Initially designed for the swallow-tailed fish surfboard, twin fins give surfers the feeling of freedom without the predictability of a center fin. With no trailing fins to hold it back, the two extra-large fins give a surfboard just enough stability, allowing you to draw completely different lines than a thruster, quad, or single fin. Twin fins are often paired with a plethora of different shapes from the classic fish, twin pins, mid-lengths, and even high-performance shortboards.

Today, nearly every surfboard shaper offers a twin fin design. At Cleanline Surf, we have a twin fin for every board and every ability. The fins are grouped based on the available types and the best pairing for your board. Let’s dive into the best twin fins of 2024!

Best Keel Twin Fin Sets Reviewed

• Futures Fins Rasta Keel Honeycomb Twin Fin Set - $125
• FCS Modern PG Keel Twin Fin Set - $110
• Futures Fins Al Merrick Fiberglass Keel Twin Fins - $110
• Rob Machado Too Fish Keel Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $125

Best Performance Twin Fin Sets Reviewed

• Futures Fins Akila Aipa Twin Fin Set - $105
• NVS Aipa Ahi Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $100
• Futures Fins Britt Merrick BMT Twin Fin Set - $110
• Futures Fins Son of Cobra Twin Fin Set - $105
• NVS Album Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $95
• FCS II Power PG Twin Set - $105

Best Twin + 1 Fin Sets Reviewed

• Futures Fins T1 Honeycomb Twin + 1 Fin Set - $110
• Endorfins KS Futures Compatible Twin + 2 Fin Set - $140
• Futures Fins Rasta Honeycomb Twin + 1 Fin Set - $130
• FCS II Mark Richards PC Twin + 1 Fin Set - $125

Tom’s Twin Fin History Lesson

Years ago, our former in-house surf historian, Tom, wrote a piece about the history of twin fins. In short, twin fins have been around in some capacity since the 1940’s where Californian surf legend Bob Simmons experimented with double-keel fins on his signature Mini Simmons shapes. Shortly after, creative geniuses such as George Greenough from Santa Barbara and Steve Lis from San Diego began discovering twin fins' limitless potential on their kneeboards. 

Throughout the 70’s twin fins were the preferred configuration of professional surfers. No one embodied this revolution like Mark Richards, who won four consecutive world titles (‘79-’82) riding his signature MR Twins. However, it was short-lived. In 1980, MR’s fellow Australian Simon Anderson developed the “Thruster,” and twin fins quickly became an afterthought and were thrust into surfing obscurity. 

Since the 80’s there have been brief resurgences of the twin fin. Lost’s 1997 movie “5’5” 19 ¼” centered around San Clemente shaper Matt Biolos’ Round Nosed Fish design that was a performance-infused homage to twin fin designs of yesteryears. More recently, surfers such as Dave Rastovich and Asher Pacey have sparked a two fin renaissance redefining what is possible on a twin fin. This movement has inspired many professionals and amateurs alike. 

Today, retired professional tour surfers such as Josh Kerr, Joel Parkinson, and 3X world champion Mick Fanning choose twin fins over thrusters. It all comes back to the freedom to draw unique lines that don’t necessarily fit the professional judging criteria.

Best Keel Twin Fin Sets

Keel fins are the original twin fin with roots tracing back to Steve Lis’ San Diego Fish revolution of the 60’s. Best paired with a traditional wide fish outline, keel fins have a longer base and are often shallower in depth than some of the other twin fins on this list. The template gives the board insane down-the-line speed and carving ability on open faces. If you are a traditionalist looking for a pure twin fin feeling, a keel fin set is the way to go. However, it’s important to note that these fins tend to “slide out” more on steep waves, especially when trying to surf more vertically.

Futures Fins Rasta Keel Honeycomb Twin Fin Set

The Rasta Keel Honeycomb Twin Fin is the brainchild of the Twin Lord himself, Dave Rastovich. The wide base and shallow height make the outline of this fin very similar to traditional keels of yesteryears. However, that is where the similarities end. The Rasta keels combine a V2 foil and flexible honeycomb construction, allowing you to take your classic twin fin to places you never imagined possible.

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Rasta Keel Honeycomb Twin Fin Set - $125

FCS II Modern PG Keel Twin Fin Set

The FCS II Modern Keel fin set is not like most traditional keels. These specific Keel fins are more upright and have less rake than traditional keel fins. This allows the fins to pivot off the bottoms of the wave and be pushed hard through turns without sliding out or losing control. 

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FCS II Modern PG Keel Twin Fin Set - $110

Futures Fins Al Merrick Fiberglass Keel Twin Fins

The Al Merrick Keel is Channel Islands' modern take on a classic design. The AMK boasts more rake than a traditional keel, which helps with drawn out turns on the open face. The fiberglass construction gives the feeling of glassed on fins. However, the graduated tip flex allows for modern surfing. Whether you want to rip or cruise, these are the perfect keels for you!

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Futures Fins Al Merrick Fiberglass Keel Twin Fins - $110

Rob Machado Too Fish Keel Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set

The Machado Too Fish Keel is Rob’s new take on the classic keel design. This fin was designed with Firewire’s Too Fish model in mind and is excellent for down-the-line speed and long-drawn-out carves. The fiberglass construction combined with the flat foil makes these fins feel as close to “glass on” fins as possible. These are very similar to the old Machado Keel fins but have slightly less surface area, more height, and more curve out the back. These factors help the Too Keel fins work in a wider variety of fishes and twin fins.

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Rob Machado Too Fish Keel Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $125
Rob Machado Too Fish Keel FCS II Compatible Twin Fin Set - $125

Best Performance Twin Fin Sets

Performance twin fins tend to have a shorter base, are taller, and usually are more upright. The design allows the board to surf more vertically and gives it more hold in better conditions. You still get the down-the-line speed but can have more confidence that the board will hold when bottom turning aggressively. These fins are perfect for performance fishes with a narrower outline and tail versus a traditional fish.

Futures Fins Akila Aipa Twin Fin Set

The Akila Aipa is a true high-performance twin. The template still has a wide base and extra height, giving the fin maximum drive. The fin also incorporates a thinner tip, which offers release through turns and carries speed through maneuvers.

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Futures Fins Akila Aipa Twin Fin Set - $105

NVS Aipa Ahi Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set

The NVS Aipa Ahi Apex Twin is a modern twin fin developed by Duke Aipa for performance twin fins and shortboards. The fin features a wide base, which maximizes drive. The upright nature of the fin allows the board to surf more vertically than traditional twin fins, while the refined tip allows more release through turns. The fin is constructed using G10, which compresses layers of fiberglass and epoxy resin to maximize the strength and durability. A favorite among shop employees here at Cleanline.

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NVS Aipa Ahi Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $100
NVS Aipa Ahi Apex Series FCS Compatible Twin Fin Set - $100

Futures Fins Britt Merrick BMT Twin Fin Set

The BMT Twin Fin was developed and hand foiled by Britt Merrick of Channel Islands surfboards for their popular Twin Pin surfboards. The BMT is probably the most balanced twin fin as it sits somewhere right in the middle of a traditional keel and modern upright twin. You can expect loads of hold, drive, and release from these fins. This makes them ideal for not only fishes but narrow tailed boards as well.

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Futures Fins Britt Merrick BMT Twin Fin Set - $110
FCS II Britt Merrick PG Twin Fin Set - $120

Futures Fins Son of Cobra Twin Fin Set

The Futures Son of Cobra Twin Fins are designed specifically for the high-performance modern twins fin board. The upright template with the thinner tip allows the board to surf more top to bottom with more release and speed through turn than a traditional twin fin. What really separates this set of fins is the extra cant. Most twins have 4 degrees of cant, whereas the Son of Cobra twin has 7.5 degrees. This pairs best with a board with modern deep double concaves.

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Futures Fins Son of Cobra Twin Fin Set - $105

NVS Album Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set

Designed by Matt Parker of Album Surfboard, the Album Apex is made for the radical twin fin surfing of Album team riders Josh Kerr and Asher Pacey. The large template offers ample hold in steeper waves with enough rake to generate speed and glide in smaller surf.

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NVS Album Apex Series Futures Compatible Twin Fin Set - $95

FCS II Power PG Twin Fin Set

The FCS II Power Twin is a performance twin fin with a very high surface area. Perfect for performance fishes where you are looking to push hard through turns. The upright template combined with the unique beak tips allows this fin to perform at a high level.

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FCS II Power PG Twin Fin Set - $105
FCS II Power PG Twin + 1 Fin Set - $130

Best Twin + 1 Fin Sets

Though technically not a twin fin, the Twin + 1 setup deserves a spot on this list for its popularity and versatility. The setup is almost a subgenre for performance twins since there aren’t many keel Twin + 1’s. With the addition of the small center fin, it gives all the benefits of the performance twin with even more stability. It’s almost like putting training wheels on your twin and offers the ability to get the feeling of a twin fin on boards you wouldn’t usually be able to. Because of its versatility, the twin + 1 works on various boards, from fishes to performance shortboards. 

Futures Fins T1 Honeycomb Twin + 1 Fin Set

The Futures Fins T1 Honeycomb Twin + 1 is a twin-fin design for down-the-line speed, drive, and easy rail-to-rail transitions synonymous with modern twin-fin surfing. The honeycomb construction creates a medium flex pattern, providing a softer feel than fins made from solid fiberglass. This helps to create lift and drive even when the waves lack power and steepness.

The T1's are also available in Thermotech and Alpha Construction for surfers on a budget.

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Futures Fins T1 Honeycomb Twin + 1 Fin Set - $110
Futures Fins T1 Alpha Twin + 1 Fin Set - $65
Futures Fins T1 Thermotech Twin + 1 Fin Set - $42

Endorfins KS Futures Compatible Twin + 2 Fin Set

The Twin + 2 is the latest addition to Endorfin's line of fins designed and tested by the goat himself, Kelly Slater. The twin fins are upright and support progressive surfing on any type of fish or shortboard in a variety of different conditions. What really sets this set of fins apart is the versatility of including two different trailer fins. The larger “stabilizer” trailer provides more drive and hold, while the smaller “guitar pick” trailer gives the board a more traditional twin fin feel while still providing a bit of stability. As with all Endorfins, these fins float!

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Endorfins KS Futures Compatible Twin + 2 Fin Set - $140
Endorfins FCS II Compatible Twin + 2 Fin Set - $140

Futures Fins Rasta Honeycomb Twin + 1 Fin Set

This template is similar to the T1 above but was tweaked to fit Dave Rastovich’s silky smooth style. The main difference is that the Rasta fins have a unique leading edge, which lends itself to smoother rail-to-rail transitions. Furthermore, these fins are infused with carbon fiber and jute in the honeycomb composition, creating more flex and durability.

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FCS II Mark Richards PC Twin + 1 Fin Set

Created by the master of the twin, four-time World Champion Mark Richard, the MR 2+1 is the perfect performance fin for any fish, hybrid, or shortboard. The fins are more uptight, allowing them to snap off the top easier than other twin fins on this list. These fins have a great balance of release and drive, while the added center fin ensures stability off the bottom. Go get radical!

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FCS II Mark Richards PC Twin + 1 Fin Set - $125

Other Surf Fin Blogs We've Written

• Naked Viking Surf Fins Review
• 8 Best Longboard Single Fins of 2023
• Best Thruster Fin Sets Of 2023
• Top Quad Fin Sets For 2023

Final Thoughts

There you have it! The best twin fins Cleanline Surf has to offer. Whether you’re an old soul looking to get that classic fish glide or a high-performance ripper looking to draw different lines than your thruster, we have a perfect fin set for you. We have many great twin fins that didn’t make this blog. 

As always, if you have a question about which fin will work best for your setup, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, email us at support@cleanlinesurf.com, or call 1-888-546-6176. Twins for the win!

Shop Over 80 Twin Fins On our Website

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.