• Best Twin Fin Sets
• 8 Best Longboard Single Fins

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—the Best Thruster Fin Sets for 2025. From John John’s affordable Alphas to Mick Fanning’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.

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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.